Jasper built a fire in the wood stove, and we’re cuddling under blankets on the couch while getting to know one another.
Before sunset, we walked around the whole property. This time of year, there aren’t many others up at the lake. The temperature was falling fast by the time we got back to the cabin. It might even snow tonight.
With the drapes drawn, hiding us from the rest of the world, we’ve talked about everything and nothing. Childhood dreams. Adult realities.
I’m full of perfectly cooked steak and roasted vegetables—the last of my grocery order—and Jasper even opened a bottle of wine from a surprisingly well-stocked cellar. He only had half a glass, but I’m on my second, and the slight buzz is making me a bit brazen.
“Tell me about these,” I say as I stroke my fingers gently over his right cheek. The scars are small. I’d barely noticed them before, but up close, with the firelight dancing along his skin, they’re impossible to miss.
“You covered the explosion.” Jasper sits up a little straighter, and the blanket falls away. “Not much more to tell. Lost most of my peripheral vision in that eye.”
My heart squeezes at the pain in his voice. “I reported on the investigation. But DPS media relations wouldn’t tell me anything about your injuries. Just that you were in serious condition. You kicked me out of your hospital room before I could ask in person.” I cover his hand with mine and squeeze his fingers. He’s been rubbing his right leg on and off all night.
“Dislocated shoulder. Torn rotator cuff. Broken collarbone. They had to replace my hip and put three pins in my femur. Hurts like a sombitch every damn day, but at least I can still walk. Even run if I have to. But I’ll pay for it.”
Raking his hand through his hair, he stares at the flames dancing in the wood stove. “About what I said earlier…? I ain’t a good bet long term.”
I sit up and grab his shoulders to force him to look at me. “Now listen here, Jasper. You can’t un-ask me out on a date.”
“Emi.” There’s an edge to his voice now that wasn’t there a moment ago. His eyes harden. “I don’t have a job. Bein’ a Ranger? I was good at that. Now, I’m the super at my apartment building. I fix shit and collect the rent. You need someone…better.”
“That’s horse shit, and you know it.” My accent is back, and I don’t care one bit. “I’m a forty-year-old woman in a business that abhors wrinkles. In another five or six years, there won’t be a place for me on the nightly news. Not unless I get damn lucky or find a niche market that doesn’t care when my laugh lines get deep enough you could mine for gold in them. Your job is just that…your job.”
“I don’t know who I am without that star on my shirt!” he snaps.
“I do.” I trail my fingers along his jaw. “You’re the guy who saved my kale. Who refused to let me take a rideshare home from the hospital. Who slept on my floor to make sure I was okay. Who gave me the last piece of cornbread. I like that guy. A lot. I want to date him. Maybe clear out a drawer for him. Or…more.”
Jasper pulls me into his arms. His kiss is all consuming, setting me on fire until I can’t think straight.
I need him naked. Right now.
“Bedroom.” I push to my feet, take his hand, and drag him down the hall. But when he eases me down to the blankets, pain creases lines around his eyes.
I panic until I see how tight the front of his jeans are.
“Come here.” Pushing up on an elbow, I reach for his belt buckle. “I want you naked.”
“Are you sure?”
“Some reason I shouldn’t be?” I cup his cheek, his beard almost soft under my palm. “I was sure last night. Before…everything.”
He strips off his flannel shirt, and son of a biscuit. His arms are seriously cut, and I can see the evidence of what used to be a six pack—or more—though the ridges have gone soft.
Sitting on the bed with his back to me, he sighs. “After I retired—after I was forced to retire—well, I spent too many nights just sittin’ in my recliner with a bottle—or three—of Shiner rather than takin’ care of myself. And the explosion did a lot of damage.”
“Jasper Blade. If you think I’m that shallow?—”
“No!” The word escapes on a snarl. Strong arms band around me, pulling me into his lap so I can tuck my head under his chin. “I ain’t been with anyone in three years, Emi. What I feel for you…I can’t explain it.”
“Then stop talking, and show me.”
Sliding my hands between us, I find his belt and loosen the buckle.
“If you think I give two shits how many abs you have…well, you’re smarter than that, Jasper. Kiss me, and let me prove how very much I do not care. You hear?”
With a little twist of my hips, I grind myself against his arousal.
“Emi…fuuuuuuck,” he groans. “You keep doin’ that, I’m gonna come before I even get you naked.”
