Megan led me across the room to the door of her bedroom. The late evening light filtered through the blinds, reflecting off the cream walls. She let go of my hand and stepped through the doorway. It became my choice whether I wanted to walk through that door. Deep down I’d wanted her for months and I wouldn’t deny myself the chance of seeing her beautiful and naked beneath me once again.
Reaching back, I tugged my shirt over my head as I followed her into the room, dropping it somewhere on the floor. Megan had moved to the side of the bed where she bent over, looking for something inside the drawer of the table. It didn’t matter one bit what she tried to find. My gaze had zeroed in on the creamy skin that peeked out beneath the bottom of her shorts.
She stood up and glanced over her shoulder, immediately noticing where my eyes had been focused. A smirk lifted the corner of her lips and she raised her hand with a condom between her fingers. We both knew exactly what we wanted. She tossed the condom onto the bed. I fingered the hem of her T-shirt, slowly dragging it up and over her head, before tossing it somewhere on the side of the room.
My jeans, which had been a little snug a few moments ago, grew even tighter at the sight of her in only a bra and shorts. The black lace accentuated every delicate curve of her breasts. Slipping my hand up her arm, I cupped the back of her neck, bringing her even closer to me.
“You’re sexier than I remember.” I bent my head, taking her lips in a passionate kiss.
Her fingers knotted into the hair at the base of my neck. My pulse thrummed beneath her fingertips as heat raced through, desire taking hold in a way I never imagined. Over the years I’d pushed the chemistry between us to the back of my mind. Chemistry was an understatement. This was more like spontaneous combustion and we were both to go up in flames.
I tangled my tongue with hers, tasting the velvety smoothness. The taste of vanilla hit my lips, and the need to see and touch more of her became overwhelming. Sliding my fingers down her chest, I popped the button of her shorts and dipped my fingers beneath the hem.
“Fuck, Jackson. Too slow.”
Megan reached down, shoving the shorts and panties from her waist. I tugged them down her hips and crawled back up her body, kissing each piece of exposed skin I could see. Goose bumps broke out on her skin.
Her nails dug deep into my shoulders as a moan left her lips. I swept my tongue along the crease where her lips met her thigh, making her whole body shiver. My cock surged, wanting to be buried deep inside her, but I didn’t want to rush this moment.
With slow, measured strokes, I ran my fingers over her clit, watching as she squirmed from my touch. Moving to my knees, I traced my other hand across her collarbone, down her throat to the hollow of her breasts. Still covered by the lacy, black fabric, I dipped my head and wrapped my lips around her nipple. The little bud tightened the harder I pulled on it. Megan’s back arched, pushing her chest closer to my mouth.
Not wanting to neglect her other breast, I licked a warm, wet path right above the fabric until I could suck her nipple into my mouth. Small fingers fumbled with the button of my jeans, undoing it before sliding the zipper. The moment her hand wrapped around my shaft, light danced in my vision.
Every tug on my cock made it harder to stop myself from coming. Done with clothing between us, I forced myself up off the bed and pushed my jeans and boxers down, kicking off my Chucks and stepping out.
Heat filled Megan’s eyes as she watched me. She crooked a finger at me and who was I to say no. I crawled back up over her body, my dick brushing against her core.
“Jackson, what are you waiting for?”
She held the condom out to me. I couldn’t deny what either of us wanted any longer. I tore it open between my teeth, then rolled it down over my shaft. Covering her body with mine, I devoured her lips at the same time I sank into her warm body.
I yanked my lips from hers. “God, you feel fucking amazing.”
I moved my hips back, slipping out a little before slamming back inside.
“More,” Megan begged and wrapped her legs around my back.
The new angle let me in deeper than before. Megan grabbed the back of my head and yanked my head down to hers. And I was done. I thrust in and out at the same pace as my tongue slipped in and out of her mouth. The erotic rhythm sent need, desire, and lust spiraling through me. My vision grayed at the edges as I felt the first tingles at the base of my spine. Close, but no way would I come without her.
Reaching between us, I ran the pad of my thumb in circles over her clit.
“There. Damn, Jackson, right there.”
Her legs tightened around me and I knew she was close. The muscles in her legs began to quiver as she reached for the edge. Calling out my name, she came in a rush, her insides tightening around me in a vice like grip.
I couldn’t hold on any longer, thrusting harder and harder until heat raced down my spine and my body surged forward, jerking until I released everything in me.
Panting, I lifted my head, keeping my arms braced with the last bit of strength I possessed so I didn’t crush her. Slowly, I pulled out and removed the condom, tossing it into the trash can near the bed. I lowered myself onto the bed next to her, twisting my head on the pillow to look at her.
Megan’s eyes were closed, a smile on her lips.
I pressed my lips to her shoulder. “I missed you.”
Her eyes fluttered open and she turned her head on the pillow. “I’ve missed you more than you’ll know.”
I opened my mouth to tell her I had a feeling I knew what she meant, when her stomach growled. Glancing down, I saw the blush race from her toes up to her cheeks. “Still hungry?”
“A little,” she said sheepishly. “I didn’t eat much today.”
As much as I wanted to lie there and nap for a bit, I wanted Megan to eat. We could relax on the couch with food. I pushed up off the bed and held my hand out to her. “Come on. We’ll shower and grab the dessert I brought over.”
She looked at my hand, then back up at me. She lifted her hand and gently slipped her fingers into mine.
After getting dirty in the shower, then finally cleaning up, we made our way back out to the living room. I made up two plates with the brownies. Steam rose from the top as I pulled them from the microwave and placed a scoop of ice cream on the top of each. I brought them out to the couch, where Megan sat watching me with a glass of wine.
“I would’ve helped you.”
I handed her a spoon. “I know, but you worked all weekend. I didn’t.”
“I think I like that theory.” She picked up some of the noodles and lifted them to her lips. “Mm, that’s perfect. I love brownies.”
I chuckled and took the seat next to her. “I know you do.” I lifted my own spoon to my lips.
“Can I ask you something?”
The serious tone of her voice caught my attention. I put the spoon back down onto the plate and looked at her. “Of course. What do you want to know?”
“Do you think you would’ve figured out all of this between us if the guys hadn’t pointed it out to you?”
I set my plate on the table, then took hers and set it down too. Cupping her face in my hands, I wanted her full attention on me. I’d messed up when I tried to force her into the friend category. She could never be just a friend and I think deep down I knew that. I just didn’t want to admit it, not even to myself.
“Yes. It might have taken me longer to see the truth, but I would have realized it sooner or later. You’ve always been so important to me and I think a part of me, the part that wanted to keep you at arm’s length, was afraid to get hurt again.”
She shook her head between my hands. “You know I’d never willingly hurt you, right?”
“I do. But sometimes what my heart knows, my head doesn’t always hear. It might take my brain longer to catch up, just promise you’ll be patient with me.”
“So where do we go from here?”
“Simple. First, we both get tested ’cause us
ing a condom with you really sucked.”
She laughed and shoved at my shoulder. “Be serious.”
I lowered my hands and entwined ours together. “I am being serious. I love feeling all of you wrapped around me, not through a piece of rubber.”
The jade of her eyes melted into an emerald color as desire took control. The zipper on my jeans slowly grew too tight.
“What else?” she whispered.
“What else, what?”
She moved back, breaking the connection. “You said first, so I assume there’s a second.”
Second? She wanted to know what was second when all I wanted to do was take her back to her bedroom and taste every inch of her body. “Um…second what?”
“I asked where do we go from here. You already said getting tested. And there was something else.”
I searched my memories, trying to remember what I’d been about to say, when the answer hit me. “We have a big dinner with my friends and I introduce you as my girlfriend.”
“Is that really necessary?”
“Yes.” I reached down for the remote. Megan had to be too tired from her long weekend for round three. So, I told my dick to calm down and put the movie back on.
Megan huddled into my side, her fingers tracing circles over my chest. After a few passes, she brushed over my nipple. At first, I thought it might be coincidence, at least until she did it again a few seconds later. I glanced down and the emerald green color still lingered.
“Megan?” I asked cautiously.
“Do you really want to finish this movie?” she asked.
“Not really. Do you have something else in mind?”
Her top teeth sank into her bottom lip and I knew we were on the same page. “Yes.”
I flipped off the TV and dropped the remote on the couch. “Then why don’t you show me what you want to do.”
She stood and held out a hand. What felt like an electric shot hit my fingers the moment our hands connected and her eyes blazed.
“I know we haven’t gotten tested yet, but—”
I cut off her protest with my mouth. “I think I can find a way to make it work,” I said, backing her into the bedroom.
“I’m glad you like my idea.”
Those were the last words spoken for the rest night that didn’t consist of pleas, begging, and panting until we could no longer keep our eyes open.
25
Megan
“This is a little ridiculous,” I said, stepping out of the car. “They’ve already met me.”
“Not as my girlfriend, they haven’t,” Jackson said over the roof of the car.
“I’m pretty sure that’s not going to be a surprise to them. Besides, that’s how Monty’s always known me.”
He walked around the front of the car and linked his fingers with mine. “I know, but I feel like I owe it to you after being such an idiot.”
I smirked. “Idiot is the best you got?”
He lifted my hand to his lips. “Okay…a complete and utter dick.”
“That’s a little bit better.”
“How about a fucking moron?” someone asked from behind me.
I turned around to see Monty. Should’ve known it as soon as I heard him speak. Jackson didn’t even bother to look over his shoulder before flipping him off over his head.
“Hi, Allana,” I called out, before Jackson tugged me toward the door.
“Hey, Megan. Sorry, he’s in a rare form tonight.”
I laughed. “Trust me, I’ve heard worse from him.”
“I can only imagine,” she said when she reached my side with Monty in tow.
“No hello for Monty?” Monty smiled at me.
“Depends on if you’re going to play nice.”
He gave me a fake pout. “I always play nice.”
Allana burst out laughing. “Not always, love, not always.”
He leaned in to my ear but still said loud enough for us to hear. “I played nice with you earlier.”
Pink stained Allana’s cheeks even as she rolled her eyes at him. “Behave.”
We reached the door and Jackson gave a light knock before pushing it open. “Hello?”
“In the kitchen,” Mari called.
Still ignoring Monty, Jackson led us down the hall, past the living room, to the entrance to the kitchen. Cole and Sawyer were moving around at the back counter, most likely helping Mari get ready for dinner. To the left, Heath and Reagan sat at a breakfast nook, each with a beer in their hands.
“Hey,” Heath said, lifting his beer.
I waved back. “Hi, Heath, no Jenna tonight?”
“She’s here somewhere.” He shrugged.
“Somewhere?” Jenna’s voice came from behind me. “Thanks. I got to get another drink from the bar and I’m somewhere.” Jenna shook her head, then leaned in to give Allana and me a hug.
Jackson cleared his throat. “Since everyone’s here now, I…we have something to tell everyone.”
Mari set down the wooden spoon she was using and grabbed a towel from the counter to wipe her hands. “What’s up?”
Everyone’s eyes were on us and I wanted to sink into a hole and hide. I hated being the center of attention and avoided it whenever possible.
Jackson lifted our joined hands. “Megan and I are in a relationship.”
Everyone stayed silent, watching like they were waiting for more.
“And?” Sawyer said.
“And nothing. That was it,” Jackson said.
“We already knew that,” Reagan said.
I leaned up on my toes and whispered in his ear, “I told you.”
“Yeah, yeah, assholes.” Everyone in the room broke out into laughter. “I need a beer.” He turned to me. “Want anything?”
“A beer sounds good.”
He bent down and pressed a brief kiss to my lips. “I’ll be right back.” He glanced to his side out of the corner of his eye, a smirk forming on the corner of his lips. “And if Monty acts like a dick while I’m gone, kick him in the nuts.”
Monty threw his arms around her. “I promise to take good care of her.”
I scoffed, not bothering to stop the smile from forming on my lips. “Yeah, I’m not sure I trust you to do that.”
Heath barked out a laugh. “She really does know Monty well.”
Allana linked her arm with mine. “Yes, she does. Jackson, can you grab me a beer too?”
“You got it.”
Allana led me farther into the kitchen toward the breakfast nook, where Jenna had taken a seat next to Heath.
“Yeah, grab me one too,” Monty said.
Jackson pointed a finger at him. “You can go fuck yourself. Get your own.”
Monty walked over and leaned on Jackson’s shoulder. “Aww…where’s the love?”
Jackson rolled his eyes. “Ass. You’re lucky I like you.”
And just like that the little tiff was over. It still amazed me how much things hadn’t changed between them since college.
They disappeared down the hall and Jenna covered my hand on the table, grabbing my attention. “Please tell me that man groveled on his knees for the shit he put you through before admitting what we all saw.”
Heat raced up my neck. “You all knew?”
“We did,” Reagan said. “We were getting ready to take bets on how long it would take for Jackson to get his head out of his ass.”
I dropped my head into my hands to hide my face. “Oh my God.”
A hand landed on my shoulder and I peeked over to see Mari standing next to me, the sapphire engagement ring sparkling in the refection of the lights. “Don’t be embarrassed. Trust me, we’ve all had our fair share of crazy when it comes to relationships.” A corner of her mouth lifted. “At least none of your relationship problems have caused a media frenzy.”
Everyone glanced at one another before laughter filled the room. When they started taking bets on whose public accounting of their relationship was the worst, I laughed along with them and
thanked my lucky stars that nothing like that had happened to us.
The laughter slowly died down and I settled back against the seat, feeling more comfortable than before Jackson suggested this big announcement dinner.
“Does this mean you’re coming on tour with us?” Heath asked.
I shook my head. “Probably not. I still have some time left on my contract with the army.”
Allana turned to me. “What about when that’s up?”
Wasn’t that the golden question? When Jackson had asked me that at dinner that first night, the answer was simple and quick. I’d always planned on participating in the reserves for as long as I was eligible. Now, I found myself hung up on the answer, not exactly sure what to say.
Then again, I never expected to find myself in a relationship with Jackson again. And we hadn’t really gotten a chance to talk about it again since then.
I shrugged. “I don’t really know. I’d always assumed I’d be in the reserves as long as I was eligible, but…” I thought back to the time I’d spent with Jackson up until now. Simple movie nights, laughing at the cheesy filmmaking from when we were growing up. Arguing over pizza toppings or who was going to pay. Waking up in his arms this last week like the future we planned together was getting back on track.
The army couldn’t give me that.
It hadn’t really given me my whole life back. I’d gotten my career back from them. But stepping away from them would give me everything back. The army had gotten seven years of my life. Experiences I wouldn’t trade for the world. And if I had to do it all over again, I would. But maybe, just maybe it was time to walk away. To realize my debt had been paid. That it was time to pick up where Jackson and I left off and see if we still had the future we’d planned that night all those years ago, sitting on his bed.
“But what?”
I whipped around to see Jackson standing in the doorway, a beer in each hand, mostly forgotten as he walked forward and set them on the table. He crouched down next to me and took my face in his hands.
“How much did you hear?”
“Enough to be very curious. But what? What were you going to say?”
Play Me (Jaded Ivory Book 5) Page 17
