by Dani Jace
He quickly dressed in a pair of jeans and an Art of Dying T-shirt. He loved the band’s music—not to mention their name could be a metaphor for his profession.
After grabbing his laptop, he headed for the meeting room. In the hallway, he met the skipper he’d talked to about transferring a few weeks ago. “Sir.”
“Nice work, Chief,” he offered with a squinting smile. “Good to see you’re back to full speed.” He patted Jax on the shoulder as they walked toward the war room.
“Feels good being in the game again.”
“You put personal issues aside and handled business. And I understand it was very personal.”
“I felt a duty to her mom to see it though myself.” He couldn’t have lived with himself if he hadn’t gone.
The officer nodded. “I would have too. And that’s the type of operator I want here under my command.” He entered the room and started their stand down meeting.
While the team ran down the play-by-play, Jax attempted to distance his perspective to operator only. He commented only with facts while attempting to assign Haley as a faceless victim they’d saved. Although he didn’t feel as close to her as he did TJ or his SEAL brothers in California, he’d bonded with her and loved her mother. From experience, he anticipated nightmares of things gone wrong until his psyche accepted victory.
The meeting wound down to quips and sarcastic bullshit before the skipper concluded things. “Submit your reports and you’re on leave for the next forty-eight. I don’t want to receive any calls to bail anyone out of jail or hear about a SEAL on the news, gentlemen.”
Jax had already typed his report on the flight home. While TJ finished his, Jax sent his through cyberspace and decided he’d check his e-mail. There were three from his mother. He figured they’d be loaded with drama and decided to wait. He had several from his bank notifying him of bills paid in the last couple of weeks. Thank God for online banking.
Before he logged out, an incoming message pinged from his CO in Coronado. The subject read, Transfer Request.
His pulse surged as the e-mail opened. The Little Creek commander had sent a formal request for transfer to the training commander in California. He’d been disappointed before, but the lead weight in his stomach over seeing Peri lifted with renewed hope.
TJ closed his computer. “That’s done. Time for a beer. Many beers.”
“I need one on the way,” Jax said and grabbed his bag and laptop.
Chapter 23
Jax finished his second brew as TJ pulled into the Trident’s parking lot.
“Looks like most of the guys are already here. Why don’t I go in and let you in the back door? You can surprise her.” TJ smiled slyly.
Jax rounded the corner of the building where she had parked her pick-up. Near the spot he’d passed out the night he’d met her. Fate had a funny way of redirecting one’s life. He shouldn’t be surprised. In his job, a millimeter one way or the other meant life or death. He stood at the door with his heart wedged in his esophagus.
Pussy bastard.
Wearing a sneaky grin, TJ opened the door. “Quick, they’re planning to sing to her.”
“Don’t tell me, ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’.”
“Obviously. We are less predictable with our mission plans than barroom serenades.” He led him down the dimly lit hall.
Jax slipped unnoticed behind the bar.
She laughed as ten guys began singing the love song made corny by a movie about a Navy pilot almost three decades ago. She seemed totally at ease with their teasing. Another reason she was a keeper. Her hair shimmered like a halo under the bar lighting.
His Angel. And she was. His desire to see her again had kept him focused after Sam’s death while he rebuilt his stamina to return to the teams. She didn’t know it, but she’d made it possible for him to be there for Haley when the call came.
Slowly, he eased behind her and wrapped her in his arms. She smelled like tropical flowers and felt like home. He nuzzled her ear. “Angel.”
* * * *
Air rushed from Peri’s lungs as tanned, muscular arms closed around her from behind. Plans for her life’s course correction wilted against Jax’s clean scent and the hard planes of his chest pressed against her back. He’d come after all.
“Thought you didn’t know where you were headed.”
He stepped around in front of her and surveyed her like she might be a broken doll. “You mess with my compass.”
“Really? Then you’re my Bermuda Triangle.”
He let out a husky laugh and leaned close, pressing his lips to hers.
His kiss burned through her defenses. Only the unused pregnancy test stashed in her purse kept her in touch with reality while he held her with her feet dangling above the floor.
He carried her from the crowd while cheers replaced singing. Her office clicked shut before her feet touched down and his mouth left hers.
The back of her thighs hit the edge of her desk. Why the hell hadn’t she taken the test? “Welcome home, frogman.”
He framed her face while his midnight blue gaze caressed her. “I missed you, baby.”
“Missed you too. Nothing I can do is enough to repay you for saving Haley.” Except, maybe, give him a child of his own.
Taking her mouth in another a kiss, he sat her on the desk. A signal he didn’t want to talk.
Peri ran her hands over his shoulders. They felt tense under her fingertips. She began a light massage, unable to imagine the stress he’d been under while trying to rescue Haley. While recon might be part of his job, the personal attachment involved had to have taken a toll.
He moaned and cupped her ass, bringing them closer.
The old military-issued desk squeaked in warning. Too much rocking and someone might come knocking.
With a tug on his T-shirt, she heaved it over his head and tossed it aside, leaving him bare-chested. A couple of bruises and scrapes from the mission marred his arms and shoulders. She touched each one in reverence.
“It’s nothing, Angel.”
Not true. He could have died trying to save Haley and the others. “You are the angel, an angel of mercy.”
“I like your brand of mercy.” He squinted.
She liked that he wanted to keep things light. Migrating south, she traced along his washboard abs that tightened under her light exploration. The trail of dark, silky hair drove her to offer a lick. Lord help her. He sliced through her defenses without trying.
He made quick work of her lace-edged camisole, and ran a long finger under her bra strap.
She flicked open the hooks and let her breasts fall free. Her nipples beaded under his gaze. The way he looked at her set her on fire.
He weighed each breast. “Mmm.” Then he bent and latched on to a tip. His mouth warmed and tantalized one nipple while he caressed the other. He lowered her onto the desk. “I’ll never get enough.”
“Hope not.” She’d never had sex in an office, yet the thrill of getting caught made her panties wetter. Had he locked the door? Did she care? She combed through his short hair as his mouth sucked and toyed, making her ache for more. Papers crinkled beneath her while the pounding beat of music from the bar matched her heartbeat.
She wanted to explain her possible situation but failed getting the words out as he worked off her shorts along with her panties. His strong hands parted her thighs. He lowered his head, and his warm breath hovered over her mound.
“I’ve been dreaming of your sweetness.” The tip of his tongue lined in her crease.
She levered to her elbows and met his fiery gaze. The sight of him enjoying her flesh set off tingling along her spine in addition to the throbbing heat between her legs.
Pressure increased, and she let her head dip. Vivid memories of them together combined with her pulsing need. He increased his tempo, and she levered her hips for more. Wanting him. Deep inside.
She dug her nails into the de
sk and let go.
* * * *
As she came, it was all he could do not to drop his jeans and sink into her soft heat. Not now. He wanted her in her four-poster bed with the frilly comforter. Hopefully, Virginia Beach would be his home soon and he’d have her on the bar’s virgin pool table. He sipped of her nectar once more and licked his lips.
“Wow.” Peri sat up and threw her arms around his neck. “Your turn.”
“Soon, baby.” He stepped back. “Besides, the guys are probably drinking the place dry after you offered rounds on the house.”
He hated when she bit her lip. However, it might pay off later.
“We’re leaving in an hour.” She propped a hand on her hip and gave him a determined leer.
Fine with him. He grabbed their clothes from the floor. “I’ll be ready.”
Her gaze fell to the crotch of his jeans, then she gave him a squeeze.
He might make it that long, or not.
Minutes later he sat at the bar, sipping whiskey, admiring the way her shorts highlighted her shapely legs as she served his teammates drinks. He didn’t remember her breasts being so full when she visited him in Coronado. The way they filled his hands only moments ago still had a spike driving at his zipper.
“Did you tell her about the e-mail?” TJ elbowed him.
“No. I got her hopes up once before. I don’t want to disappoint her again.” Shifting on his seat didn’t ease his discomfort. Damn, he should let her use those luscious lips on him the way she wanted.
“Jax, she’s in love with you. You saved her daughter. I don’t think you can disappoint her.” He took a hard pull on his longneck beer.
“It’s harder than I imagined, TJ. I’ve missed her. And when Haley was taken captive, I couldn’t be there for her.” He already dreaded not knowing when he’d see her again.
“You were instrumental in getting her daughter back. You know the mission CO will put in a good word for you. This should seal the deal.”
“Unless someone with higher rank wants to stall things.” He rolled ice around in his drink.
“Yeah, like her ex.” TJ raised his bottle for another brew.
“Guess I’ll find out in the next few days.” Jax drained his drink.
TJ’s girlfriend, Amy, and some other girls danced in the corner by the jukebox to one of Nickelback’s drinking songs. Peri made her way to him and poured him another whiskey.
“Last one ’til we get home.” She winked.
Home. He loved the way she said the word, like he belonged there with her. Soon, he hoped. He rubbed the stubble on his chin. Maybe he was getting ahead of himself.
After his drink, he exited the darkened bar, grabbed his bag and computer from CJ’s truck, and joined Peri in her waiting pick-up. The first time she’d driven him to her place he didn’t remember. He’d been pissed about being taken off the teams after catching a bullet, but the spunky bartender at the Trident opened his heart about what he really needed.
He reached over and twirled one of her curls around his finger. “This seems vaguely familiar.”
Oncoming headlights highlighted her easy smile. “At least you’re coherent this time.”
Beyond coherent, he practically throbbed in want and need of her rocking body. To have her beneath him, crying out his name. Even with their small talk, the five-minute drive seemed to take forever.
As soon as the truck rolled onto her driveway and she shifted into park, he unhitched her seatbelt and drew her onto his lap. “I’m definitely awake and plan to keep you up for quite a while.”
She didn’t protest. Instead, she grazed her teeth along his jawline, jacking his arousal off the charts. On a whisper, she said, “I promised myself I’d swear off of you.”
“What am I, a bad habit or something?” He squeezed her rear.
“Something like that.”
He opened the door and stepped out, itching to throw her over his shoulder and play caveman, but he restrained his primitive urge. Instead, he withdrew his keys from his pocket and walked her to the front door. Of course he’d kept a set when he changed the locks this past spring.
She arched a brow as she curbed a smile.
“You don’t trust your handyman?” he questioned over his shoulder as he opened the door.
“Don’t trust myself.” She followed him inside.
Chapter 24
What the hell was she going to do? Peri strode for the kitchen and poured a whiskey. She stared at the amber liquid and began to shiver. Damn, why hadn’t she taken the pregnancy test? Besides being scared shitless, she’d been slammed at work. Jax’s timing was horrific.
He stepped in close behind her, resting his chin on her shoulder. “Angel?”
Normally his warmth secured her, but tonight uncertainty chilled her to the core. She faced him and longed to absorb the heat of his gaze. What would he say if she said she might be pregnant? Men wanted facts. Jax would be no different.
“You’re trembling.” He rubbed her arms.
“I’m sorry.”
“Peri?” He drew her against him and held her tight even as she squirmed. “What’s wrong? Talk to me, baby.”
Simple words eluded her. Ripe tears hung ready to fall. She shook her head, pushed him away, and retreated to the den. “I can’t.”
“Why?”
She stared at the pool. He probably believed she’d lost her mind. Her actions suggested she teetered on the edge of some break.
“What’s changed since we left the Trident a few minutes ago?” He voiced his confusion against the shell of her ear.
Nothing, except she’d landed back in reality after the mind-blowing orgasm he’d provided in her office. Her betraying body ached for his comfort. For the release he provided. For him to swallow her whole in absolution. She straightened and faced him.
Her answer spilled out, sounding cold. “I really thought you’d head for California so I’d have time to figure things out.” Would he hate her? Years ago in a similar position, she’d imagined her pilot lover would have. So she never mentioned to him she thought she was pregnant with his child. Jax had risked his life to save her daughter. Would this man run from his own eighteen years of obligation?
He pleaded in a soft voice, “Whatever it is, let me help you. Is this about me not telling you I already knew about Haley and her father being taken?”
Did he really believe she was upset over him not breaking protocol while rescuing her daughter? Geez, men didn’t have a clue. “Lord, Jax, I’m not that shallow.”
He scrubbed through his hair, and closed in on her. “You’ve fallen for some other frogman?”
She shook her head.
“You’re healthy, right?” He gave her a crooked smile.
Maybe too fertile. “Yes.”
He swept his arms around her and caressed her ear with eager lips. “Then we’ll work out whatever’s got you spooked. I know we said we’d let things cool until there was an opportunity for me to get east, but…after Haley, it’s all different. Isn’t it, Angel?”
The answer he sought must have been written on her face.
Tipping her chin, he claimed her mouth. The soft swirl of his tongue along hers produced temporary amnesia he deepened his kiss and carried her down the hall to her bedroom. His ocean-scented aftershave reminded her of their OBX trip and their walks on the beach in front of his condo.
“Better?” After laying her on her white ruffled comforter, he clicked on the lamp beside the bed.
She had never brought him to her bedroom because he wouldn’t be permanent. Then he flew across the world to save her daughter. “You always make me better.”
“Tell me what’s spooked you, Peri.” His dark stare commanded.
“I’m late.” She held her breath.
* * * *
“Okay.” He maintained his calm, stroking her cheek, hoping she didn’t feel his heart racing with excitement. What if she didn’t feel th
e same? Fear sliced through his gut like a mission gone cluster-fucked.
He was in quicksand and sinking fast. Would speaking the truth win her or subject him to tormented loneliness without her? “I love you, Peri. Whatever you decide, I’m here for you.”
For the next few hours at least.
Relief smoothed the lines on her forehead. She checked her tears and released a long breath. Her cheeks glowed pink and she curved her arms around his neck. “I love you, too. Make love to me.”
He sank against her warm body. The hot tingle of her fingers along this spine under his shirt had him tearing off the garment. Needing to be skin to skin, he worked off her top.
Her breasts nearly spilled over the satiny cups of her bra.
The teasing display has him longing to feast on them, as well as the rest of her body. She moaned as he latched onto a budded nipple that begged to be tasted.
Through a rush of breath, she said, “I thought you might be running for the door.”
His job required him to face fear and adversity. If another woman lay beneath him, he’d be wishing for a negative test. But for her, his Angel, he only wanted her happy. Even if it might mean she didn’t want a child of his. He pushed the dreadful thought aside. “I flew to Egypt, swam a mile in the Med while toting a rifle, and faced a group of armed men for your daughter. What wouldn’t I do for you or my own child?”
Peri frowned a second and glanced away. “I should be ashamed after all you’ve done for Haley and me.”
Ashamed? She should be his wife, baby or not, but he needed to be patient. “You’ve been under a lot of stress.” He trailed a line of kisses along her neck and down to the center of her chest. “Nothing exists but you and me.”
Her eyelids closed, and he took her deep sigh as agreement. In a slow easy manner, he continued worshiping her soft skin. He removed her sandals, her jeans, and turned her on her stomach. With easy strokes, he massaged her shoulders and unhooked her bra. Working his way down to her lower back, he licked his lips and proceeded to knead her rear.
Desire coiled in his belly as he peeled down her bikini panties before giving her hamstrings and calves equal attention.
