Erika fished around in the cupboards, providing him with a mouth-watering, dick-hardening view of her ass. The nylon fabric thwarted him, clinging to the lower curve of her butt cheek but not revealing the flesh. Every time she stretched, the t-shirt inched up over her shorts, cursing him with a glimpse of toned belly.
Great, just fine fucking wonderful. How was he supposed to help get dinner on the table without her seeing his hard-on?
"Aha. Found them. If you want to take the food over to the table, I'll grab plates and silverware.” Erika called out, her back still toward him.
Thank heaven for small mercies. Grabbing the colander and pot, he seated himself in a chair just as she turned around. Now he just had to concentrate on the meal until he could slip away to the bathroom.
"It's certainly not fancy.” He gestured to the food as she sat down.
"It's nice not to have to do the cooking or eat take out."
For the first time since the ordeal began, Aiden thought of the life Erika led. This wasn't the first time she bounced from safe house to safe house. Her comfort level, even at a strange house, confirmed that. Hell, she probably spent more time on the road than at home, wherever that was located. The Air Force Security Agency conducted numerous missions in support of special operations and sometimes conducted special operations missions themselves. He'd had AFSA backup during his foray into Cancuen. Maybe if she'd been his liaison, the whole disaster could have been avoided. According to Marilyn, she was one of the best officers around. That level of devotion and talent didn't surprise him. She'd shown it even at the Academy. It was what had rocketed her to the top of their class and assured her one of the only slots available in the AFSA.
So why had he been so quick to dismiss her skills, drive, and ambitions when he'd proposed to her right before graduation?
Because, his father's voice boomed in his head, a woman's job is to raise a family and support her man. Because, for some asinine reason, he thought he'd fail his father if he didn't marry a girl like dear old Mom. Talk about being young and stupid.
Erika had been right to turn him down. She'd been destined for so much more. A sense of unwarranted pride washed over him at the thought of her accomplishments. He longed to see her in her full dress uniform, her numerous medals adorning her chest a testament to her success.
At least then he'd have an excuse for staring.
Forcing himself back to the conversation at hand, he pushed all other thoughts aside. “I've gotten used to fending for myself since the divorce. It's not fancy but certainly functional.” The lack of emotion in his voice rang in his ears. Doubtless Erika heard it as well; he doubted she missed much.
Not that his emotions or lack thereof were any of Erika's concern. His ex was the only one concerned with his lack of emotional investment in their marriage. She'd asked him once why he'd married her. He couldn't answer. So she'd asked why he'd married at all when his heart wasn't committed. The better question, and another one he couldn't answer at the time.
He knew the answer now, not that his ex would want to hear it.
As he stared across the small oval table, he watched Erika, intent on twirling the perfect amount of noodles onto her fork. She must have been unsatisfied since she shook the pasta off twice before finally lifting the utensil to her lips. A small tomato piece stuck at the corner of her mouth. Wanting nothing more than to lick away the chunk, he leaned forward, catching himself at the last minute.
Once upon a time, she'd wished him dead, wished him a horrific and painful death, actually, preferably one that included castration. Even if she'd managed to move on, succeeding where he hadn't, and had forgiven him, the odds of her being receptive to any intimate overture on his part were slim to nonexistent. Not that he planned on making anything other than dinner.
Oh, yeah. They needed to finish up dinner so he could spank the monkey.
"You make a mean spaghetti.” She swiped at the offending tomato with her napkin. “You've taught yourself well."
The simple praise warmed him. He mumbled a thanks.
"Tell me more about what you've been doing with yourself."
"You have a dossier on me so thorough that it probably included the last time I jerked off.” Shit, that slipped out.
She laughed off the gaff. “It had the last time you pooped, but not the last time you jerked off. So why don't we start there and work our way backwards?"
His imagination taunted him, tormented him, by thinking that she flirted with him. The soft smile and twinkling eyes were wishful thinking, nothing more. Her nipples poked against the soft fabric due to the air conditioning, nothing more.
"How long did you stay in the Air Force?"
"I did my five and got out.” Memories of that final mission pitted against Sonny in his hometown banged on the protective wall he'd hidden them behind, threatening to escape.
"And then what?"
"Well, there's not much of a civilian market for counter-narcotics intelligence officers fluent in Spanish. So I did what any respecting guy with absolutely no discernible civilian skills would do. I went to law school."
"Is that where you met your wife?"
"Ex-wife.” He refused to acknowledge why it mattered that she understand he was no longer married. “Yes. She was dating one of the guys in my study group. We just sort of ended up dating and got married at the end of our first year.” Looking back on it, he realized there hadn't been any great passion but more of a “why the hell not?” mentality. At least on his part. Poor Nancy. She deserved better. In fact, she'd said that toward the end.
"What sort of law do you practice?"
"The fast-paced, adrenaline junky rush of corporate compliance.” Good God, not only had his life become stale, but his professional life was a regular snooze-fest as well.
After his encounter with Sonny, he'd done everything in his power to walk the straight and narrow, safe and dull, life. At the time, he'd thought he'd had enough excitement during his five years of active duty to last him for the rest of his life. Now he wasn't so sure. He felt more alive in the past twenty-four hours than he'd felt since he got out of the Air Force.
Whether it was the run-for-dear-life driving tour of the United Stated or Erika's presence, he didn't know.
"I'm sure it's a very necessary field of practice."
No one had flirted with him in years, not that he'd noticed, but when Erika leaned forward, pushing her breasts together to put them on display, and smiled shyly, even he knew she was trying to reel him in like a fish on a hook.
But then again, he might be wrong and his little head might be trying to spin things in his direction.
Was he stupid enough to find out?
* * * *
Erika listened with interest as Aiden answered her questions, even the ones he'd answered yesterday in their initial trip. Yes, she did have a file on him. The AFSA had been thorough in their investigation and in briefing her. Nothing compared to hearing it from his own lips and watching the emotions on his face. And sometimes, the lack of emotion, especially when he talked about his ex-wife.
At least she didn't have to worry about seducing a man who still had feelings for his former spouse.
An ache bloomed in the vicinity of her heart when his face lit up and his eyes sparkled at the mere mention of his twins. She pushed away the part of her that wondered about the children they'd have had if she hadn't refused his proposal. Stomping down the part of her that felt jealous at the bond he'd forever share with Nancy, she lost herself in that special place he'd have in her life if she succeeded in getting him in bed with her.
Judging by the bulge she'd glimpsed over the course of dinner, the task promised to be an easy one.
Determined to drive him wild, she scooped up the empty dinner plates and strutted over to the sink. She wiggled her butt, rewarded by a low groan rumbling from the direction of the table. Aiden's desire spurred her to flaunt the curves she normally concealed. Turning on the hot water, she filled the sin
k until the dishes were covered with soapsuds. She used the brush to clean the sauce off the plates and allowed her unbound breasts to sway.
"Would you like some help?"
Her nipples tingled as she brushed the side of her breast against his arm in a gesture meant to appear accidental. The seam of the shorts stroked her lower lips, increasing her desire and the moisture pooling between her legs. “I'd love some help.” She prayed her voice conveyed the double entendre she intended. She was new to this game, more accustomed to keeping men at bay.
They cleaned the kitchen in an erotic silence, punctuated by soft moans. She accidentally on purpose splashed water on her shirt, delighting in his pained expression when it became transparent. She slid in front of Aiden as he dried the dishes, brushing against his straining zipper. His body shuddered behind her, his warm breath brushing her ear as he sighed in frustration. She bumped her breasts along his back as she moved behind him to put a pot away.
If he didn't grab her and throw her down soon, she'd melt into a puddle of lust at his feet. Her accidental contact worked her desire to a fevered pitch. She needed him to make love to her now.
"I think I'll go take a shower now, if that's all right with you."
No. It wasn't all right with her. The only thing he needed to take was her.
Gazing into his eyes for the first time since she'd started her little game, the depth of need shining in the intense gray shook her. He wanted her as much as she craved him. For some reason, he wasn't going to make the first move. Fine. She'd come this far, she'd go all the way.
"Sure, enjoy your shower.” She'd make damn sure he did.
She watched as his tight butt disappeared down the hall, biting back a chuckle as he tried his best not to let her see the hard-on trapped behind the zipper. She'd give him just long enough to undress and step behind the shower curtain. Then she'd pounce.
The click of the bathroom door shutting drew her attention. She hoped he hadn't locked the door, but it didn't matter. The simple device wouldn't keep her out, she could pick her way into a room with the best of them. It would, however, make her presence in the room a bit trickier to explain and alert him to her true purpose.
The clang of the water moving through the pipes set her pulse racing. Her imagination worked overtime at the thought of all that water cascading over his naked body. She imagined his penis erect and bobbing in front of him, in desperate need of attention. Did he plan to jerk off? That was one plan she'd gladly interrupt. Memories of him hot and hard in her hands teased her. Mouthwatering memories of him coming down her throat revved her need to join him under the warm spray. They'd only managed stolen moments and afternoons when they'd been cadets.
Tonight, they had the whole evening stretched out in front of them.
She rapped on the door as she opened it. “Close your eyes, I'm coming in."
"Huh?"
"I don't know, it sounded good. I hope you don't mind, but I have something in my eye and this is the best light in the house."
"Sure, no problem.” His voice shook as he spoke.
Just wait, she thought as she shucked off her shirt and shorts. If he's rattled now, he'll bust a nut in a minute.
Erika's chest rose as she drew a deep breath, sending her gaze to her breasts. She'd resented the damn things from the moment they sprouted on her chest. Men's eyes rarely made it to her face, fixating on them instead and making it freaking difficult to be taken seriously in a world filled with testosterone.
Tonight, she intended to embrace the power of her breasts.
Beating down the butterflies taking flight in her stomach, she tugged back the shower curtain and stepped into the spray.
"What the fu—"
"Surprise.” She pasted on what she hoped was her most seductive smile and looked Aiden in the eyes. Desire warred with confusion as he raked his gaze over her naked body. Goosebumps erupted on her skin as his eyes traveled from tip to toe, as arousing as a caress. Returning the favor, she admired his glistening form. Her appraisal stopped at his bobbing erection, jutting out in front of him. Oh my. Her memory hadn't failed her. He was as magnificent in the flesh as he'd been in her dreams.
"Erika, I'm not sure—"
"I'm sure enough for the both of us.” Pressing the tip of her index finger to his lips, she leaned close, the tip of his erection butting her abdomen. “Don't think.” God knew she lost the ability of thought at the slight touch of his penis. “Just feel.” She wiggled in closer, pressing the hard length of him between them.
"God, Erika. I'm not sure enough for the both of us. Don't do this. We can't do this."
"Sure we can.” Punctuating her words with a sensuous glide of flat belly along throbbing erection, she locked her eyes with his. “The proof is trapped between us. We're both single, mature adults. You can't tell me you don't want me. I sure as hell want you."
"I don't want to hurt you."
"I'm a big girl, Aiden. How about you let me decide what hurts me?"
Aiden's arms locked around her waist, clutching at her butt with such force that she'd probably have ten little fingerprints in the morning, but she didn't care. Her heart sang as his lips swept down and claimed hers, stealing the breath from her lungs. How could she have forgotten the power of his kiss in the intervening years? His mouth moved over hers, searching for the perfect fit. Her hands roamed over the solid expanse of sculpted chest muscle to his shoulders before tangling in the wet strands of his hair.
Every cell in her body came alive as his tongue traced the seam of her lips, begging for entrance. Taking advantage of her soul-deep moan, he thrust deep within her mouth. A slight hint of tomato sauce lingered in his taste, along with a flavor all his own. She drank it all in, starved for him. Initiating an intimate game of cat and mouse, she captured his tongue and sucked on it before chasing it back to his mouth, where she explored to her heart's content. Every bit of skin and teeth within reach was fair game as she reacquainted herself.
He demanded, commanded, cajoled more from her. His hands came up to frame her face, tilting her head in order to deepen the kiss. Possessing her, he stroked his thumbs along her jaw, opening her further for him. Just when she thought she couldn't breathe, he shared a puff of air with her, encouraging her to continue.
As much as she longed to continue the kiss, she wanted to finish the shower so they could move to the bedroom. If they didn't get horizontal soon, she'd climb his body and impale herself. She backed away from the contact, both of them struggling to catch their breath, and reached for the soap. She worked it into a lather in her hands and set about reacquainting herself with his physique. He'd been in superb condition as a first year cadet, yet to her eyes, he looked even better now. Those trips to the gym she'd witnessed paid off; his body remained as muscular and toned as it had been during their Academy days. Starting at his neck, she trailed her hands over his shoulders and collarbones, then sent her palms skating down his corded arms. He flinched when she soaped up his armpits. She'd forgotten he was ticklish. A quick push succeeded in spinning him around. After a pause to admire his amazing butt out of clothing, she explored his back before she slid her hands down to massage the firm cheeks.
She coaxed him back around, determined to finish the task she set out to complete. After working up a new froth of lather, she caressed his chest. Her thumbs traced teasing circles around his male nipples, a full body shiver resulting from the contact. His or hers, who could tell?
He caught her wrist as she began a descent. “I'll never last if you touch me. I'm about to explode as it is."
A wave of power washed over her with his words. She did a mental happy dance at the knowledge of how deeply she affected him.
After directing him to rinse off, she reached around him to turn off the water. With a swift tug, he yanked open the curtain to grab the towel he'd set out. Before she had a chance to realize what was happening, he'd wrapped it around her and scooped her into his arms.
"Bed. Now."
* * * *
Erika's rapid pulse throbbed wildly, her heart skipped beats as she clung to Aiden. His broad stride ate up the short distance to the bedroom, where he laid her down on top of the comforter. The towel fell open, allowing him to stare at her body. She forced her hands to stay at her sides and not reach for him.
"Good God, you're more beautiful than I remember."
He muttered something that sounded suspiciously like and I've done a lot of remembering.
"Do you have any idea how much I want you?"
She flicked her gaze to his groin and grinned. “He gives me a pretty good indication."
Deep laughter rumbled in his chest. “He only tells part of the story."
"Then why don't you join me and tell me the rest? I love a good bedtime story.” Her arms opened wide, entreating him to join her.
Stretching out beside her, he splayed a warm palm over her belly. “Right now, I feel like the big, bad wolf who's ready to eat you, my dear.” His wicked grin shot sparks straight to the part crying out to be eaten. His face softened as he looked deep into her eyes. “Are you sure this is what you want? Because if it's not, stop me now while I still have a shred of willpower."
"I've been waiting thirteen years for this.” She cupped a beard-roughened cheek and threaded her fingers in his hair. With a slight tug, she brought his mouth down to hers.
This kiss differed from the one in the shower. Instead of trying to dominate her, swallow her whole, he coaxed a response from her. The world narrowed to the two of them stretched out side by side. A world she remembered in stunning detail, as if their last intimate encounter had been hours earlier instead of a lifetime ago.
Her free hand clutched at his hip as she spiraled out of control. His soft lips played at hers, nibbling, sucking, avoiding full contact. The tip of his tongue toyed with her but never requested to enter. He tasted better, sweeter than the most decadent chocolate, with a familiarity that sent her heart galloping and her lust to an unmanageable level.
The Class of '93 Trilogy: Deadly Briefs Page 7
