Caught

by Brandy Walker

  What really surprised Laurel was how easy it was to talk to Quin on the phone after they got beyond the slow start. She only experienced a few minutes of panic when he basically demanded she come out for the jump and go over the pictures with him in person. She would have been fine letting him send her everything and sifting through it all after the fact. Actually, she probably would have been happier doing it that way, content to work on other projects and keep her mind off of him. Instead, she spent her days looking at too many pictures that included Quin, which led to her falling asleep with him fresh in her memory.

  Hopefully, when she showed up Friday morning, none of those nightly dreams would show on her face and she would be able to talk to him as easily in person as she had on the phone. All without blushing or nervously biting her lip.

  She was still getting used to her renewed awareness of Quin. In her mind, he was the one who got away. The guy who drifted into her thoughts, as she wondered what he was up to throughout the years.

  It was best to focus on what she knew was going to happen. Quin was going to take aerial photos, they were going to go over them to make sure nothing was missed, and then she would say thank you and goodbye. That was it. Nothing. More!

  Packing the rest of her gear, she lined the bags up by the front door next to the cooler of snacks she’d packed earlier. She was ready to go and desperately needed to head to bed, even if it was a bit early for her. Three-thirty came awfully early in the morning, and no matter how excited she was about completing the project…that was a horrible time to get up!

  Flipping the light off in her room, she eased beneath the cool covers on her bed. As soon as her head hit the pillow and she closed her eyes, images of Quin filled her mind. She was no longer surprised when it happened. She let the fantasy of him slowly making his way down her body drag her under into sweet oblivion.

  Overly loud music yanked Laurel from her dreams. Quin was just about to bring her to orgasm when she jolted upright. Clutching her hand to her chest, she tried to steady her breathing.

  “Fuck, right when I was about to climax!”

  She flopped back and waited for her heart to stop racing before rolling out of bed. Stumbling to the bathroom, she got ready for what was bound to be a long, hot day. A day that started too damn early for her.

  Thirty minutes later, a piece of peanut butter toast was consumed; a cup of coffee downed, a thermos of coffee brewed and the car packed. All that was left to do was lock up and head out.

  Butterflies took flight in her stomach the minute she sat behind the wheel of the SUV. The thought of seeing Quin so soon after he rolled out of bed and knowing she would be working with him all day made her light-headed and giddy. She’d never spent any real time with him when she’d been on the drop zone before. The one and only encounter they had was when he almost landed on her. She was so out of it, concentrating on getting shots of everyone as they landed, she didn’t even realize she was in danger of being landed on.

  At the last minute he was able steer clear of her, landing a few feet away. He told her to watch it as he walked past her, irritation clearly written all over his face. After that, she made an effort to stay far away from him and the other jumpers on his crew.

  She spent the entire drive out to the Chute Shack going over the shots she wanted, prepping what she was going to say to him, and convincing herself to keep it professional and not let on that the only jumping she wanted to do involved him being naked and willing.

  Pulling into the parking lot at five o’clock on the dot, she parked next to one of the huge black and gray trucks bearing the Chute Shack logo. At least she knew someone was here.

  Hopping out of the SUV, she snatched her thermos up before grabbing her gear bags and cooler from the back. Making her way to the front door, she was sidelined by one of the twins before she could even knock.

  “Hey Laurel. Front door is still locked. Come around this way.”

  Revlin or Kegen, she really wasn’t sure which one, held open the chain-link gate door the employees usually used.

  “Thanks. Um…”

  A slight grin tipped the corner of his mouth. He took the gear bags from her and motioned for her to go through ahead of him. “Revlin.”

  The heat of a blush climbed up her cheeks with the knowledge that he knew she didn’t know which twin he was. “Thanks Revlin.”

  “Please call me Rev. Only my mom called me Revlin and, sweetheart, you don’t look anything like her.” He gave her a once over as she moved in front of him. “I have to admit, I was a little surprised when Quin said you’d be coming out here today. I thought you were done with the pictures.”

  “I thought I was too but there are a few shots I didn’t get that I really want. Quin offered to get them for me and insisted I come out so we can preview them together in case something got missed.”

  “That’s cool. You couldn’t have picked a better aerial photographer than Quin. He’s really mastered all of the ins and outs of it.”

  “So not everyone does the videos and pictures?” She assumed all skydivers did actually. With all of the new camera systems out, it had to make things a lot easier. She really should have known better than to assume. Anyone could pick up a camera and take a picture, but not everyone could capture a moment and have emotion shine through.

  Rev chuckled behind her. “Hell no. It takes a lot of time to become a skydiver and even more to learn the photography portion of it. You have to really multi-task and master getting just the right shots. You can’t be too far in front, above or below. Not to mention making sure you don’t run into anyone when they’re doing aerial maneuvers. You can’t really use your hands either. You need those to keep stable while flying through the air.”

  “Wow. I didn’t know. There’s a lot more that goes into it than I ever thought. It’s pretty impressive he can do it all.”

  “What’s impressive, honey?” Quin’s deep voice had her stopping on a dime, causing Rev to plow into her.

  Quin jumped forward, catching her before she went face first in the dirt. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close. Her breath caught in her throat as her eyes travelled from his bare chest and up his throat before landing on his lips. Lips she spent many a night dreaming about. Without thought, she licked her own. The groan vibrating through Quin pulled her gaze up to his face, snagging on the look of desire in his eyes.

  Rev cleared his throat behind her. “I’ll just take these inside.”

  Laurel barely noticed when Rev slipped the cooler and thermos of coffee from her hands, too caught up in being engulfed in Quin’s strong arms. Her nipples beaded, poking at the thin cotton of her bra. No doubt showing through her shirt as well.

  She never imagined she would be in this position, dreamed about it yes, but never thought she would be up close and personal with Quinton Ferris. It was a high school fantasy come true. The teenage girl in her was hoping things would go a little further, maybe a kiss. The adult in her was telling her to keep it professional.

  “You okay, honey?”

  “Hmm?”

  Quin chuckled. “Are you okay from when Rev rammed into you pitching you forward?”

  Laurel nodded her head and urged her body to move out of his arms, but it just didn’t happen. “I’m fine. It was my fault anyway for stopping in front of him like that. I hope I didn’t hurt him.”

  “I’m sure he’s fine. Running into you will probably be the highlight of his day and will be nothing compared to slamming into the ground if and when he lands wrong. He seems to fly a little freer at times. He and Kegen like to hot dog it up there a bit too much on days like this.”

  “Oh, if you say so.” As much as she wanted to stay in the warmth and comfort of his arms, it wasn’t appropriate; especially after giving herself the ‘keep it professional’ talk. “You can let go of me now Quin. I promise I won’t fall.”

  He sighed like he really wasn’t interested in letting go, but did anyway.

  Laurel pu
shed her hair behind her ear. “Thanks for catching me.”

  Quin grinned at her and it did a funny thing to her heart. “Anytime, Laurel.”

  She cleared her throat and lost her will to keep eye contact, she looked around before her gaze landed back on his bare chest.

  “Do you always run around without a shirt on, or was that just for my benefit? I would think it is a bit early and chilly to be stripping down.”

  Quin laughed as he rubbed a hand down his chest. She was riveted to the movement, tracking its progress over the taut, smooth skin. She sucked in a breath and forced her focus back to his face.

  “No. I generally have clothes on. Kegen managed to spill his coffee on me this morning. I was in the middle of finding a shirt when I heard you pull up. That’s why Rev went out to get you instead of me. I was just wondering what was taking him so long to bring you back here.”

  Quin grabbed her hand up, lacing his fingers with hers. She wasn’t quite sure what made him do it and any minute she would protest and pull her hand away, which she didn’t. Next she knew they were locked away from his brothers in his office. He pushed her down into an office chair before he took another.

  “So, let’s talk about the photos you want.”

  “Um, Quin? Don’t you want to put on a shirt?” Not that she wanted him to cover up but if she wanted to get her mind back on the job, then he needed to be clothed. All that tan flesh was tempting her to lean forward and take a lick. Or better yet, a bite.

  “Huh.” He looked down at his chest then back at her. “Am I distracting you?” The cheeky grin on his face was enough to make her roll her eyes.

  “No, not a distraction,” she lied. “But I’d hate for you to catch a cold or something while sitting around here half naked.”

  “Don’t you like my half naked state, honey?”

  Laurel’s mouth dropped. If he only knew what thoughts were going through her head. She’d like him fully naked and served up for her to eat. Licking her lips again, she let her gaze travel over Quin’s hard body. The things she wanted to do to him. He must have gotten a clue to her thoughts, turning away suddenly to grab a shirt off the bookshelf behind him.

  Laurel averted her eyes, embarrassed by her brazen move and made a determined search for a pen. Finding one next to the computer, she snatched it up along with a pad of paper.

  Without raising her head she addressed him. “So, here’s what I was thinking for the photos.”

  ***

  Quin glanced down, pinpointing his landing spot once again. He didn’t plan on it when he exited the plane and shot the last of the images of his brothers, but seeing Laurel standing on the drop zone glowing with happiness, he made his decision. He was going to land as close to her as possible and finally get that kiss he was aching for.

  All day long he worked side-by-side with her looking over the images in his office, discussing what else she should have, and just getting to know her. The need to constantly touch her anytime she was near just about drove him nuts. He found himself sitting closer, brushing against her arm or leg. He even plucked imaginary lint off her shirt one time just to keep her with him a few seconds more.

  The longer he spent with her, the more he found he wanted her. Preferably naked and underneath him but, at this point, he’d take what he could get.

  She was funny, witty, and nowhere close to being that painfully shy girl from high school. She had turned into a beautiful, self-confident woman who had a passion for photography that lit her up from the inside.

  She laughed at his brothers’ ridiculous jokes. Cleaned and bandaged his pilot JD’s finger when he cut it on a knife while fixing lunch. And pretty much bonded with everyone in the Shack. She fit in without trying, something that was hard to do if you weren’t part of the group.

  Sure they were friendly with their customers, but she was different. He didn’t know how much he wanted her to fit in until he realized she already did.

  Touching ground ten feet away from Laurel; he whipped off his helmet while striding toward her, the parachute dragging behind him. Once he got up close he saw the surprise on her face. Not wanting to give her too long to protest, he cupped the side of her face with one hand, caressing her cheek with his thumb, then dove in for a kiss.

  The second his mouth touched hers, he was lost. The soft, silkiness beneath his lips lured him to increase the pressure. When she didn’t respond, he instantly panicked and started to pull away. It never crossed his mind that she wasn’t feeling the same need and pull as him.

  Before he broke contact completely, Laurel’s hands slid up his chest, leaving a wake of heat on their journey over his body. She wrapped her arms around his neck, fingers delving into his hair. The tight grasp sent shards of arousal through him. Grabbing her around the waist he hauled her against him, his erection grinding against her soft belly.

  What started out as a gentle teasing of the lips turned into full on passion. He nipped her lower lip before driving inside the moist heat of her mouth when she gasped.

  A low snicker and a couple of cat-calls invaded his brain.

  Laurel pulled back before dropping her head and looking everywhere but at him. He didn’t miss the blush painting her cheeks. Spinning away she started making her way back to the hanger.

  Quin looked around to see who interrupted what had to be the best kiss he ever had the pleasure of taking part in.

  Rev stood next to them. “Yo’ bro, we need to get in. Looks like a storm is rolling in. I would hate for the equipment to get ruined.” He pointed down to the helmet, the two cameras still attached and vulnerable to the elements. Granted, they jumped in weather before; but if he could avoid getting gear wet, he would.

  “Yeah,” he grunted. Jogging to catch up to Laurel he placed his hand in hers, neither said a word. He chanced a glance at her and saw she was nibbling on her bottom lip.

  Damn that was going to drive him nuts. “What’s going on in that mind of yours, honey?”

  She let go of her lip and graced him with a small smile. “Just wondering what that was about.”

  “What? Rev interrupting or…?”

  She bumped him with her shoulder. “The kiss,” she said softly. “You know I almost decided it was a bad idea.”

  “You had to know I’ve been dying to kiss you all day and, from the way you kissed me back, I’d say you felt the same way.”

  She chuckled softly and lightly squeezed his hand. “I’ve wanted to kiss you since high school.”

  “That’s a long ass time. Did it live up to your expectations?”

  “If you couldn’t decipher my reaction, then maybe we shouldn’t do it again. I’m still trying to figure out what you’re up to anyway, so maybe not kissing again is a good idea.”

  “First off, I think you enjoyed me kissing you. Second, we will be kissing again. A lot. And third, I’m not up to anything, honey. I like you and I want to get to know you better.”

  “How do you want to get to know me better? By kissing me senseless?”

  She stared back at him, her eyebrow quirked up and what looked to be a challenge gleaming in her eyes. It was one of the sexiest damn things he’d seen, so it took him a minute to register what she said.

  “I kissed you senseless? Well hot damn. We’ll definitely be doing that again.”

  She laughed and as they entered the hanger, the skies opened up behind them. Taking a look around, he saw the crew packing things up for the night. Rev and Kegen were chatting off to the side. When he caught their attention, Rev lifted a hand signaling him to come over. Quin sighed and reluctantly let go. “I’ll be right back.”

  Laurel glanced between Quin and his brothers. “I’ll just get all of my stuff packed up too. I should probably be heading home anyway. It’s a little bit of a drive back as you know.”

  Quin looked between Laurel and his brothers. He was afraid she’d take off while he was talking to them. All day long anytime she would mention leaving, he found an excuse to keep her there. It seeme
d like he was finally out of options. The jumps were over and he had no doubt that he had all the pictures she would need. He hesitated before making a decision he hoped would give him some more time with her as well as time to figure out how to see her again.

  “Just give me a few minutes to see what they need. I still need to get that memory card out for you, then I’ll walk you out when we’re done.”

  “Oh, okay, but you know it isn’t necessary to walk me out. I’m sure I can make it to my car without any help.”

  “It may not be necessary but I really want to.”

  She seemed to study him for a few seconds before her face lit up with the sweetest smile. “If you say so.” She lifted on her toes and placed a gentle kiss on his lips before turning away, heading for his office.

  A little bit of shock and awe hit his system. All day long he was the one that made the first move. Holding her hand. Touching her back. Pulling her next to him. Her sweet kiss on his lips was the first time she’d touched him freely. He shook off the giddy feeling that had him trapped in his spot when Kegen called his name.

  He walked over knowing he was beaming like a loon. “What’s up?”

  Rev had a smirk on his face and Kegen grinned and shook his head.

  “I think our older brother has finally been brought down, Kegen. What do you think?”

  “Looks like it. I haven’t seen him this taken with a woman in forever. Not even all those years with Sami, and definitely not when he was with that cagey bitch Marcy.”

  “Whatever guys. What did you need?”

  Though he was doing his best to pay attention to his brothers, he couldn’t help but keep an eye on Laurel. She moved around his office gathering her gear. She looked like she belonged in there. A part of his space, his life, filled with her presence. Seeing her there did funny things to him. Her forehead scrunched up and she nibbled that delectable bottom lip again. She glanced up at him, catching his attention; the instant connection rocked him to his soul.

  Rev and Kegen both started laughing, Kegen stopping before their brother. “It was nothing really. We were talking about Guys Night and grilling tomorrow. I’m pretty sure it’s your turn to bring the beer.” Kegen stopped and looked to where Laurel was in his office. “You can bring your girlfriend over there if you want too. I’d love to see you pant after her like a lost puppy some more.”