by Dani Jace
“Nice. Very nice.” His index finger ran beneath her thin shoulder strap then he slipped his arms around her waist. “Oh, baby, I’m going to eat you up with a spoon.”
His hard ridge rode against her hip as she brought his mouth to hers. Her lips nibbled his before delving into a fervent kiss. He tasted like candy cane. She kept the pace slow and sensual, a prelude of things to come.
“So soft.” He skimmed his hands over her hips then casually migrated to her bare bottom.
She shoved off his jacket then tugged his tee over his head.
His broad chest heaved as she paid tribute to his thick pecs with a longing glance. His low-slung jeans exposed his lean hips and washboard abs.
“So hot.” With appreciative caresses, she let him know how much she wanted him. Her lower belly tightened and liquid heat pooled between her thighs. She was dying to feel him deep inside.
As she worked off his belt and pants, he cupped her lace-covered breasts. Rasping through the fabric with his teeth, he sucked and played. She quivered in anticipation. By the time she peeled off his underwear, his shaft stood at full salute.
He fisted his erection in slow strokes.
Her mouth watered as she licked her lips and dropped to her knees.
* * * *
Her beautiful breasts spilled from the lace cups. The sexy outfit had Ray harder than a charged fire hose. She certainly knew how to make a morning special.
Soft lips covered his throbbing cock. The warmth of her mouth liquefied his legs. Gliding down, she slowly drew his full length inside her tight little mouth. Such exquisite torture.
Knowing what turned him on, she kneaded his ass. If she knew what he wanted to do with her sweet cheeks, she’d probably consider him deviant. He fisted a handful of her hair. No sexual experience compared to being with her.
She pushed his thighs further apart, and snuck a naughty finger between his cheeks.
His dick jumped, heat coiled in his belly and he prayed she wouldn’t stop. He jerked his head forward and swept her a daring look. “Remember, Dahlin’ whatever you do to me, I’ll return the favor. And with whatever body part I choose to use.”
She returned his scolding with a wink and released him from her mouth. Her questing tongue pressed between his legs. Hot licks scorched his balls. Drove him to near madness. God, what she did to him without even trying. After years of wanting, he’d never get enough of her. “You’re doing much too naughty things to be dressed in white, angel.”
“What are you going to do about it?”
A challenge. He knelt, covered her lips with his and breached the seam of her mouth. Slowly, he teased her tongue. While she answered with a playful dance, he moaned as his stubble chafed her neck and he migrated lower. Beneath the white lace, he feasted on her breasts.
Since yesterday at the station, he’d been imagining making love to her. Bare. Her seductive white lingerie jacked his libido off the charts. He slipped his hand inside her thong, spread her moist lips with his fingers and teased. Her juices coated his fingers as he prepared her to feel him skin to skin.
She closed her eyes and rocked against his hand. “So good.”
“Now we’ll see how you do, sweetheart.” He dragged her beneath him. Pushing aside the thin strip of fabric, he lowered his head. So smooth and wet, he flicked and teased her bare folds. She opened wider for him, and he filled her with his tongue. Her soft moans set him afire. He probed deeper, retreating to stroke her clit in narrowing circles. “Mmm. Like honey.”
“Hurry,” she begged, her hips arcing in a rhythm matching his mouth.
“You wish.” He slipped off the white garter belt and thong, tossing them including her hose, over his shoulder. He covered her body with his. Hard and demanding, he slanted over his mouth over hers. As much as he wanted her, he fought to take his time.
She clutched his neck and wrapped her legs around him.
“Tell me what you want.” He flexed his hips swirling the head of his shaft in her softness. She tantalized him. Made him so hard, he was nearly in pain. Sheer ecstasy. He’d take her there with him.
“I want you. All of you.” Her fingers smoothed over his chest then skimmed lower all the way to his aching cock. “Do you know how sexy you are?”
“I only know you are gorgeous. And the only woman for me.” He touched his nose to hers. “If I don’t get inside of you this second, I’m going to die, baby.”
She stroked down his back and sighed. His muscles tensed in pleasure beneath her fingertips. He teased her nub then found her entrance and forged into her depths. Bare. Condom free. Nothing separated their heat. Their bodies completed one another.
“God, you’re so warm.” He nibbled her earlobe. Slowly. Using long easy glides, he built tension to enhance her pleasure. In her amber eyes, there was love. He wanted to take her to heights she’d never known.
He buried himself deep over and over as her snug channel took him to a higher plane than he believed possible. Her nails stung his back. Pushed him to the edge.
“Harder. Faster.” She breathed into his ear.
He quickened his pace, touching her core. Her hot passage coaxed him.
“Yes, baby. So good.” The best in his life.
She cried out his name and tightened around him. Her orgasm triggered his. He thrust one last time and poured into her. On and on.
Everything forgotten but her. He cradled her tightly not wanting the experience to end. Jo touched places deep in his soul he couldn’t begin to fathom. Made him want to be a better man, even if that only meant learning to love her better.
* * * *
Jo floated back to earth content in his arms. “Total rapture, Hemanus. I think we discovered Zen.”
“I think I died and left my body,” he whispered still holding her. “Nothing compares to your lovin’.” He rolled to his side keeping them joined.
She ran a finger down his taunt stomach. Her cheeks heated. “I never believed I could come like that.”
He raised his chin and grinned. “I aim to please, Dahlin’.”
She dozed in his arms until the clock chimed, then headed to the bedroom to dress.
“Don’t you dare take the bustier off.” He slipped on his jeans and then went to put on some coffee.
When she returned, he sat cross-legged beside the tree.
Jo scooted close and accepted the coffee. “Mmm, what’s in it?”
“Baileys.”
She leaned in. “You deserve a kiss.
He accepted her sweet affection with an easy smile then reached under the tree and handed her a box. “I love you, baby. I wanna spend the rest of my Christmases with you.”
His sentiment rocked her. “Really?”
He nodded.
“It’s a date.” She slipped the red ribbon from the box and peeled back the paper, expecting a hoodie, as she’d never returned his. Inside she found a weathered envelope addressed to her at the beach house with a December postmark two years ago. The same Christmas he was in Iraq. Of course, Bobby didn’t forward the letters to her, afraid of what Ray might have said. “He saved them?”
“I think he knew I’d give them to you―if you ever came home.”
She’d never intended to stay in California after college, but she’d never voiced her intention to return home, either. Maybe she’d been unconsciously punishing them for insisting she leave for college while still grieving for her father. She wiped her eyes. Carefully, she peeled open the seal.
He covered her hand with his. “Later, when you’re alone. There’s something else in the box.”
Hidden deeper in the tissue paper lay a long velveteen box. She popped the top. Strung on a fine, gold chain, a small, intricately carved cross. She clutched her chest. Definitely hand crafted. She unhitched the clasp.
“It’s twenty-four caret.”
She marveled at the rich hue of the metal. “It’s gorgeous. Wherever did you find it?”
“During a stopover on the way to Iraq.” His eyes softened. “I kept it with me every day, hoping for a chance to give to you one day. Thinking about seeing you again, Jo, is what got me through.” He brushed her cheek.
She’d never imagined being his lifeline. Throwing her arms around his neck, she stifled a sob. “I prayed for you every day.”
He hugged her. “Aww, thanks, baby. I felt like your dad was watching over me too.”
“I’m sure of it.” The hard line of his jaw had her suspecting he’d not dealt with all of his demons from that time in his life.
She snagged his gift she’d hidden under the tree. “I took a sneak peek through your closet and found you in need.”
His brows shot up as she dropped the box in his lap. “It’s heavy.”
“Open it.”
Paper flew in all directions during his childlike unwrapping.
“Oh my God, Jo.” He sighed lifting up the black leather jacket. “It’s way too much.”
“Nope. Come on, try it on.” She stood, taking his hand, bringing him with her.
He eased into the buttery, soft leather. With his wide shoulders and trim waist, he rocked the jacket.
“Oh yeah, baby. You are so hot.”
He scooped her in his arms, laid her on the sofa, and then crawled on top of her. “How hot is that, Dahlin’?”
His sinful crooked grin spelled fun to come.
Chapter 25
Every bump on the road on the way to Sarah’s jostled Jo’s sex worn body. A delicious ache along with his aftershave that clung to her skin made her want more. A lot more.
The bulge in Ray’s jeans advertised his thoughts. Geez, he was ready again, but then again so was she, sore or not. She slipped her hand over the console and between his legs.
He covered her hand. “Sorry, you probably think I’m a horn dog. I’m still thinking about this morning.”
“I still feel you. Inside me.”
His cock jerked beneath her hand. He groaned. “Keep talking like that, baby, and we won’t make it there.”
Tucked in a small but expensive sound side neighborhood near the Wright Memorial, Sarah’s house sat on hilly tree-covered terrain. Isolated, most of the homes weren’t visible from the street, a bonus for the elites who wanted privacy. Vehicles already filled her steep driveway.
Ray parked on the grass easement and rolled his gaze toward her. “I thought you said family only.”
“She must have a big family.”
He ran a hand over his jaw. “You don’t think he’s going to pop the question in front of everyone?”
“Don’t know.” A nervous giggle escaped her.
He frowned and snagged the pies from the back while she grabbed Bobby and Sara’s gifts. As they climbed the hill, he asked, “Would you want me to propose to you front of a group of people? Intimidating.” He adjusted his shoulders under his new jacket.
Her heart missed a beat. He’d considered marrying her? “On the beach, under candlelight. With both of us naked.”
Her answer earned her a sexy squint. He latched onto her arm while balancing the desserts in his other lion-like paw.
“You’re always warm. Is that a firefighter thing?”
“Your body always has me cooking like a three alarm blaze. But I’m going to need a drink or two to take the edge off.”
The reservist side of him endeared her. Since college, she actually mingled better around new people, those who didn’t already perceive her in a certain way.
Bobby greeted them at the door dressed in kakis and long sleeve polo.
“Hey Sis. Merry, Merry.” He pecked her check and shook Ray’s hand. “Glad you didn’t have a shift today, bro. Come on in. I’m sure you could use a little cheer.” By the dilation of his dark brown eyes, she guessed he already found some.
“Well?” She handed her brother the gifts.
“Take a look at her hand.”
“Congratulations, bud.” Ray’s shoulders relaxed as they followed him inside.
Decorated right from Southern Living, with large sprays of pine, berries and candles, the large house brimmed with people. Jo couldn’t imagine turning a house into a home. After growing up with men, she continued to live a sparse existence. Her only extravagances consisted of a custom-built surfboard and recent collection of lingerie. Some of which she wore under her clothes at the moment. Her face heated to probably the shade of her red jacket.
From the looks of the house, Sarah and her business partner, Nate, raked in the bucks. Jo would have never guessed from her demeanor. Looks, money and brains. Go Bobby.
Her brother led them to the kitchen and poured them drinks.
“You deserve the best.” Jo toasted.
“To you and Sarah. A lifetime of happiness.” Ray raised his Scotch and downed it in one swallow. “And it looks like you’ve inherited quite an extended family.” His blues eyes narrowed as he surveyed the crowd. A telltale muscle ticked along his face.
Her shy, sexy firefighter. So hot.
Sarah appeared of nowhere and wrapped her in a hug. “Glad you both came. Merry Christmas.”
Jo smiled returned the greeting and snagged her hand. The platinum setting and large rock on top probably cost Bobby several month’s salary. Not a jewelry connoisseur, she was impressed none the same. Then it hit her. Their dad wouldn’t see his son get married. Her throat closed and her eyes watered.
“Are you okay?” Sarah put a hand on Jo’s shoulder.
“Dad would have loved you.”
Ray snugged an arm around her waist, shoring her up.
Jesus. The smallest things he did melted her heart.
* * * *
Ray clasped Jo’s hand as the guests gathered around the buffet in the dining room for the blessing. He said a silent pray of thanks for having her in his life again.
After they went to the food line, he tugged her sleeve and led her from the crowd to a solarium at the back of the house. They sat on an elevated hearth.
“Hungry?” He enjoyed seeing her eat and would be happy for her curves to return.
“While you feasted last night, I had a bowl of cereal.” She took a bite of roll, chewing with gusto, engrossed in her meal. The stress and physical demands of the academy had leaned her out.
“Sorry, I should’ve sent some food home with you. You know I would’ve been with you if I could have.”
She laid a hand on his. “I’m not busting you for having to work. Besides, going on the call with you guys was a blast. Next year it might be me working on Christmas.
“I’ll volunteer to work with you.” He put his hand on her knee.
Her eyes lit up. “Aww, you would too wouldn’t you?” She picked at the rest of her food then glanced around. “You ready? We could stop by the station.”
He sighed in relief. “Sorry, parties aren’t my scene. Especially not with the affluent.” He’d come from a meager background. After being a child of a single parent and being around Cappy as well as being in the Guard, he related to the everyday working class. Even his chosen profession relayed those values. On holidays when his mom decided they needed to hang with her newest man, he’d protested, wanting to spend Christmases with Bobby, Jo, and Cappy. After Jo left for college, the holidays turned lonely. “The last few years, I’ve usually worked. The guys with families wanted to be off, and it didn’t matter to me.”
She put her plate down and ran her arm though his. “I’m so glad you had the crew.”
“You’ve made this a perfect Christmas Day.” He tugged her against his shoulder.
“Come on. We’ll say we’re stopping by the station, which won’t be a lie.”
“You sure you’re ready?” He wanted her to enjoy her day, but it didn’t look like she’d get to spend much time with her brother considering all the guests.
A secretive smile creased her lips. “I’m ready to get back to the Christmas tree.”
Hell, yeah.
* * * *
Jo warmed as Ray’s eyes paled. His stare reminded her of earlier in the morning. They found Sarah and Bobby in the kitchen, surrounded by well-wishers.
Sarah caught her elbow. “I want you to meet my partner.” She turned to the man standing beside her. “Nate, this is Jo. Bobby’s sister.”
His spongy handshake forced Jo to wipe her palm on her jeans.
“Ahh, defamed surfer turned fire girl.” The slender man offered a scant smile.
“Nate!” Sarah swatted him.
What had she ever done to him? His narrow nose only made his eyes appear closer together. Unruly blond hair curled at his ears.
Bobby turned from another guest wearing a frown.
Her lover’s hand rode protectively at her back as he towered over the little ferret. “Ray Andrews.” The jeweler’s knuckles ground together in her lover’s gargantuan palm. She’d never seen Ray use his size or strength to intimidate, but found his protectiveness endearing and sexy.
“Wimp turned jewelry boy, right?”
“Gemologist,” Nate winched.
He had to be good at gemology or she couldn’t understand Sarah tolerating such a man.
“Whatever.” Ray’s tone bordered on violence.
“Ray’s a firefighter, too, and a friend of Bobby’s.” Sarah latched on to Bobby’s elbow.
Nate flexed his fingers.
“In fact, we’re on our way to take some goodies to his station for the crew.” Jo kissed Bobby’s cheek. Then she ushered her man away from certain jail time. Her poor brother. He’d be constantly subjected to the skinny prick.
Back in the Hummer, Ray lowered the windows and punched on the stereo. “Can you believe that guy?”
Buckling her seatbelt, she laughed. “I believe jewelry boy’s sore knuckles will be reminding him of your handshake for a day or so.”
“You really brought food to take by the station?” He started the truck.
She produced two coconut pies from a bag behind her seat. He shouldn’t have been surprised. She’d learned from a young age to never visit a firehouse without bringing food.
