Going Down (13 page)

“You were amazing,” Tyson muttered, shutting the door to their hotel room.

He cupped Ellie’s face and brushed his lips over hers, backing her up toward the bed. When she hit the edge, he pushed her back onto it, following with his body.

Tyson’s lips trailed kisses down her neck and to the neckline of her blouse.

“I thought I did pretty good,” she agreed with a breathy laugh, delving her hands into his hair. “Think it’s enough to convict him?”

He lifted his head and stared down at her. “I think you made a pretty good impression on the jury, Ellie. And, from what I understand, there were at least two heavy-hitter witnesses before you.”

“It’ll probably be a few more days at least before they finish up, the prosecutor said. Before the jury deliberates.” She sighed and closed her eyes. “It’s going to be hard not to think about it.”

“I have some pretty good ideas how to distract you,” Tyson murmured, slowly unfastening her buttons on her blouse with his good hand.

Her eyes darkened with anticipation. “Hey, now, that might just work.”

He winked at her and then cupped her breasts. Lowering his head, he suckled her nipples through the silky bra and reveled in the cry of pleasure she made. She squirmed beneath him, before her head fell back against the pillow.

Reaching beneath her, he easily removed her bra and plucked it free from her breasts. Then he brought his mouth to her again, licking and nibbling her nipples while unfastening her skirt.

A moment later, he had removed the rest of her clothing and she lay on the bed. Ellie wrapped her leg over his hip, opening her body completely to him. And Tyson wasted no time taking advantage of it, delving his fingers into the slick folds between her thighs to bring her to a higher state of arousal.

Then he moved lower, replacing his fingers with his mouth. Following the rise and fall of her body until she was screaming out his name and clutching his hair.

Tyson put on a condom, and with the orgasm still shuddering through Ellie’s body, he eased into her.

His eyes closed and he breathed out an unsteady breath. Jesus, he’d never get over the way being inside her made him feel. Feeling the strain of supporting himself with one hand, he rolled over so Ellie rode him.

Gripping her hip, he thrust up and into her. She moaned and rocked back and forth, until they were moving in unison. Joining together with such ease that made him feel like they’d been doing this with each other forever.

When he reached his release a short while later, Ellie was right there with him. They both cried out as they came.

As the powerfulness of his climax faded, the pounding of his heart corresponded with the pounding of realization in his head. He had them both booked on a return flight to Portland tomorrow, but would Ellie really fly back? Her reason for being in Wyattville no longer existed and she hadn’t left anything behind besides a few clothing items. Then she’d just have to pay to fly home again eventually.

Unless…an idea took root in his head, and he wondered if he was crazy for considering it. But he had to ask. If he didn’t, he’d always wonder…

Chapter Fifteen

Ellie snuggled against him, her eyes still closed and her heart racing a mile a minute. She couldn’t seem to get enough of him. His touch, his scent, being in his arms. She didn’t want to move.

It felt so right. When had anything ever felt so right? When had any guy ever made her feel all giddy inside? Who else could make her feel like she could take on the world—

Her eyes snapped back open and she stilled, unable to breathe. Oh sweet Jesus. She was in love with him.

A fear that was almost stronger than that of this morning’s rushed through her. How had it happened so fast? How had she
let
it happen?

“So, did you miss it?”

“Miss what?” she asked, trying to keep her voice normal, but it still came out kind of high pitched.

“Chicago.”

Relax, Ellie. Just relax. It’s a normal question, just focus and answer it.
“Uh, well, considering I was only gone a week or so, not really.”

“What about your friends? Family?”

See, this wasn’t too bad.
“My parents live in Michigan now. Most of my friends I’m not really close to anymore. They’re married, have children, or they’ve moved on. Physically and metaphorically speaking.”

Tyson smoothed a hand down her back, silent for a moment. And then he asked softly, “Think you’d miss them more if you moved to Wyattville?”

Ellie blinked. Had she heard him wrong? Hope clung in every inch of her being as she looked up at him.

“What are you asking, Tyson?”

His expression flickered between earnest and uncomfortable. “Well, I realize we’ve only known each other a short time, and you’d probably think I was crazy if I suggested getting married. But maybe you would consider moving out to the west coast? You could teach yoga in town. I know this great place…”

She gave the tiniest shake of her head and whispered, “I wouldn’t.”

Disappointment flashed across his face and he nodded. “Yeah, I suppose that’s a hell of a lot to ask.”

“No. I mean wouldn’t think you were crazy for suggesting marriage.” It was gambling on a comment he’d loosely thrown out there, but right now, it was worth the risk. “I would love to move to Wyattville. I love the people, the town, and most of all… I love you, Tyson.”

Tyson’s gaze searched hers and then that familiar grin she’d grown to love sprawled across his face. “And how long have you known this, sweetheart?”

“Um, for about two minutes.”

He laughed and rolled her under him again, pressing a solid kiss against her mouth.

“Then I forgive you for not telling me earlier,” he said and caressed her cheek. “And I claim bragging rights for having realized I’m in love with
you
about three days earlier.”

Her heart swelled with love and she blinked away tears. “Seriously?”

His humor faded and he nuzzled her neck. “Seriously, Ellie. You’ve only been in my life a short time, but I just can’t imagine you out of it now.”

“You don’t have to.” She clung to him, not fighting the tears this time. “Because wherever you are, that’s where I want to be.”

He groaned softly and then kissed her again, and she gave herself over. To the passion. To the possibilities. And to their future…

Megan disconnected her cell phone call and smiled, slipping it back into her purse. Maybe she should’ve just left a message for Tyson and Ellie, but the idea of delivering the news in person would be more exciting. James Mahoney had just been found guilty by the jury.

And what better way to celebrate than with cupcakes from Kate’s Cakes?

The two lovebirds had been busy getting Ellie moved cross country and into Tyson’s house and planning a wedding, it sounded like.

Megan’s heels clicked on the paved sidewalk of Main Street as she headed back to her car, adjusting the box of cupcakes in her hands.

“Megan?”

She stopped walking and closed her eyes, tension radiating through her body at the sound of his voice.
For fuck’s sake
. Would she ever be able to hear it without getting sucked into the past?

Forcing a polite smile onto her face, she opened her eyes and turned to face Trevor.

“Hi, Trevor.”

He stood tall and straight, every bit the soldier with the poker face and stiff nod he greeted her with. His eyes, once full of heat and passion for her, were void of any emotion.

“I just wanted to thank you for what you did for Tyson and his fiancée.”

It was amazing he didn’t follow it up with a
ma’am.
Her heart twisted and she forced herself to swallow the bitterness in her throat.

“No problem. Your family means a lot to me.” She had to leave. If she stood here one more minute, she’d do something foolish—like cry. Or throw a cupcake at him. “I don’t mean to be rude, but I’m on my way somewhere. It was good to see you again.”

She turned away, hoping he’d stop her. But there was nothing but the sound of her footsteps until she reached her car.

You need to move on, Megan. It’s obvious he has. Find someone new.

Lifting her head higher, she opened the door to her convertible and climbed in, vowing to do just that.

Pushing Trevor Wyatt from her head, she pulled the car away from the curb.

It was time to go deliver the good news to the soon-to-be newlyweds.

About the Author

To learn more about Shelli Stevens, please visit
www.shellistevens.com
Send an email to Shelli at [email protected] or join her newsletter at
http://www.shellistevens.com/contact/
.

She’ll make him finish what he started—if they live through the night.

Alaskan Heat

© 2009 Pam Champagne

Framed and on the run, FBI agent Joe “Hawk” Hawkins has only one chance to clear his name: hit the road for Eagle, Alaska. Things can’t get much worse, until a woman from his past steps into his path. Sophie’s a brilliant statistician, pissed off about their disastrous one night stand—and offering him a deal.

This is Sophie’s first field assignment, and the fact that it involves Hawk doesn’t make it any easier. She’s never forgotten or forgiven the night Hawk found his way to her bed and left her wanting more. Now she’s on a double mission to make Hawk finish what he started, and get them both to Eagle alive.

The long Alaska Highway stretches before them, and long nights of sexual fireworks that rival the Northern Lights. Caution turns to trust, and then to a love neither of them bargained for.

With two rogue agents in hot pursuit, though, the end of the road may be closer than they think…

Enjoy the following excerpt for
Alaskan Heat:

Sophie forced a casual smile even though her body thrummed with the need to leap on Hawk. She didn’t want foreplay. Already the insides of her thighs were wet and sticky. She cleared her throat and reached for the robe hanging on the outside hook of the bathroom door. “Sounds tempting. As soon as I get back.”

The man of her dreams sat up and bumped his skull again. “Damn it,” he muttered. “Where are you going?”

Two steps brought her to the door. “To put Rueger in the cab for the night. Be right back.”

Once outside, Sophie breathed in the nippy air. More than likely there’d be a frost tomorrow morning. Unlocking the truck, she fished around the seat until her hand curled around her cell. The hard, packed gravel hid the sound of her footsteps as she sprinted toward the woods. As soon as she’d run far enough for privacy, she punched five on the speed dial.

“Clements here.”

“It’s Sophie.”

“Sophie, why haven’t you called? I told you—”

“Be quiet and listen. I only have a minute. Hawk’s with me. Call off your hounds.”

“What hounds?” Stan’s confusion sent a shard of fear through her.

She gripped the slim cell hard enough to break it. “Some feds stayed on our tail for several miles. I turned into a picnic area and they sped by.”

“Damn it. Has to be Blair and Reed. I had to put them on administrative leave, but I can’t restrict their movements. They’re on to us.”

“Isn’t this what you wanted?”

“Not this far from Eagle.”

Sophie whirled. The camper rocked. “Got to go.” She disconnected and slipped the phone in her robe pocket, making sure to shut if off in case Stan decided to call back. She whistled for Rueger and jogged back to the truck. “Up.” Once he jumped inside, she slammed and locked the door. Taking a deep breath, she prepared to face Hawk’s inquisition.

“Where the hell have you been?” he demanded the moment she stepped inside. He stood buck naked at the side of the bed.

More moisture lubed her thighs.

“Who’d you call?” He held up his hand. “No lies. I heard you talking.”

Christ. The man must have the ears of a wild animal. “Stan. Those weren’t his men following us.”

“Damn! Blair and Reed then.”

“Isn’t this what you wanted? A confrontation?”

Her lower belly cramped at Hawk’s face tight with lust.

“Sure is,” he purred. “But at a place and time of my choosing. There’s not much they’ll try tonight so close to the highway. You and I have unfinished business. I always pay my debts.”

Sophie trembled, imagining the pleasure she’d discover in Hawk’s bed tonight. Ever since she’d met Hawk, she’d waited for this moment. She wanted everything to be perfect. As she wiggled out of her robe, the fleece material slipped off her shoulders to pool at her feet. If only she owned a sexy, silk negligee.

Several moments passed before she realized Hawk wouldn’t make the first move. At least he’d given her the opportunity to change her mind. As if that would happen. She closed the short distance and stepped into his open arms. “This is only the first installment, you know. I’ll let you know when I’m totally satisfied.”

“You do that.” Callused fingers trailing across her nipples sent a jolt of desire to her core. Her stomach clenched when those same fingers dipped into her bellybutton only to slide lower. One finger, then two slid between her swollen folds. Reality was hotter than her imagination. She hadn’t burned with such need last Christmas. Now she had to keep her emotions under wraps. Hawk wanted hot sex, not love. She slumped and clung to his shoulders to keep from falling. Her groan came out of nowhere. “I’m on fire.” Was that her voice, hoarse with need?

“I can feel it.” Warm breath touched her skin while his tongue played with the lobe of her ear. His fingers pumped in and out of her sheath while his busy thumb made circular motions on her clit, nearly throwing her into climax.

She loved his playing, but right now she wanted release. No, she
needed
release. “Enough teasing. Fuck me.”

“Such language from the lips of a lady. I thought you wanted satisfaction? Let me do my job. Be patient. You won’t be sorry.”

Sophie squeezed her legs together, clenching her vaginal muscles on his fingers. The huge cock poking her belly didn’t lie. He, too, was fast losing control.

“Do you play with yourself, Sophie?”

The question intruded on her pleasure. “What?”

“Nights when you can’t sleep. Do you make yourself come? How do you do it? With your fingers? A vibrator?” The whispered words made her clit throb.

Unable to stand the torture, she pumped her hips on his fingers.

“Is that a yes?” He nibbled her lips, his tongue licking her mouth before pushing inside. She sucked hard.

His free hand curled around her hip, encouraging her to fuck his fingers faster and harder. “I’m going to—” He withdrew his hand, and the building climax waned. “Damn you, Hawk! Not again. I won’t let you leave me wanting more.”

“Got no intention of it.” He grasped her waist and lifted her onto the small table, pulling her butt to the very edge. “Put your hands behind you. Brace yourself,” he growled.

Hawk spread her thighs, stretching her wide. Muscle discomfort fled at the touch of his cock rubbing her clit. “I’m through playing, Sophie. I’m going to fuck you. How do you want it? Hard and fast? Slow and easy? A little at a time or all at once?”

Hawk scrutinized Sophie spread-eagled on the hard surface. She had a gorgeous body. One he’d thought about more times than he cared to remember. With her head back and her mouth slightly parted, she invited him to take what he wanted. Her body sent out rippling waves of heat. He pushed the head of his cock inside her wet opening.

The tremble in her legs fueled his self-torture. For a moment, a twinge of guilt held him back. Sophie was a good girl, not the kind who participated in sex games for the sheer pleasure. Not like him. Was she ready for sex for sex’s sake? In the game he played, emotional love had no part in the action. Pleasure and satisfaction were the end results. He should stop right now.

“Please, Hawk.” His cock swelled at the wanton tremor in her voice. “Fuck me. I can’t stand it.”

He shoved his guilt aside. “Talk dirty to me.”

Her eyes opened, and he drowned in the dazed passion of her usually alert gaze.

“What are you’re feeling? Tell me what you want. What makes you feel good?” He let go of her thighs. They stayed splayed. After one teasing pinch of her hardened nub, he cupped her breasts. He leaned forward to tongue a swollen nipple and pushed his cock deeper. So damn snug.

He quickly pulled out of her and sank to the floor and licked her clit. “Talk to me.”

Sophie gasped. “Yes! Your tongue feels so… Oh!”

Her panting voice urged him on. He tongue fucked her until he sensed her orgasm fast approaching. Grabbing her hips to stop her squirming, he blew on her opening.

“Damn you.”

She yanked his hair. Despite her desperation, a perversity to let her know what kind of man he was drove him on. “What do you call your vagina? Pussy?”

“Bunny,” she choked out.

Hawk chuckled and ran his tongue down the full length of her slit, sucking her clit. She lurched and flooded his mouth.

“I bet Bunny would like a big carrot.”

“Stop tormenting me. Do you want me to beg?”

He came to his feet and pushed her flat on the table. Hooking his hands under her knees, he yanked her onto his aching cock. With one hard thrust, he was inside. Closing his eyes, he held her pussy tight against his pelvis. Her clenching vaginal muscles milked his cock. Like a stick of dynamite, his body was poised to explode.

He forced himself to loosen his grip. “Move, baby. Make yourself come. Hurry.”