He took a deep breath. "I joined right out of high school. No money for college, so figured it was the way to go. I excelled, moving from basic training to Force Recon in a matter of months."
"Force Recon?"
He brushed a couple more strokes, and then sat the brush on a nearby end table. Scooching back a bit, he encouraged her to turn again to face him with a nudge to her shoulders.
Oakley swiveled, bent one leg, and rested it on the cushion between them.
"It's an elite force specializing in deep reconnaissance and pretty much anything else that needs to be done quietly or in secret."
She nodded slowly, her green eyes watching his face intently.
He felt an all-too-familiar constriction in his chest as he waited for the obvious next question. A sigh of relief whooshed out as she took a safer direction in their conversation.
"So you retired from the military?"
"Yeah. Left there and became a Wind Warrior."
"What's that?" She leaned closer, showing interest and curiosity.
"A small group of former special ops guys. We take jobs that need to be done under the radar." He struggled on how much to tell her, for both of their safety.
Oakley chewed her bottom lip. "You go undercover?"
"Not usually. We're more get in, get out, take some bad guys out along the way." He watched her for any sign of rejection or disgust.
Instead, she reached out to rest her hand on his leg. A signal of acceptance in his book.
"That sounds dangerous."
He shrugged. "It's part of the job. And, I do like the job. There are so many more options and perks than working for the military."
For the first time, a hint of a smile appeared. "I can see how much you like it. Spoon, too?"
"Yeah, he's one of the guys. As much of a pain in the ass as he is, he's a good man to watch your back."
Her questions trailed off, as if she had received all the answers she needed or wanted from him. He could tell from her body language more existed, but she tactfully avoided the ones that he couldn't or wouldn't answer. So far, so good.
Taking his time, he scooted nearer, closing the distance between them. Her hand remained on his leg, though it slid up to his middle thigh. He reached out with both hands, gently kneading the muscles of her shoulders. "I bet you're sore from paintball."
She snorted. "Someone forgot to tell me getting hit hurts. And bruises, too." Oakley pulled up one sleeve and pointed to a small purple area on her deltoid.
"So you hated it?"
Her eyes widened. "Who said that? I loved it. Just wait. I bet I can hit you next time."
He laughed at the bright excitement written on her face, happy they dragged her along with them earlier. They might have created a monster, but what a sexy and entertaining one she made.
"Turn around again. I'll rub your back. After all, you did distract Spoon enough for me to actually get him for once," he offered.
She flipped around quickly, not arguing in the least. "Will you kiss all my boo-boos too?"
Those teasing words hit him square in the gut, churning his belly over in a slow twist while parts lower sat up and took notice. He bit back a moan. "Do you want me to?" The words whispered against her ear, low and seductive.
Oakley shivered even as she leaned back into his hands. "Is that what else you wanted to talk about?"
He rubbed gently over her shoulders, trailing down to her upper arms and shoulder blades. "Yes. It seems we've been dancing around the issue. I need to know what you want and when."
She lowered her head as he flicked her hair to the side for easier access to her spine and lower back. Her breath caught, held, and then released. "I want… you. Tonight."
Though whispered, the words carried easily to his ears, sending a jolt of relief and sexual longing racing through his blood. Leaning forward, he placed a chaste kiss to the nape of her neck. Another tremor coursed through her. "Scared?"
Her hair swung with the shake of her head. "No, just nervous." She reversed position once more, enough to look him in the eyes. "I trust you."
He thought of her past and how much that simple statement meant to them both. Tanner met her gaze, running his hands over her back in less of a massage and more of an exploration.
"This is new to me," she whispered, reaching up to lightly stroke her fingers over his face, pausing when he kissed her fingertips as they lightly rubbed over his lips.
"In a lot of ways, this is new to me too."
Her expressive green eyes clouded in confusion.
He sighed, tracing fingers down her arms all the way to her hands. "Always before it's been… just sex, a means to an end. This time… it's different. So much more."
All other times really had been just an outlet to him. He never considered himself to be a selfish lover; he'd always seen to the needs of his partners. This time, responsibility lay heavy on his shoulders, along with a want and need to go above and beyond, to show his feelings through his actions. He wanted to stoke Oakley's fire, letting her come into her own beneath him. Prove how loving could be with the right man, nothing to fear, only passion and pleasure to embrace.
She considered his words for a moment before a smile appeared. Leaning in, she initiated the kiss, moving her softer lips against his in invitation. Her hands wrapped themselves around his neck to tug him her direction.
Tanner deepened the kiss, once again searching and exploring with his tongue, nearly moaning when she mirrored his actions. That simple motion added fuel to his already blazing fire. Increasing the intensity, he slipped his hands under her shirt, seeking and finding soft bare skin. Realizing she wore no bra, his excitement increased exponentially as he cupped her breast, gently molding and squeezing.
She gasped into his mouth but didn't withdraw. Instead, she reached for his shirt, jerking until he released her long enough to pull it over his head. Her eyes latched onto his chest, taking in every inch before dipping lower. No sooner had he deposited the garment on the floor than she reached out again, running those small fingers through his chest hair before dipping down to his belly.
A deep moan escaped. Tanner shoved her shirt upward, not willing to lose her touch at the moment to take off the top. Instead, he leaned her back on the couch, taking a breast into his mouth, lashing his tongue across the hard nipple, while his cheeks hollowed out in suction.
She writhed under him, her respiration rate speeding as she grabbed his head, pulling him in close.
Tanner used his free hand to cover the other breast, delicately pinching the nipple between fingers, then soothing the tiny sting with caresses of his thumb over the sensitized tip. Changing direction, he angled over, treating the twin to the same attentions, reveling in her body's response to his ministrations.
Her groan was music to his ears.
Leaning back, he took a moment to catch his breath and rein in his control. He looked down at Oakley, his erection twitching at the sight.
The long sable locks mussed under her. Red lips swollen from kisses contrasted with her emerald irises peering out from slitted lids. Her chest rose and fell with deep breaths as if she sprinted for the finish line. She arched against him, pushing her body up, pleading for more.
He intended to give her more, lots more. Taking the invitation, he stood and quickly scooped her up into his arms, cradling her as he strode toward the bedroom. He didn't stop until he laid her in the middle of the bed. With a soft kick, the door clicked shut.
Tanner pulled her shirt over her head, delighted when she sat up to assist. Gauging her reaction, he reached for her pajama bottoms, a bit surprised when she lifted her hips, sliding the item off by herself.
His breath caught as he looked down at the glorious beauty of Oakley. Afternoon sunlight from the window haloed her hair, giving the illusion that the silky strands glowed. Raspberry nipples stood stark against pale skin, ripe and plump, ready for the taking. A scrap of white bikini panties covered her core, enticing rather than dis
tracting. As she shifted, her legs parted, leaving him with a glimpse of wetness soaking through the cotton material.
If he didn't get there soon, he would come in his pants. A dull ache began as he fought to hold off, slow down the pace, to make everything right. "Beautiful." The soft words only hinted at his true thoughts, but it was all his blood-deprived brain could formulate.
Oakley smiled shyly, looking up at him from under those long lashes. She sat up on the bed, curling her legs to the side. "I want to touch you."
Growling low, Tanner edged closer, only to stop when she held her hand up. Confused, he stared at her.
"All of you. Naked."
Just when he thought her a shy, night-blooming bud, she threw down that request. Surprised, he immediately obliged, tearing at the buttons on his jeans before pushing them over his hips to puddle on the floor around his feet. Lifting one foot, he stepped out of them to stand in the nude before her.
Oakley's face stained red, but her eyes raked him from top to bottom and back again.
He clenched his hands, determined to let her get her fill before moving on to the next step. Ignoring the throbbing her appraisal caused, he waited for her to finish and give him some indication she wanted more.
He didn't have to wait long. Oakley lifted up, crawling on hands and knees to the edge of the bed. Sitting back on her heels, she reached for him, tracing every ridge and valley before leaning over to flick her tongue across his nipple.
"Damn, minx." Tanner groaned and wrapped his arms around her. He felt her lips turn up against his chest. The image of her on all fours, making her way across the bed would burn in his mind for nights to come, providing more than enough bounty for dreams and future activities.
Her hands drifted downward, over his belly, before tentatively stroking his engorged cock with the tip of her index finger.
He moaned as his erection jumped from the stimulation.
Her wide green eyes met his.
Too needy and worked up for in-depth explanations, he grabbed her hand, leading her back toward the middle of the bed, encouraging her to recline back. "No more of that or I'll explode."
She arched an eyebrow, still petting his flanks and belly, anything she could reach.
He allowed it for a couple of beats more before going back on the offensive. His mouth revisited her breasts while he leaned to the side, allowing room for his free hand to roam. He traced up a toned thigh, lightly stroking until he reached her other breast. Fussing with it for a moment, he retraced his path, heading down the center of her belly, pausing a second to tickle her bellybutton. Without preamble, he cupped her mound in his hand, using his palm to press, feeling the moisture soaked up by her panties. When she didn't protest, he slipped his fingers under the material, pulling it aside to not only see, but feel the heat of her core. His fingers brushed along the outer lips before delving deeper, seeking more of her slippery essence.
Impatience led him to haul her panties off in a clean sweep, leaving her bare. Pink glistening skin twinkled in the shimmering sunlight, drawing his touch once more. He nudged her legs aside to make room for him. He probed with an index finger, seeking her depths, while kissing along her inner thigh, encouraging her to spread farther, to allow him full access.
Oakley's breath caught, her head turned to the side, but she consented to his unspoken request, splaying her legs apart and granting him entrance to her promised land.
Tanner nearly groaned at the feel of her tight channel as it clamped down and massaged his digit buried deep inside. Each twist or arch caressed all the more, giving him a preview of what his cock would soon experience.
Scooting up, he leaned forward, blowing a puff of air across her nether parts. His mouth followed, trailing slow kisses along the outermost area before gradually moving inward.
She flinched with the first light probe of his tongue.
"Easy. I know how tender you are down here." He soothed, placing kisses to her inner thighs once more. Tanner chastened himself to slow down, to take small steps in her seduction. The snail's pace tortured him, forcing his revved-up libido to sit on the back burner much longer than in previous memory. No matter. This was about Oakley, not him. He would control himself and make sure she reached fulfillment. Watch her bloom with his attentions.
She relaxed with an expiration of breath.
Resuming his task, Tanner pressed once more, letting his tongue roam from top to bottom, licking lightly all around her tightening nubbin before sliding downward, flicking inside to taste her dewy moisture that coated her like water from a thriving spring. "Ambrosia," he whispered against her core, tossing out reassurance and praise for her gift.
Oakley groaned low in her throat, her hips lifting in frantic motions. Each time he centered attention on her clit, she lurched and gasped, nearly bucking in an effort to get closer.
Tanner teased her a bit longer, working a second finger into her body, stretching and preparing. The generous moisture told him she enjoyed his attentions thus far, and stood ready to accept more.
Reluctantly, he pulled away, backing up until he stood on the floor once more.
"Tanner?" Oakley's hoarse voice called.
Understanding the unspoken question, he spit out, "Condom," between clenched teeth.
Finding his pants, he dug through the pocket until he latched onto his wallet. Flipping it open, he grabbed the condom, tore it open with his teeth, and climbed back on the bed.
Oakley sat up, her eyes locked on his jutting erection before flicking to the item clutched in his hand. "Can I?"
Tanner nearly lost all semblance of control at her words and the thought of what those small hands would feel like rubbing over his flesh. He ran through a couple of multiplication tables in his head while taking a few deep cleansing breaths.
He advanced by inches until he waited in easy reach for Oakley.
"You'll have to show me." She reached out, pausing just before touching the moist tip.
Hastily, he placed the rolled-up rubber over the end, barely getting it started. With firm resolve, he took Oakley's hand in his, wrapped her fingers firmly around the condom, and pulled, showing her how. His cock jumped at her touch and a loud moan escaped, but Tanner held onto his tattered control with a will of steel.
As soon as the condom sheathed his throbbing cock, he removed her hand, easing her back on the bed. He edged forward, moving his larger frame to cover her supine body, aligning his hips with her entrance. Taking a moment, he kissed her deeply to apologize in advance for any discomfort that might follow.
"Are you sure?" he asked one final time, searching her face intently.
Oakley nodded. "Yes. Please." She panted out the words.
"Stay with me." Tanner slowly pushed forward, entering her core for the first time. His eyes never left her face, watching closely for any sign of pain. Gently, inch by gradual inch, he merged their bodies.
A flicker of a grimace crossed Oakley's face combined with a sudden tightening of her muscles.
He stopped, feeling the frail barrier before him. "Oakley?"
She opened her eyes; large emerald irises looked at him, full of sensual passion and trust.
Tanner sucked in a breath. In all his days, he would never forget that expression on her face or the act that brought it out in her. Bunching his muscles, he gradually pressed forward, increasing the pressure by increments until the blockage gave way, allowing him passage to her deepest depths.
Oakley cringed, a soft whimper escaping, as her body instinctively recoiled.
He paused, leaning over to cover her lips with his own, his tongue seeking entry for another game of tag.
After only a moment, Oakley returned the kiss, allowing him to lead before tangling her tongue with his. Only then did Tanner begin to move, easing back and forth in a lazy, rocking motion, letting her body adjust to his penetration.
Oakley caught his rhythm after a few thrusts, lifting to meet his entry, welcoming his return. Her breathing escalated,
and she began to pant. Reaching out, she latched onto his neck, her short nails digging in, as she kissed him back with near savage passion.
Tanner picked up the pace, pressing for a deeper insertion each time. His teeth clenched as he fought the tingling sensations foretelling of a nearing climax. Her walls clung to his cock like a warm, moist glove, accepting and stroking him with wild abandon.
Growling, Tanner sat up, pushing his hand between them until he found her moist center. Watching her face, he stroked her clit gently with his thumb. Once. Twice. Then harder in a flurry of motion.
Oakley clamped down on him hard, her back arched, as she sucked in a deep breath. Contractions massaged his erection deep inside, tightening the already small passage to the point of near discomfort. As a bright red blush splashed across her face and chest, Tanner roared, pummeling in hard and deep, before finally locking their bodies together tightly; only then did he drop down to rest on her.
Long minutes passed before Tanner caught his breath. Lifting up, he shifted to the side, still buried deep inside Oakley, but allowing her freedom from his considerable weight. He opened his eyes to look at her, not certain what reaction to expect. He knew for certain he brought her pleasure from the convulsions deep inside her body, the very ones that sent him over the edge. The knowledge filled him with a pride mixed with relief.
"Wow." Oakley's husky voice cut through his thoughts.
The corners of his mouth hitched up. "I'll take that as a compliment." He jousted with her, enjoying the afterglow. His mood lifted as he realized how important this moment had been to both of them.
She smiled shyly, an age-old expression of a woman well-loved. "I think you exceeded my high expectations."
He chuckled. "Better than reading those romance novels?"
"Oh, yeah. No comparison."
Pleased with her praise, Tanner beamed. He took a minute to savor the moment before turning serious once more. "Hold on."
Reaching down, he grasped his quickly deflating cock. Holding the condom in place, he eased back, pulling from her body.
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