by Crissy Smith
He hadn’t expected company. At least not tonight. And as much as he wanted Brandy, he couldn’t move too fast and scare her off.
He and his cock would have to be on their best behavior.
Which was a lot easier said than done. Inside, his bear was practically clawing at him. His animal was tired of waiting. It wanted Jamie to claim their mate.
It was getting harder and harder to hold himself in check. The real test would be tonight with Brandy in his home.
The knock at the front door pulled him from his thoughts and he sprinted forward. His breath was still a little quick as he opened the entry.
It was then that he lost any air left in his lungs.
Brandy stood in front of him, more beautiful then he’d ever seen her. She was also more casual than he was accustomed to. Her soft cotton pants fit her curvy figure perfectly while the V-neck shirt gave him a peek at her full breasts. Her gorgeous hair curled around the side of her face and cascaded down her back.
“I stopped off at home and changed clothes. I hope that’s okay?”
Jamie nodded. He wanted to tell her that it was more than okay but he couldn’t manage to get any words out.
Jeez, he was totally fucked. Brandy looked absolutely edible, and he was supposed to behave?
It didn’t seem possible.
She lifted an eyebrow and tilted her head. “Jamie?”
“Christ, you’re hot.” Oh shit, he hadn’t meant to say that.
But Brandy smiled widely before laughing. “Well, thank you. And I can return the compliment.”
Realizing she was still standing outside holding a bag and a carrier with two cups, Jamie jumped forward. “Damn, I’m sorry.” He took the food and beverages from her. “Come in. Come in.”
The amused expression stayed on her face as she stepped inside his apartment.
Jamie closed and locked the door. “I thought we might sit in the living room and talk.”
“Perfect.”
Leading her to the couch, Jamie glanced around trying to see his place the way Brandy must. Sure, the space was small but he liked it. After a person walked in from the door, the kitchen was to the left. At least that light was off so she couldn’t see the dirty dishes in the sink. To the right was the short hallway that led to the bathroom and two bedrooms. Straight ahead was the living room.
Brandy sat on the large black leather couch that faced the sixty-inch television. His bookcases stood beside the set. He’d had more in his office but he kept his favorites in the front room.
“Nice collection,” she praised, leaning to see some of the titles.
“I have more. These are the ones that I reread or have special meaning,” he told her, placing the treats she’d brought on the coffee table in front of her.
Turning her head, she smiled. “I knew you read a lot but this is impressive.”
A little embarrassed, Jamie started to dig around inside the white bakery sack. It was a bit excessive having four large bookcases in one room and another six elsewhere but he loved information. He was addicted to the written word whether for pure enjoyment or to learn something new
“Hey,” Brandy said, lightly placing her hand on him.
He froze at the touch on his arm.
“I wasn’t making fun of you. I think it’s sexy.”
Jamie didn’t know how to respond to that. So he went with his gut. “Well,” he drawled, grinning, “if you think that’s hot, I’ll have to show you the office later.”
She laughed. “You just might.”
The easy flirtation actually relaxed him. He knew what he was doing. He’d had plenty of dates and he’d never had any issues scoring in the past. He knew though that his future with Brandy would depend on what happened at this very moment.
Craving her had become his other addiction. He wanted to know more about her—to know everything. He stopped messing with the food and sat close beside her.
“That’s better,” she said as she ran her palm over his wrist and twined her fingers in his. “Relax, Jamie. I’m pretty sure we’re on the same page.”
“Yeah,” he agreed.
“Then that’s all we need to worry about. If you knew how long I’ve been wanting and waiting, you would probably laugh.”
No, he wouldn’t. All that wasted time. He couldn’t believe it. “I wanted you the first time I walked in the library and saw you smile at me from behind the desk.”
“The big bad biker walking in. I wasn’t sure what to make of you,” she admitted.
Jamie tensed. That wasn’t really who he was.
“But then I looked into your eyes and I saw so much more. I knew then that I would never forget you, even if you never came back to the library.”
No one had ever said anything like that to him. Drawing closer, Jamie cupped her face. “How could I not come back?”
Brandy closed the distance and their lips met. Shutting his eyes, Jamie gave himself over to the sizzling electricity that sparked between them.
Chapter Nine
Brandy’s entire body trembled as Jamie’s mouth moved against hers. She wasn’t normally so bold, but after the fight with Colby and her disappointment with her family, she needed Jamie.
It was more than a physical release that she was looking for. There had always been something about him that called to her. It was time to take a chance.
As Jamie slid his hand around the back of her head, Brandy scooted closer to him. Anymore and she would be on his lap. Not that she would complain about it.
Their tongues touched, shooting tendrils of desire through her. Unable to resist touching Jamie back, she gently laid her palm over one of his pecs. Finally getting to touch his muscular chest was enough to make her want to rip off his T-shirt and see the amazing sight of his broad, strong body.
He nipped her bottom lip then slowly backed off. She immediately missed his heat.
“I could kiss you all night,” he whispered.
“I don’t have a problem with that,” she confessed.
Jamie grinned but didn’t move to recapture her mouth. “Coffee first?”
As much as she was completely addicted to the brew, she wanted more of Jamie’s lips, not a beverage.
“Then we’ll get back to the kisses.”
Oh yeah, she could get behind that plan. Accepting the cup that Jamie passed her, she raised the lid and took a deep whiff of the strong coffee. He did the same thing. He lifted his head and, their gazes meeting, he shrugged.
“At least we know we have this in common.”
“Oh, I’m certain there is more too.”
Raising an eyebrow, he smirked. “Yeah?”
This would be a good time to confess her other career but she wasn’t ready. Chris was the only person she’d ever told, and while he was supportive, he was also her cousin.
“Books,” she said. “We have very similar tastes.”
Holding his cup up in a salute, he nodded. “Very true.”
“Plus, we both have good friends, jobs that we enjoy, and we’re attracted to each other.”
Jamie slipping his arm around her gave Brandy the opportunity to cuddle close.
“I have to say, I didn’t expect you to be so straight with me.”
Brandy blushed and looked down at her drink. It was out of character but she knew what she wanted. “It’s been a year. You move pretty damn slow,” she teased.
He chuckled, the smooth sound washing over her.
“I guess I do.” He reached over to place his cup back on the table. He shifted and she could see in his face that he was speaking from his heart.
To her delight, he left his arm over her shoulder. “To be honest, I didn’t think you would be interested in me.”
It was strange how his thoughts had been the same as hers. “Why not?”
“Look at me. I’m not exactly the type of man you bring home to Mom.”
Brandy snorted. She would never take Jamie to her parents’ for dinner but that would be to p
rotect him from the craziness of her family. “You’re a handsome man and I like the way you dress too. I love those faded jeans that have holes in the back pockets.”
“Really?” He offered her a mischievous grin.
“You wore those on purpose?” she guessed.
“Yep.”
Shaking her head, she giggled. “I’m glad you did. But it’s not your appearance. I love the way you’re so passionate about what you’ve read. There aren’t a lot of people I can share that with.”
“Me neither. I love my friends but we don’t exactly have the same hobbies. Plus, they have their own lives. Cody just moved in with Aubrey, and Zak, well I’m not sure what Zak does, he’s still pretty private. But I’ve never had a long-term partner who I could simply relax with.”
“Is that what you’re hunting for?” Brandy asked, holding her breath. While they were on the same page about wanting each other, she was afraid to hope he was looking for more.
“It is. I’m tired of bars and one-night stands. I want someone to come home to every night. Make dinner and talk about our days. I want an equal who wants me as much as I want them.”
That sounded like heaven to her. Carefully, she set her coffee beside his. “Jamie…”
“I know we have a long way to go, but for the first time, I think I’ve finally met my match.”
She was so pleased to hear him say those words she took a bigger chance. It seemed like it was a night to throw caution to the wind. She laughed and swung her leg over him to land on his lap.
He jerked in surprise.
Brandy placed both hands on his face and brought her lips close to his. “Kiss me, Jamie.”
He did.
Passion engulfed her as he slammed his lips against hers. She opened for him, loving the taste of coffee added to his unique flavor. He brought his hands down on her thighs to pull her closer. She moaned, rubbing against his erection. Oh, God. She delved her tongue deeper into his mouth.
She pushed his shirt up. Ripping her mouth away, she gazed down at the gorgeous sight of his chest. “Jeez, for the longest time I’ve wanted to get see you without a shirt.”
“Let me help,” he told her and yanked the cotton garment over his head.
Brandy rocked back, rubbing on him and running her hands over his shoulder then down. The tattoos covering his arms went all the way across his wide torso. Tilting her head, she traced her tongue over the colorful decoration.
Jamie’s head fell back as he groaned.
Empowered, she kept up her assault with her hands and mouth, until Jamie gripped her ass and yanked her more firmly to his body. She glanced up and saw the heat in his eyes. Her breath caught at the intense need in them. Grabbing the back of his neck, Brandy kissed him, hard.
Jamie’s reaction was instantaneous. He bucked up, pressing his erection against her and wrapping one hand in her hair, holding her head still.
“I’ve wanted to rip that clip out of your hair and have my hands full of your silky tresses so many times,” he told her once they broke apart to breathe.
“Yes,” she hissed, still rocking on him.
Lowering his head, Jamie licked down her neck to her chest. She knew wearing the V-neck would come in handy. She was glad she’d been brave enough to wear it. The thin material of her pants had also been brilliant. She could feel how hard Jamie was for her already.
Lifting her hands to help take off her shirt, she laughed as her top joined his on the floor. Jamie was already working at unsnapping her bra. In seconds, the undergarment landed on the carpet with the other clothes.
Jamie palmed her breasts then clasped his mouth on her nipple. She shuddered and gasped, unable to stop her reaction.
“So perfect,” he murmured, his mouth still on her flesh.
She wanted to be perfect for him. “Jamie…” The raw need was evident even to her own ears.
“I’ve got you,” he said and stood, still holding her in his arms.
“Damn,” she praised, impressed with his strength.
“Shifter.” He froze in his spot.
“Oh yeah, I’d forgotten.”
His hold started to loosen. “Maybe we should slow down?”
“No way.” She gripped his chin and forced him to look at her. “I don’t care that you’re a shifter. I’m sure that I’ll want to ask a dozen questions and hopefully you’ll show me your other half but I still want you.”
Something like relief passed over his features as he closed his eyes. “I’d like to,” he said softly.
“Good, so are we going to the bedroom?”
He hefted her up again. “You bet your sweet ass we are.”
She decided to taste more of Jamie as he carried her. Running her tongue along the shell of his ear had him almost stumbling and gripping her tighter. Oh, she was so going to have to remember that reaction.
Next, she moved to the tender skin behind his ear.
Jamie growled and he picked up speed. “You’re driving me crazy.”
That was the plan. She wanted him to be as desperate as she was.
“Ignore the mess,” he said as they entered the bedroom.
Brandy didn’t lift her head. She was now at his collarbone, sucking up a bruise. They were a bit old for hickeys, but she had the biggest urge to mark him.
“Yes.” He pressed his hand harder to the back of her head. “More.”
She used her teeth a little to add a small bit of pain. This time he tripped and couldn’t catch himself and fell onto the bed with her. He twisted at the last minute, so instead of finding herself on her back, she was once again straddling him.
Pushing up with her hands on his chest, she grinned down at him. It surprised her to see his normally dark eyes glowing yellowish. It was weird and amazing at the same time.
“What kind of shifter?” she had to ask.
“Bear, black bear.”
“Oh, how cool.” She traveled down his body to savor more of him.
His nipples pebbled when she brushed over them. In her limited experience, he might have been the only man who actually had six-pack abs. She lavished them with the same devotion.
Brandy popped the button on his jeans then bit her bottom lip in anticipation. He lifted his hips to help her peel down the denim. Settling back between his legs, she managed to get the material off then threw it over her shoulder.
“No underwear? Bad, bad boy.”
“Baby, please. Touch me.”
Jamie’s cock lay long and thick against his lower belly. Wrapping her hand around it, she pumped a few times. He moved his hips as his low, long moan filled the room. Bending to lick at the tip, she closed her eyes to concentrate on the tang of his pre-cum.
Under her, Jamie jerked.
Stilling massaging him, she opened her mouth and took some of him down her throat. Jamie’s breathing started bursting from him in huge gasps and Brandy knew he was struggling to hold back.
She didn’t want that. With her free hand, she gripped his hip as she withdrew slowly. He got the message, so while she moved back down, he pushed into her mouth.
The flavor and scent of him surrounded her. She sucked and licked, teased and taunted, until her name was the only thing coming from his mouth.
A tug to her hair had her releasing him with a grin.
“Get up here,” he ordered.
Happy to comply, she gave him one last lick then climbed up his body. Once she reached his mouth, she kissed him deeply, sharing his flavor with him.
He rolled them over. Brandy found herself on her back with Jamie on top without knowing how it happened. Her giggle turned into a sharp intake of breath as he tugged at her pants.
The cotton slid easily over her hips, catching her panties, and Jamie quickly bared her. She wasn’t sure where the undergarment went before Jamie had his mouth on her.
She cried out, arching into him. It had been so long since she’d been with anyone and it had never been this intense.
Using his fingers and t
ongue, he brought her to the brink way too quickly.
“Jamie, please, I need you to fuck me.”
He paused. Slowly raising his head, he stared at her, his eyes growing brighter. The feral look turned her on more than ever.
As he carefully and leisurely started moving up her body, he looked like a predator stalking his prey. He still had two fingers inside her pussy, though, and Brandy was ready to lose control.
At the moment she was about to climax, he withdrew his fingers, leaving her teetering on the edge.
She almost screamed.
However, she quickly lost any thought as he began to enter her.
The only thing that mattered was Jamie filling her. He took his time and Brandy knew he was doing it on purpose. Lifting her right hand, she gripped him by the back of his neck and pulled him down to her.
“Fuck me,” she said.
“I just wanted to hear you say it again.” He slammed into her fully, withdrew then plunged back inside.
Small sparks detonated at the base of her spine. Brandy bowed her body, digging her heels into the mattress. Jamie thrust deeply, taking her to that overwhelming and freeing, out-of-body experience only found with the best sex.
The sound of skin against skin echoed around the room. Her body was heavy and it was like she could float away at the same time. Without realizing it, she’d dug her nails into his back but she couldn’t let go.
Then she burst apart. Her vision blurred and her entire body tightened.
Vaguely, she heard Jamie shout his own release.
He collapsed on top of her. Brandy wrapped her arms around his neck and closed her eyes. Damn, if that had been any hotter she wouldn’t have survived.
* * * *
Jamie didn’t actually remember falling asleep. He’d finally managed to roll off Brandy and shuffle into the bathroom to clean up. He brought back a warm washcloth to wipe her down only a little. He enjoyed his scent on her.
Then he’d climbed back into bed and maneuvered them under the sheets. Brandy fit perfectly into his arms, which made it easy to cuddle her close.
He hadn’t lost control like that in a very long time. As soon as she’d started marking his skin, he’d known he was lost.
