Tropical Tryst: 25 All New and Exclusive Sexy Reads

by Nicole Morgan

  “Gracias, amigo.”

  “De nada.”

  Jackson thumbed the end call button and headed for the security office in the main lodge. They didn't have Wi-Fi, or even a computer, but they did keep photocopies of every guest's passport and tour schedule. It was as good a place to start as any.

  Jackson was buried up to his elbows in paperwork when his satellite phone chirp to life, a few hours later.

  Shoving files aide, he retrieved the device and a brief message from Renzo. The girls were headed back to the resort, he'd need to finish his research later, and he hadn't found anything useful.

  None of the East Coast guests appeared connected to Jenn in any way. In fact, all but three were there as couples vacationing together.

  Of the three remaining individuals, one was a woman, one an older man, and the last one appeared so obsessed with the jungle insect population, Jackson was sure he must be some kind of science geek. But just in case, he called Mateo back and asked his friend to dig up any additional information he could find on each of them.

  His time in the military had taught him not to underestimate anybody. People could surprise you, usually in the worst way.

  Jackson reached the dock just as Renzo was helping the girls out of the boat. He caught the Peruvian's sharp gaze and gave him a nod, before fading back into the thick shrubs and undergrowth which lined the bank. He didn't want Jenn's potential stalker to catch sight of him.

  He fell into step some distance behind Remi and Jenn, watching each of the vacationers the girls passed, looking for some sign of recognition or interest beyond just a passing nod.

  When he heard the footsteps behind him, he brushed it off as nothing more than a tourist heading in the same direction, until the footsteps sped up.

  He started to whirl towards his attacker, but it was too late, a thick chunk of moss covered wood exploded against the side of his head.

  CHAPTER 5

  It was growing dark as Remi escorted Jenn back down the beach trail towards Jackson’s bungalow. Although he’d claimed he would be shadowing them, Jenn hadn’t once caught sight of the marine among the vacationers milling around the beach or resort grounds.

  Had he been called away by work? She hated to admit it, but she was disappointed and a bit hurt.

  Although she loved spending time with Remi, she’d hoped to spend at least a few minutes alone with Jackson. If for no other reason, then to fantasize about what might have happened if he'd given in to her attempted seduction, and if her best friend hadn’t been around to interrupt them.

  Remi knocked on his bungalow door, then preemptively unlocked it without waiting for an invitation, just as she had that morning. She flipped on the lights and revealed that there was nobody inside to welcome them.

  “Looks like we lost the jerk somewhere back there,” Remi gestured over her shoulder. “I’ll hang out with you until he catches up, okay? We can raid his fridge for beers.”

  “Actually, I think I’m just going to take a shower and go to bed. I didn’t sleep well last night.”

  “Do tell,” Remi bounced her eyebrows suggestively.

  Jenn rolled her eyes. “I wish! Jackson is about as cuddly as a porcupine.”

  “Porcupines still have sex,” Remi shrugged, “they just do it carefully.”

  “The last thing I want, is for him to be any more careful around me.” Jenn sulked.

  “So, you still like him?”

  Jenn raised an eyebrow and squinted suspiciously, making Remi laugh.

  “Fine, don’t admit it. I could see it written all over your face this morning, when he was holding you.”

  “He wasn’t holding me, he was trying to shove me away.”

  “Maybe,” Remi smirked. “Maybe not. Why don’t you tell him how you feel and see what happens?”

  “I did, kind of. He said no.”

  “Seriously? He really turned you down?” Remi looked so sincerely shocked, it made Jenn question her own memory.

  “Why? Did he tell you that he liked me?”

  Remi immediately threw up her hands and shook her head in mock horror.

  “Oh, hell no! There’s no way I would ever tattle on my own flesh and blood, no matter how horribly he’s screwing up his last chance at happiness with the only woman I’ve ever deemed good enough for him.”

  Jenn snickered.

  “Well thanks for nothing.”

  Remi snatched her into a huge bear hug.

  “Try again,” she urged. “He might be able to shoot the fleas off a dog at five hundred yards, but he’s completely blind to human emotions.”

  “Why not?” Jenn snarked, without really committing to having her heart broken again. “Maybe he's attracted to masochistic displays of affection.”

  Remi made a face as she released her, then checked her watch and headed towards the front door.

  “Lock this behind me,” she commanded. “Jackson has a key, so he can let himself in. Are you sure you’ll be okay here alone?”

  “I’m a New Yorker,” Jenn snorted. “I’ll be fine.”

  Remi blew her a kiss as she headed out the door.

  Almost the moment Jenn was alone, she regretted sending her friend away.

  Compared to the noise and chaos of New York, the rainforest felt hushed. It wasn’t exactly silent. Not by a long shot. There were exotic insects and creatures calling to each other from the darkness. Probably birds, or monkeys, or something like that, but not knowing for sure made it eerie. Like the creepy scene in a horror film, just before the serial killer leaped out of the shadows.

  Shrugging off the feeling that she was being watched from the darkness outside the screened bungalow windows, Jenn headed for the bathroom to shower. Maybe the hot water would help her relax enough to get some sleep. She only hoped that Jackson’s claim about the water heater was true.

  The bathroom was small, but clean. A tub and shower combo lined the far wall. To her right was the toilet and a sink with a cupboard underneath and a vanity mirror above.

  Thank goodness, Jackson hadn’t been exaggerating about the upgraded water heater. She stood in the steaming spray of the shower until she finally felt the knots in her neck and shoulder muscles beginning to release, then she flicked the water off and stepped out onto the plush bathroom rug, one of the few accessories Jackson had added to the tiny room.

  There was nothing on the counter, no decorative soaps in a dish near the sink. A quick peek inside the vanity mirror, revealed his toothbrush and other personal hygiene items all neatly on display.

  Jackson kept his living space very clean, organized, and simple. Only the bare necessities. Nothing frilly or frivolous. She suspected it was a hangover from his years in the military.

  She thought of her bathroom at home, where the countertops looked like a chaotic mashup from a bed and bath store. She loved scented lotions, so there were hundreds of bottles scattered around her apartment, many of them accumulating in the bathroom.

  She also left her daily makeup products on the bathroom countertop, for quick access when she was running late for work. Along with hair products and grooming equipment.

  A grin teased at her lips as she considered Jackson’s possible response to coming home and finding all her makeup and girlie accessories scattered across his pristine bathroom countertop. She might do it, just to see what he said.

  Crouching down, she opened the cupboard under the sink, and found a stack of neatly folded white towels. As she selected one from the top of the pile, she discovered that these were not the standard hotel towels she’d expected. They were oversized, luxurious, and incredibly soft.

  She closed the cupboard door and stood up, just as the bathroom door swung open.

  Her first instinct was to defend herself from whomever was on the other side of that opening door, by throwing the only weapon at hand – the towel in her hands. Then she was stumbling backwards, knocking her heels against the edge of the tub and nearly falling into it.

  Thankfully
, one flailing hand caught hold of the shower curtain. It offered just enough support to keep her from tumbling ass over ears into the tub, but tore through three hooks in the process.

  Rough hands caught her around the waist and jerked her upright, into a solid wall of muscles. Jenn tensed for a fight, until she looked up into Jackson’s concerned eyes.

  “Jenn? What the hell?”

  She released her death grip on the plastic shower curtain and slapped ineffectively at his chest.

  “What the hell were you doing, barging into the room like that? You scared me half to death! Don’t you know how to knock?”

  He wasn’t letting go of her. In fact, his hands tightened around her waist, holding her wet, naked body even closer to his own. The concern in his eyes was turning into something else. Something hot and hungry. Something that made her knees weak and awakened a trembling excitement down low in her belly.

  “I guess I’m not used to sharing my home with anyone,” he responded, his sexy lips curling up into a devilish grin. “You threw your towel at me.”

  She tried to scowl, but it was halfhearted at best.

  The puckered peaks of her naked breasts brushed against his shirt and grew even harder. The heat and scent of him filled her with desire. Her body felt flushed and hot, despite the cool air now filling the bathroom.

  “Jackson…?” She wasn’t sure if it was a question or a plea. All she knew was that if he didn’t do something or say something soon, she was going to spontaneously combust. Standing there, naked, in his arms, she felt too vulnerable. As if her heart were as exposed as her body. It was both torturous and heavenly.

  His hands slid down her hips, and Jenn’s breath caught in her throat. The feel of his large, strong hands closing around her butt was the single most erotic thing she’d ever experienced.

  Jackson muttered a filthy curse as he squeezed her bottom and pulled her tight against him, where she could feel the very hard proof of his arousal. He wasn’t smiling now, the look on his face was almost pained.

  “Damn it, Jenn.” His voice was guttural and harsh. “I want you so bad.”

  “Then take me,” she whispered in challenge, though barely capable of words.

  She could hardly breath through the need that was coursing through her body. They were so close. Only his clothing kept her from having him. All of him.

  She had waited so long for the heat of his powerful body moving over her. Inside of her.

  His forehead dipped to touch hers as he closed his eyes, his face a tortured mask of need.

  “It’s not safe,” he began, but Jenn didn't want to hear any more excuses. Reaching up, she caught his face between her trembling hands, and pressed her lips to his.

  His hands tightened on her ass, as a hungry, furious, helpless moan echoed up from his chest. Despite the chaste, sweet nature of her kiss, Jenn felt a violent shiver rip through his body.

  Then something seemed to snap inside him and he was devouring her mouth, hungry and greedy, taking everything she was offering and demanding more. Not once breaking contact with her mouth, Jackson firmly seized her hips and lifted her up.

  Jenn wrapped her legs around his waist, as he carried her out of the bathroom and into the bedroom. She was almost frightened by the fierce, feral need that she could feel radiating from the man who held her.

  Jackson had always come across as a model of military discipline and self-control, she’d never suspected the potent depth of his passion.

  He lowered her to the bed, but hovered above her, bracing himself on the elbow pillowing her head.

  She felt another harsh shudder rip through his body as he looked down at her, his eyes blazing with desire.

  “I need you to be sure, Jenn,” He growled, his tone begging her to send him away.

  “I’m not going to be satisfied with just one night,” he warned. “If you give yourself to me, I’m going to keep you. You’ll belong to me. Only me. I won’t share and I won’t let you go. You better be damned sure this is what you want.”

  His breath feathered over her lips, as his words sent waves of erotic fire licking straight down to her core. She didn’t really believe that he’d keep her forever, but she was going to take as much as he was willing to give.

  “I’m sure.”

  With those words, his defenses were shattered, and years of pent-up passion was set free.

  JENN TRACED the tattoo on Jackson's chest, directly over his heart.

  An eagle, a world globe, and an anchor.

  Her lifetime friendship with Remi, meant she’d seen his tattoo before and knew that it represented the insignia worn by the United States Marine Corps, but she’d never seen it so up close and personal.

  It was beautifully drawn, with a waving American flag as the background, and the eagle’s mighty wings spreading up towards the heavens, as if it might tear itself free of his flesh and soar away.

  He caught her hand and lifted it to his lips, kissing her fingertips before resting them back on his chest. He was still breathing heavily and she could feel the powerful beating of his heart beneath her palm.

  She was almost in awe of the situation.

  For years she’d wanted him, now she was naked in his arms, her body still trembling from the pleasure he’d given her.

  She was almost afraid to speak, because it might break the spell, but she really needed to hear him say that what they’d just done wasn’t a huge mistake.

  “What you said before, about not being satisfied with just one night, was that true?”

  He groaned and peeked down at her with a serious expression, but a twinkle in his eyes that she recognized from when they’d been teenagers and he’d been teasing Remi.

  “Wow, really? I know I’m out of practice, but I didn’t think I was that bad.”

  She laughed.

  “You know you rocked my world.”

  He gave a roguish grin.

  “Yeah, I know.”

  “So, did you mean it?” She pressed. “Were you serious about keeping me for more than one night?”

  He rolled up onto his elbow, and because she’d been lying half on top of him, she ended up on her back, with his naked body partially blanketing hers. His grin was gone now, as he met her gaze and traced the curve of her hip with his free hand.

  His touch made her tremble all over again.

  “Yes. I’ve denied myself for too long. I warned you, Jenn. This isn’t a game to me. Believe me when I say, I plan to do everything I can to keep you, for as long as I can. One night won’t be enough. Not by a fucking long shot.”

  “Good.” She couldn’t help but smile at how solemnly he’d made his declaration. As if she might protest his desire.

  His sexy mouth slowly curved up into a smile as his hand skimmed lower, making her breath catch and her body hum with renewed excitement.

  “I’m glad you agree,” he purred wickedly, dipping his head to nibble at her neck. “Because I plan to spend all night doing nasty things to this pretty little body of yours, starting with this…”

  CHAPTER 6

  J ackson stood in the tiny bungalow bathroom and inspected the swollen bruise over his left ear. His hair was just long enough to hide it, but whoever had been holding the other end of that log had meant business.

  He would have preferred to stay in bed all day, making love to Jenn over and over again. Now that he’d had a taste, he wasn’t sure if he could ever get enough of her. She was a passionate lover, but she was also an incredibly strong woman, with a good heart and a desire to protect others.

  He suspected that was the reason she hadn’t told Remi about her stalker, and he could understand. He often preferred to keep his sister in the dark, rather than cause her any unnecessary worry. Not that Remi was in any way incapable of handling stress, his sister was a freak of nature when it came to stressful situations, which was why she made such a good manager for the resort.

  No matter what chaos the patrons threw at her feet, Remi always managed to fi
nd a solution, but he didn’t see any reason to add to that stress, which was why he hadn’t told his sister or Jenn about being ambushed the night before.

  He’d meant to call the village police after he’d arrived home, but then he’d walked in on Jenn in the bathroom. The sight of her naked body had instantly cleared the remaining fog in his head, and driven away all thought, except for his need to possess her.

  He’d spent all night tasting and touching her, memorizing all of the most sensitive, erotic places on her body. He’d loved how eager and adventurous she’d been, seeking to give him just as much pleasure as she was receiving.

  One thing was for sure, he wouldn’t be ready to let her go after just three weeks. Hell, he could spend a lifetime making love to her and it would never be enough, but he doubted she was ready to hear that yet.

  For so many years he’d forced himself to just focus on the next mission, the next deployment. Then finding a place for himself civilian life and caring for Remi. Now he was thinking ahead, to what the future might be like, if Jenn were a permanent fixture in it.

  He peeked through the bedroom door to assure that she was still asleep, before stepping out of the bungalow to make a few phone calls.

  He needed to alert Mateo and Alejandro to the attack. Clearly, Jenn's stalker was still in the area, and Jackson's efforts to shadow the girls had not gone unnoticed.

  After trading off the facts with his team, he broke down and alerted the Policía Nacional del Perú.

  Although officers of the law preferred not to step into jungle village problems, they could be vigilant when it came to protecting tourists, because tourism was such a vital part of the economy.

  The officers immediately demanded that Jackson to come to the nearest station for them to take photographic evidence of his injury, but he didn’t want to leave Jenn alone for even a moment. Instead, he mollified them with assurances that he already had a team of security professionals searching for the culprit.