Page 17

Kelly

“Sorry about the mess.” Scott’s hand in mine, I lead him down the hall toward the bedroom.

Recalling our benefits agreement, I hesitate, which makes no sense. We just had mind-blowing sex in a hospital room. Nothing has changed. We both agreed it’s physical. Life affirming sex after a near-death experience is perfectly normal.

Why then, does my heart ache so?

Scott pauses in the doorframe, cups my cheeks, and stares directly into my soul. “What’s going on in there? We don’t have to do this. We can watch a movie.”

Damn, why does he have to be so understanding? It’s going to make it hard not to fall for him. Who am I kidding? It’s already too late. “I like you… a lot… I mean… We’re friends, right?”

Oh shit. Why do I bother to open my mouth? My gaze lowers because when it comes to matters of the heart, I’m a U. S. Grade A chicken.

“Face me, babe.” When his forehead touches mine, I drown in the vast oceans of his blue irises.

Catching my breath, I lean forward to his waiting lips. His kiss is a mere brush, not at all like any of the others. This one makes me dream of the impossible, where he and I find a future together. All these thoughts fly away when he takes his tongue deeper. As I’m about to jump him, a lock of burnt hair falls over my face.

I scrunch my nose. “How about a shower—oh crap. Sorry. I wasn’t thinking about your back.”

God, I am so stupid.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure we can figure it out.” Noses touching, his warm smile melts my insides.

“Okay. Give me just a sec.” In the small room, I ball up clothes and stuff them into the closet. A quick sweep of my arm sends all of Mack’s makeup clattering into the vanity drawer.

Perfect.

Watching my antics, the now completely naked Hunt smirks when he tugs me back into the bathroom. “Have I ever mentioned I love a woman in uniform?”

Face heated, I pretend to check his temperature by placing my palm on his forehead. “Huh, no fever—there is nothing sexy about khakis.”

He makes the sound of a gameshow buzzer. “Wrong. The fact you can protect yourself turns me on.”

His nostrils flare as he unbuckles my sidearm belt. It clunks on the countertop, where we can access it if needed.

“It’s better than unwrapping a birthday present.” Kissing me as he goes, he takes his time removing my outfit.

“Hunter.” By the time he pulls down my undies, I’m breathing hard.

Skin to skin, he pulls me to his chest. Safe, desired, cherished. My heart expands, breaking the bonds of The Incident.

When the water warms, I step under the spray. Facing me, he pumps shampoo into his palm. My eyes close when he massages my head, releasing hours, perhaps days’ worth of tension.

Next, his fingers dig into my shoulders. “Mmm, your massage feels so wonderful.”

I reach to return the favor, but he holds my wrists, pulling them to the shower head pipe. “Hold on here. I’ll tell you when to let go.”

Before I can argue, his mouth finds my lips. As his hands cease roving over my whole body, I open my eyes.

Reaching up one thick bicep, followed by the other, my lover showers in front of me.

His head, legs, and torso are next. Finally, our gazes locked together, he circles his cock, giving it a tug.

If not for the water, I’m sure our heat would set the house on fire.

“Now let me touch you, Wildlife.”

His Adam’s apple bobs as he nods. In no hurry, I slide my fingers down his front, past his navel, stopping short of the promised land.

Groaning, he swells.

When I cup his balls, he shuts off the shower. Gathering me into his arm, he snatches a towel. In the bedroom, he rubs the coarse terry over my over-sensitive nipples before paying equal attention to my whole body.

He towels off in a second. Then, he lifts me, lies me flat, and crawls up until he reaches my lips.

Foreplay at an end, I spread my legs. I’m so wet when he thrusts inside me, he hits my bullseye.

Gasping, I arch up to meet him.

His eyes roll. “Fuck Kell. Holy fuck.”

As he jackhammers into my G-spot, I lock my ankles behind his calves, so close to the edge I can hardly breathe.

Sweat lubricates our bodies. Nature takes over. I hold back. I want—no need him to come with me. When he does a one-armed pushup to pinch my clit, I scream and splinter apart into the immense universe.

His triumphant shout follows. After, we collapse onto the bed, so totally spent I don’t recall falling asleep.