Texan Undercover (Romantic Suspense)

by Anne Marie Novark

  "I'm sorry I frightened you," he said.

  She shrugged and laid her head against his chest again. The steady beat of his heart calmed her. She slipped her arms around Dillon's waist and knew she was right where she wanted to be. His strength and heat surrounded her. Squeezing her eyes shut, she swallowed the lump in her throat. She wouldn't cry, she wouldn't. But as she stood in Dillon's embrace, tears slowly oozed from the corners of her eyes; the tension and stress from the last couple of days had finally taken their toll.

  Her shoulders shook and Dillon tightened his hold on her. "It's all right, babe. Everything's going to be fine."

  He guided her to the sofa and held her while she silently sobbed, one strong hand clasping her head against him. He pressed his lips to her hair in a tender kiss and rubbed her back in a soothing circular motion. Tiny rivulets of pleasure stirred in and around her heart. Claire's tears dried on her cheeks. She should sit up, but didn't want to move. She didn't want to let go the feeling of shelter and protection in Dillon's embrace. She wanted to hold on a little longer.

  It had been ages since Claire had lowered her defenses and leaned on someone other than herself. Wanted to lean on someone. Dillon's warm chest felt heavenly. The scent of his aftershave, combined with the clean musky smell of man, ignited a fire buried deep down inside her.

  Beneath Claire's ear, Dillon's heartbeat kicked up a notch. His hand stopped rubbing her back. His muscles tensed and his arms tightened around her.

  A yearning for an altogether different kind of comfort mushroomed inside Claire. She wanted Dillon to kiss her. She needed him to kiss her, so she could lose herself in his passion.

  She lifted her face and touched his strong jaw with a soft gentle stroke. His body tensed even more and his eyes burned with a hunger so strong the breath stalled in her lungs.

  Dillon caught her hand and kissed her palm, licking the sensitive skin with his tongue. Heat shot through her arm all the way to her feminine core.

  "Claire, I'm hanging by a thread here. Are you sure this is what you want?" His voice sounded rough and hoarse. "Once we start, I don't think I can stop. I want you too much. I've waited too long."

  "Kiss me," she whispered. "Please kiss me."

  For one agonizing second, he hesitated. Claire nibbled the corners of his mouth, offering encouragement and temptation. She slid her tongue over his bottom lip.

  With a deep groan, Dillon opened his mouth and let her in. He yanked her to him and leaned back on the sofa, pulling Claire on top of him. He ravished her mouth, plundering her lips, kissing her with all that pent up hunger. A hunger, she now realized, he'd kept under a tight leash until now.

  He clasped her bottom with both hands and she felt his arousal against her belly. She wiggled until it nestled between her thighs. Ever so slightly, Claire spread her legs and pressed even closer. Heat met heat. He was hard to her soft. Man to her woman.

  She felt one of his hands slide up her back and ease her blouse from the waistband of her skirt. He reached between them and fumbled with the buttons, all the while kissing her like he couldn't get enough.

  Claire lifted her body to accommodate him. He broke the kiss. "When you walked in the room, I watched you slip open the top two buttons. I held my breath, praying you wouldn't stop."

  "A voyeur in disguise." Claire smiled and kissed his chin. "I do some of my best work in disguise and undercover." He captured her mouth again and unfastened the rest of the buttons, then slipped his hands inside the blouse.

  Claire sighed with pleasure as he molded his hands to her breasts. But the silk and lace of her bra formed a restrictive barrier. She wanted his fingers on her skin. She sat up and straddled him, pushing the blouse off her shoulders and onto the floor.

  Dillon grasped her behind the knees and shoved the fabric of her skirt high on her thighs. He lifted his hips and ground his arousal into her heat. "Kiss me, Claire."

  She leaned down and touched his lips, savoring the taste of him. Her hair formed a curtain around their faces. Dillon moved his hands over her, his touch leaving a fiery wake along every one of her nerve endings. He flicked open her bra and flung the lacy garment aside.

  Yes. Claire waited breathlessly for his touch. Her nipples tightened to aching points. She plunged her tongue deeper in his mouth. Still he didn't touch her breasts. He ran his fingers up and down her back and the sides of her body. Tiny flames of desire ignited every pore of her sensitized skin. She was going to die if she didn't feel flesh on flesh immediately.

  Claire tugged at the hem of his long-sleeved t-shirt. "This has to go."

  Dillon sat up, holding her so she wouldn't fall backwards. When she was balanced, he reached behind him and grabbed a handful of shirt, pulling it up over his head, peeling it from his strong arms. He tossed it on the floor alongside the bra and blouse.

  He fell back against the cushions. "You're beautiful. So damned beautiful."

  For a fleeting second, Claire wondered at the sadness in his voice, then thought she had imagined it because Dillon pulled her down and kissed her again. All thoughts zeroed in on the man and what he was making her feel. His strong hands teased her back and the sides of her body again.

  But that was okay, because now her breasts were pressed against his chest. Not smooth, but covered with hair like his arms. Claire rubbed herself against him, causing him to groan with need.

  "You're killing me here," he growled in her ear.

  "You're killing me, too," she whispered against his lips. "Touch me, Dillon. Please touch me." She lifted her body slightly and almost tumbled over the edge right then and there when the big hands closed over her breasts.

  "So beautiful," he said softly, kneading and measuring their fullness, weighing them with his palms. He brushed his thumbs across the tips and it was Claire's turn to groan. It had been so long since she'd felt a man's touch. And never had it been so glorious.

  Dillon rubbed her nipples between his fingers and thumbs, sending exquisite jolts of pleasure throughout her body. He plunged his tongue deep in her mouth and rocked his hips against her. She felt a rush of dampness on her panties.

  He moved her higher on his body, kissing his way down the slender column of her neck then suckled her breasts. Claire clasped his head to her chest, running her fingers through his crisp brown hair. She arched her back and offered more. Dillon licked one nipple then the other, trailing kisses between the valley of smooth skin, laving her with his tongue, over and over, around and around each nipple.

  "I want you naked, Claire," he said, his voice husky with yearning. "I want to see all of you and make love to you."

  Dillon gently pushed her away and stood. He looked at her for a moment, admiring her creamy skin, her dark silky hair, her beautiful breasts. He watched her straighten her skirt and rise from the sofa to stand before him half naked. Her eyes were dazed with passion, her lush lips swollen from his kisses. His body hardened to steel with the need to possess this woman.

  Taking Claire's hand, he led her down the hall to her bedroom. When they reached the door, she pulled away and walked across the room to the dresser. She moved a large white candle close to the edge, opened the top drawer and drew out a lighter. Dillon came to stand behind her, placed his hands on her shoulders and caught her gaze in the mirror.

  Claire lit the candle. The flame flickered in the darkness, reflected in the mirror and cast shimmering shadows around them. The subtle fragrance of vanilla filled the air.

  Dillon ran his hands down Claire's smooth back and unzipped the skirt. It fell to a puddle at her feet. Crouching low, he eased the half-slip over her hips and down her thighs.

  "Step out of the slip, Claire." Kissing the sensitive skin behind her knees, he smiled at the quick catch in her breath.

  Claire clutched the dresser and lifted one foot, then the other, gently kicking the skirt and slip out of the way. Dillon kissed his way back up her body, over the lace-topped stockings and the curve of her silk-covered bottom. He felt her slight tremo
rs beneath his lips.

  Standing again, he unbuckled his belt and unzipped his slacks. With quick efficient movements, he rid himself of his shoes, socks, pants and briefs.

  He moved forward and pressed his body close to Claire's, nestling his arousal against her firm little butt. He nearly lost it when he saw their images in the mirror. Claire was still bracing herself on the edge of the dresser, her pale skin bare except for black lace panties. Her eyes were heavy-lidded, her lips softly parted.

  He lifted her hair and kissed the nape of her neck. Her breath hissed between her teeth. Snagging her eyes in the mirror, he slowly moved his hands over and around her, easing her to a standing position, forcing her to relinquish her hold on the dresser's edge.

  Dillon raised Claire's hands and anchored them behind his neck, exposing all of her beauty to his perusal. He raked his nails softly down the undersides of her arms, relishing the delicate shivers coursing over her body. He caressed her breasts, splaying his fingers over the rounded curves, taking care to keep the nipples free from contact.

  Claire's head lolled back against his shoulder, but she kept her eyes on the mirror and on Dillon and his hands. He bent to kiss the sweet spot between her neck and collarbone. He nibbled her earlobe as he slowly moved his fingers over her breasts; tracing the curves but not touching the raspberry tips. He could feel her body heave with ragged breaths.

  "Dillon, please." She whispered his name and his body flexed in response. He pushed himself harder against her bottom and she closed her eyes on a moan.

  "Watch us in the mirror, babe."

  Claire glanced at his face, then at his hands again. She whimpered and her body bucked as he scraped his nails softly across her hardened nipples. Her chocolate brown eyes widened in wonder. She bit her lip as her body tensed. He felt the shudders of her climax as she suddenly went limp and sagged back against him. He rubbed her nipples, rolling them between thumb and finger, murmuring encouragement until he was certain she was over the first crest of satisfaction.

  Dillon lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bed, where he laid her gently on the mattress. He snagged his fingers under the elastic of her panties and peeled them down the length of her long legs. She raised her arms in silent appeal and his body hardened even more.

  "Please, Dillon. I want you. Now."

  His control hung on a knife's edge as he looked at Claire on the bed, her legs spread, ready for him. He wanted to plunge into her damp heat and feel her muscles contract around him with no barriers between them. Hot flesh sheathed in hot flesh. He was sorely tempted to forgo protection this one time. But Dillon never engaged in unsafe sex. Never.

  "Stay put, babe. Don't move." He hated to leave her for even a second.

  "Dillon? What's the matter?" Claire hiked up on her elbows, a frown on her lovely face.

  He grabbed the condom he'd stashed in the pocket of his pants, quickly covered himself and knelt over her on the bed.

  She sank back on the mattress and smiled. Something shifted inside Dillon's chest.

  "Thank you," she said with a blush, lifting her arms again. "Make love to me, please."

  Dillon didn't think he'd ever heard such sweet words in his whole life. He'd never wanted a woman like he wanted Claire. Gathering her in his arms, he positioned himself between her legs, ready for entry.

  She pulled him down and offered her lips. He caught her mouth and teased her tongue, sucking gently, sucking hard. He wanted desperately to take it slow, to make it good for Claire, but it had been too long. He wanted her too much. His control would snap once he slipped completely inside Claire's beckoning warmth.

  He rocked against her, rubbing her intimate flesh. Teasing her, teasing himself. Trying to make the sweet torture last forever.

  But Claire would have none of it. She slid her arms around his neck and pulled him close. "I need you inside me. I can't stand it anymore." She wrapped her legs around his hips and rose to meet him on the downslide.

  Sweat beaded on Dillon's forehead and he kissed his hard-fought control goodbye. He plunged into her body, thrusting with all his might. Claire held him, bit and licked him, whispered his name.

  He pumped faster and faster. Deeper and deeper. His entire body strained with tension as he sought to make them one. And finally, when Claire moaned and shattered as another climax overtook her, Dillon let himself go and followed her into the welcoming void of paradise and beyond.

  ****

  Claire surfaced from the sensual fog, her body still heavy with satisfaction, her mind floating in a cloud of wonder and joy. Dillon's hard body pressed her deep into the soft contours of the mattress. His forehead rested on the pillow beside hers.

  "Am I hurting you?" he asked, his breath hot and ragged in her ear.

  A tingle of goose bumps skittered down her spine. "No. I'm okay."

  He let out a long sigh. "I don't want to move. I don't think I can move."

  She smiled. "That good, huh?"

  He lifted his head and brushed her lips with his. "Better than good, babe."

  "Yes, better than good." Wonderful. Mind-boggling. She'd never experienced anything like it before. She moved her legs from around Dillon's waist and he lifted his body to accommodate her new position, still keeping them intimately joined.

  "I'll get up in a minute." He kissed her neck, then dropped his forehead on the pillow again.

  "No hurry. Take your time." She raked her nails gently up and down his back, loving the feel of him beneath her fingers.

  "You keep doing that and something else will be getting up," he growled in her ear.

  "Promises, promises." Claire increased the pressure, surprised at herself. She'd never been bold in bed before.

  "We're going to need more protection." He gently withdrew from her body, but kept his arms around her.

  Claire pointed to the bedside table. "I think you'll find what you need in there."

  Dillon leaned over and opened the drawer. He pulled out the small box of condoms Claire had bought at the drugstore.

  "Ah, Claire. Always so organized. Always prepared." A wicked glint twinkled in his eyes. "Except I don't know whether to be flattered or insulted."

  Claire frowned. "What do you mean?"

  He tore the cellophane from the box and took out a plastic packet. "Flattered because you were thinking ahead, imagining us in bed. Insulted--" He made a tsking sound with his tongue. "Such a small box. You obviously lack faith in my stamina and abilities."

  Claire felt her face heat up with a blush. "I . . ."

  Dillon braced himself over her. "You what, Claire?"

  She lost herself in the depths of the desire reflected in his eyes. "I guess I wasn't thinking far enough ahead."

  "Not to worry. I may not be as organized as you, but I came prepared, too."

  "Really? You sound like a Boy Scout."

  "Boy?" he said, feigning offense. "Are you calling me a boy? I must not have done such a good job after all. I'll have to work harder to impress you."

  "So, impress me." Claire tangled her hands in the thick mat of dark hair on Dillon's chest, gently brushing her thumbs over the flat male nipples. She smiled at his hiss of breath, harsh on the exhale.

  "Two can play at this game, babe." He bent and kissed one breast, then the other. Licking and blowing until the rosy tips beaded.

  "Mmm. You're a much better player than I am." Claire's body tensed in anticipation.

  "Are you complaining?"

  "Not at all." She pulled him down on top of her and kissed him, loving the feel of him pressing against her. Wanting the intimate joining again. Fearing that she was falling for the sexy private eye and there was nothing she could do about it.

  Dillon pulled back and looked at her. Slowly, tenderly, he made love to her. Made her forget all her fears and misgivings. Made her feel good and wonderful and safe.

  In the aftermath of their spent passion, Claire snuggled closer to Dillon, resting her head on his shoulder. She sighed in contentmen
t. "How long can you stay?"

  He twirled a lock of her dark hair around his fingers. "I'm not leaving."

  "You're spending the night?" The thought of sleeping in the same bed with him made her smile. They probably wouldn't get much sleeping done.

  "I'm moving in."

  Claire jerked upright and stared at him. "What? You can't move in with me."

  "Why not?"

  "I didn't invite you for one. And two, this is supposed to be just about sex. No commitment. No strings."

  "It's only temporary, Claire. Until we catch the hacker. I want to keep you safe. I hate it that the bastard threatened you."

  "Well, I'm not exactly thrilled either. But you don't have to move in with me."

  "Yes. I do." He grabbed her shoulders and pulled her close. "I couldn't live with myself if something happened to you."

  Claire didn't say anything, couldn't say anything. That sounded suspiciously like Dillon cared for her. But he'd be going back to Dallas after the investigation was over. She knew she was falling for him. Becoming intimate had strengthened the bond. She had to be careful. She didn't want to get involved with him anymore than she already was. Living together was dangerous.

  "Nothing's going to happen with the hacker," she finally said, hoping it was true.

  He tightened his arms around her. "I'm staying, Claire."

  God help her from strong overbearing males. She'd worked hard establishing her independence, first from her overprotective father and brothers, then her jealous husband. She wriggled out of Dillon's embrace. There was no way she could hold a conversation or argue with him in the nude.

  "Where are you going?" Dillon asked.

  "To get a robe." She grabbed one from the hook on the closet door, covered herself and returned to stand at the foot of the bed. "Let me tell you something, Mr. Private Eye. I didn't like it when you barged into my cafe and set up shop. I understand it's necessary to catch the hacker. But it's not necessary for you to move in with me. I can take care of myself, thank you very much."

  Dillon rose from the bed, oblivious to his nakedness. The man was magnificently built with muscular biceps, a hard flat stomach, bulging thighs and long legs. Claire swallowed the lump in her throat. His thighs weren't the only thing bulging. Even after making love twice, he was fully aroused again. She took a step back as he advanced toward her.