Sand and Sin (6 page)

“Thank you, ensign.” God, was she even old enough to drink? Evidently, she’d already completed the other womanly rite of passage. It might be legal to have sex with an eighteen-year-old, but at thirty-three he felt old.

“GQ!” TJ burst form the doorway. “Did she finally untie you from her bed?” He pounded him on the shoulder, ushering him inside.

Damn, the visual made him laugh. He didn’t need any more kinky ideas. “She had an errand, so I thought I’d check out your digs.” He surveyed the room. Cubbies with his team’s gear lined one wall of the Spartan room. A large wood table graced the center.

Two guys hovered over a large map and several satellite photos. Only people with security clearance were allowed into the SEALs’ den, so they didn’t bother to cover anything from him.

TJ made introductions. “This is Hawk and Cipher.”

Jax shook hands with each man. He remembered Hawk, a fellow sniper, from some training missions.

Sounding mildly affronted, TJ said, “He’s getting out next month.”

Hawk nodded. “I’ve been offered a training gig at a large police department. The money’s not bad and they offer great bennies.”

“He fired too much ammo and has twins on the way.” TJ laughed. “Come on, they’re hashing some logistics. I’ll show you what’s new.”

Jax had visited the base during a couple of joint training ventures but not recently. In fact, he hadn’t seen TJ in nearly three years and that was mainly why he took the military hop here. Thus far, he’d gotten more than he bargained for during his brief visit.

After a few rounds in their state-of-the-art cyber shooting range, pent tension eased. The simulation enabled him some payback he’d needed after taking a bullet during his last moments of the fight.

“Damn bro.” TJ squeezed his shoulder. “You’re still top shot.”

“Thanks. That’s what they pay me for.”

“Commander Balton.” TJ straightened at the officer entering.

Jax spun around from the console and snapped to attention.

The weathered officer waved off their attempted salutes. “I assume your friend is cleared for this area?” His casual tone reminded Jax of his commanding officer.

Unlike some other military officers, SEAL officers endured the same shit as enlisted. And from the CO’s appearance, he had been in the thick of things quite a bit. Jax stepped forward. “CPO Taylor, sir.”

He passed Jax a contemplative look. “The same Taylor on the recent injured report?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Glad to see you’re up and around. Your numbers are impressive, Chief.”

Although paperwork tracked his targets, his tally remained mental. Every sniper knew his total count, by mission and deployment. “Just doing my job, sir.”

“How’s the leg?”

“Better every day. Just taking some R & R until my team returns stateside in a couple of weeks.”

The man with distinguished gray temples raised his cleft chin and cleared his throat. “There is some talk about getting together a special team for something on the horizon.” He paused.

Code for your name is in the pot.
Jax kept his face neutral while he stiffened. But how could he refuse being tapped to a group of the baddest motherfuckers?

“We’re going to need a man with your special skills when you’re a hundred percent.”

The higher ups kept tabs and stats, but something didn’t add up for Jax. Had TJ brought up his name? He chose his next words carefully. Many a sailor had killed his career by saying no. “I appreciate the consideration.”

“So you wouldn’t be opposed to transferring?”

“No, sir, just leaving my team hanging.” Even if he’d mentioned having a significant other in California, it wouldn’t have mattered. The Navy only cared if the teams formed a cohesive unit.

“Understood.” He nodded.

Jax left the office, doubting he’d heard the last of the matter. If they wanted him, it could become a rank pissing match. Once back in Coronado, he might be reassigned anyway. They’d already replaced him while he was on loan to the Marines. Absence didn’t always favor a sailor in his line of work.

Outside, he gave TJ an accusatory stare. “You have a hand in that?”

“We were asked for names a few weeks ago.” He slid on his sunglasses. “Yours came up. I only seconded it. I know you love your team, but you’re still drifting, man. You need to find something solid beyond being a SEAL, and so far, you haven’t found it in California. Maybe you should try a different locale. Like here.” He spread his hands wide.

Jax smirked. “Look who’s talking. Let me see your left hand. Yeah, no ring there.”

“You haven’t seen Amy’s. And I don’t believe it was an accident some beautiful woman took you home. I’m a firm believer in fate, and you’re here for a reason, my friend.” TJ’s brown gaze drilled into him.

Peri stepped into the empty bar and grabbed an apron to cover the sundress she’d worn to the airport. The Trident had been her solace during the storm of divorce and child custody negotiations. Six years later, its walls still comforted her in times of stress.

But it couldn’t hold her at night. Being in Jax’s arms felt like a home she’d never known. Driving the memory away, she inventoried produce in the industrial fridge. Work gave the illusion of control—maintaining the menu, liquor, and staff. Her clientele offered fun and mystery on occasion.

Hunky Jax Taylor had proved to be the ultimate in both. Hell, she hadn’t worn a dress in years and yet here she was in a strappy, cleavage-enhancing thing she hoped would have his eyes rounding when she got home. Maybe they could have some fun by the pool, or in the pool.

Done with checking stock, she loaded the register with cash for the day, then double-checked the table condiments. She used the mindless task from her waitressing days to help her sort through life’s snags.

Last night, she’d missed lying next to him. This morning, she’d wished for his smoking hot body. In reality, she should be more concerned about Haley making it to Orlando? One night with the guy and she was up for a bad mom award. This thing would go nowhere and only add to her depression surrounding Haley growing up. She sniffed and blinked to clear her vision.

The buzz of her cell interrupted the start of her pity party.

What cha doing?
Jax messaged.

At the Trident checking stock.

Seconds later a rap at the back door set her on her heels. Phil would have let himself in with his key. Too early for deliveries. Must be Jax. She wiped her cheeks, hoping her mascara hadn’t run. After stashing the apron, she checked the peephole before opening the lock with a click.

Jax surveyed her with a concerned tilt of his head as he stepped inside. “You okay?”

His woodsy scent surrounded her along with his muscular arms. She nodded yes, but he probably knew better.

He drew her tight and smoothed her hair as he dotted light kisses along her temple down to her ear. “She’ll text you when she’s there,” he assured her. “I’ll keep you occupied until then.”

Maybe she should fear him. He filled her senses, drove her to distraction. It felt like falling…in love. Shit.

She couldn’t go there. Not now. “Thought you’d be hanging with TJ for the day.”

He clenched his jaw. “I drove to the base and caught up with him.” He led her to a large corner booth and sat her on the table.

“You don’t sound enthused about your visit.”

“It’s not that. You’ve been on my mind.” He tipped her chin.

“Thanks. I’m fine.” Now that he was here, the warmth of his touch soothed her.

“You look beautiful.” He skimmed a finger under the shoulder strap of the white dress decorated with large red poppies. Leaning in, he caressed her jaw with soft lips before migrating to her mouth. His tender touch was at odds with his soldier persona. Stepping between her thighs, he caressed her back in lazy circles while his mouth played along hers.

Their kiss ended, but he continued to soothe her back.

“Are you guys going to get together again?”

“At some point.” He inched the skirt of her dress higher exposing her thighs. “But honestly, I’m enjoying spending time with you.”

As if she wasn’t. His wandering hand had her wondering what it would be like to be taken by a lover at her establishment. It had never been a conscious fantasy until now. “Me too.”

He glanced about the bar. “Do we have a few minutes to play? I missed you last night.”

“Sure, and then if you want, we could take a little trip while Haley’s gone.” Would he take the bait? She’d been contemplating a getaway since he’d changed the locks on the house.

Interest flickered in eyes and his lips quirked. “I’m game.”

“We can be there in a little over an hour.” She took his hand.

“Where?”

“The Outer Banks. Have you ever been?” She’d love to show him the sights and more.

He gave a slight tug on a lock of her hair. “There’s a first time for everything.”

His hardy tone danced along her spine at the suggestion. “A game of pool first?” She motioned towards the red felt table.

After a pause, he grinned and helped her down from the booth’s table. “Sure, the winner can choose: top or bottom.”

* * * *

Jax fought the urge to chuckle as her cheeks flushed, nearly matching the flowers on her dress. Expanding her sexual world seemed to be his mission for their time together.

“Care to break?” He passed her a cue.

She proved to be a pool shark, but he sank the eight ball after she missed, calling the shot.

The tip of her tongue slid suggestively along her painted lower lip.

An invitation that had him imagining the frilly skirt of her dress fanned over the table with her lean thighs welcoming him. The memory of being buried so deep inside of her nearly had him forgetting his name. Something about Peri stoked his fires beyond the physical. She didn’t play games and appeared loyal, two traits he demanded before lowering his guard with anyone.

His occupation seemed inconsequential, as her job brought her into contact with high-caliber military every time she walked into the bar. His being a SEAL wasn’t anything unique to her.

Closing the shallow distance between them, he tested her interest and brushed his chest against hers. “Did I say I missed you last night?”

He loved the slight hitch in her breathing, the modest way she rolled her lips before answering. “You did, but I like hearing you say it again.”

With a quick move, he seated her on the pool table and stepped between her legs. Gradually, he roamed up her thighs, working the hem of her dress as he went. Her skimpy thong begged him to taste her sweetness beneath.

“Let me prove it to you.” He reclined her onto the red felt. While stringing kisses along her shoulder, he eased off the straps of her dress. Her creamy breasts greeted him. Dusky nipples hardened to points under his scrutiny. He latched onto one of the tempting nubs and the world fell away. So tender. So sweet.

After the encounter with TJ’s CO, he needed Peri. While losing himself in her, he’d quit asking why in the hell had his friend touted his sniping skills and risked playing havoc with his career. Jax didn’t want to change teams, but he also didn’t want to piss off the East Coast SEAL commander.

Letting go, he returned his attentions to the beautiful woman at his beckoning. He teased and feathered his tongue around her nipple and then switched to the other breast.

She gasped and seized the back of his head.

One night with Peri whet his appetite for more. He sensed, in some ways, she might be as lonely as he. Could he be the one to fulfill her dreams or chase away any bumps in the night, like her ex-husband?

He drew the thin strip of her thong to the side. A fine line of pale hair arrowed to her glistening folds. A natural blonde and wet for him. He lowered his head for a lick.

Her tangy, sweet flavor burst on his tongue. Anticipation had his dick pressing his zipper, begging for freedom.

She smoothed her fingertips through his hair, and tugged his head closer as she arched for more. Her desire stroked his ego and his cock.

Palming her smooth thighs, he skimmed down their long length. Runner’s legs, lean and toned, he imagined her riding him without tiring and he broke into a grin.

* * * *

Peri had lost her mind under Jax’s searching mouth that kept any coherent reasoning at bay. A fiery, heated tongue stroked and teased her pussy lips. Her cleft pulsed with need to feel his hard length stroking her until she exploded into an inferno of pleasure.

The unzipping of his jeans launched her to her elbows. A lusty stare set off his jet-colored hair. His chiseled jaw and hardened physique portrayed a total conquering male.

He leaned over her. “Angel?”

Was he asking? She stroked his face. His coarse stubble heightened her desire. “I bet you SEALs have a billiard babe list.” She palmed his chest.

He shook his head.

“A virgin then?”

He grinned. “I’m not saying that.”

“So you can show me a few tricks.”

His eyes widened.

Delighted, she shoved his jeans and boxers to his knees.

“W—wait.” He reached into his pocket while his stiff cock jutted from a nest of short black hair. He groaned as she offered a long, hungry lick to his length and swirled over the crown. He twisted her hair to the top of her head.

She sank deep.

“Damn, baby. This wasn’t my plan, but okay.” He pumped his hips in rhythm with her mouth.

He tasted clean, like he’d showered recently, but his male musk sent her to Naughtyville. She cupped his tight sac and rolled the heavy globes. She pumped his remaining length with her free hand. Maybe one day she’d learn the art of relaxing her throat. He made her want to try anything.

* * * *

Her mouth felt like a hot, wet fist encased in silk. Every time his cockhead hit the rear of her throat, he thought his balls would ignite. The predatory hunger in her gaze only made the scene below his waist more erotic.

Her mouth leaving his length slick and wet. Her half-closed eyes fluttering with each stroke. The vibration of her moans around his cock pushed him to the edge of insanity.