by Hart, Lea
They walked out of the stadium and headed down the street toward the restaurant. “How am I still on this date?” Amelia asked.
“I think it’s my charm,” Ed replied.
“I’m pretty sure that’s not the reason why. I think you’re like glue; you just keep sticking to me.” That and your smile.
“It could be that. People have often commented on how determined I am. This might be one of those times where it’s working in my favor.”
They arrived at the restaurant, and Ed found them a table on the patio. The waitress came up, and they ordered drinks and dinner. “So why are you so interested in this date? Are you worried that Birdie is going to give you a hard time?”
“No, I’m not worried about Birdie. I’m attracted to you. I like how you see the world and how you smell and the feel of your hand in mine.” Her eyes grew big, and she said nothing in response. “I also really like your legs. You have great legs.”
Her mind whirled around, her stomach made weird fluttery movements, and her face felt hot. Still, nothing came out of her mouth as she stared at him. Finally, she got her brain to work. “I like your jeans.”
He waited to see if she was going to say anything else, and that seemed to be it. He had a feeling that she had more to say, but perhaps wasn’t ready. Apparently his jeans were the only thing he had going for him. “Thanks.”
Their drinks arrived. He watched her take a healthy sip of her margarita, and then she licked the salt off her lips. Staring at her tongue capturing the salt off the corner of her luscious mouth mesmerized him. His mind flew forward in time and space and played out what she might do with her tongue if ever he was lucky enough to become her boyfriend. His mind then started working out things that he could do with his mouth on her body. He was a fiercely smart man, and his mind was an impressive machine. And, he was coming up with some pretty remarkable ideas. “Thanks for coming out to dinner with me. I appreciate the second chance.”
“Well, it was either this or pizza with my family. This seemed like a better option…”
“I would like to take you out tomorrow night and have the date that I planned for tonight.”
“We aren’t even done with this one. Don’t you want to wait and see how this one goes before asking for another one?”
“I like you. I want to go out and do it right.”
“I don’t know. Let’s just try and get through this first.”
“Okay. I think, once I kiss you, it will change your mind.”
“Why do you think that?”
“Because I find it hard to believe that I’m feeling this all alone; I think we have chemistry. I screwed up by answering my phone, and I gave you the opportunity to ignore the chemistry.”
“I don’t think I’m ignoring anything.”
“I guess we’ll find out when I kiss you goodnight.”
The waitress brought their food and he was grateful that they were spared further debate. As they made their way through the meal, he was relieved that they were having fun. They had chemistry, but it was fun to discover that they actually might end up liking one another and becoming friends.
As they left the restaurant and started walking home, Amelia decided that she would like to kiss him, despite her reservations. He’d turned out to be smarter, funnier, and more charming than she initially had given him credit for. Hopefully, the ex-girlfriend drama was just a one-time thing and they could get to know one another without any fuss. Tonight, her opinion and thoughts had flown all over the place as she see-sawed from one extreme to another. Letting out a breath, she decided to give this handsome man a chance. “I think that I should apologize for overreacting earlier. When you got the call from your ex-girlfriend, I assumed that you had drama in your life. And I realize that was a mistake. I’ve judged you too harshly, and I’m sorry.”
“No problem. I should’ve taken care of the situation with Shelby a long time ago. I thought if I ignored it that it would resolve itself.”
“Nobody understands that better than me. I’ve let a man that I dated for a short amount of time infect the way I think. I made assumptions about you and thought you were too good to be true.”
“And now?”
“Now, I want to throw all of my assumptions away and just get to know you.”
“I can’t ask for more than that.” Ed squeezed her hand and whistled as they strolled along the street.
Standing in front of her door, he wrapped his arm around her waist, pulled her in against his chest, and leaned down. Kissing her gently on her cheek, he whispered in her ear, “Thanks for the second chance.”
His massive chest pressed against her, as she slowly turned her head and kissed the smooth skin of his cheek. If he could kiss…then she was done for.
Slowly, softly, and without hesitation, he kissed the hell of her and she felt lust swirl in her stomach. As he lifted his mouth and looked into her eyes, she knew this was the man for her.
He could definitely kiss. I guess we are going on a second date. That kiss was better than a lot of sex I’ve had. Delicious pleasure rippled through her in waves as the lingering effects of his kiss rolled through her body. Resting her hand against the warm skin of his arms, his muscles contracted under her hands, and she sighed.
“Thank you for going out with me. Would you like to do something tomorrow?” Ed asked.
Amelia pressed her hand to her mouth and grinned. “I would like to do something tomorrow. What did you have in mind?”
“Would you like to go to Balboa Park and visit the museum? We could look at the photography.”
“Sure, sounds great.”
Leaning down, he kissed her gently and ran his tongue along the seam of her lips. She opened her mouth, and she knew that she’d tasted her future. They were going to be going to a lot of football games together in the future. And, some day, it was going to be their son playing on the field.
Maybe she needed to get Birdie a present too, because this was an amazing first date.
CHAPTER FOUR
November
“What do you mean you’re going on an op and won’t be back for several days?” Staring at Ed, she swallowed loudly. “Are you going to be in danger?”
“I think we define danger differently. So I’m going to say no. I will not be in danger.” Sitting across from the woman who had completely captivated him, he wondered why the idea of him being gone was running her off the rails. He didn’t think it was about the time apart and more likely had to do with her being scared. Which was good. Not the scared part, but her concern was an excellent sign of her developing attachment to him. His presence in her life meant something because she was getting mad about the idea of his absence. And that he needed, because he’d fallen hard for her in the last month. “Babe, I’m a highly trained warrior, and the odds are definitely in my and my Team’s favor. We have two SEALs, one Delta guy, and two Rangers. We’re like some freaking super nova, super force, super team.”
“Fine. Go ahead. Walk into danger and play it off like it’s no big deal.” Twisting her hands, she scooted away from him.
“What exactly are you scared of?”
“Something happening to you. Why did I have to fall for a spec ops guy? I don’t know how I let this happen. Crossing her arms over her stomach, she scrunched up her shoulders. “I should know better, but apparently your smiling face made me forget. You’ve wormed your way into my life with your good looks, charm, sweetness, and intelligence. I never had a chance.”
“That was the idea, babe. This is what I do. I use my talent and skills to protect others.”
“I know.” Crawling into his lap, she rested her head against his chest and circled her arms around his waist. “I like you, and I want to keep you. I don’t know why I’m freaking out so much.” Kissing him lightly, she let out a shudder. “I have a brother who has done the same thing. I should be better at this.”
Rubbing her back, he smiled to himself and felt like letting out a victory shout. I
t had been a month since they had started dating, and they were slowly building something real between them. “I like that you’re worried about losing me. It means that we’re on the right track and I’m becoming an integral part of your life.” Lifting her chin with his finger, he smiled into her eyes and kissed her gently. “I’m not going anywhere, and you have nothing to worry about. It’s a textbook snatch and grab, and I’ll be home before you know it.” Lifting his arm, he checked his watch. “We better get going if we want to make the movie.”
Tracing her hand over his chest, she let out a sigh. “I’d like to skip the movie and stay home. I want to have a chance at your body before you leave. This could be my last chance, and it’s not something that I want to miss. If something happens to you, then the memory of making love to you will be the only thing keeping me warm for the rest of my life.” Sighing, she snuggled in closer. Maybe that was a bit dramatic, but she didn’t care. “I know that I’m being totally crazy and morbid.”
Lifting her head up, he stared into her face and grinned. “Admitting it is important. Are you saying that you want to have sex with me because I may die and you don’t want to miss the chance?”
“Yes.” Moving her hair around, she shrugged. “That sound horrible. And morbid.”
“Maybe a little. But let me ask you…. the part about the memory keeping you warm for the rest of your life. Does that mean that I would ruin you for all other men?”
“Yes.”
“Hot damn, woman! I could have gone on an op last week if I thought it would help me get lucky with you.”
“Well, now you know.”
When she slid her hands under his T-shirt, he knew it was going to be a good night.
“I know that if we have sex, I’m going to become attached to you. I didn’t want to try unless we had something in common and liked one another. I like you and think you will make an excellent best friend. So, I’m ready.”
“Really?”
Smoothing her hand against his massive chest, she grinned. “Really and truly.”
Throwing is head back, he let out a loud roar. “I’ve been seducing you for the last two weeks, and all it took was the possibility of me being gone to get you on board?”
“Yes.”
“Good to know.” Grasping her hips with his hands, he tugged her closer and made sure that all of their important parts were lined up. When he felt satisfied that they couldn’t get any more intimate, he pressed his lips hungrily to hers. Her admission that she wanted him had released the last shackles of restraint. Giving her wet, open-mouthed kisses, she responded by sliding her hands along his chest, raising a trail of goosebumps. As his need for her swelled, he devoured her and silently thanked the universe for giving him Amelia. Lifting his lips away from her, he growled, “Bedroom.”
“Okay.” Crawling off his lap, she spun toward the bedroom. “We have way too many clothes on.”
Hearing Lilly bark as they moved down the hall made him laugh. “Lilly, this is a private moment, so you have to hang out here until we’re done.”
Amelia looked over her shoulder at her dog and waved. “It’s going to take me a while before I’m done. So don’t worry.”
“I have thirty-six hours until I have to leave for the op, and I don’t plan on letting you out of the bed until the thirty-fifth hour. I hope you took your vitamins, because you’re going to need them for what I have in mind.” Walking through the bedroom boor, he kicked it closed with his foot and then lifted her on the bed and fell on top of her. Encasing her in his arms, he rolled over and kissed her face gently.
“Too many clothes.” Sitting up, he lifted her shirt over her head. When he threw it over his shoulder, he grinned. “I want you more than I can express in words.” Placing his hands on her face, he gently kissed her and then rested his head against hers. “I’ve thought a lot about this happening.” Running his hand slowly down her arm, he tried to gain a little control.
Pulling his shirt over his head, he pressed their bodies together and hugged her tightly. “I can’t remember ever being this turned on, and I want to make sure that I give you every ounce of pleasure that I can.” He dragged his mouth along her shoulder and felt her press her body into his in response. Sliding his hands under her bra strap, he opened the clasp and stared at her reverently. “So perfect.” Licking her skin, he let the taste of her fill his senses, as he sucked gently on her sensitive flesh. Hearing her cry of pleasure sent him into overdrive as he worshipped her with his mouth.
Slipping his hand to the waistband of her skirt, he moved it over her hips and off her legs. A small scrap of pink lace covered her most intimate parts, and he felt himself harden painfully against his jeans. “God, Amelia. You’re so pretty and delicate. You’re perfect.”
Laughing, she kissed his face. “I’m almost naked, and you’re not.” Her hands moved to his jeans as she tried to move the zipper. Watching his hands cover hers, she looked up. “Please don’t stop me.”
“Let me take them off. I’m commando, and I don’t want to risk injury when you undo the zipper.”
Laughing, she leaned back and stared at him as he shucked his jeans and stood before her. “Wow, that’s a lot of naked glory to behold.” Leaning forward, she reached out her hand to touch him and laughed when he moved away. “I want to touch you.”
“And you will, but not right now. I’ll go off if you get your pretty little hands on me.” Lifting himself off the bed, he got rid of his clothes and grinned. “Hi.” Falling onto the bed beside her, he rolled her underneath him and then ravished her mouth.
Sliding his hand down the center of her body, he moved his fingers along her folds and found her wet center. “Amelia, baby…you’re so wet.” Stroking her with his broad finger, he probed deeper and felt her slickness as her muscles clenched around his finger. A short breath escaped her lips as she responded to his strokes. “Let yourself go.”
Quivering and throbbing, she responded to his touch. “So tight. Amelia. So perfect.” Moving his thumb over her bud, he pressed heavily, and she convulsed as her orgasm ripped through her body.
“Oh, sweet Lord. Ed, what have you done?”
“I’ve just claimed ownership of your body, your mind, and soul.” Rolling on top, he parted her legs with his knees and poised himself and smiled into her heavy eyes. “Now, I’m going to own your heart.” Sliding slowly in, her body tightly clasped him every inch of the way.
Filling her perfectly, her eyes closed as he moved over her. His hand went to her forehead as he kissed her mouth, her cheek, her ear, and rolled his body inside her in a drugging rhythm. Heat spiraled through her as he thrust heavily between her legs. His stroke grew harder, and she was thrown headlong into a hard, shuddering orgasm. Crying out, she let his thrust prolong her joy until he came, too.
Exploding into her body, he emptied himself again and again until she was sure that there wasn’t a drop of fluid left in him. Finally, he fell over and slid an arm beneath her shoulders and held her tightly. That was the most intense experience of her life.
Sliding her hand up his sweaty back, she kissed his shoulder. “You can own whatever part of me you want, as long as you promise to do what you just did at least once a day.” Feeling his chest rumble, she heard laughter escape his mouth. “I’m not kidding.”
“I know. But I think it’s going to be have to be at least twice a day.”
“Fine, twice.” Snuggling into his embrace, she closed her eyes and felt herself drift off on a wave of pleasure and satisfaction. It seems that she had been right about him after all. He was perfect.
CHAPTER FIVE
Ed walked back into the bedroom carrying two cups of coffee. He’d gotten up earlier and let the dog out and fed her. Setting the cups down quietly, he admired the woman lying in bed with her face buried in a pillow, snoring lightly. Once hadn’t been enough, but the third time might have been more than she could handle. She was passed out, and he didn’t want to wake her up, but couldn’t resist runn
ing his hands along her skin.
Admiring the pattern of freckles that covered her arm, she moved under his touch. Lying down beside her warm body, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her head. Whispering, he spoke into her ear, “Good morning.”
Small movements told him that she was starting to wake up. Quickly getting rid of his boxers, he slid under the covers and held her closely as she rose to consciousness. Running his hands along the side of her body, he wondered if he could talk her into morning sex. He knew he should be sated, but having her warm, sexy body next to his wasn’t letting that happen. As she started to move around, her ass pressed against him, which made him hiss in pleasure. Caressing her stomach, he decided that he was going to need to get her on board with the idea. Bending down, he kissed her neck gently and then ran his mouth along the curve of her shoulder. Low murmurs of appreciation escaped her lips as he slid his hand up to her breast and gently tweaked her nipple. Feeling it harden against his touch, he continued to run his fingers over her curves. What a great way to start the day.
“Good morning,” she mumbled. Throwing her leg over his, she ran her hand up and down his back, as he slid his down the center of her body.
He rolled her over and lifted her hips. Looking over her shoulder, she smiled. “What are you doing back there?”
“I’m making sure that we start to our day right.” Pushing a pillow under her stomach, he slid his fingers along her seam. “Dripping wet. Perfect.” Holding on to her hips, he entered her slowly and completely. “You feel like a glove, babe.” Pulling slowly out and then pushing back in, he bottomed out and she closed around him.
“Do that again,” she murmured. Bending over, he found her bud and stroked until her body clutched his. They both shattered. He moved in and out of her body until he didn’t have a drop left and collapsed.
“I’m glad you like morning sex,” he whispered.
Laughing, she patted his leg. “It would seem that I like all kinds of sex with you.”
