Shielding You (Baytown Boys Book 13) Read online

  “You know, when we got together several years ago, I didn’t spend a lot of time thinking about how it might affect our jobs until… well, until it ended. But we’d kept everything private for the couple of months that we dated, protecting ourselves from any blowback. In hindsight, that was good.”

  “Yeah, that was good. While at the time I wanted to shout to everyone that you were going out with me, I know how horrible that would’ve been the way things ended.”

  Silence descended, and she finally said, “Dylan, I get the feeling you’re trying to tell me something. I really need you to speak plainly because I’m just not comfortable trying to figure out what’s on your mind.”

  “Sorry,” he said, his lips quirking upward. “I’ll do whatever you want to do, Hannah. I want us to be more than just a casual date. Or, if I haven’t made that clear yet, let me make it perfectly clear now. But I also understand the pressures of our jobs. It’s kind of like being a public figure.” He snorted and shook his head. “A public figure. Jesus, that sounds so pompous, doesn’t it?”

  She laughed and nodded as well. “I know what you mean, though. If we were in a big city, it would be easier to blend in. Here, if we step out together in either Easton, Seaside, or Baytown, or almost anywhere, people are going to notice.”

  “I guess that’s what I’m getting at. Do you care if they notice?”

  Shaking her head, she said, “No, not really.”

  He sucked in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “The last thing in the world I want to do is bring up the past, especially something unpleasant. But I don’t want there to be a specter of doubt in your mind about me.”

  “So, is this where you confess your sordid secrets?” she asked, attempting to inject levity into the serious conversation.

  Rolling his eyes, he nodded and ruefully grinned. “Yeah, I guess it is. Before you and I started dating the last time, I hadn’t been as discriminating as I should have. I know I had somewhat of a player reputation, but I promise you, it was exaggerated. I wasn’t looking for a relationship in a bar, usually just finding a physical release. And when I met a woman that had the same goal, we might hook up. For a night only. I made it clear and they always verbalized that they were on board. But I’ll also say that those hookups were not nearly as often as the reputation I garnered. Did I do anything to refute the reputation? No. Why? I found that the more you try to deny something the more you give people reason to talk.”

  She nodded her understanding and reached out to place her hand lightly on his arm.

  “But I’ve always been careful and get tested on the job, so I’m clean. And I always wrap it up. I thought I was being responsible. That’s why Melissa’s declaration threw me. She was never supposed to be more than a one-night encounter. In case you wondered, I haven’t heard from her since finding out that the baby wasn’t mine. She wasn’t from this area, and I’ve never seen her again. And I promise nothing like that has ever happened before or since. You were completely different. I knew you were someone special… someone I’d like to be with.”

  “I admit it hurt at the time, Dylan, only because I liked you so much. I felt like you were being taken away from me before we had a chance to build anything. But maybe things happen for a reason. I’ve had a chance to grow and develop so much in the last few years, personally and professionally. I’m not sure I would’ve done that fully if I’d been involved with someone.”

  He leaned back and twisted, now facing her on the sofa. His left arm rested on the back, his fingers now gliding over her shoulder. “I understand what you’re saying. When I took the job of Chief, I had no idea what all it entailed, and truthfully, it’s taken almost everything that I have had to give to make it work. I also focused on the American Legion, building up relationships and professional camaraderie. Of course, you’ve been a part of all of that, too.”

  “I think in some ways we both had something to prove. You were the town boy who came home and got the job that no one else wanted, but you had to prove that you could do it and that you weren’t just the same old youthful Dylan.”

  His fingertips continued to run along her shoulder, the electricity that had slowed during the ride home from the restaurant now firing once again. “You’re right. That describes me perfectly. And you?”

  “I was the woman with the resumé. Let’s face it, when it came to diversity, I think there was pressure for Easton to hire a woman, even though I’m sure some of the people didn’t think that was right. Whatever. I can’t worry about the reasons why I was hired, I just needed to make sure to do the job the best I could and prove to them that I was the right person.” She leaned forward, closing the distance between them. “Honestly, the best thing we could’ve done for us years ago was to not date. We needed to focus on ourselves as individuals, including our careers.”

  “And now? What about now for us?”

  “Well, we’ve built our friendship. We’ve built our professional camaraderie without sex getting in the way.”

  He chuckled, wiggling his eyebrows. “The sex could’ve been so much fun.”

  “Nothing says it can’t be now.”

  She watched as his eyes widened and his breath halted. Grinning, she closed the distance even further and kissed him.

  15

  The feel of Hannah’s lips crashing onto his sent Dylan’s senses into overdrive and his cock swelled, pressing painfully against his zipper. To say he was surprised would’ve been an understatement. To say he was bothered by her assertive move would’ve been an outright lie.

  The date had been perfect. The conversation was easy and fun. The meal was delicious. All with the beautiful woman that he’d been interested in for years, never believing he’d have another chance with her. But on the drive home, insecurity had slammed into him. Now, as she shifted her body closer to his, he was more than ready to offer whatever she was willing to take. With his hands clasping her waist, he lifted her slightly so that she could straddle his lap, her hot core pressing against his aching cock and her breasts pressed against his chest.

  He could not deny that when he first met her years ago, it was her looks that drew his attention right off the bat. She was a combination of athletic build and curves. Toned muscles, firm ass, and breasts that filled his hands. Add to that her sleek, dark hair, full lips, and blue eyes, and he was a goner. Thinking of his former self, that had been enough to get his blood raging. Now, it was her brilliance, her soft voice, her caring manner… not to mention that he’d seen her take down a much larger man, something he found incredibly sexy.

  She leaned back, and he missed the feel of her lips on his. Seeing her brow lowered, he asked, “What’s wrong?”

  “You. I’m kissing you for all I’m worth, and it seems like your mind is somewhere else.”

  “Shit, Hannah. My mind is totally on you, but I swear, I was thinking of how sexy I thought you were when I first met you years ago, but you now absolutely knocks my socks off.”

  She laughed and leaned in closer, sliding her nose against his. “Well, if I’m knocking your socks off, how about we see what other clothes we can knock off?”

  With those words, all other thoughts fled his mind, and his arms banded tighter as he took to his feet, easily scooping her up into his arms. He started down the hall, remembering from the previous day that there were two bedrooms. Choosing correctly, he carried her into hers.

  She was easy to carry but difficult to maneuver through the small space considering their lips were still locked. Not wanting to knock her head against any furniture or the wall, he lifted his head and quickly glanced around. A queen-sized bed centered the room, splashed with color from a green, blue, and yellow comforter. A dresser was against one wall, a large mirror hanging over it. The nightstand was squeezed into the corner, adorned by a blue lamp. One door was closed, and he assumed it was the closet since the bathroom was in the hall.

  He walked until they were close to the bed, then he gently lowered her until her feet touche
d the floor. Her eyes sparkled, and a smile played about her lips. Hannah was confident, a trait he found incredibly sexy. Her hands immediately went to the tie of her wrap dress, and she soon allowed the green material to pool around her feet.

  Now standing in a green satin bra and matching panties, she reached up, her fingers nimbly undoing the buttons on his shirt. His eyes roved over her barely clad body, awed with the gift she presented. He felt a tug and realized his shirt was unbuttoned, and she was attempting to shift it over his shoulders. Jolting, he took over and stripped off his shirt, letting it fall unheeded to the floor to puddle with her dress. Her hands were already on his belt buckle, and he settled his fingers onto her shoulders, gently sliding her bra straps down. His hands skimmed the material covering her breasts, his thumbs circling her nipples before unsnapping the front hook and watching as her breasts were freed from their constraint.

  With his zipper now down, his eager cock was tenting the front of his boxers. Her eyes widened as her fingers moved up and down the front, and he battled the desire to toss her onto the bed, rip her panties off, and thrust deeply. No, this is Hannah. She deserves gentle, not rough.

  She hooked her thumbs into the front of his boxers and eased them over his erection, pushing them down his thighs. Before he knew what was happening, she dropped to her knees and took him into her mouth. His hands automatically went to her head, his fingers moving through her hair as he threw his head back. “Damn, Hannah. God, that feels so good.”

  He had planned on taking things slow, but with that one action, his good intentions were shot to hell. Her fist encircled the base of his cock, working him while she sucked. It was all he could do to not give in to the urge to unload into her warm, welcoming mouth, and he finally managed to pull back at the last moment.

  “First time with you, babe, I want to be inside.”

  Her hand slowly wiped her lips, exposing a wide smile. “Then I guess we’d better get to it.” She sat on the bed and scooted backward, propping her upper body on her elbows.

  Grinning, he leaned forward and placed a knee onto the bed next to her legs. Snagging her panties, he dragged them down and tossed them over his shoulder. “Yes, Ma’am, I aim to please.” Wanting to make sure she was as ready as he, he placed his hands on her knees and pushed her legs apart gently, exposing her sex, the scent of her arousal filling his nostrils. Everything combined to create a memory so embedded in his heart, he knew he’d remember this moment for the rest of his life… the sight, the sounds, the scent.

  He leaned forward, inhaling deeply. With the flat of his tongue, he licked her folds, the taste of her essence even more tantalizing.

  With his tongue thrusting inside, he expertly worked her until she was dragging her short fingernails through his hair and crying out his name. Finally, inserting his finger and tweaking until he found just the spot that made her shake with need, he pulled her taut bud into his mouth, smiling against her sex as her orgasm shattered over her.

  As he crawled further over her body, he licked his fingers, watching her eyes dilate as they stayed focused on his every move. He began kissing over her hip bones, over the slight roundness of her tummy, up to her breasts, where he paid equal attention to each nipple.

  Sex with other women had always been about a physical release with no emotion tied into the act. He hoped it was pleasurable for his partner, working to make sure that it was. And, if he was honest, he often put the necessary work in because he knew what was expected. But this was Hannah—and nothing like anything he’d ever experienced.

  He wanted to lick her skin. He wanted to memorize the feel of her against his face and on his tongue. He wanted to find the spots that made her jerk with a tickle or moan with delight. He didn’t want her to just feel satisfied on a physical level, he wanted her happy.

  Dragging his body upward, he reluctantly left her breasts and kissed her neck and jaw, finally landing his lips on hers. By now, she was writhing underneath him, her hips pressing upward. He nudged her legs apart with his hips, reaching his hand down to place his cock at her entrance when his fingers landed on ungloved skin. Fuck! A condom! He scrambled off the bed and knelt on the floor, fumbling for his wallet. Pulling out a condom, his fingers shook as he ripped open the foil and rolled it on.

  Climbing back over her, he could not miss the smile on her face or the light in her eyes. She giggled, and he growled, “Woman, you should never laugh at a man making a fool of himself trying to get a condom on.”

  That only made her laugh louder, but she sobered quickly as she placed her hands on either side of his face and drew him down for a kiss. “It only makes you more endearing.”

  As he held her gaze, he also held his cock at her entrance. “Are you sure? ‘Cause this is no fuck. Not now. Not with you. Never with you.”

  Her hands continued to hold his jaws, her light touch skimming over his face. He had never wanted another woman to touch him this way, discouraging intimacy beyond fucking and having a little fun. But Hannah’s touch was both a balm to his soul and the spark setting off fireworks.

  “I’m sure, Dylan. I’m sure of this. I’m sure of you.” As always, her voice was soft, her gaze intense. Suddenly her fingers tightened, her eyes widened, and she smiled while growling, “Now move!”

  Laughing, he thrust deeply, loving the look on her face as he plunged inside her warm, tight sex. Her hands slid to his shoulders and then maneuvered down his chest and around his back until her fingers clung as her heels pressed against his ass, urging him on.

  His hips pistoned, each movement sending more tingles throughout his body. With his cock dragging along her tight channel, he knew he wouldn’t last long. Determined to bring her pleasure before taking his own, he kissed her deeply, thrusting his tongue in rhythm with his cock’s movement. He felt her thighs tighten around his waist, and he kissed along her jaw again, now sucking on the pulse point at the base of her neck. Her moans intensified and he shifted his weight slightly so that he could slide one hand to cup her breast, tweaking her nipple.

  She shattered around him again, fingertips digging into his back as her heels pressed against his ass. Feeling her come around him was more than he could’ve imagined. Not just the signal from a woman that let him know it was okay for him to let loose, but the primal knowledge that their meeting had involved his heart as much as his body.

  With a roar, his release pulsed out of him, and he continued to thrust until there was nothing left. Shoving his arms around her back, he rolled to the side, letting most of her weight fall on him as his now-spent cock slid from her body. He held her tightly, their bodies pressed so closely that their heartbeats must have joined. He kissed her forehead, then left his lips pressed against her skin. He was uncertain he could move but was very certain he didn’t want her to.

  Slowly their bodies cooled, and she leaned her head back slightly to stare into his face. He prayed he would not see regret in her eyes. Instead, she beamed her light toward him, branding his skin. Smiling, he met her gaze, hoping it branded her as well.

  “I don’t want you to leave,” she said.

  He had always appreciated Hannah’s direct honesty, loving that she wasn’t coy or playing games. “I don’t want to go.”

  “Then stay.”

  He shifted their bodies slightly, now fully facing each other, her head resting on his arm. Their legs were tangled, their hips still nestled together. “Are you sure?”

  “I don’t think I’ve ever been more sure about anything.”

  He closed the scant distance between them and kissed her, sweeping his tongue through her mouth. Releasing her lips, he said, “Actually, I’m not sure wild horses could drag me from this bed.”

  “Lucky for you I don’t have any wild horses in the bedroom.”

  His laughter rumbled through his chest, and he gave her a squeeze.

  “I’ll fix you breakfast in the morning before you have to go to your house to change for work.”

  “What would you say if
I told you I had a spare uniform in my vehicle?”

  Eyebrows raised, she asked, “Ooh, were you hoping to get lucky?”

  “I never know when I might need a spare uniform, so I keep it in there. But let’s just say I’m thrilled to be able to use my spare for a reason like this.”

  “Then we get to sleep a little bit later in the morning since you don’t have to make a trip back to your house.”

  He kissed her long and deep again, then shifted her to her back so that he could slide out of the bed. “I gotta take care of the condom,” he said and headed into her bathroom. Emerging, he walked straight to the bed and slid under the covers, still naked, pleased to find that she was also. Wrapping her in his arms again, he wondered if sleep would come, already finding her body’s weight settling deep into his side. It didn’t take long before he followed her into slumber.

  16

  The sunlight filtered through the blue, gauzy sheers in Hannah’s bedroom, casting the room in cool shadows. She didn’t have to ponder the reason why she was naked or feel the weight of a leg over hers. She didn’t need to wonder why her mattress dipped to the side or the warm body that was pressed closely. All of that was simply a wonderful reminder of what was first and foremost on her mind when she woke. As though her room had been changed with his presence, she was keenly aware of Dylan the moment her eyes fluttered open.

  She listened to the sound of his deep breathing, ascertaining he was still asleep. Twisting her head on the pillow, she stared at the man sharing her bed. The man she’d fallen for so quickly. With sleep easing the small lines in his face, he appeared more youthful, reminding her of when they’d first met years before. The careers they had chosen could certainly age someone prematurely, and she had no doubt her own face carried lines that had not been present a few years ago.

  They had both grown and changed in the subsequent time. We might not have lasted even if we’d tried to stay together back then.