Jordan Summers (9 page)

When she didn’t answer, Jack added, “I could show you the house some other time.”

Delaney took a big gulp of wine. Despite mixed feelings, she didn’t want to leave. She wanted to break this case, but Delaney knew that wasn’t the only reason she planned to take Jack up on his offer. Her growing attraction to him didn’t have anything whatsoever to do with weapons, undercover work or promotions, and she was woman enough to admit it.

She wanted Jack, even if it were only for tonight. She wanted to know what it felt like to have him hold her in his arms, wrap his body around her, ride her gently into oblivion. Delaney nearly groaned at the thought.

She could chalk the whole thing up to the element of danger, but Delaney didn’t make a habit of lying to herself. She may fib to the targets, but never to herself. She looked into Jack’s eyes and felt a familiar spark. Whatever was happening between them on a biological level wasn’t a lie and that would have to be enough for tonight. Tomorrow she could feel like a traitor to the cause.

“Let’s go. We can have dessert later.” Delaney set the wineglass down and signaled for him to lead the way.

T
HE BEAT OF
Jack’s heart pounded in his ears. Delaney looked as if she’d bolt at any second. He didn’t want that to happen. Not when he was so close to taking her in his arms and lavishing her body with the loving attention it deserved. He longed to bury himself inside of her heat, until they were both too sated to move.

It was quite possible that she was the one woman he could confide in. The thought of having an honest relationship sent a thrill through Jack. He’d spent too many years pretending to be someone he wasn’t, all so he could aid his country’s allies and prevent enemies from becoming a global threat. Who’d have thought a fascination with weapons and a gift for selling could lead him down such a tangled road?

Dealing arms had started out innocently enough. He’d attended gun shows throughout college. On one such occasion, Jack had been speaking to a dealer who specialized in assault rifles. A customer had come up to peruse the merchandise. Jack found himself highlighting the weapon’s features. The customer bought the rifle and Jack landed his first job in the business.

He’d worked his way up from there, moving to bigger and bigger dealers before eventually striking out on his own. There was a fine line between good and bad out in the field. He’d found that out the hard way. Jack had walked a very gray line and escaped the business while he was still able—unlike many of his colleagues. He’d managed to amass a small fortune in the process, which had allowed him to help out his parents with the farm and enter the art world.

He took a ragged breath, then sat his wineglass onto the counter, hoping Delaney didn’t notice the trembling in his hands. She kept him perpetually off balance—a sensation he’d never experienced before.

One minute she smoldered, while the next, she could freeze water with a look. He’d received both, but the latter didn’t deter him. If anything, it made Jack want to delve deeper. He sensed a passionate woman lurking beneath Delaney’s calm exterior and he planned to coax her out, using everything in his sensual arsenal.

Something told him Delaney didn’t normally sleep with a man on the first date, which made Jack beyond grateful that technically this could be considered their second. That didn’t mean he could rush things, no matter how badly he wanted to strip the clothes away from her body.

Jack led Delaney down the hall, going room to room, but he chose to skip his office, a place he considered his personal domain. It held mementos he’d acquired over the years, including spent mortar casings. Not an easy thing to explain on a second date.

Her eyes strayed to the closed door, but he was determined to keep Delaney’s attention focused on the artwork. He’d grown so used to the art being around that somewhere along the line he’d stopped looking at it. Showing the pieces to Delaney renewed his appreciation for the work and the woman.

He saved the master suite for last, throwing the thick double doors wide before stepping out of the way for Delaney to enter. Jack glanced around the room, following her gaze as she drank in the four-poster cherrywood bed in the center of the room, the custom fireplace in the corner, the city views out the wall of windows and the huge arch that led to the Italian marble master bath.

“What do you think?” For some reason her answer was important to him. He wanted her to like his home, feel comfortable here…
want to stay.

“You like luxury.” She scanned the room again.

“Yes, I do. I’ve come to appreciate a certain level of comfort.”

“It’s beautiful, like the rest of your home.”

“Come. Sit.” He led her across the room to the two chairs that flanked the fireplace. A rich Persian rug lay beneath their feet. Jack hit a button on the wall and flames burst from the hearth. “I love modern gadgets.”

“I’m not very technically adept.”

“No expertise needed with a switch and you don’t have to get your hands dirty chopping wood.”

She laughed. “I suppose that is a plus.”

“Can I get you anything?” he asked, pointing to a discreet minifridge built into the wall.

“No, I’m fine. Thanks.”

He pivoted to face her. “Delaney?”

“Yes.” She tilted her head to look at him, her lashes concealing her emotions.

Jack couldn’t seem to think straight. He stared at her for a moment, taking in her lush mouth and the angle of her stubborn chin, debating whether to reveal his past now instead of waiting. She didn’t say anything, only continued to stare.

Delaney swallowed hard and moistened her bottom lip, sending his senses into high alert. Her brown gaze assessed him. Jack felt like something monumental hung in the balance. He’d give a Renoir to know what she was thinking.

Despite her natural openness, there was something about Delaney Carson that seemed untouchable. Jack longed to know her secrets, explore her hidden alcoves. Perhaps they could both unburden their souls and share their secrets.

Her teeth clamped down on her lower lip and Jack nearly growled. He’d worry about exposing his past later. Right now, he had better things to do. He focused on her mouth and suddenly had to clear his dry throat.

“I would really like to kiss you,” he said, his voice harsh. Jack curled his fingers into fists as he fought to keep from reaching for her. He needed her to come to him.

Delaney’s luscious mouth opened forming a small
O
. Jack followed every nuance of her expression from her initial hesitation to her eventual capitulation. He didn’t realize he’d been holding his breath until his lungs started to burn. He wanted this moment to be special for them both. Wanted her to want him as much as he desired her.

“What’s stopping you?” she asked, challenge glinting in her mocha-colored eyes.

Relief washed the tension from his body. Her mouth widened into a smile that dared Jack to act.

Never one to back away from a challenge, he did.

O
NCE
J
ACK STARTED
kissing Delaney he knew it would be a long time, if ever, before he’d want to stop. His mouth melded to hers, and he separated her lips with his tongue, before plunging inside to taste her sweetness. A hint of red wine lingered in her depths, adding tang to her evocative flavor. He chased the elusive essence, exploring her thoroughly. It was even better than the night before, richer, more invested. Or maybe he was. Jack wasn’t sure.

He cupped the back of Delaney’s neck with one hand, bringing her closer to him. He caressed the column of her throat, feeling her pulse jump under his fingertips as he devoured her. Something about this woman brought out the caveman in Jack. He wanted to drag her off by her hair until she agreed to stay with him. The thought should scare him, but it didn’t. For some reason, it felt right. She felt right.

His heart pounded in his chest as his hands slid over her shoulders and onto her breasts. Small, tight and compact, Delaney’s nipples hardened, stabbing his palms as he flicked the crests with his thumbs. He couldn’t wait to see her, taste her, drive her completely out of her mind with pleasure. Then when Jack finished, he’d start all over again. Delaney whimpered and tried to pull away.

He stopped, even though it pained him to do so. Jack rested his forehead on hers. “We don’t have to do anything tonight, if you aren’t ready,” he said, staring at her kiss swollen lips.

“No, I want to.” She met his gaze. “I want this.” Her fingers trembled as she moved to the buttons on the front of her shirt.

“Allow me.” Jack brushed Delaney’s hand aside and began to unbutton her blouse slowly. Inch by excruciating inch revealed more pale flesh to his overheated senses. A demure lace bra supported her modest portions. With a flick of his wrist, Jack bared her. She was beautiful, just like he knew she’d be. Peach-colored crescents over creamy mounds. The urge to taste nearly brought him to his knees.

Delaney’s questing fingers reached under his shirt, then pulled it over his head, before dropping it onto the chair beside them. Jack growled and lowered his mouth, moving first to one peaked nipple, and then the other. So sweet. Succulent. And unlike anything he’d ever encountered. One taste wasn’t nearly enough.

He kneaded her breasts, while sucking her deep within the warmth of his mouth. Jack flicked his tongue and her breath staggered. The utterly feminine sound spurred him on. He needed to fill her, lose himself inside her. The thought of Delaney’s moist channel cradling him as he thrust in and out of her sent Jack’s hunger into overdrive. He knew without question that one night with Delaney Carson would never be enough.

She was exactly what he’d been searching for since he’d left the farm in Missouri. Never one to second guess his instincts, Jack knew beyond a doubt that Delaney would fit right in with his family. He also knew that if he admitted as much to her that it would scare her away. So he vowed to take it slow.

T
HE TREMBLING STARTED
at the base of Delaney’s spine and spread upward, before plummeting. She’d planned to keep her distance, but her mind wasn’t cooperating. Her knees wobbled, threatening to buckle, but Jack held her steady, while he lowered his head and feasted upon her breasts. Delaney had heard of women who could orgasm this way, but she wasn’t one of them.

Or at least she hadn’t thought she was until Jack touched her. The fact that she was so close to orgasm reminded her it had been way too long since she’d last had sex. Delaney told herself it had nothing to do with Jack. She’d be like this with any man. The lie slid easily into her thoughts. Too bad she didn’t buy it.

Her body thrummed in anticipation. They both still wore their pants, though somehow they’d managed to toe off their shoes. The silk of his hair brushed across her collarbone as he paid homage to her breasts.

Her head dropped back as she brought her hands up to cradle his face. Without thought, Delaney drew him closer, holding him against her flesh in encouragement. The heat of his mouth coupled with the scrape of his teeth left her gasping for air. Gone was the gentleman who’d graciously given her a tour of his home. He’d been replaced by a primal being who was currently devouring her alive.

And she was a willing sacrifice.

Delaney sunk her fingers into his hair, raking his scalp as she tried to pull him up. She needed to taste his lips again, feel the slide of his tongue as he breached her mouth repeatedly.

Jack had the most amazing lips that delivered toe-curling kisses.

He released her nipple, then began blazing a trail down her abdomen. Jack dropped to one knee, his tongue circling her navel before dipping inside. She flinched in surprise.

“That tickles,” Delaney said, playfully slapping him on the shoulder.

“I’ll file that away for later.” Jack chuckled, then did it again.

“Hey,” she said.

“Okay, I’ll stop…for now.” Jack held Delaney’s hips to control her movements. He took her zipper between his teeth and slowly worked it down. His blue eyes remained locked on her face all the while. Delaney groaned at the sight of him, kneeling before her with passion smoldering in his expression.

Warmth flooded her face, joining the moisture that trickled between her thighs. Jack reached for the button holding her pants together. He slipped it out of its hole. Her slacks gaped in a wide V, exposing the lace of her underwear. Before she could move or even think, Jack buried his nose in the lacey front and inhaled, sliding her trousers down her legs at the same time.

His tongue flicked out, wetting the front of her sex as her pants hit the floor. “Do you have any idea how wonderful you smell to me? Hot, spicy and wholly feminine. You make my head spin.”

Delaney couldn’t get her vocal cords to work, so she shook her head. He murmured something unintelligible and reached for the lace, hooking it at the sides with two fingers. She stilled his hands before he could remove the tiny scrap of material.

“I think it’s your turn,” she said, tugging his arms until he stood before her.

“And here I thought I was about to uncover a buried treasure.” The blue of his eyes had nearly disappeared as hunger etched his masculine face.

Delaney unbuckled his belt. She slid the leather from the loops with a small hiss, dropping the belt onto his shirt in the chair. Her gaze flicked to the bulge behind his zipper a second before she boldly stroked the hard ridge of his erection.

The breath rushed from Jack’s lungs as enough she wrapped her hands around his length and began to pump his flesh. The velvet softness of him pulsed and grew beneath her fingertips.

“If you keep that up this is going to be a real short night.” He gasped.

Delaney grinned and kept caressing him. Jack’s hips bucked and he let out a strangled moan. “I’ll take my chances,” she said undoing the clasp of his pants. She took her hand away long enough to lower his zipper. He wasn’t wearing any underwear. “Come prepared, do we?”

“Darlin’, I’m a regular Boy Scout.”

She stroked him again, feeling the velvet softness of his engorged flesh.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Jack uttered between clenched teeth. He kicked his pants away, then lifted Delaney off the floor, carrying her to the massive bed with ease.

Delaney squealed in surprise, but hung on, grasping Jack’s broad shoulders, while glorying in the feel of his naked body caressing hers. He laid her down carefully, despite the urgency she could feel coursing beneath his fingers. Gently still, he removed her underwear. Once he finished, Jack stepped back and stared, drinking in her nakedness.

Normally shy, for some reason Delaney relished his attention. It was like truly seeing herself for the first time.

“You are beautiful.” His eyes smoldered and for a second she thought he was about to say more. But Delaney would barely concentrate on his words. He was lying beside her now, and starting at her neck, Jack stroked the length of her torso, his hand barely touching her skin.

Goose bumps rose over her flesh. He paused at the nest of curls between her thighs, then lightly threaded his fingers through the mass until he reached her clit. Delaney nearly came off the bed when he flicked the erect bundle of nerves with his thumbnail.

She grasped the comforter beneath her, fisting the material to anchor her body. Her breath came out in pants as Jack continued to pleasure her. He slowly lowered his mouth to one breast and began to suck in time with each caress. Delaney let out a keening cry and her body bowed as an orgasm ripped through her.

Before the ripples could fade, Jack plunged one finger inside of her, curling it until his knuckle brushed the hidden nerves inside. Delaney’s hips thrust against the invasion. She closed her eyes as a second wave of sensation rolled her in bliss.

“Oh, Jack,” she murmured as the current pulled her under.

Had she ever responded to a man like this? Delaney knew the answer before the question finished forming. There was something about Jack that was different. She hated to admit it, but he was unique. Damn him.

“You are so tight and wet,” he murmured against her skin. “It’s been a while for you, hasn’t it?”

“One year, six days—” she lifted her head to look at the clock next to his bed “—eight hours and ten minutes, but who’s counting?”

Jack laughed around her nipple, but refused to release her aching flesh. “I guess—”
lick
“—we’ll have to—”
flick
“—do something—”
suck
“—about that tonight.”
Nuzzle
.

“You’re driving me crazy. You know that, right?”

He grinned, then nipped her. “I’m not done yet.” To emphasize his words, Jack slipped a second finger inside of her and twisted his wrist until he could stroke in and out.

“I shouldn’t feel this much so soon,” she gasped. “I think I’m going to—”

“That’s it,” he coaxed, pressing down on her clit.

“Jack.” His name was a plea and invocation all in one. She threw her head back and shuddered hard. Delaney saw stars behind her eyelids as her body convulsed in the best orgasm she’d ever experienced.

Never in all her years of dating had she reached release this often or quickly and they hadn’t even had intercourse yet. The thought caused her body to tighten in anticipation.

“Lovely.” Jack’s voice cracked as he pressed butterfly kisses on her glistening skin.

He stroked her curls soothingly as she rode out the last waves of her release. Delaney heard a drawer open and close, then the sound of foil ripping. Warm, male musk surrounded her. Jack sheathed himself, then kissed her eyelids, nose and cheeks, before seeking her mouth. His body slid over hers, his welcoming weight pressing her down into the soft comforter. He parted her thighs with the brush of his knee.

Moisture wept from her center as the tip of his shaft kissed her opening, then slipped inside. Hard, heavy and thick, he rocked his hips, driving his cock deeper. Delaney whimpered as her body adjusted to his impressive size.

She opened her eyes and their gazes collided and locked. In that moment, there were no lies, no case, no Jack and Delaney…only a man and his woman doing what they were put on this planet to do. Delaney fought the feeling, but it was too strong. Something rose within her, then melted, fusing them together.

Sweat beaded Jack’s brow and tension lined his jaw. Muscles in his arms quivered as he kept the bulk of his weight off her, while he thrust forward, burying himself to the hilt. He groaned as he increased the tempo.

Bodies joined in motion, Delaney met him stroke for stroke. Her fingers dug into the flesh of his shoulder, before sliding down his back to grip his tight ass. Jack flexed beneath her fingertips, then he pulled her legs over his hips.

“Keep them there,” he panted, his breath coming in quick gasps. “Delaney, you feel so good. I wish we could stay like this forever, but I don’t think I’m going to last much longer.”

He rocked her, drawing out a moan from between her parted lips. The sensations were too much. She clung to Jack as he rolled his hips, fanning her need to match his own. Somewhere between the fireplace and the bed, Delaney had stopped acting.

She wasn’t doing this for the job. She was doing this because she wanted to know what it felt like to lie beneath Jack Gordon, feel his scorching kisses and taste the salt of his sweat as she raked her teeth across his steely body.

Jack’s groans turned to primal grunts.

“Now, Jack, now,” Delaney cried out.

His hand slipped between their bodies and stroked her clit. Blood roared in Delaney’s ears as she flew apart. Jack thrust once, twice, and then bellowed as he reached for and found his release.

They lay wrapped in each others’ arms, their breathing labored, as they slowly floated back to reality. The awkwardness that had existed between them now slept peacefully.

“Thank you,” he said, kissing her eyelids.

“For what?”

“For giving me the gift of your body tonight.”

“Jack…”

He kissed her into silence.

The heat of their sweat-soaked skin radiated between them like a living, breathing entity.

“I have a confession to make,” he said.

Delaney tensed. She didn’t want to hear anything that might take away from this moment, but had little choice in the matter. “Go ahead,” she said.

“I’ve wanted to do this since I first laid eyes on you,” he murmured. Jack kissed a trail over her cheek and onto her neck, where he proceeded to nuzzle her ear.

She shuddered as a sensual aftershock rumbled though her. “You keep doing that and I’ll want a repeat performance.”

Jack nipped her lobe before soothing it with his tongue. “That can be arranged, but I’d better get cleaned up first.” He pulled out of her body, leaving an acute loss of warmth behind.

Delaney watched him cross the room, mesmerized by his naked backside. Jack glanced over his shoulder and winked at her before slipping into the bathroom. She heard a faucet turn on, the water splashing. He returned a few minutes later sans the condom.

“Are you okay?” he asked, slipping into bed beside her. He tenderly brushed the side of her head with his fingertips. Delaney didn’t miss the slight tremble in his hands or the caring cast to his eyes. She wanted so much for all this to be real.