“I’d much rather you use your mouth for other things,” she told him coyly, tilting her head to the side to give him better access. “And then maybe you’ll let me return the favor? Let me take a bite out of your Adam’s apple? That thing has been tempting me all day.”
“Really?” He moved his mouth to the crook of her neck, feeling her pulse flutter against his lips.
“Mmm-hmm.” She nodded lazily. “There’s something about it. It screamsman.”
He understood that. So many things about her screamedwoman, from the graceful line of her collarbones to the dramatic flare of her hips. And all of them, each and every one, was a siren’s call.
“After you’re done with my Adam’s apple, what’ll you do next?”
“Lick your neck. Suck on your pulse point.” Speaking of…his heart rate picked up its pace to match hers. “Maybe leave a little love bite so every time you catch your reflection in the mirror for the next few days, you’ll be reminded of me.”
I suppose I should’ve known,he thought,given how much we like to banter, that she’d bring fun, flirty talk into the bedroom.
At least hehopedshe’d bring fun, flirty talk into the bedroom. And then maybe transition that fun, flirty talk into downrightdirtytalk.
“If you start bitin’ my Adam’s apple and kissin’ my neck, I can’t be held responsible for what happens next.”
“Promises, promises,” she teased, then shivered again when he gently bit down on the side of her neck. It was a warning of sensual punishments to come. A pledge to show her every erotic trick he’d ever learned.
“Mmm,” she hummed her approval, closing her eyes as he continued to use his mouth on her tender flesh.
The taste of her on his tongue was every tropical dream he’d ever had. A sweet mix of sugary boat drinks, sunshine, and coconut milk. It took some effort, but he forced himself to step away.
“Let’s get you bandaged back up.” His voiced sounded like it’d been trampled by an entire battalion of combat boots.
She tried to feign nonchalance, but her movements were shaky when she retook her seat. She nearly missed the closed toilet lid altogether and only saved herself at the last minute.
“Antibacterial ointment? Tape?” he asked.
“On the vanity.” When she pointed, her fingers were trembling.
Glad to have an excuse to turn away so she wouldn’t see the triumphant curve of his mouth, he swung back around when he heard her gasp.
“What?” he demanded. “What’s wrong?”
“Have you had that the entire time?” Her eyes were huge.
“Had what?” He glanced around, confused. Had a hard-on? Sure. Every time she was near. Had a big, squishy soft spot for her? Of course. Right from the start.
“A gun.”
“Oh. No.” He shook his head. “That’s what I went to the airport to get. Romeo keeps the Otter armed.”
“Do you…” Her voice was wobbly, so she swallowed. “Do you think you’ll need it?”
“Nah,” he assured her. If the warehouse dickholes had wanted to finish the job they started, they likely would have already tried. “But my motto is always be prepared,” he told her.
Her mouth flattened. “That’s notyourmotto. That’s the Boy Scouts of America motto. Although…” She cocked her head. “I can see it. You in that little khaki shirt with all your badges. Were you a Scout?”
“Nope.” He shook his head. “Myelisiwouldn’t hear of it.” When she frowned, he explained. “My uncle is gay. We’re talkin’ out and proud since he was about six years old. And unlike Western civilization, the idea of same-sex unions has been part of the Cherokee culture for as long as any of the elders can remember. In fact, for centuries my tribe has been known for celebratin’ a ‘ceremony of devotion’ between two men at annual festivals. It’s basically what folks today would call gay marriage.”
“Fascinating,” she breathed.
“Anyway, back when my grandmother was raisin’ her kids, the Boy Scouts of America was still toutin’ its stance against openly gay people being allowed into the organization.Elisirefused to give money to any group that wasn’t inclusive of everyone, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, you name it.” He smiled when he relayed this last part. “She flies two flags from her front porch. The Cherokee Nation flag and the gay pride flag.”
Chrissy’s eyes sparkled. “She sounds like a pistol. I think I like her.”
“You should.” He snorted. “Y’all are peas in a pod.” When her brows knit together, he explained, “You’re both incredibly independent, incredibly capable, and incredibly stubborn.”
