"I sure as hell hope so. I feel like we've driven halfway across the country this afternoon and I don't feel like tackling the other half. Even if this isn't State College, I vote we stop for the night."
"And here I figured you'd want to bang down the door of the university president and get right to work."
Erika burst out laughing at the disgruntled look on Aiden's face. Poor baby, he deserved everything he got for dragging her out into the middle of nowhere to find a kid whose father may not care what happens to him.
Wouldn't that serve him right for one-upping her with the colonel? She almost wished it on him except for the fact they couldn't afford the wasted time. Now that they were here, she hoped his instincts panned out.
"Do you want to eat first or find a motel?” So much for waiting for her vote on whether or not they stopped. He'd already made up his mind.
"Let's find a motel. We can always get restaurant recommendations at the front desk.” When she wasn't able to stay at an AFSA house, Erika usually discovered the hidden secrets of a town by asking the motel staff.
Aiden navigated the busy street. The traffic increased as they got closer to town. Pulling into the parking lot of a national chain, he parked in front of the main entrance. Erika hopped out of the car, waiting for Aiden to come around. His arm snaked around her waist as he stepped to her side, propelling her forward through the automatic doors.
"Good evening, sir, ma'am.” An attractive young woman worked the desk. Her eyes lit up as she admired Aiden, her gaze lingering on his jean-clad crotch.
"We'd like a room, please."
The young woman smiled at Aiden and batted her eyelashes. The tramp.
Not that Erika blamed her one bit for admiring his incredible body. His polo shirt clung to his sculpted chest and flat stomach, the sleeves cutting across his biceps, making them look even more pronounced. His jeans rested on his hips and showcased the muscular length of his legs. The poor woman would probably swallow her tongue when she caught a glimpse of his ass. If the body wasn't enough to have her panting, his mega-watt smile and killer eyes could render a woman speechless. Not to mention the dimple in his strong chin that made Erika want to suck on it and twirl her tongue in it. Aiden Greene was a first class hottie. No doubt about it, the years had been very good to him.
To his credit, Aiden was polite but nothing more as the clerk fawned all over him.
"One room or two?"
She didn't have to look so hopeful when asking if they wanted separate rooms.
"One.” Erika leaned closer to Aiden's side as she answered. Small and petty, but it made her feel better. But she wasn't jealous. No way, no how.
"With a king-sized bed.” His hand slid up her side, pausing just below her breast.
She looked up and caught him smiling at her, mischief sparkling in his eyes. A not-so-discreet cough broke the mood and focused her attention back where it belonged. Handing over her credit card and matching fake driver's license, she attempted to block out the glide of a large masculine hand on her back.
"Darling, if you'll wait here, I'll bring in our luggage.” His breath tickled her ear as he leaned close. The look in his eyes as he backed away left no doubt that he'd make her pay for that unexpected bout of possessiveness. By the time he returned, she'd managed to focus the clerk's attention on her job and gotten directions to a couple of restaurants in the downtown district and a recommendation for breakfast.
Twenty minutes later, she and Aiden sat across from each other in an airy, casual dining room decorated with a brass hippopotamus head on the wall. Erika couldn't help but notice the groups of young people at the other tables. Very young people. When did college students get so young? The girls with their perfect hair and perky boobs garbed in trendy clothes. Aiden noticed, too, even if he pretended not to see all the young hard bodies in the room. He'd have to be deaf, dumb, and blind to miss them. They sure as hell noticed him. Why was it that a thirty-five year old man still drew the attention of women, but a thirty-four year old woman was practically invisible to men? Because none of the men were checking her out.
Oh, who the hell was she kidding? She'd been practically invisible to men since the day she was born. Her father took one look at a vagina that wasn't a penis and that was the end of that. She wasn't a boy, so she didn't matter. After years of infertility, her mother had finally gotten pregnant and then had the audacity to have a girl. Erika spent her childhood trying to be a boy, attempting unsuccessfully to gain her father's attention. By the time she reached middle school, she was one of the boys. By the time high school rolled around, those same boys didn't notice her and even if they did, her intelligence sent them running. At the Air Force Academy and in active duty, being one of the boys worked in her professional favor. Not her personal favor.
More than anything, Erika wanted to be thought of as a woman—a smart, strong, capable, sexy woman. She wanted a man to look at her the way the guys at the table in the corner looked at the co-eds all around them, like she was a big tall frosted mug of beer set down in front of a fraternity brother.
Good grief. Here she sat feeling sorry for herself because she wasn't twenty-one anymore when Aiden's daughter was enduring God-knows-what.
She jumped in her chair when Aiden drew her hand to his mouth and sucked on her inner wrist. “A dollar for your thoughts."
"You're awfully generous."
"I'll just tack it onto the government's tab.” His smile made her want to throw him down on the table and have her way with him right in the middle of the restaurant. “Would you like to go for a walk? It's a pleasant night."
"It's been a long day. I'd rather just go back to the hotel and hash out our game plan."
He shrugged his shoulder, but he looked at her as if he knew something was bothering her.
She ignored him as she paid the check and they prepared to leave. He continued to look at her as if he could read her mind. Not a comforting thought. As they exited the restaurant and rounded the corner to the parking lot, he laced his fingers through hers. The simple contact sent shocks up her arm and down her spine. A warm glow followed behind it.
They needed to establish an objective and achieve it, yesterday if possible. Samantha was counting on them.
How on earth were they going to make decisions about the plans for this assignment when the only thought on Erika's mind was riding Aiden like a bull in a one night rodeo?
* * * *
Erika had been acting strangely all evening and Aiden had had about all he planned to take. It started when the front desk clerk undressed him with her eyes. She'd have been less obvious if she'd ripped off her shirt and yelled, “Fuck me, big boy!"
"So.” She tossed her key on the desk. “What time do we meet with the university president in the morning?"
Oh hell no. He wasn't having any of that. He had enough to worry about without Erika freaking out on him. “So, what do you say you tell me what's wrong?"
She stared at him like a law student unprepared for class, only to be called on to discuss irrevocable contracts. Not a pleasant feeling for any first year law school student.
Her mouth opened and shut twice before she spoke. “Nothing's wrong. What makes you think something's wrong?"
Nancy accused him of being emotionally clueless on more than one occasion during their divorce, accusing him of never noticing her moods. He sure as hell noticed Erika's.
"I may be a man, but I'm not stupid.” At least not at this very moment, anyway. Women were a goddamn mystery, so that could change in two shakes of a squid's dick. “Talk to me."
His swift strides carried him to her and he gathered her in his arms before she had a chance to react, to pull away. He had to get her back in the game. He needed her at the top of her form.
Perfect. She felt absolutely perfect in his arms.
She shook her head, tipping her cheek until it rubbed against his chest. He threaded his fingers through her hair, plucking out the large bobby pins that held her i
nfernal bun in place. As he finger-combed the soft strands, tears dampened the front of his shirt. Dammit to hell. He was going to make her tell him what was wrong if he had to ... if he was forced to—
Well, shit, how did a guy get a woman to talk? Please, dear God, let it be easier than getting her to shut up in the middle of a soccer game.
"I'm almost thirty-five,” she wailed.
"Oh, is that all?” Phew.
"Is that all? Is that all?” She sucker punched him in the gut and took a step back. “I'm not twenty-one anymore, in case you hadn't noticed."
Fuck. He doubled over, gasping for air. Treading dangerous waters, he wondered if it was too late to take back his question. This was worse than being asked if her butt looked fat. Finally able to stand up straight, he took a good look at Erika. She really was upset about her age. Maybe something more. Searching back through the evening, Aiden remembered the way she'd acted at dinner, the way she'd watched everyone dining around them. Sometimes, he wasn't as stupid as his ex-wife assumed.
"No, honey, you're not a twenty-one year old girl.” Fire flared in her eyes, sending him scrambling to hold her hands before she punched him again. “You're a thirty-four year old woman."
"Gee, thanks for reminding me. I'd almost forgotten there for a nanosecond."
"Will you let me finish?” He tugged her over to the chair, pulling her into his lap when he sat down. “Back at the Academy, you were beautiful. I noticed you on the very first day when we arrived for in-processing. But now. Wow. You're gorgeous. Your confidence and experience have added a level to your beauty that no barely-legal co-ed can match."
Her body melted, relaxing against his chest. Yes. He mentally pumped his fist in the air.
"You didn't notice all those perky boobs and firm asses in the restaurant?"
Of course he had. He was a guy. But they hadn't appealed to him beyond a hey-those-are-coed-tits-and-asses-over-there kind of way. “The only boobs I care about are yours and the only ass I want to see is on my lap right now."
She cocked an eyebrow at him, not quite believing him. The time had come for him to open up and share with her. He doubted the AFSA dossier had been this thorough.
"You know Nancy and I divorced almost two years ago.” He waited for her to acknowledge his comment, then continued. “What you didn't know is that we hadn't been intimate since about three months before the twins were born, partly due to the doctor told us to stop having sex and mostly because Nancy was fed up with me.” With the tip of his finger under her chin, he forced her to look at him. “Before you and I made love the other night, I hadn't been with a woman in three years."
Wide eyes stared at him. Yeah, well, he couldn't believe it either. It just sort of happened.
"Nancy kicked me out of the bedroom and never let me back in. I remained faithful to her until the divorce. She had every right to call me some really bad names, but I had no intention of adding adulterer to that list. After the divorce, any number of women made it very clear that they were available. I couldn't picture myself taking off my clothes in front of any of them. I just couldn't see myself making love to any of them. There were all types—the young law school intern, the newly divorced paralegal. It didn't matter. I even had a secretary hide under my desk and offer to suck me off. I wasn't interested.
"And then you showed up out of the blue. I spent that first day with a constant hard-on.” Her body shook as he held her tight. “Don't laugh at me, it's true. Suddenly, I pictured myself making love again. And again and again. To you."
"Yeah, right. I'm an ex-virgin with no experience. Hardly a match for any man."
"Oh, honey, you have no idea how innately beautiful and sexual you are."
He stood her on her feet between his spread knees and spanned her waist with his hands. The shine in her eyes and her rapid blinking clued him in to the fact that she fought back tears. Baring his soul was worth it if it made her feel better about herself.
"You are more beautiful than any Victoria's Secret model I've ever seen. Trust me, I've jerked off to quite a few."
As she giggled, her hair spilled over her shoulders. As much as he hated that bun she always wore, he liked the thought that he was the only one privileged to see her chocolate brown hair in all its glory.
With trembling fingers, he plucked at the buttons on her blouse, exposing her breasts to his hungry gaze. When the last one came free, he pushed the garment off her shoulders and let it fall to the floor. Right at eye level were two of the most magnificent mounds of flesh he'd ever seen, covered by see-through lace.
"Your breasts are simply amazing."
Either she was cold or his words had the desired effect on her. Leaning forward, he covered her stiff nipple, sucking on it through the sheer fabric. Turning his attention to the other one, he reached behind her to unhook the strap, freeing her. Her breast sagged into his hand, right where it was meant to be.
Reluctantly, he released the breast he cradled. His fingers skimmed down her belly, tugging on her dog tags, down to the waistband of her jeans. The hand at her back traced along her waist to join its partner in the front. He made short work of the button and zipper so he could strip them off her body. She toed off her sneakers to help him.
He glanced up to find her watching him, intensity bright in her eyes, but not quite enough to mask the desire. No twenty-one-year old ever looked at him that way—just her look enough to send him over the edge. If making love to Erika helped her shake whatever bit her, he'd happily do so all night.
"Your belly is flat; the flare of your hips is so sexy. But this, oh this, is enough to make me beg."
He hooked his fingers in her panties, pulling them down far enough to expose the dark tuft of hair at the juncture of her thighs. The scent of aroused pussy filled the air, causing his poor trapped cock to beg for relief. Not yet. This was about Erika.
"I could eat you out all day. I love the way you taste."
She shivered as he stroked the backs of his fingers over her, teasing her clit. Tension vibrated from her body as she waited for him to do something, anything.
"You are the most beautiful woman I know. If I have to make love to you all night long to prove it to you, then that's the price I'm willing to pay."
On a shriek of laughter, Aiden scooped her in his arms and tossed her on the bed. She bounced twice, coming to rest with her arms at her sides. He made quick work of her panties, leaving her gloriously naked. A simple tug sent his shirt flying to the floor with her clothes.
"Aren't you going to take off your jeans?” She licked her lips, her gaze locked on his crotch.
Nope. If he got near Erika naked, the commander-in-chief down there would demand they make love. First, he had to prove to her just how beautiful he found her. He thanked his lucky stars the men she worked with were too blind or stupid or both to appreciate the woman in bed with him. “I'm not ready to take them off yet."
Stretching out beside her, Aiden trailed his hand up her arm, over her shoulder, following the curve of her neck. His hand continued its journey back down until it reached a breast. Palming it, the nipple poked at him.
"They sag.” Her whisper tugged at his heart. He noticed that she snugged her free arm against her body, propping up her other breast.
"They fit perfectly into my hands.” Flexing his fingers, he emphasized his point.
Leaning down, he pressed his lips to hers, softly, reverently. He teased the corners of her mouth. He prayed the kiss conveyed the emotions he felt. When she moaned, he covered her body completely with his but still held back the passion roiling inside of him. She increased the tempo of their play, pushing up to meet him, delving deep with her tongue. He allowed her to take the lead, to taste him. Being braced on his forearms left his hands free to cup her cheeks, his fingers tangling in her hair as he sank into the kiss.
The next thing he knew, he found himself flat on his back, naked, staring up at the ceiling. Erika loomed over him, perched on his stomach, looking wild and
untamed. His cock throbbed, brushing against her butt.
"I decided I want to be on top.” Her voice was husky and rough as she struggled to catch her breath.
"Your wish is my command.” He spread his arms out to the side in supplication and waited to see what was in store for him based on the gleam in her eyes.
* * * *
Erika stared down at Aiden, pinned beneath her, awaiting her next move. She'd had to do something. She'd felt so vulnerable after dinner, and dammit, Aiden had actually picked up on her mood. Then, instead of acting like a typical male, he'd gone and been supportive, understanding, utterly romantic. In his arms, she felt beautiful.
Falling. She'd felt herself freefalling for Aiden Greene all over again. It was one thing to love him, it was another thing entirely to fall in love with him again. That was one place she couldn't go with him. He hadn't changed. Loving Aiden would mean changing and she had no intention of reinventing her life for him.
Would it be so bad? Part of her wanted to do anything to stay by his side now that she was back with him.
Yes, dammit, it would be bad. Not to mention, it wouldn't work. She liked who she'd become at the Academy and during her years of active duty and no man was worth sacrificing herself and her identity for.
Instead of allowing him to control the tempo of their lovemaking and risk the emotional equivalent of a plunge from the Empire State Building, she'd opted to seize the initiative.
Aiden didn't seem to mind, judging by the erection nudging at her from behind.
With a sinful wiggle against his rock-solid abs, she raked her nails from his elbows to his armpits. He rewarded her with another poke.
"You're so wet, Erika. I can feel your hot pussy burning me. Put me inside you."
"I don't think you're in any position to be giving orders, do you?” She knew he had the strength to flip her whenever he chose. Curiosity reigned, wondering if he'd do it or if he'd play along.
"Maybe not, but I can feel how much you want me. I can smell how horny you are."
His hands came up, gripping her waist, their heat scorching her. Her thighs clenched together involuntarily in a futile effort to quench the throbbing in her clit. There was no denying how much she craved him and his long thick dick filling her, stretching her. Only he could fill the emptiness.
The Class of '93 Trilogy: Deadly Briefs Page 17
