by Morgan Fox
Fate? As silly as it was, did Daniel believe that he and Sam were made for each other? That some cosmic force was forcing them together, and that no matter what, they wouldn’t be able to resist each other?
Daniel smiled, catching sight of Sam as she come into the main area of the bar. He kissed her the second she got close enough.
Jace glanced to Luke. “And you?”
Luke shrugged. “I didn’t have a choice where Layla was concerned. I wanted her. In the end, that was all that mattered.”
“Even though you shouldn’t have,” Sam added with a grumble in her voice.
Luke hiked his thumb over his shoulder in Sam’s direction. “She didn’t want me anywhere near Layla. Said I was trouble.”
“No,” she corrected. “I said she was too good for you.”
They laughed.
“Yeah, that’s what you said.” Luke chuckled. “I’m glad I failed to listen.”
Jace was miffed. “And it doesn’t bother either of you that our jobs put our lives at risk. That we could end up—”
“Sure it bothers us,” Luke replied sternly, cutting him off as he shoved away from the bar to stand. “But when you find someone you can’t live without the only choice is the one that makes you focus on not getting hurt on the job so you can go home to your woman.”
Jace looked at Sam. “And how do you do it? How do you go through the motions of being with someone who could end up—”
“Dead,” Daniel finished for him.
He nodded.
Sam’s attention was on Daniel. Her hand cupping the side of his face before she kissed him. Then she glanced back at Jace. The deep emotion in her gaze left acid churning in his gut. He wasn’t used to seeing that kind of love pour out of her, she was always so tough. Maybe being with Daniel softened her.
“One moment with him is better than a lifetime without. It’s the sacrifices we make to be with the one we’re destined to be with. Fear should never be a reason to avoid loving someone.”
There was that fate shit again.
Daniel chuckled, pulling Sam closer to him. “And to think that I almost blew it.”
Sam smiled softly. “Good thing you didn’t.”
Jace spotted a sweet, little blonde heading toward the bar and knew it was Layla. She smiled as if she’d won the lottery. That look was all for Luke.
What would if feel like to have someone look at him that way?
Why am I even thinking about it? It’s not like there’s anyone standing in line to—
Irritation fired in his chest and sank deep, tearing him up. He couldn’t shake Sage from his thoughts and he had no clue why either. She was pretty, smart, and spoke her mind. But she hid from him, as he knew he should technically be doing with her. Instead, he wanted her the way a man might when he wanted more than sex. Maybe she saw that and he hadn’t. Maybe he did scare her away. She hadn’t wanted a relationship. Sage had been clear about that.
He leaned his elbows on the bar and before they all walked away, he asked, “How do you make a woman want you when she thinks she doesn’t?”
Sam was the only one to speak, everyone else seemed to purse their lips and stare everywhere but back at him. “If we’re talking about a certain firefighter, you don’t make her do anything. You simply show her what she’s missing and let her make the decision to change her mind.”
That sounded like a great plan, but what if he was too damn impatient to play it safe? What if he wanted to rush in fireman style, toss her over his shoulder, and make love to her again? How did he show her what she was missing when he didn’t know the first thing about wooing a woman outside of the bedroom?
I’m way in over my head.
Chapter 8
Sage inhaled a deep breath and prayed for the strength to survive. She’d been prepared to fight fires, trained to do what was necessary to save lives, but now she was drowning as she contemplated approaching Jace to ask him out to dinner. When he’d asked her, she’d left him hanging. It was her turn to feel the unease of being on the other end—consumed by the tension of waiting for his answer. He should dismiss her, reject her as she’d done to him. It was only fair. But a part of her hoped he didn’t—the part of her that craved more than she should. The deep-seated part of her soul that needed the connection of another person—a union she’d quietly longed for, but always managed to ignore out of fear.
He was closing up at Iron Horse tonight so she waited for him at his house, sitting on her bike like some crazed stalker. Truth was, she didn’t want to go up to his work. Hearing others gossip about them only filled her with more anxiety. If she was going to do this with Jace, it had to be without the pressure of friendly influence. It had to be because it was meant to be and they were both on board for the right reasons.
She could no longer hide behind the scars on her body. Now it boiled down to letting go of her fears, allowing her heart to take a leap, and trusting that she wouldn’t be hurt like she had in the past. It was also about accepting that even if she and Jace dated, it didn’t mean they would end up in love. It might just be fun while it lasted, and she would have no other choice but to accept that. Time with Jace could offer a chance to heal the wounds that went unseen. She needed Jace. More than he probably realized.
The bright headlight of Jace’s motorcycle flashed into her eyes and a swirl of panic filled her belly. It was go time. He parked his motorcycle and slid off, his gaze wandering in her direction. Inhaling a deep breath of air, she slid off her motorcycle. She rubbed her damp hands on her jeans as she approached him. His expression was blank.
“Hi,” she muttered, clearing her throat.
“Hey.”
“I hope you don’t think it’s strange that I was waiting for you.”
He grimaced. “I do actually.”
“Right. Well, I can’t blame you for that.”
He gripped his helmet in one hand and it slapped against his thigh. “What’s on your mind, Sage?”
His directness only made her more nervous. She wasn’t used to feeling this way, trapped and cornered like prey. But she didn’t want to walk away. She wanted Jace.
“I’m here for you,” she said matter-of-factly.
Jace arched a curious brow.
“I want to go out with you. I want more nights like the one we shared.”
His expression hardened and she couldn’t tell if it was from anger, rejection, uncertainty, or a mix of everything.
She just didn’t know what he was thinking. “Please say something. If you’re not interested then just say so. I deserve—”
He closed in, almost bumping her chest. “What made you change your mind?”
She swallowed hard, looking up at him. His gaze softened. “I can’t stop thinking about you. I tried. I won’t lie about that. I never thought I’d be able to want someone the way I want you, but I do.”
Nothing but a breath of air separated them. “And how do you want me?”
Her breath hitched. “I want wild nights of passion, sweet breakfasts, and—” She glanced down, struggling with the rest of her thoughts. Thinking them was one thing. Saying them aloud was another.
His index finger rested under her chin and lifted her gaze to his. “And?”
“Dinners.”
“Dinners?” He quirked a brow. “As in more than one?”
She nodded. “I know you said it was a one night thing, but when you asked me out I panicked because I wasn’t sure why you were asking me. I was confused by how I felt and what it all meant. I wasn’t sure if you even felt the same way. If you don’t want to be with me, I understand. But I hope you do.”
He studied her for what seemed like an eternity. Then, he reached down and laced his fingers around hers. “Come inside with me.”
She followed him. Once they were inside he moved to the sofa and they both sat down. He leaned forward on his elbows and looked as though he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. Then he inclined his head to meet her gaze. “I�
�m not sure what any of this means between us, but I know I can promise you sex and good company.”
“Will it just be us or do you intend to see other women too?”
He scoffed, his mouth hanging open as if she’d punched him. “I would never be that kind of a dick to you, Sage.” He shook his head. “Besides, if we’re being honest here…I haven’t thought about anyone else since the night we spent together.”
She smiled. “That helps a lot, actually.”
He grinned. “Good. This needs to stay fun between us. No intense bullshit. I’m not looking for that happily ever after crap.”
She wasn’t either. Fun sounded great. Sex even better. But being able to be herself with him was the best part of all. They didn’t have to hide from their desires. Didn’t have to fear the need to be together. They could enjoy each other without the worry of uncertainty. I got this. “Right. Me either. I just want more of what we had before.”
“And more food, too.”
Her smile grew. “Exactly.”
He stood and extended out his hand. “Did you bring an overnight bag?”
She took his hand and frowned. “No. I didn’t want to seem presumptuous.”
A look of disappointment filled his eyes, but he quickly blinked it away with a sweet smile. Pulling her up against him, he wrapped his arms around her. “I don’t like the idea of you driving home so late at night and I have no intensions of letting you leave. Tonight, I’m going to have my way with you and I’ll take you home in the morning to get a change of clothing.”
Her body warmed from head to toe as his voice rumbled over her body. She swallowed down the excitement of what was to come. “Are we going somewhere?”
“For a ride on my bike,” he replied.
“I’m not keen on riding on another’s motorcycle.”
He crushed her against him, walking her backward and pinning her against the wall at the far end of the sofa. “You’ve never ridden with me.”
She nipped at his chin. “I like the way you say ridden.”
One side of his mouth curled upward. “I think you’ll enjoy it more when I do more than say it.”
He reached down and gently tugged her shirt up over her head. He did the same with his own. Then he unhooked her bra and tossed it to the floor. He knelt his head to lick and suck at her nipples. He groaned as he tasted her. She cupped the back of his scalp, closing her eyes as her dream became reality. She whimpered as the emotions of everything between them exploded.
He eased back to look at her. “Are you okay?”
“I can’t believe you agreed.”
“Why wouldn’t I?”
Before she could answer, he was unfastening her pants and helping her out of her shoes to be able to pull her panties and jeans off her legs. Standing naked in front of him, she watched as he rubbed a stiff hand over his jean covered cock.
“I really don’t think you know just how gorgeous you are.” He unbuttoned his pants, kicked out of his boots, and undressed. “I’ve been wanting to do this again all week.”
He guided her to the back of the sofa and placed her hands on the fabric, tenderly kicking her feet apart. “You have the right to remain thoroughly satisfied.”
She laughed breathlessly as he dropped to his knees, parted her ass cheeks, and swiped his tongue over her clit, plunging it deep into her pussy. She gasped as he sucked her clit. He sank a finger inside her, pumping in and out slowly. She couldn’t believe how good he felt, how amazing sex could be between two people. This was new for her, something she was thankful to finally experience.
A quiver started low in her belly and exploded outward toward every limb. The moment she began to whimper, Jace applied more pressure to her clit and the suction of his mouth had her slipping over the edge. Once her orgasm had subsided, he spun her around and placed her ass on the back of the sofa. Sliding up between her legs, he gripped his cock in his hand.
“Shit, I need a condom.” He raised his index finger in warning. “Don’t move.”
Smiling, she watched as he darted from the living room into his bedroom and returned with his shaft covered in latex. Before he shoved inside her, he dipped his head down to lick her pussy once more. A shot of electricity sprung out through every nerve in her body. Then, he moved in and placed the head of his cock at her entrance. As he shoved inside her, he took her mouth in a sensual, mind-numbing kiss. He kissed her like he’d missed her, as if he hungered for her as much as she had hungered for him.
She wrapped her arms around him as he cupped her face, kissing and possessing her body with the fevered strokes of his cock and tongue. He swept her hair from her shoulder and kissed the scars that were visible. She shivered as his lips and tongue caressed her flesh. A tear fell from her eye. She was overcome by just how much she appreciated his tender touch, the care he took with her. She never would’ve imagined ever finding someone like him.
She cried out as her release enveloped her. Then she heard Jace’s groan and felt his cock swell inside her pussy. He bucked hard several times before coming to a trembling stop. He was breathing hard against her cheek. She wasn’t sure how long they’d held each other, but when he parted from her, she missed his touch.
His eyes meet hers. “What’s wrong?” he asked, brushing his finger over her cheek to wipe away the fallen tear.
Her heart beat fast as she confessed, “You don’t see my scars. You just see me.”
He caressed her mouth with his, savoring her for a second, before easing back. “I told you. I think you’re beautiful.”
“And the way you touch me makes me believe you.”
He weaved his fingers through her long hair and traced the tips of his fingers over her shoulders and down her arms to her hands. “Come with me. Let’s go to bed. I have plans for us tomorrow.”
She didn’t know what plans he had in store for them, but she was thankful to have them at all. Now she just hoped that he’d didn’t mind if during the night she rolled over to make love to him again. Even though they’d just had sex, she couldn’t help but want more. She was addicted to him. Following him into the bedroom, she was going to find out just how much he yearned for her, too.
* * * *
Jace revved the engine of his motorcycle and smiled as Sage’s arms and thighs wrapped tightly around him. She was anchored to him as they cruised along East Texas country roads. The land was vast and the scenic route breathtaking—green fields, trees, and livestock. He’d never taken a woman on his bike before, sex or otherwise. But the idea of enjoying a day like this with Sage was exactly what he needed. There was something unique about her, the similarities they shared and even the differences. She might not have considered riding double on a motorcycle before, but he had a strong feeling that once she absorbed the freeing experience of the open road with him, she’d change her mind.
Jace slowed as he came up on a little diner. Through his helmet, he asked, “Hungry?”
“Starving,” she shouted back.
He parked his motorcycle and held the bike steady as she hopped off. He pulled out the kickstand and settled his bike as he got off and placed his helmet on the saddle. Sage placed hers on the back rest.
“Ever been here before?” she asked, glancing around.
“Nope.”
She looked surprised. “How did you know it was here?”
“I didn’t. That’s the joy of riding a motorcycle in the country. You get on and go, stopping when you see something of interest.”
She rolled her eyes. “You can do that in the city, too,” she pointed out.
He moved closer, pulling her against him, and cupping a firm hand over her ass. “But you can’t hold me the way you were.”
She moaned as he kissed her. “I see the appeal.”
He chuckled. “I had a feeling you might.”
Before he could pull away, she kissed him again. “Maybe I need more practice riding with you.”
He hauled her closer, rubbing himself against her. “Trust
me, you’re getting pretty good at that.”
She laughed as he pressed his pelvis against her. “Not that kind of riding.”
“Oh, you mean on my motorcycle. I’d enjoy that very much.” He moved in, pressing his mouth to her ear. “If you wore a skirt, think of the things I could do with my fingers. I could pluck your nipples, fuck you with my cock or my fingers, and make you come so hard.”
She gasped. “You’re terrible.”
“Don’t lie,” he told her. “You like the idea.”
Her smile faded, the heat in her eyes deepening. “I do. Maybe we should practice on your bike.”
He kissed her neck and she arched her chin back to give him full exposure to her flesh. “Let’s keep the kickstand down first. I don’t want you to crash my bike when you orgasm your brains out.”
“If you think you can make that happen,” she said in challenge.
He eased back and gripped her shoulders, the heat of the moment making his body rock hard. “Game on, firefighter.”
She laughed. He didn’t. Jace had every intention of proving just how hard he could make her come and just how amazing he could make her feel straddling his iron horse.
* * * *
If anyone would’ve told Sage that she’d fall in love with a man like Jace, she would’ve laughed in their face.
“Wow, check out that smile,” Jeremy teased, stepping up to the counter in the kitchen. “I don’t know if I’ve ever seen you this happy.”
She faced him. “I know, right?”
After a short time of dating and uninhibited sex, she was consumed. Being with Jace presented a longing she couldn’t ignore, couldn’t resist, and she didn’t want to. What she wanted was more—more time, more fun, more sex, more…love.
“I’m not sure I can believe that you and Jace are actually a couple.” Things were getting serious where she was concerned and she had to try harder to keep things from getting more intense. It was already too late for her heart. She was committed. She wasn’t sure how it happened, but sex and a good time had become more way too easily. Pacing, she hoped that somehow Jace felt the same way. Even if he’d warned her that it would just be a friends with benefits arrangement, she couldn’t stop her heart and mind from desiring a fully committed relationship. They fit together—like crazy fit. They shared interests and were on the same page most of the time. They had similar careers and friends. It was almost insane how alike they were.
