by Reana Malori
“Don’t tease me,” she pleaded with a whimper.
Placing one hand on her stomach, the other remained over one breast. Trailing kisses from the patch of skin below her ear to her shoulder blade, he worshipped her body without her moving a muscle.
Breathing deeply, she managed to gasp out, “Please, Jackson.”
“Lie down baby. I want you to show yourself to me. Legs spread wide and pussy glistening. I want to see how much you want me.”
“Just lie on the bed?” she questioned.
“And don’t move until I tell you to.” Releasing her body, he grabbed her by the shoulders to turn her toward the bed.
Lisa couldn’t help but giggle low under her breath as she climbed onto the bed. Not usually one for coquettish behaviors, tonight was a new experience for her. She was excited about this new side of Jackson. He was softer, gentler. It made her want to obey his every command.
As a result, here she was in all her naked glory, lying on her bed, watching her man strip out of his clothes. His face held a determined look as he stared down at her. His eyes never left hers as he peeled off every stitch of clothing, baring his body to her gaze.
Once finished, his clothes thrown to the floor, he stood at the edge of the bed. Arms crossed, without one ounce of shame. No words left his mouth, but his eyes were hooded as a smile came over his face.
She took him in as well, admiring the chiseled form, with more muscles than she’d ever wanted or needed on her man. Scars littered his body from the various injuries he’d experienced over the years. And then there was that lovely, throbbing cock of his that brought her so much pleasure. Unknowingly, as her gaze landed on that part of his anatomy, her tongue came out and licked her lips.
Jackson whispered into the darkness, “Do you love me, Lisa?”
Without a second though, she looked up at him and answered.
“Yes.”
“I never want you to forget that. For the rest of my life, I’m going to prove to you that what we have is right. That your love is deserved.”
Reaching her arms out, she beckoned him closer, “I have no doubt.”
Climbing on the bed, he nudged her legs with one palm, spreading them wider. “We won’t leave this bed until I make up for how I hurt you.”
“Jackson—”
Shaking his head, he gave her an intense look, “No, baby. I never expected anyone to bring me back from where I was. I was stuck in the past. But you—” he laughed low, “—you helped me see what I’d been missing. I was a fool.”
“You’re my fool. And I love you.” A tingle went through her body as she said the words out loud.
“Yes. Yes, I sure am.”
Dipping his head down between her thighs, he took one swipe of her pussy and she moaned low in her throat. “Oh, Jackson.”
“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I didn’t eat dinner tonight and I’m quite famished.” With those words, his tongue pressed against her slick folds, swiping at the juices leaking from her body.
The only thing she could do was hold on for the ride of her life. He nipped and sucked and licked on her until her mind was spinning from the sensations. She sought to move away from him, to relieve the pressure from his mouth. His only response was to hold on tighter and redouble his efforts, pleasuring her even more.
Head thrashing from side to side, she repeated his name again and again. “Jackson…Jackson…Jackson.”
Lifting his head for a moment, he kissed the inside of her thigh. “Baby, did you need something?”
It took her a moment to realize he’d given her a reprieve, but that was very short-lived. “I just needed a break. You’re killing me.”
“Oh baby, isn’t that the whole idea? Now, don’t interrupt me again while I’m feasting.”
“Fuck,” her voice called out into the room. He’d lifted her legs and placed them over his shoulder. His tongue circled her pearl, flicking the hardened nub for a few seconds before his lips clamped around her. “Oh my…Sweet Jesus!”
Pumping her hips toward his face, she knew what was coming. And oh goodness, was she ready. Lightning started to build in her toes, traveling up to her thighs and pooling in her stomach. Throat straining to produce sound, but failing miserably. Grunts and moans were the only verbal cues she could give.
At that same moment, Jackson nipped her clit lightly, placing just enough pressure to send her into the stratosphere with a scream. Her body arched as her legs tried to slam closed against the side of his head. His shoulders stopped the motion, which allowed him to continue his ministrations as her first orgasm rolled over into another one.
Her eyes began to well up with tears as emotion overcame her. A loud wail released from her body as she began to cry uncontrollably. Wanting to curl up inside herself and just let the tears flow, she began to turn to her side, when he stopped her.
“Oh no, baby, don’t you hide from me.”
“But Jackson…” She emitted a hiccup, followed by a deep breath. “Why am I crying?”
“You’re crying because this was our night, baby. You allowed yourself to finally belong to me for the first time. No more holding back. This is us. You and me. Your body knows who it belongs to. Just as I belong to you.”
The flow of tears had slowed, “I love you.” Lisa couldn’t believe it had been so amazing. Their lovemaking had always been mind-blowing, but she’d never cried.
“I know. That’s why this is right. You’re the only woman I trust to love this way.”
Positioning himself between her legs, his hard cock pressed up against her dripping sex. Pushing forward slightly, he took his time sinking inside of her. At her gasp, he smiled. “That’s what I missed. This is what I needed.”
Leaning down, he kissed the wetness from her cheeks. Rocking back and forth, his soft lips soothed her soul as he comforted her.
Gazing up at him, Lisa could see that he’d been moved by what was happening between them tonight as well. His blue eyes were darkened with passion as he looked down at her.
Reaching up to clasp him around the neck and head, she nodded. “This is all I ever want. Right here. Right now. With you.”
A low moan escaped his lips. “Hold on, baby.”
His strokes became deeper, longer, stronger as he made love to her. Their lips met in a wet kiss, their bodies became slick from exertion.
Breaking the kiss, she gasped as the sensation of his hard cock sliding into hers became overwhelming. “Yes. Jackson.”
“That’s right baby. I’m yours. No one else’s. I’ll never get enough of you. You feel so good. This is where we belong.”
His words of love were the catalyst. Her orgasm rushed through her again. Mouth opening in a soundless scream as he continued to pound inside her body. The sound of their skin slapping together was an aphrodisiac.
Looking down at her, he smiled. “Turn over.”
Changing positions put her on her knees with Jackson behind her. He slid into her body again without any delay. Even though he’d just been inside of her and she was wetter than a river, his size alone caused her to moan in surprise. It always did.
“Yeah, this is what I want. My baby in the position I love the most. You gonna give it to me the way I like.”
“Don’t I always?” she murmured with a smirk.
“Talk is cheap, sweetheart.” His heavy palm came down on her ass with a slap and her back arched. Damn, he knew how much she loved a little pain with her pleasure.
Jackson began pumping inside of her as she pushed back against him. They fell into a rhythm they both knew so well. He leaned down, clasping his hand around her neck, his lips close by her ear.
“We belong together, Lisa.”
“Yes.”
Nipping her earlobe, he kissed away the sting of his bite. “I’d give it all up for you. You’re my one. The only one who could make me walk away from it all.”
“Jackson, baby…no.”
Kissing her cheek, he continued the deep strokes inside
of her body as he held on tight to her, not letting her out of his grasp. “Yes. I almost lost you. I won’t do that again. I will earn you. I will prove myself to you.”
Leaning back up, he placed both hands on her hips, grasping her tightly. His hips began to move rapidly, mumbled words falling from his lips as her body went into overdrive.
Her orgasms rolled into one another, her body unable to stop the overload of pleasure. She began shaking and blabbering nonsensical words.
“Mine. You’re mine, Lisa. Love you. Don’t leave me, baby.” Jackson’s words filled the room, creating a place where Lisa finally felt free.
“Never leave. I’m yours, Jackson. Always.”
With a guttural roar, Jackson pressed into her body one final time as he released inside of her.
* * * * *
The early morning sunlight coming through the window woke Jack up. Noticing that Lisa wasn’t in the bed with him, he climbed out of bed in search of her. Stretching as he walked, he heard the crack and pop of his bones. He’d made love to his woman more times than he could count last night.
But damned if it hadn’t been worth it. Every kiss, every touch, every stroke inside her body solidified what was between them. He still wasn’t sure what had taken him so damn long to get his head out of his ass.
Pulling on a pair of pajama bottoms, he left the bedroom and made his way down the stairs. The smell of bacon reached his nose and his stomach began to growl in hunger. Walking into the roomy kitchen, he stopped in his tracks as he saw Lisa standing at the stove. She had on a short, silk robe that he’d purchased for her last birthday. Her legs were bare and her hair was in a messy bun on top of her head. She was humming a song to herself and swaying her hips to the beat of the music playing inside of her head. The more she hummed, the more he recognized the song “Let It Be Me.”
Smiling to himself, he made a note to remember this moment. If he woke up every morning to this woman standing in front of him, he could die a happy man.
“Hey baby,” he called out, unfolding himself from the wall.
With a screech, she turned around to face him. Placing her hand on her chest, she laughed. “Oh Lord. How do you keep doing that? Stop scaring me, Jackson.”
“Something smells good.”
“I figured we’d need some food this morning.” Glancing at him from the corner of her eye, her cheeks became a dark burgundy hue.
“Baby, why are you shy this morning?”
Dipping her head, she hid her face from him. “After all this time, you’d think I’d be over this by now.”
He lifted her chin with one finger. “Last night was different. You and I both know that. Things have changed for us.”
Looking up at him, she tilted her head. Biting her lip, she placed both hands on his bare chest. He could see the questions in her eyes, but wanted her to feel comfortable broaching the subject. The warmth from her hands seeped inside and he took a deep breath.
“Lisa?” he prodded.
“The things we said last night—”
“I meant every word I said to you. Don’t start doubting me now, baby.” He said in a low tone.
Shaking her head, she smiled up at him, “Oh no, I’m not. I just… Jackson, I don’t want you to give up the Navy. You love it too much. It would hurt me—hurt us—if you were to leave the one thing you love so much.”
Yup, he knew that was the thing bothering her the most. “I do love the Navy. It’s been the one thing that’s carried me for all these years. I needed the Navy and she needed me right back. But…”
“But what?”
“My run has been good. I’ve been lucky and lived to tell the tale of the things I’ve done.”
A shiver ran through her, “I don’t want to know. All I care about is that you did what needed to be done.”
Laughing at her, he kissed her on the nose. “Yes, that I did.” Releasing her, he stepped back and stood to the side. “That bacon looks pretty done to me.”
“Oh, shit!” Turning back to the oven, she removed the pan and turned off the heat. “Well, it’ll just be extra crispy this morning.”
“Just the way I like it.”
Laughing, she pushed him on the shoulder. “Liar.”
Picking up the thread of conversation again, he needed to make her see the truth in his words, “I’ve been thinking about this for a while. My team is still good, but maybe it’s time for me to move on and let someone else lead. Austin’s made a good life for himself up here. I could do the same.”
“Is that what you want?” she asked, while busying herself pulling down plates.
He knew she was nervous that he was doing this for her. That he would regret his decision and ultimately resent her.
“Baby, I know you would never ask me to do this.”
Eyes glassy, she turned to him. “I wouldn’t. Never. I hope you know that. But when you leave, a part of me wishes I could ask you to stay. I want to keep you safe.”
A smile came over his face, “Isn’t that my job?”
Nodding vigorously, she walked over to him and grabbed his hands. “Sure, well yes, of course. But I’m talking about you. About the man I love. If you told me that staying in the Navy for another ten years is what you wanted, then damn it, that’s what you should do. I wouldn’t give you shit about it. I wouldn’t complain. However, what I would do is hug our kids close every night and pray that you came home to us safely.”
“Kids?” he asked with a smile. At her look of duh, he laughed out loud.
“Did you really think we could continue humping like rabbits and not have at least one or two rug rats running around here?” Lisa said with a laugh.
“Nah, not one or two. At least three or four,” he responded.
“You’re nucking futs. You know that, right?” Lisa said as he pushed his shoulder.
Jackson couldn’t help but think how much he loved this woman. With everything that had happened, he’d been on the verge of losing her. And that would have made him a very unhappy man.
“Yeah, I am. But we should give David at least two cousins to grow up with since Austin and Kara are taking their own sweet time,” Jackson said.
A serious look came over her face. “Did you know I never wanted kids?”
“What? Really?”
“Maybe that’s not the right word. I guess I never expected to have kids. Kara was destined to be the mom and housewife. I was the corporate bigwig and Heather was our world traveler.” Her words were positive, but the look of sadness on her face told another story.
“Baby, you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Life just has a way of throwing a wrench into any well-laid plans.” She smiled and leaned into him. “I’m glad you were that wrench.”
“Marry me.”
She pulled back and gave him a stern look, “Don’t play with me. What are you talking about?”
Smiling, he picked her up and twirled her around the kitchen. “Marry me, Lisa.”
Crying out in shock, laughter filled her voice. “Put me down, Jackson.”
“No. Not until you answer me.” He stopped twirling her around and stood in the middle of the kitchen. To him, she was light as a feather. He could stand here holding her all day if she’d let him. Either way, he was never letting her go.
“Jackson? Are you sure?” Placing her forehead on his, she closed her eyes for a second. He knew she was thinking about how they’d gotten to this point. “Just yesterday we were on the verge of never seeing each other again.”
“No sweetness, that never would have happened. We may fight, argue, and disagree, but not seeing you again was never going to happen. Haven’t you noticed I can’t see to stay away from you? I can’t go more than a week without being held in your arms?”
“I just…”
Smiling, he jostled her softly until she looked into his eyes. “Don’t think, baby. Just feel. Tell me, do you love me?”
“Yes, of course I do. I’ve loved you for a while now,” she
whispered.
Moving them over to the counter, he sat her down so that they could be eye-to-eye. “Look at me.”
Waiting until her eyes met his, he kissed her softly on the lips. “This is real. What we have is real. I knew this day was coming, but I was fighting it tooth and nail. I wanted to believe that I was still that man. The one who didn’t need anyone else. But you changed that. You changed me.”
Shaking her head at him, her bottom lip quivered. “I don’t want to change you.”
“It’s okay, Lisa. When I left here last night, I walked out that door because I knew that the moment of truth had hit me in the damn face. My heart was telling me that all I ever wanted was here with you, but my brain was telling me something different.”
Her eyes were questioning, but not accusatory. “What made you return?”
“Honestly? I was at that little corner deli that you like so much—”
“The one with the bagels?”
“Yup, that’s the one. Well, I was sitting there and this older couple was at another table across from me. I saw in them what I want for us. I want to grow old with you. I want to be a grumpy old man and you’re the only one who can make me smile. I want all of it. But only if I have it with you.”
Tears flowed freely down her face as he finished speaking. “You really mean it, don’t you?”
“What? That I want to marry you?”
Nodding her head, she wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “Mmmm hmmm.”
“Every damn word. Marry me, Lisa.”
“Yes, Jackson. I’ll marry you.”
“About damn time, woman!” He laughed as he reached up to cradle her face in his hands. His lips captured hers in a deep kiss. Their hands roamed all over, grabbing and touching each other as they both pressed in closer.
Breaking the kiss for a second, Jackson quirked a brow. “You know, I think it’s time this countertop was blessed.”
“I’m up for it if you are.” Biting her lip, she dropped her eyes to his thick length rising up beneath his pajama pants.
“Oh sweetness, I’m always up for you.”
EPILOGUE
