Chapter 10
Warmth and security surrounded Callie and she didn’t want to wake up from the delicious dream she was having. Entwined on her bed, she and Jack were caressing every inch of the other. Lucidity returned to find she was indeed touching soft hair over muscled skin.
Her eyes popped open as she slid her fingers down Jack’s gorgeous chest. She should stop them but her hand had a mind of its own. Or maybe her mind wanted the same thing. It allowed her hand to keep going right down to his navel and skim through the hair swirling around it. Then it moved lower attempting to infiltrate the waistband standing sentry to what she really wanted.
As she dipped her fingers under the cotton band, a gruff voice choked out, “Any lower, Calico, and I can’t be held accountable for my actions.”
She swung her gaze to Jack’s face, his smirk crooked as always. Heat rose to her cheeks and she pulled her hand away as if it had been burned. Maybe it had been. He’d always been too hot to handle. It hadn’t stopped her from trying.
He captured her retreating hand and held it where it wanted to be, on his chest. Pulling her closer, he kissed the top of her head. “Did you sleep well?”
“Yes,” she answered breathlessly. “Did you?” Were they seriously having this casual conversation while holding each other in her bed? Things like that were history. Reminders of what they used to have. She started to pull away but Jack held fast and firm.
“Best nap I’ve had in a long time. I should do this more often.”
When he still didn’t let go, she relaxed her head back against his chest. Her desire to get up wasn’t that strong.
“How’s your side? Still painful?”
“It’s only a scratch, Calico, nothing you need to worry about. Besides, I had the best little nurse fix it and make it all better.”
“Really?” she teased. “Tell me about this nurse. Should I be jealous?”
He raised one eyebrow as a grin appeared on his face. “Maybe. She was one hot mama. Dark curls, highlighted with red and gold, framing her face. The cutest freckles scattered across her tiny, little upturned nose. Lips so kissable they’d make a man forget his manners.”
“Did you forget your manners with her?”
“No, I was a perfect gentleman…then. Now, not sure I can keep my control in check. Especially when she’s snuggled up tight against me. I may have to make a move unless she gives me a strong signal that she’s opposed to my kissing her.”
Letting out the breath she was holding, she kept her eyes on his. They mesmerized her. Holding her captive with those intense gray eyes was one of his super powers. She’d been helpless against them. Like now.
He lowered his head, his beautiful lips opening to greet hers. When they touched, she melted into him knowing she should be pulling away but having no willpower to achieve that. She continued her earlier exploration of his chest as his hands roamed over her back.
Moving his lips over hers, he attacked then retreated, seductive yet playful. Soft moans came from her mouth. Jack’s length was hard and firm against her belly telling her he was getting turned on by the sounds. When she bent one knee to raise her leg over his thigh, he slid his leg in between hers. Subconsciously, she squeezed her thighs together, squirming with pent-up desire.
Oh, God.He skimmed his lips from hers to scald a path across her cheek and drift down her neck. Heat seared everywhere his hands touched, under her top, across her stomach. As he licked his way down her throat, he pushed her on her back and explored her rib cage with rough fingers. Moving them higher, he palmed the underside of her breast and she arched her back, whimpering.
Yes, there. I need you there.The spot on her neck that made her crazy called out and Jack responded. Shivers rippled through her as his teeth nipped the tender skin. He flicked his thumb over her nipple, a cry wrenching from deep inside her. When he slid his mouth south, she focused briefly on where his lips were going. Her blouse was unbuttoned.How did I miss him doing that?Spreading the garment open, he gazed at her, adoration pouring from his eyes.
“I love that you don’t wear a bra. You’re gorgeous.”
Heat rose through her, self-conscious. “I’m so small, I can get away without one.”
“Small but beautiful, my lovely Calico Cat. You know I never needed more than this. They’re a perfect fit.” And he demonstrated by cupping his hands around her mounds and gently squeezing.
Callie’s breathing picked up as he kneaded and caressed. When he lowered his mouth and flicked his tongue across the hardened peak, she thought she might explode. God, he’d done this often in the past, knew how aroused it got her. How it had caused her mind to muddle until she couldn’t think straight. Nothing had changed. The effect was the same now but she didn’t care. It had been too long since she’d experienced anything like this.
Traveling to the other peak, he laved and licked until she writhed under him, her legs wrapped around his waist. Damn, she was weak. Somewhere in the back of her mind there was a reason they shouldn’t be doing this but for the life of her she couldn’t come up with it. Time had reversed to when she and Jack were together and happy. They’d had to be cautious but they’d seen each other every day.
His mouth left her breast and he returned his hands to caress and torment. Skimming his lips farther south, he licked inside her navel then whispered across her stomach. Flutters followed as he unsnapped her jeans then navigated her zipper down. Running her fingers through his tousled hair, she pulled him closer so he could continue marauding. God, this was wrong, but it felt so right. No turning back now. Jack’s touch had her quivering like a jellyfish and she might combust if he didn’t continue.
As he tugged on her waistband, a soft noise floated into her subconscious.
“Mama. Mama?”
Jack froze and she almost screamed with frustration. But sanity returned and she knew Jonathan had saved her from doing something she’d regret. Because as much as she would have enjoyed the passionate interlude, it would have connected her and Jack back together in a way she might never get over when he left again. And he would leave. He had no other choice.
She pushed herself up and attempted the buttons on her shirt. Her hands shook to the point she kept fumbling and they wouldn’t go in the holes. One side of Jack’s mouth curved up. He placed his hands over hers and whispered, “I’ll get him. You take your time.” Then he kissed the top of her head and left the room.
