Sadness mixed with the bluish gray in his eyes as he stared back at her. “The day after I graduated high school, I enlisted in the Navy.”
Without thinking, she placed her hand back onto his leg. “A lot of kids—especially boys—that age would have acted out. They would’ve turned to violence or drugs. Dropped out of school, but you didn’t. Despite the loss you’ve suffered, you went on to make something of yourself.”
Grant huffed out a breath. “I wouldn’t exactly say I didn’t act out.” He gave her the tiniest of smirks. “After all, I went on to specialize in explosives so I could blow shit up.”
Brynnon grinned. “You went on to serve your country and risk your life protecting those who couldn’t protect themselves.” She slid her hand over his fist and squeezed. “I know I didn’t know your mom, but I do know she would’ve been very proud of the man you turned out to be.”
Choking back tears, she suddenly wished his mom was still here so she could see what an amazing son she’d raised. Despite her best efforts, a tear escaped the corner of her eye.
Grant turned, shifting against the cushion to face her more directly. With his free hand, he cupped her cheek, his thumb gently wiping away the tear. “Don’t cry for me, Princess,” he whispered softly.
“I can’t help it,” she admitted shakily.
With more tears threatening to fall, Grant moved his thumb down to her quivering lip. Swiping it back and forth slowly, his gaze dropped to her mouth before rising back up to her watery eyes. It was the only warning she had before he kissed her.
Leaning in, Grant pressed his lips to hers. The powerful surge arching between them was so strong it was almost as if she’d been struck by lightning. Brynnon nearly jerked away for fear it was too much. Before she could, his tongue began running along the seam of her lips.
Without hesitation, she opened up for him. Her tongue reached out, joining his in the most sensual, sexually charged kiss she’d ever experienced. Desire flared inside her, and before she knew what she was doing, Brynnon had risen to her knees and was framing his face with her hands.
A deep grunt escaped his throat, and Brynnon swallowed it whole as she let out a tiny mewling sound of her own. The kiss had started out slow, tentative. But it didn’t take long for it to become all lips and teeth and tongues as they both finally allowed their mutual attraction for one another to come to life.
Before she realized what she was doing, Brynnon swung her left leg up over his and climbed onto his lap. Straddling him, now, she could feel his swollen cock pressing against her needy core. Grant grunted again, his hips thrusting upward, his body searching for the release she was more than willing to give him.
“Brynnon,” he moaned her name as his lips traveled across her jawline and lower. His rough whiskers only added to the already incredible sensation.
As if they had a mind of their own, Brynnon’s hands moved from his face and began their journey downward. She could feel his sculpted chest and abs through his button-up shirt and couldn’t wait to see what he looked like without it.
With that in mind, she began to untuck the shirt from his belted waistband. The second she’d pulled enough of the material free, Brynnon slid her hands underneath and felt skin-to-skin what she’d only been able to imagine.
On a hiss, Grant’s muscles contracted beneath her touch as he brought his mouth back to hers. Brynnon moaned loudly as she began tasting him again, knowing right then, she’d never get enough.
Without conscious thought, she ground her denim-covered sex against the hard bulge beneath her, desperate to relieve the explosive pressure causing her most intimate muscles to ache to the point of pain.
“God, Grant,” she panted against his lips. “I want you.”
Brynnon dropped her hands to his belt and began pulling the tight leather free from its metal buckle. She’d never felt this way before. It was as if she’d die if she didn’t find release soon. From what she could feel pressing against her throbbing pussy, Grant was in the same boat as she was.
The end of the belt popped free. Brynnon began frantically working to undo the button on the waist of his dress pants when a large hand clamped down over hers, stopping her. Tearing his lips from hers, Grant let out a guttural groan.
“What’s the matter?” she choked out.
“Stop.”
The rough order left her blinking. “What?”
“Jesus. Fuck.” Grant looked up at her, both astonished and confused, almost as though he had no clue where he even was. “I’m sorry.” He shook his head. Cursing under his breath, he made a move to get up. To get away from her.
What the hell?Without much choice, Brynnon slid awkwardly back onto the couch and let him stand. She watched as Grant began pacing back and forth.
“God, Brynnon. I’m sorry.” He stopped and ran a hand through his hair, regret pouring out of him as he looked back at her. “I’m so sorry. That was—”
“Incredible.” She answered for him.
His chest heaved with each of his ragged breaths. “I was going to say a mistake.”
Ignoring the sharp dagger piercing her heart, Brynnon shook her head. “I disagree.” Legs still trembling from the most incredible kiss she’d ever experienced, she stood and walked toward him.
“You don’t understand. I’ve never done that before.” Lips pressed into a thin line, Grant shook his head. Pissed at himself for actually acting human for a change.
