RJ (HC Heroes Series Book 7)

by Donna Michaels

  Damn…

  His mouth watered at the sight.

  Fighting to keep his control, he inhaled and grit his teeth. He was so hard it hurt. But he wasn’t done claiming her, making her his, giving Lori the release her body desperately needed.

  With her needs in mind, RJ tugged her closer to the counter’s edge before setting his mouth on her upper thigh while he lightly traced her folds with his finger.

  “RJ, I—”

  “I know. I’ve got you,” he murmured against her hot skin, and slipped a finger inside.

  So damn wet…

  A strangled, sexy sound left her throat and spurred him on. He wanted to hear it again. Needed to hear it again. Needed to make her moan and pant and scream his name. Damn…he’d never felt such a desperate urgency before. But he felt it now. He was drunk with it. High with it. Lori was addicting and his longing to touch her, taste her, please her burned through him in a fierce flame. It was stronger than anything he’d ever experienced. Better than anything he’d ever experienced. He slipped another finger inside her and stroked in an upward angle he knew she loved.

  “Yeah…more…” Her soft moans and commands drove him mad.

  He couldn’t wait any longer. He had to taste her. Spreading her apart with his fingers, he dipped down and licked. He was rewarded with a gasp. So, he did it again. And again, watching her white-knuckle the sides of the island and hold on as she bucked wildly to meet his strokes.

  Sweet…so damn sweet.

  “RJ, please.” She lifted up on her elbows and stared at him through heavy-lidded, smoldering eyes.

  She was so close. He could tell. He slipped a finger back inside her and watched as her eyes fluttered closed and she pulled her lower lip between her teeth.

  Damn, that was hot. And he was barely holding on, himself.

  Increasing the pace of his finger, he drew her into his mouth and sucked.

  Moaning long, and low, and sexy as hell, she burst while bucking wildly, nearly taking him with her. She was exhilarating. Exquisite.

  His.

  He continued to suck and drive his finger in and out, wanting to prolong her orgasm for as long as possible. When her movements slowed, he reduced his strokes, bringing her down gently, lapped at her he until she stilled. He’d never grow tired of her taste.

  Sweet and wild.

  Reaching past her, he grabbed the condom and ripped it open, and as he rolled it on, he watched her come back to herself.

  “Hey, Rocky…” She smiled a lazy, satisfied smile. “My body feels like mush. Not sure I can move.”

  Grinning, he leaned down to skim her ear with his mouth. “Wanna bet?”

  “Yeah.”

  Always up for a challenge, he trailed his fingers around her breasts, circling and circling until he finally brushed her tight peaks.

  “Mmm…” She arched up, pushing more of her soft curves into his palms. “I win.”

  “We both do.” He bit the soft spot behind her ear, and her hitched breath shook through him. “Put your arms around my neck.”

  After she complied, he hauled her off the island and carried her to his bedroom, swallowing a curse when she bit his ear. Killing me. He set her on his bed, then crawled up her delicious curves, kissing and licking, lingering on a nipple, enjoying her moans and the fingernails she dug into his back.

  But it wasn’t enough, not nearly enough.

  “Ready for me, Lori?” He spread her legs, kneeled between them, and watched her smoldering gaze as he pressed his throbbing erection to her wet center.

  “Yes, so very much…” She grasped his hips as he pushed inside.

  Home.

  No other word came close to how he felt surrounded by her.

  RJ closed his eyes and struggled to hang on to his control. Her thrusting hips didn’t help. But, damn, he loved her wild abandon. Loved that he made her so frantic with need, she tried to take it.

  Yeah, her responses felt good. So good.

  He lowered himself down and kissed her, slowly at first, then wild and frantic, mimicking the fierce, primal, craving raging inside.

  She made him crazy, made him want and need things he’d never desired before. He wanted to savor the feeling, but he was too far gone. He wasn’t going to last long. She was just too exquisite.

  Lori’s tongue pressed against his and her hands skimmed his torso then back up to brush her nail over his nipple. Heat fisted in his groin.

  She was magic. Perfection.

  Entwining their fingers as he held her hands by her head, RJ broke the kiss and slowed their pace, relishing the brush of their bodies while he drove inside her. Flesh to flesh, heart to heart, he could see every emotion he was feeling reflected in her beautiful eyes.

  She made him whole, which came as a shock because he hadn’t realized more than his spine had been broken. Not until he touched Lori and found the piece of himself he was missing, along with the peace he never realized he’d lost.

  “RJ.” A tear slid down her face.

  “I know.” Bending down, he kissed her slow and thorough, bolstering the inferno blazing inside.

  Their bodies were so close he could feel her heart thudding against his chest. Their connection was strong. Damn strong. She shifted her hips, and he groaned as he slid further into her delicious warmth. Lifting his mouth, he trailed kisses to her temple, then drew back so they were face to face. Her gaze was open, honest…raw. RJ saw everything he’d ever want. Everything he’d ever need.

  And even though he doubted she realized the depth of her feelings for him, he was prepared to wait as long as it took her to acknowledge what he already knew.

  They were meant to be.

  As if the emotions and touches were too overwhelming, she started to close her eyes.

  “No, Lori,” he murmured. “Don’t close them. Stay with me.”

  She nodded, and he focused on the desire in her eyes, the need...the caring. As they rocked together, he pulled nearly all the way out, then increased the pressure of his strokes as he slid back in. He did it again and again, loving the sound of his name on her lips as her slick warmth clenched around him while she burst. RJ released her hands to grip her hips and hold tight as he thrust one last time and followed her into bliss.

  Slumped over her, working to catch his breath, RJ was grateful for second chances. Grateful his lucky star sent him in the path of this amazing woman—so she wasn’t in her cottage tonight.

  Chapter Eleven

  Last night, Lori played with fire.

  Watching her cottage burn down with all her belongings was horrible, but standing unharmed, with her arms around RJ, who was also unharmed, was such a blessing. The other stuff was exactly that…stuff. Most of it could be replaced, including photo albums, thanks to digital storage and today’s technology. But she couldn’t replace her health. And she definitely couldn’t replace RJ.

  The man was one of a kind. A gem. A real, living, breathing treasure. That’s why she needed to distance herself from him. Last night proved it. He could’ve been killed. If that fire wasn’t an accident, and she truly had a stalker, then the last place she needed to be was in RJ’s arms.

  And yet, she hadn’t been able to tear herself away. Couldn’t stop touching him, needed to reassure herself he was alive, and in the process, his touch reminded her she was alive, too.

  They’d come together in a frantic, heady, amazing rush that freed her soul and her heart, allowing them to soar unrestrained. She’d never experienced anything like it before…but she had experienced it again this morning.

  Somehow, getting up early and heading into work wasn’t as important as touching RJ, clutching RJ, repeating all they’d shared the night before, but at a much slower, more sensual pace. If possible, it had been even more impactful, more special than last night.

  But the sunrise brought with it reality. Responsibility. After leaving RJ’s, she’d headed straight to the sheriff’s office to give a statement about the fire. She also mentioned the d
oor knocking, which he’d claimed was just kids pranking, and because it had stopped when the kids were caught, Lori was inclined to agree with him. She left with one question answered but her concern remained.

  Even though she hadn’t gone to the bakery at her usual time, she still needed to work. And until the authorities determined the cause of the fire, she had to treat it like a threat, which meant putting some distance between her and RJ.

  And her sister. Sort of.

  They looked way too much alike, which was why she now sat in a chair at Sharp Cuts while Abby worked her magic. Of course, the film crew had jumped at the chance to capture her makeover…when she suggested it. Lori wanted it filmed, wanted the stalker—if she indeed, had one—to know, without a doubt, which twin was which. So, she’d waited until RJ had finally left her side to catch up on some paperwork. The man had hovered today, and she understood why, because she wanted him in her sight at all time too. But since that could prove dangerous to him, Lori had to keep that thought in mind and push her wants aside.

  “You look amazing. Your eyes, I mean…wow…they really pop.” Abby smiled before turning her around to face the mirror.

  Holy crap.

  Lori blinked. Was that really her?

  She hadn’t had bangs or layers in almost a decade, which was why she’d suggested them. She shook her head from side to side and smiled.

  “It feels lighter. I love it.” She met Abby’s happy gaze in the mirror. “Thank you. You rock.”

  It was going to take a while to get used to the shorter length, although it wasn’t short by any means. The five inches she had removed brought the bottom of her hair to the bottom of her bra strap. And Abby was right. The face-framing bangs brought attention to her eyes, making them somehow look even bluer.

  She blinked at the stranger staring back her and smiled. Yeah, she definitely looked different than her sister now.

  “Thanks, Abby.” She drew the woman in for a hug, careful of her baby belly. “And thanks for fitting me in on short notice.”

  The woman drew back and laughed. “Are you kidding me? I’ve been dying for a chance to get my hands on your amazing canvas of hair, so, thank you. Any chance your sister will let me do the same?”

  Lori quickly shook her head. “No,” she uttered, and softened her harsh tone with a smile. “I think this might require a little too much upkeep. She likes the long, straight look.”

  It wasn’t a lie. Loni had told her she liked the ease of wash-and-go long hair afforded her.

  So had Lori, but a change had been required, and it was a good one. She was going to embrace it. Own it. Especially with a camera in her face. With a smile still in place, she shook her head from side to side, enjoying the feel of her hair swishing at different levels.

  Several minutes later, she walked back into the bakery, and grinned at the gasps that preceded a hush of silence before everyone spoke at once.

  “Oh my God, Lori. I love it.” Loni grinned at her. “It suits you.”

  It also suited her plan that her sister unknowingly confirmed her identity to the world. No way was Lori going to allow whatever fanatic she may have picked up to unleash his or her crazy on Loni. And if it turned out there was no fanatic, then she’d gotten a great haircut out of the misconception.

  “Thanks,” she replied, and spent the remainder of the morning replicating an escape room out of modeling chocolate to go on the cake Loni was covering with fondant for a new client.

  She’d been to an escape room in Connecticut and one in California but not the one in Harland that’d just opened last month. Racing the clock to find clues to open the door of the room was a great adrenaline rush.

  That spoke to her.

  They’d been at it a good two hours when Dean and RJ walked through the back door. She glanced up from her work area and her smile returned as Dean’s brows rose and RJ did a double take, then blinked heat into his eyes.

  Lori’s heart rocked. She felt that heat clear across the kitchen. Distance, she reminded herself. And had to remind herself to keep her hands on her modeling chocolate instead of RJ when he drew closer to kiss her. With the cameras rolling, he always only brushed his mouth over hers, so she managed to get through it without breaking her resolve and do something stupid, like crush him close.

  “I didn’t know you were getting your hair cut,” he said, drawing back. “You look beautiful. But you always do.”

  Warmth spread through her body and she did her best to curb it. She failed. “Thanks.” And because he appeared to expect more of an answer and they had an audience, she smiled. “I just needed a pick-me-up today.”

  He returned her smile and nodded. “Well, I’m glad you did that for yourself.”

  She wanted to ask why he was there, but it would sound rude and even though it’d probably help her plight, she couldn’t bring herself to do it, especially with the world watching. “You here for more buns?” she asked instead.

  His lips twitched. “No, I’m here to take you to lunch.”

  Shoot. She needed to start that distance thing. Now.

  “Ah, that’s sweet,” she said with a sigh. “But I planned to eat here. I’ve got too much to do. Besides…” she cocked her head and brought what she hoped looked like frown to her face. “I don’t need a babysitter. And you have your own work to do.”

  His gaze narrowed slightly as it searched her face. “You’re more important.”

  Shoot.

  Her heart twisted. God, he wasn’t going to make this easy.

  “There you go being sweet again,” she said, gripping the worktable to keep from reaching for the guy. Unable to hold his gaze any longer, she turned her attention back to the unfinished figures on her worktable. “I need to stay here and work. Sorry. I have too much to do today. Besides, Mel is coming soon to discuss her wedding—”

  While she spoke, the pretty redhead entered their kitchen via the back door. Like Lori, Mel was an artist, only her canvas was skin, while Lori’s was cake.

  “Here’s the bride-to-be now.” Lori grinned, rising to her feet to hug her friend, relieved by the woman’s presence, not just because it proved she wasn’t lying but because it would keep her at the bakery like she wanted.

  Hi, Loni. Hey, everyone. I hope I’m not late. Lex wanted a peanut.” Mel snorted, breezing past the cameras as if they weren’t even there. “And you know how repetitious he can get if we don’t comply.”

  Lex was the woman’s hilarious cockatoo whose vocabulary was legendary around town. She suspected people came to get tattoos, not because Mel was a gifted tattoo artist—which she was—but to hear the Lex show live.

  “Sorry about your cottage. I’m glad you’re okay.” The woman squeezed her tightly before drawing back. “I’d offer you some of my clothes, but you’re a lot taller than I am.”

  She smiled. “Thanks, but I’m good for now. The perks of having an identical twin.” She nodded toward Loni. “Bless her, she opened her closet to me this morning.”

  Later tonight, Lori was determined to find time to shop online and replenish a few essentials. First, though, she needed to find somewhere to stay.

  As if in tuned to her thoughts, her sister smiled. “And a spare bedroom, but my sister is too stubborn.”

  “Hello? Remember? Identical.” Lori grinned, waving a hand between them.

  “She can stay with me,” RJ spoke up and her heart squeezed tight.

  Dammit.

  That was the offer she’d dreaded, because once again, she had to turn him down, although this time it was for a different reason.

  She inhaled and turned to face him. “Thanks, both of you,” she said, glancing at them both. “I appreciate it. I really do, but I—”

  “Like your independence,” Loni said, finishing her sentence. “We know.”

  RJ nodded, his gaze warm. “It’s a standing offer. No expiration date.”

  Her chest tightened, despite the warmth funneling in. “Thanks.”

  “Well, if you
need a place in a hurry…might I suggest the empty apartment across from mine?” Mel said.

  She turned to her friend. “Above ESI?”

  “Yep. State-of-the-art security. Thick walls…”

  A snort rose up her throat. “Good suggestion.” She liked the thought of state-of-the-art security. “But I wasn’t aware it was open to the public.”

  “It’s not,” RJ said from behind. “But Mac would definitely rent it out to you. If you want it, considerate it yours.”

  She frowned. “How do you know? Shouldn’t I talk to him first?”

  He shook his head. “I already did before he left this morning. He’s the one who made the offer.”

  Lori’s shoulders relaxed and the tightness eased from her chest. “Okay, then I’ll take it.”

  She didn’t care what it looked like or the size. It was the location that mattered. In a building with former military operatives.

  “Now that that’s settled,” Loni said, slipping her arm around Dean, “let’s get back to Lex. Is he at your parlor or ESI?”

  “My parlor. Carter and Mac are in Houston for a day job.” Mel sat on a stool at Lori’s worktable and swirled a finger at her. “I see Abby worked her magic on you, too. You look phenomenal. Poor RJ can’t seem to take his eyes off you.”

  Heat rushed into Lori’s face, something that rarely happened. And she knew better than to look at RJ. No, keeping her gaze averted was smart.

  “Oh my God.” Mel blinked at the figures on the table and reached for the photo Lori had been working from. “You’re creating a replica of an escape room. This is so cool and also perfect because I wanted to tell all of you about the change in plans for the bachelor-bachelorette party.”

  “What change?” Loni blinked. “You don’t want the parrot cake?”

  Mel snorted. “No, we definitely still want that.”

  Thank God. Lori was really looking forward to sculpting Lex.

  “It’s our location that’s changed,” her friend said. “We’re having it at Great Escapes—this escape room complex.” She lifted the photo higher and grinned. “We booked two rooms for next Sunday night at seven.”