With Honor

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  He reached up and touched the back of his hand against her forehead. “You feel feverish.”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “I think so.” He set the bag down. “Do you have a thermometer?”

  “Yes.”

  With a lifted brow, he asked, “Where?”

  “In the bathroom.”

  “Go sit down on the couch and I’ll be right back.”

  “Shane, you really don’t have to do this.” She refused to be treated like a child.

  “I know. I really don’t have to do anything, but I want to.” He gently guided her with hand on the small of her back and one on her elbow into the living room. He fluffed one crocheted pillow and gave a quick hand motion for her to sit.

  Without argument, she did. She was feeling worse by the minute. And if that wasn’t enough, he took another pillow and laid it under her feet.

  “Why are you being so nice?”

  Straightening, he didn’t make eye contact. “I’m not being so nice. I have a responsibility in this.”

  “But I told you I am not your obligation,” she said.

  “Let’s not go through this again. I’m going to get the thermometer. No fever, you can get up.”

  Noises came from the bathroom as he opened and shut drawers, looking through cabinets and closet. “Try underneath the sink,” she called out.

  “Aha.” A second later he returned. “Now, shall I take it orally or anally?” He thumped the old thermometer against his palm.

  “Try to get in my pants with that thing and you’ll find out why it’s best to choose oral.” Like a good patient, she opened, placed her tongue over the end of the glass and closed her mouth.

  After three minutes, he told her, “Open.” He checked the gauge. “One-hundred-one.”

  “So where did you learn to do all this?” she asked.

  “Taking a temperature? I took medic training, although taking someone’s temp is far from difficult.”

  “The more I learn about you, Shane Conner, the more interesting I find you.” And the more she enjoyed hearing him talk about his past. “Most men wouldn’t even know which end is up on a thermometer.”

  “Wow, you mean you’re actually seeing past the first impression of a man who got you pregnant and left you?”

  “Starting to, but don’t push it.” She turned slightly to get a better look at his face. “Sometimes two people can’t control a need, a desire.”

  “Is that what we have between us?”

  “Do you remember what I told you?” Playing with the strings of her shirt, she said, “I had never had a one-night stand before.”

  “And whether you know it or not, I don’t sleep around with every woman I come into contact with. I’d just like to clear up that misconception that you have of me.”

  She got a whiff of his cologne, with a bit of engine oil. He’d been at the hangar today. “You’re doing a good job of straightening up that misconception.”

  “Glad I could.” Winking, he laid the thermometer on the table. “When did you start feeling sick?”

  “I don’t feel sick.”

  “Do pregnant women get fevers?” he asked.

  “Not that I know of. Then again, I never thought I could throw up so much either.”

  “Then lots of rest is the cure. You lie here and take a nap. I’ll go make dinner.” He got up and crossed the room.

  “Didn’t you hear me? I said I feel fine.” She sighed in frustration. The protective side manifested within him.

  “No, you didn’t say that. You said you didn’t feel sick, so prevention is key. Anyway, the thermometer doesn’t lie.”

  She watched him leave the room, resisting the urge to throw a pillow at his head. Truth was, she did feel a little tired. Closing her eyes wouldn’t hurt. The last thing she remembered hearing was the sound of the blender’s whir and the clanking of pots and pans.

  Jasmine wasn’t sure how long she’d been out, but when she woke the house smelled of savory cooking. Her stomach growled. Sitting up, she rubbed the sleep from her eyes and caught a glance of Shane. He sat on the chair across from her, passed out. Checking the clock on the wall, she saw it was nine-thirty. She had slept two hours. Why hadn’t he gotten her up?

  She started to get up, but her head hurt and she felt nauseated. Would the baby sickness ever go away?

  Shane sat up quickly and looked at the clock. “I dozed off. Are you hungry?”

  “Starving.”

  “Feeling any better?” He pushed out of the chair and stretched his arms high above his head. His shirt lifted and she caught a peek of his flat stomach and obliques. Maybe he should consider modeling as a second career. “Jasmine?”

  Realizing she’d been staring, she dragged her eyes away. “Oh…my head hurts some.”

  “Then don’t move a muscle.”

  She would have allowed herself to feel all giddy on the inside at his caring attitude if she thought for a minute he wasn’t being all sweet and kind because of the baby.

  An hour later, they’d finished dinner and Shane had done the dishes. When he came back into the living room, Jasmine thanked him for the delicious lasagna. “You really didn’t have to go to so much trouble.”

  “No problem.” He sat back down in the chair he’d been napping in earlier. Extending his long legs and crossing them at the ankles, he rubbed his eyes. He looked tired.

  “I’ve realized, Shane, that I know very little about your family. After all, your heritage is also the baby’s.”

  “There’s not much to tell.”

  “Is that your way of saying you’d rather not talk to me about your life growing up?” She didn’t feel the need to mince words.

  “No, it’s my way of saying that my brother and I grew up in an average, but loving, house. Mom and Dad are gone. Dad first and then Mom, five years ago in June. I sold the farm right after.”

  She wouldn’t let the conversation drop there. “You must have had an interesting life growing up on a farm. What made you decide to join the military?”

  “Felt like I was born to fly. I knew as a kid I wanted to feel the power of a plane underneath these hands. I’m living out my dream.”

  Did he truly feel he had all he needed, or wanted in life? “I guess becoming a father puts an obstacle in your plans then.”

  “Let me ask, why are you having this baby, Jasmine? I mean, most women would have chosen an alternative plan.”

  Knowing exactly what he meant by an alternative plan, she sighed. “I’m not most women. And I’ve told you, I don’t find this to be a mistake but rather an opportunity to have a family.”

  “This is a huge responsibility. But you could have done it alone, I’m sure. So why come here and tell me?”

  “We’ve been through this,” she said.

  “I guess I’m still curious.”

  “I think you’re trying to turn the spotlight onto me. I did tell you why I felt it necessary to come here. I put all of my ducks in a row so to speak.” She tucked her knees up against her chest.

  One corner of his mouth lifted. “And I’m a duck? Not sure I like being compared to a feathered, small-brained creature.”

  “No, you’re definitely not a duck. I needed to give you the chance to know your child.”

  He nodded. “I understand that. Now you must appreciate that I’m not sure what sort of father I can be. For one, I have no parenting skills to speak of. And a huge setback is that I live for my career. The job dictates where I’ll be from year to year, month to month. I could be called away on duty tomorrow and be gone for a year, eighteen months. What sort of father skips out like that? I could also be transferred to another state–or, another country. How would you feel about that?”

  “I don’t know.” She knew exactly what sort of father he’d be, though. A good one. Her instincts wouldn’t steer her wrong. “I wouldn’t call it skipping out, Shane. Skipping out is what my mother did when I was a child and she never came back. You will be leaving fo
r a short time and returning. You also said you’re close to retirement.”

  “Close, yes. In a few years. There is always the possibility–”

  “That something will happen to you? Shit can happen to anyone,” she said softly. Without a thought, she reached up and touched his warm cheek with the tips of her fingers.

  He gently took her wrist between his fingers. Truth glittered in his eyes. “Yes, there is always the chance.”

  Electrical charges burst from the contact and surged through Jasmine’s veins. A connection held them both in its lustful clutch. He let her go, but the warmth remained and she touched her skin where he’d touched her. “Why are you afraid of me, Shane?” Her voice trembled with emotion.

  “Afraid?” One brow lifted. “I’m not afraid.”

  Her heart raced. “Could have fooled me.”

  He hesitated. “I’m being respectful.”

  “And I appreciate that, but we have done this before.” She almost sounded desperate and she didn’t like feeling that way. Relying on others had never been an option before. Not only for sex, but for something stronger…deeper.

  “We’re both reeling right now. It’ll take me some time to get used to the idea of fatherhood.”

  “Understandable. I’m a little worried as well. This will be my first, too.” Before she thought her next move through, she leaned forward and smoothed her hand across his buzz cut. His scent wafted to her nose and titillated her senses. “You seem different, Shane.”

  He ran his palms down his legs. “Different how?”

  “Your eyes. I don’t remember them being so bright and sincere. Your smile is livelier. And, just, well, different.”

  “Maybe you want me to be different from the man you met in Florida. The man who left you with a note on your pillow.” His words were husky and broke through a barrier she’d had around her heart.

  She gave a small shrug. “Possibly. I didn’t think much of that man, I can tell you that. I’d experienced one of those moments when you wake up the next morning and realize that you’ve made a mistake. That’s unfortunate, because we made a baby that night, and that is a glorious gift.”

  “You had reason to feel it was a mistake. Most one-nighters are.”

  Meeting his gaze, she said, “You had an agenda and after you got what you wanted it felt like you couldn’t wait for me to go to sleep so you could leave.”

  He swallowed. “I’m sorry you feel that way. I’m not sure what I can do to change a first impression.”

  “I think you already have. I’m learning that the first impression isn’t always the deciding factor,” she whispered and lifted herself up on her knees. She slid across his lap.

  He sat back so that she was cupped into the scoop of his hips. His cock hardened against her thigh.

  “So I guess I’m not the only one who feels the connection?”

  The lines of his expression held great magnitude. “I won’t deny the attraction, but I’m not sure either of us is thinking clearly. I don’t want you to feel like you made another mistake.”

  “Is that so?”

  “A man can never think clearly with a hard-on,” he admitted.

  Starting at the neckline of his shirt, she slowly and deliberately walked her fingers down his chest, over his tight stomach, and to the waist of his pants where she tucked her finger in and pulled. “I don’t mind the hard-on. I find it flattering.”

  “Well, baby, you should have a flattered ego by now, because I’ve had an erection pretty much since you walked into the bathroom at the bar and caught me with my fly down.”

  She laughed and it came out on a throaty sound. Her hormones raced with need for him. “You’re not the stone-cold soldier, after all?”

  “No, I’ll always be a soldier, babe.” Placing his hand on her thigh, he slowly slid his palm along her bare skin, stopping at the edge of her shorts. He dipped his fingers in. “And soldiers are men of honor, but we have a naughty side as well.”

  “I’m starting to see that.” She lowered her gaze to his hand tucked inside her shorts. His skin looked amazingly dark compared to her pale complexion. The contrast sent a thrill rushing through her. “And I like it.” She brought her gaze back up, absorbing him.

  “You’re a beautiful woman, Jasmine. It’d be hard for any man to resist the sweet temptation.” His voice was low and rich, like a fishhook tempting her.

  Twirling her finger around the top of his zipper, she teased and lured him in. “Who says you must resist the temptation?”

  She traced his erection through his jeans. “I want to do what’s right.” His words came out as he exhaled.

  Shane grew harder under her touch, encouraging her to continue her attention to that part of his anatomy. The muscle along his jaw twitched. His barrier slipped. She’d never felt more powerful in her life, or this exhilarated, even when she’d written spectacular articles. Not even when she’d interviewed an up and coming star. Seduction was new to her. And she wanted him like no other. “What is right is that I want you, and I think you want me.” Rubbing the tip of his sex caused him to jerk. “Yes, you do.” She kissed him lightly on the jaw. “Don’t you?”

  “Not wanting you isn’t the problem.” He threaded his fingers into her hair. “Wanting you is the problem.”

  She planted kisses along his neck, breathing in the heady scent of man as she cupped his head in hers. “Does that feel good?” Her core moistened in yearning for his touch. “You can touch me, too.” No inhibition remained.

  “Fuck.” His breath warmed her cheek. “Now that is some kind of offer.”

  “What are you waiting for?” she whispered into his ear.

  “Hell, even I don’t know anymore.” He slid his fingers farther into her shorts and slipped the tip of one finger along the edge of her panties. There was promise in his touch. She spread her legs slightly, allowing complete access.

  With the penetration of his fingers, Jasmine arched her back, gliding her opening completely along his digit. Circling her hips, she rode his palm. She moaned and he rewarded her with another finger thrust inside her as he pounded knuckle-deep.

  Widening her thighs, she clutched his shoulder and the cushion for leverage as she quickened her own stride. Tingles flourished between her legs. They began to multiply like fireflies, bright and moving. Her breath grew raspy as her heart took on a heavy metal rhythm that matched the pace of his fingers. Suddenly, the emotion swam into her lower belly and burst into a white light of sensation. Her pleasured moans laced with his. She called out his name repeatedly.

  “Yes, baby. Let it come. Come for me.”

  Looking at him through the veil of half lowered lashes, she said, “Now. I need you.”

  “I know you do, baby.” He slid his hand away from her wetness and tugged the buttons loose at her waist. One popped and flew across the room. In two quick movements her shorts and panties were removed and she straddled him. He then helped her remove her shirt and bra, tearing material in their haste.

  He awakened senses she’d never known existed. A need grew within her, a desire to feel him deep inside her, his powerful thrusts of passion. He could mold her, she’d yield to him.

  His gaze heated her bare skin, like a branding. “Beautiful.” He dipped his head and suckled each nipple until they stood erect under his attention.

  “We still have an issue here.”

  “Issue?” He molded her breasts to his palms, flicking the tips with his thumbs.

  “I’m naked and you’re not.” Undoing his belt and unzipping his fly, she unwrapped the package from his boxers. She admired the length of him as his cock stood straight up toward the ceiling. He was larger than she remembered. Her muscles pulsated. The saying was true. Seeing a nice cock always made a woman quiver for satisfaction.

  Lust enveloped them in its veil. Lifting her hips, she steadied him at her wet lips and guided him inside, slowly drawing her hips downward, until he filled her. She dropped her head back onto one shoulder and a
bsorbed the feeling of being connected with total masculinity.

  “Fuck, this is good.” Driving deeper, in and out, he clutched her hips in his hands. “So tight. So wet.” He breathed against her neck as he slid his tongue along the contour of her skin to her collarbone.

  Adapting to his size, she trembled and moaned. She swirled her hips around his base, feeling his head rub against the deepest part of her and sending pulses of sex current through her. She dug her fingers into his shoulders, holding on, as she plunged further. He suckled her nipples as he flicked her clit, pushing the need deeper to her center. Her muscles became tight, as she felt the sweet grip of ecstasy take hold.

  His breathing grew harder, and he moaned against her breasts. Together they ascended the invisible mountain and found a plateau of complete release.

  Jasmine fell against him, satiated and smiling. Sweat soaked his shirt. His scent filled her nostrils. She could get used to this.

  Chapter 9

  Shawn lifted his head up from staring at his paperwork and did a double take. He saw a woman in the distance. Not just any woman. Jasmine walked toward him in a tight blue tee and a pair of nice fitting jeans that showed off her sexy curves. His heart slammed against his chest. His mind flitted back to two days ago, when they’d made love. He’d gotten up, dressed, and took his leave after some excuse of needing to work. Really, he’d had to get the hell away. He’d felt a sliver of guilt for running and not speaking with her since. Not calling or eating dinner with her was a dog-ass thing to do, but he felt more shameful talking to her. He was lying to her. Even the best intentions couldn’t weaken the fact that he’d lied to her.

  That made him a dog.

  He swiped his palm across his hair. Jasmine was a woman a man didn’t fuck with. She was the real deal. Too bad he wasn’t. And now tangled in his own web, he didn’t know how to clear things up.

  Still, he couldn’t help but admire her as she closed the distance. From her long hair to her breasts, full and round, it made him weak. And her legs? Endless wonders leading to the sweetest treasure a man could ask for.

  “Hi, Shane,” she said with a wide smile as she pulled off her large sunglasses.