Naked Pursuit

by Jill Monroe

  He tapped his chin, pretending to consider it. “More fair if the person who falls behind has to take off something. It’s a favor, really. Maybe it’s the clothes slowing her or him down.” His eyes crinkled in the corners. “I think I’m going to really love camping with you.”

  “Besides, now I can exorcise this making love against a tree fantasy I’ve had.”

  “Had? You’ve never wanted to go camping.”

  “It just came to me.” She flung the covers off to the side. “C’mon, lazybones. Let’s hit the trail.”

  * * *

  BY TUESDAY MORNING, Larissa could no longer handle the guilt. The night before, she’d made love to Mitch with a quiet desperation. She’d wanted to blurt out her love, needed to, but held the words back.

  She’d woken up this morning with her head on his chest, knowing it was probably for the last time. She had to confess.

  He stretched beside her. “Good, you’re awake. What if tonight we—”

  “I lost four test patients on Thursday,” she blurted.

  Her beautiful doctor’s eyes narrowed. “What?”

  “Two of them showed up to PharmaTest yesterday. They’re fine, and I’m pretty sure the other two are okay, too. I mean, there’s nothing on the news and their cars are gone.”

  His hands clasped her shoulders. “You lost patients? How could this have happened? Why are you just now telling me about this?”

  She wiped a tear from her cheek with her fingers. “It’s the data...your work. I don’t want it to be skewed.”

  His hands dropped to the bed.

  “I know you’ll never be able to forgive me for this.”

  He shook his head. “I’m trying to understand what happened on Thursday night. Where was the other lab tech?”

  Her eyes narrowed in confusion. “There was no other lab tech. Just me.”

  Mitch scraped a hand over his face. “There are supposed to be three techs at the testing facility at all times. Or at least, I’m paying for three. Why didn’t the security guard help you stop them?”

  “Security guard?”

  “You’re telling me you were alone? All alone at the lab with dozens of subjects?”

  She nodded, but she held back a sob. “I’m so sorry, Mitch.”

  He stroked her cheek with the back of his hand. “Larissa, I could forgive you most anything. I only wished you’d trusted me sooner.”

  She dragged in a shuddering breath. “There’s more.”

  “More?”

  “Those four patients...they didn’t act like any of the other patients on HB121. Usually the subjects are lights-out until morning. Maybe a few sleepy hours of relaxation in the lounge before finally falling asleep. But these four, they were fully awake and ready to...”

  “Ready to what?”

  “Party.”

  This amazing man, the doctor who wanted to help the world, sank his head in his hands. She touched his shoulder, but he flinched from her touch, and she let her fingers fall to the bed with a thump.

  She swallowed and squared her shoulders. “I’m going to corporate today to explain. I’ll make this right.”

  “Make sure you tell them how you were left alone. Those concerns must be addressed,” he advised, his voice the cool professional once more. Mitch stood, grabbed his pants off the floor and dressed quickly in swift, jerky movements.

  “Let yourself out,” he said.

  * * *

  OWEN, IT SEEMED, was always prepared and ready for camping. He kept a two-person tent with all the supplies in a waterproof storage box in the bed of his truck. After a quick visit with his family and a stop at a camping goods store to buy her some sturdy boots, they headed to Lake Worth in search of trails and monsters.

  The hiking trails were clearly marked and easy to navigate, and to her surprise, she actually enjoyed the exercise. It beat running in a circle around the indoor track at the fitness club any day. A light breeze cooled her sweaty temples, and she got to watch squirrels and cotton-tailed rabbits darting around—way better than the motivational posters she’d read thousands of times at the gym.

  The typical central Texas scrub grass covered the area and trees lined their path, some still green while others had surrendered their color to fall. She and Owen hiked to the top of the bluff and held hands as they looked out over the lake.

  He pointed to an area near the path. “This is where the infamous goatman has been spotted in the past.”

  On the drive from Dallas, she’d researched on her phone for the signs of a sasquatch and recited them to him. “Do you see any unusual twig formations?”

  They scanned the area. “Nope. Smell a strong odor?”

  She took a deep breath then shook her head. “Only fresh air. Maybe a campfire.”

  “I think we’ll be safe tonight. But don’t worry, I’ll protect you.” There with the wind blowing through her hair and the fall sun on her face, Owen kissed her until she clung to him.

  Afterward they walked hand in hand to the tree-heavy Greer Island, another popular goatman sighting spot, but they found nothing on the delightful island, which was connected to the banks of the lake by a small stretch of land.

  Maybe it was the long walks or the fresh air or the lack of sleep over the past few nights, but by twilight Stella was fighting to hide her yawns, and they hadn’t even set up camp yet.

  “Ready to pop the tent?” he asked. He lifted his flashlight. “Monster hunting is especially fun at night.”

  “The only monster I want to see right now is the one in your pants.”

  With a chuckle, Owen grabbed her hand and they raced back to the truck. They drove a short distance to the isolated campgrounds he’d reserved online. Owen rushed through prepping the ground, showing her how to rake away the twigs and rocks so nothing would poke them through the bedcover and floor of the tent. With a few quick adjustments, the tent was popped and staked.

  She slipped off her new boots and wiggled her toes while she watched as he built a fire in a ring. “Want to roast some marshmallows?” he asked, holding up a mesh bag filled with a box of graham crackers, chocolate and, of course, marshmallows.

  Delight tingled inside her. He’d remembered her hankering for s’mores and sneaked in the supplies. But Stella wasn’t hungry for food.

  She gripped his wrist and dragged it into her lap. Then she circled lazy patterns on his arm. “I once read this book where the couple had sex against a tree. Did you forget I’d mentioned that?”

  “The idea of it has been tormenting me.” The firelight illuminated his smiling face, and his brow lifted. “But actually, I thought you were joking. Something to drive me crazy with. Being here with you brings a whole new dynamic to camping.”

  “Really? You’ve never had sex in the woods?”

  He shook his head. “I’ve never brought anyone with me before.”

  She was humbled again by how this sexy and amazing man wanted to share his life with her. Stella lounged next to the fire, touched. But this trip wasn’t supposed to be about emotional stuff. She launched herself into his arms. “Kiss me,” she demanded and urged his lips to meet hers.

  His head dipped and he possessed her mouth. Hot and forceful. In a motion she’d gotten used to making and loved, Stella looped her arms behind his neck and opened her mouth, taking ownership of his lips.

  His fingertips traced on her skin, searing it.

  “I’ve never wanted a man as much as I want you,” she whispered into the tantalizing skin of his collarbone. His hand gripped her ass and hauled her against his body. The ridge of his growing erection pressed into her, thrilling her. She’d kissed playful Owen. And needy Owen. But never possessive Owen.

  “You want that tree fantasy?” he asked.

  She nodded, struck by the intense desire darkening his eyes as the fire cast beautiful shadows across his face.

  Owen walked her backward until the bark pressed into her shoulder blades. “This tree looks like it will do the trick. No poison ivy
. No roaming ants.” He brushed his knuckles along her cheek. “Your skin is so delicate. I don’t want to hurt your back against the bark.”

  “You’ll figure out a way.”

  “Spread your legs,” he instructed her. Then he stepped between her thighs, his cock now even more hard and demanding. The bulge in his jeans rubbed at the knot of nerves between her legs and she moaned.

  He hissed in a breath. “I love the sounds you make. I could come just from hearing your sexy moans alone.”

  He palmed her breasts as he kissed and nibbled along her neck. Owen sucked her earlobe between his teeth and gently bit. Raw coursing need pierced through her, and Stella bucked up against him. She forced her breasts hard against his hands and demanded more friction between her legs.

  His fingers sought the V of her T-shirt. He wrapped his fingers around the fabric and ripped. The sound of him physically tearing the clothes off her body made her knees shake and heat flood her vagina.

  Owen kissed and licked his way down her torso. Her nipples puckered in anticipation of his mouth. Her head lolled against the tree trunk as he laved the heated peaks of her breasts with his tongue.

  The bark poked at her skin, but Stella didn’t care. All she wanted was the feel of his body—sweaty and hot against her, sliding inside her. Stella grabbed at his T-shirt. She couldn’t rip the thing apart but she sure could shove it up and out of her way.

  She tried to flatten her palms against his chest, but he eluded her caresses. “I want to touch you,” she said, her voice heavy with need.

  Owen stopped gently tugging at her nipple with his teeth long enough to drag his shirt over his head and fling it to the side. He reached for her hands, but instead of tangling his fingers with hers, he stretched her arms above her head.

  “I want my hands on your body,” she told him again. “All over.”

  Her firefighter shook his head. “It will go too fast. You turn me on too much.”

  He licked her neck while his hand weaved a slow, delicious path down her body. Owen stroked her breasts, drawing her nipples to fine, throbbing points. Then lower.

  Owen smoothed his fingertips over her ribcage and circled her belly button. Then lower.

  He cupped between her legs, and his thumb drove her crazy when he rotated it around her clit. Stella squeezed her eyes shut on a groan of pure pleasure and agony. He stroked her and her legs buckled.

  She gripped him around the wrist to stop him. “You’re going to make me come.”

  “And then I’ll make you come again. Hands up,” he ordered.

  His voice was a sensual promise that left her no doubt he would back up his word with his body. He stroked her through her jeans until her muscles clenched and she ached to have him inside her.

  But then his thumb moved away, and Stella gasped her disappointment. With a swipe of his tongue to her nipple, he worked to undo the button of her pants. His hand slipped inside, and a groan tore through her. The man hadn’t even bothered to smooth her jeans down her legs. His impatience to touch her thrilled the hell out of her. She couldn’t have stopped the smile that crossed her mouth if she’d wanted to.

  “You make me feel so good.” Her voice sounded heavy and aroused and slightly slurred.

  “I’m about to make you feel a whole lot better.” Then his finger slid under the wisp of lace that was her thong, and he fingered her clit without a barrier. Skin to skin.

  A carnal ache twisted inside her. The man made her feel primal. Like a creature desperate to mate. She curved her hips to give him better access to her body.

  His finger slid lower and into her slick heat. “You’re so wet,” he moaned against her neck. “Damn, Stella, you have no idea what that does to me. To know you want me just as much as I want you.”

  Stella thrust her hips forward to seek and graze against the heavy bulge in his pants. “Show me,” she said. But Owen gripped her hips and spun her. He kissed the skin on her shoulders where the tree bark had rubbed against it. He lowered her jeans and she kicked them off and out of her way. The lacy panties fell next.

  “Can’t have your back scratched.” He tapped her ankles with his hiking boot and she widened her stance. He stepped between her spread legs and tilted her hips to raise her backside higher. “I could stare at your beautiful ass all day.” He kneaded and massaged her muscles until she felt loose and primed. Her legs began to quiver.

  “You going to be able to stand?” he asked, his tone almost challenging.

  Hell yeah, she would be able to stand. No way would she miss out on this experience with Owen. She leaned her weight against the trunk of the tree and arched her body toward him.

  His anguished groan echoed through the trees. “The sight of you, open and ready for me. It’s almost too much.”

  Stella wiggled her cheek against his cock. “Owen, I need you now.” And she was rewarded when he gripped her hips. Then he plunged, burying himself deep inside her. In one slow surge he filled her. When her legs trembled, his hands clutched around her waist to keep her stance firm, steadying to hold her in place.

  His warm breath tickled along her neck, and then his teeth found her earlobe again. “Touch yourself, Stella. I wand to see you slide your fingers along your clit. I want to hear you moan as we both make you come.”

  She’d never stroked herself for her own pleasure while a lover pounded into her from behind. The thought of it, the anticipation of it, excited her. Stella bent her left elbow to bear more of her weight and leaned her forehead against her arm. She pinched her nipples lightly, then with more force, exactly the way she liked. Then she sank her fingers between her legs, around her pleasure center that longed for touch.

  She grazed the sensitive skin and sucked in a breath at the exquisite sensation. What they were both doing to her body felt good. Better than good. Amazing. She was in charge of her own orgasm and could set the pace and the timing and she wanted to come right now. Her movements grew faster. Harder.

  “Yes, Stella. Like that,” he breathed into her neck.

  She increased her speed.

  “You’re clamping around my cock, and it’s driving me crazy. Yes. Just like that, darlin’. Exactly like that.”

  His rugged request sent her over the edge. She rubbed until every sensation built and tightened until she couldn’t hold out anymore.

  Her moan rent through the wilderness around them. In the bushes, an animal scurried away. And Stella became a creature of the night.

  Owen’s thrusts grew wild, more powerful. He leaned more of his weight along her back. His body shook with the force of his control. He pumped inside her, his movements frantic. Then he groaned deep in his throat and she reveled in the guttural, needy sound.

  She would wrap the memory of this moment around her like a warm blanket on a cool winter day.

  After his last ragged thrust, Owen sagged against her. “That was amazing. You’re amazing.”

  She smiled even though he couldn’t see her.

  “But, darlin’, that sucked all the energy out of me. I don’t mind falling on my face, but I don’t want to take you down with me.”

  She nodded but could utter only one word. “Tent.”

  Stella shook as he carefully pulled out from her body. Another quaver shivered down her back. Their physical link broke, but she’d never felt so connected with another living soul.

  She heard the sound of fabric rustling as he pulled on his jeans. Then Owen Perkins lifted her up and over his shoulder firefighter-style like he’d always threatened.

  He set her down on her feet at the entrance of the tent. Stella fell to her knees and crawled through the opening. Owen zippered it shut behind them. She had the strength only to secure her unruly hair behind her head before she crawled into the sleeping bag.

  Owen fell beside her, hauling her satisfied body onto his chest. She snuggled into his side. There was nowhere else she’d rather have been.

  Her fingers found the scar on his ribs. “How’d this happen?”

/>   His fingers tightened over hers, stilling her movement. Then the tension eased from his body. “I had another sister.”

  “Lily,” she supplied, so he wouldn’t have to recount every painful detail.

  His gaze focused high above her head. “I dropped out of college after she died. I was angry and stupid. Mad at everyone. I didn’t care if I lived or died. That’s when I got into extreme sports. If you’d even call it sports. More like extreme feats of crazy.”

  She’d always sensed his adventure-seeking reckless spirit and shied away from it. Or at least tried to shy away. Stella waited for him to tell her the rest in his own way.

  “I’d gone off for the weekend with a bunch of guys,” he continued after a few moments. “We were bungee jumping off the bridge over the Red River. Not exactly legal and stupid dangerous because the cords were homemade.”

  Do not react. Don’t.

  “That night we decided to try our luck at walking across hot coals.”

  Her stomach hollowed for a moment. “And you got burned.”

  “And set one of the tents on fire. The local fire department came out.” He rubbed at his neck. “I think the chief wanted to physically knock some sense into me. He called me an idiot, which I was, and told me if I wanted to kill myself I should do it without involving others.” He smiled at the memory.

  She heard the admiration in his voice. “Is that why you became a firefighter?”

  “So I could call other people idiots? Absolutely.”

  She laughed.

  “The next semester I went back to school, started volunteering with the medical studies and bought my first notebook so I could write on the side. It helped...” He took a deep breath. “It made losing Lily not so hard. A week after graduation, I moved to Colorado and began my training. And that, lovely lady, is my story.” His voice had grown light, despite the weight of his words. And what he must be feeling.

  She knew all his secrets now. “Thank you for telling me.”