Chapter Fifteen

Oakley emerged from the bathroom, brush in hand, wearing lightweight summer pajamas, a pale peach two-piece set that resembled shorts and a shirt more than actual sleepwear. One glance into the living room sent her heart racing and a shiver of fear up her spine.

Tanner sat on the couch with Hercules draped across him.

He peered up at her with a sheepish smile. “I wanted to check on you. The guard dog sat on me so I wouldn’t peek into the shower.”

Said canine snored loudly.

“Uh-huh.” She headed toward the kitchen, grabbed the bag of dog food, and filled the elevated bowl, then turned back around to find Tanner tracking her with his eyes.

Hercules immediately sat up before scurrying off Tanner, hurrying to his afternoon meal. Seconds later, loud crunching rang through the room.

“I thought I locked the door.”

“You did.”

She shook her head, flicking a glare at Hercules. “Some guard dog you are.” The fact that he could get through locked doors with ease didn’t really surprise her. Considering what little she knew about his past and present, it made sense that breaking and entering skills came in handy. Still, it rattled her a bit to find him in her living room unannounced.

Tanner patted the vacated spot on the couch. “Come on. I think we need to talk.”

The serious tone jerked her attention back to him. Her nerves snapped to high alert as she slowly made her way over to the couch. What was he going to say? That had changed his mind? He’d found someone else? He really was a serial killer and she was the next victim?

As if sensing her escalating tension, he stood and took her hand in his, lifting it for a soft kiss to her palm. “That’s why I came over. You’ve had questions and been making some comments. I think we need to clear the air and get on the same page.”

She nodded, still bewildered. Following his lead, she lowered to the waiting cushions.

He grinned at her before stealing her brush. “Here. Let me.”

“No. You don’t have to…”

He shook his head. “I want to. Now rotate.”

Oakley twisted, placing her back to him. Her stiffness vanished as she felt the first gentle brushstrokes down the long length of her deep brunette hair. If men only knew how soothing getting her long hair brushed could be, they’d offer to help out much more often. Please the woman and she’d want to pleasure him in return. At least that’s the way Oakley saw the situation.

Tanner moved the brush through her thick strands and felt her begin to relax. He cussed himself for not realizing how frightened she would be when he let himself in. Walking in to find him on her couch would rattle any woman, let alone someone with negative male experiences in her past. What had seemed like a good idea earlier now came back to haunt him. At least she appeared to be quieting with his chambermaid duties. For that, he would willingly work her hair into order all night if he had to.

“I should have just waited for you to finish and knocked.” He offered up the apology.

She sighed. “It’s okay. You just startled me is all.” Her words carried truth in their low and quiet tones.

“I know you’ve been curious about me. I can’t tell you everything, but I can explain some things, if you’re still interested.” He reached up with his left hand, pulling lost strands behind her. Explaining some things would help her to understand and only build her trust. The time had come to lay the foundation blocks at her feet.

She sat quietly for a long moment before speaking. “I know you’re a Marine, but not on active duty, or you’d be gone longer periods of time.”

He took a deep breath. “I joined right out of high school. No money for college, so figured it was the way to go. I excelled, moving from basic training to Force Recon in a matter of months.”

“Force Recon?”

He brushed a couple more strokes then set the brush on a nearby end table. Scooching back a bit, he encouraged her to turn again to face him with a nudge to her shoulders.

Oakley swiveled, bent one leg, and rested it on the cushion between them.

“It’s an elite force specializing in deep reconnaissance and pretty much anything else that needs to be done quietly or in secret. Not many of us out there. Hundreds compared to thousands of Navy SEALs.”

She nodded slowly, her green gaze watching his face intently.

He felt an all too familiar constriction in his chest as he waited for the obvious next question. Tanner wanted to avoid the details, the gory details of his experiences in the service and since. A large enough burden rested on his shoulders being there in person, he didn’t need to either relive the images or dump a lot of scary facts in Oakley’s lap. Yet, he knew that honesty truly was the best policy. If she asked, he’d try to answer. Hopefully, they could both avoid the dark and bleak parts.

“So you retired from the military?”

A sigh of relief whooshed out as she took a safer direction in their conversation. “Yeah. Left there and became a Wind Warrior.”

“What’s that?” She leaned closer, showing interest and curiosity.

“A small group of former special ops guys. We take jobs that need to be done under the radar.” He struggled with how much to tell her, for both of their safety.

Oakley chewed her bottom lip. “You go undercover?”

“Not usually. We’re more get in, get out, take some bad guys out along the way.” He watched her for any sign of rejection or disgust.

Instead, she reached out to rest her hand on his leg—a signal of acceptance in his book.

“That sounds dangerous.”

He shrugged. “It’s part of the job. And I do like the job. There are so many more options and perks than working for the military.”

For the first time, a hint of a smile appeared. “I can see how much you like it. Spoon too?”

“Yeah, he’s one of the guys. As much of a pain in the ass as he is, he’s a good man to watch your back.”

Her questions trailed off as if she had received all the answers she needed or wanted from him. He could tell from her body language that more existed, but she tactfully avoided the ones that he couldn’t, or wouldn’t, answer. So far, so good.

Taking his time, he scooted nearer, closing the distance between them. Her hand remained on his leg, though it slid up to his middle thigh. He reached out with both hands, gently kneading the muscles of her shoulders. “I bet you’re sore from paintball.”

She snorted. “Someone forgot to tell me getting hit hurts. And bruises, too.” Oakley pulled up one sleeve and pointed to a small purple area on her deltoid.

“So you hated it?”

Her eyes widened. “Who said that? I loved it. Just wait. I bet I can hit you next time.”

He laughed at the bright excitement written on her face, happy that they’d dragged her along with them earlier. They might have created a monster, but what a sexy and entertaining one she made.

“Turn around again. I’ll rub your back. After all, you did distract Spoon enough for me to actually get him for once,” he offered.

She flipped around quickly, not arguing in the least. “Will you kiss all my boo-boos too?”

Those teasing words hit him square in the gut, churning his belly over in a slow twist while parts lower sat up and took notice. He bit back a moan. “Do you want me to?” The words whispered against her ear, low and seductive.

Oakley shivered, even as she leaned back into his hands. “Is that what else you wanted to talk about?”

He rubbed gently over her nape, trailing down to her upper arms and shoulder blades. “Yes. It seems we’ve been dancing around the issue. I need to know what you want and when.”

She lowered her head as he flicked her hair to the side for easier access to her spine and lower back. Her breath caught, held then released. “I want…you. Tonight.”

Though whispered, the words carried easily to his ears, sending a jolt of relief and sexual longing racing through his blood. After leaning forward, he placed a chaste kiss to the nape of her neck. Another tremor coursed through her. “Scared?”

Her hair swung with the shake of her head. “No, just nervous.” She reversed position once more, enough to look him in the eyes. “I trust you.”

He thought of her past and how much that simple statement meant to them both. Tanner met her gaze, running his hands over her back in less of a massage and more of an exploration.

“This is new to me,” she whispered, reaching up to lightly stroke her fingers over his face, pausing when he kissed her fingertips as she slowly rubbed them over his lips.

“In a lot of ways, this is new to me too.”

Her expressive green eyes clouded in confusion.

He sighed, tracing fingers down her arms all the way to her hands. “Always before it’s been…just sex, a means to an end. This time… It’s different. So much more.”

All other times really had been just an outlet to him. He had never considered himself to be a selfish lover—he’d always seen to the needs of his partners. This time, responsibility lay heavy on his shoulders, along with a want and need to go above and beyond, to show his feelings through his actions. He wanted to stoke Oakley’s fire, letting her come into her own beneath him. Prove how loving could be with the right man—nothing to fear, only passion and pleasure to embrace.

She considered his words for a moment before a smile appeared. Leaning in, she initiated the kiss, moving her softer lips against his in invitation. She wrapped her arms around his neck and tugged him in her direction.

Tanner deepened the kiss, once again searching and exploring with his tongue, nearly moaning when she mirrored his actions. That simple motion added fuel to his already blazing fire. Increasing the intensity, he slipped his hands under her shirt, seeking and finding soft bare skin. Realizing she wore no bra, his excitement increased exponentially as he cupped her breast, gently molding and squeezing.

She gasped into his mouth but didn’t withdraw. Instead, she reached for his shirt, jerking until he released her long enough to pull it over his head. Her gaze latched onto his chest, taking in every inch before dipping lower. No sooner had he deposited the garment on the floor than she reached out again, running those small fingers through his chest hair before dipping down to his belly.

A deep moan escaped Oakley. Tanner shoved her shirt upward, not willing to lose her touch to take off the top. Instead, he reclined her back on the couch, taking a breast into his mouth, lashing his tongue across the hard nipple, while his cheeks hollowed out in suction.

She writhed under him, her respiration rate speeding as she grabbed his head, pulling him in close.

Tanner used his free hand to cover the other breast, delicately pinching the nipple between his fingers then soothing the tiny sting with caresses of his thumb over the sensitized tip. Changing direction, he angled over, treating the twin to the same attentions, reveling in her body’s response to his ministrations.

Her groan was music to his ears. “So beautiful and responsive.”

Sitting up slightly, he took a moment to catch his breath and rein in his control. He looked down at Oakley, his erection twitching at the sight. He’d been hard since she’d walked out of the bathroom and locked her gaze with his.

The long sable locks mussed under her. Red lips swollen from kisses contrasted with her emerald irises peering out from narrowed eyelids. Her chest rose and fell with deep breaths as if she sprinted for the finish line. She arched against him, pushing her body up, pleading for more.

He intended to give her more, lots more.

Hunger like he’d never known abounded. He could no more walk away from her now than he could stop a runaway train.

Taking the invitation, he stood and quickly scooped her up into his arms, cradling her as he strode toward the bedroom. He didn’t stop until he laid her in the middle of the bed. With a soft kick, the door clicked shut.

Tanner pulled her shirt over her head, delighted when she sat up to assist. Gauging her reaction, he reached for her pajama bottoms, a bit surprised when she lifted her hips, sliding the item off by herself. If she had any virginal jitters, she hadn’t projected them. Yet. He cautioned himself to move slowly, giving her ample time to adjust to his touch in places he was sure no other man had ventured before.

His breath caught as he stared down at the glorious beauty of Oakley. Afternoon sunlight from the window haloed her hair, giving the illusion that the silky strands glowed. Raspberry nipples stood stark against pale skin, ripe and plump, ready for the taking. A scrap of white bikini panties covered her core, enticing rather than distracting. As she shifted, her legs parted, leaving him with a glimpse of wetness soaking through the cotton material.

If he didn’t get there soon, he’d come in his pants. A dull ache began as he fought to hold off, slow down the pace, to make everything right. “You’re perfect.” The soft words only hinted at his true thoughts, but it was all his blood-deprived brain could formulate.

Oakley smiled softly, peeking up at him from under those long lashes. She sat up on the bed, curling her legs to the side. “I want to touch you.”

Growling low, Tanner edged closer, only to stop when she held her hand up. Confused, he stared at her.

“All of you. Naked.”

Just when he thought her a shy, night-blooming bud, she threw down that request. Surprised, he immediately obliged, tearing at the buttons on his jeans before pushing them over his hips to puddle on the floor around his feet. Lifting one foot after the other, he stepped out of them to stand in the nude before her.

Oakley’s face stained red, but her gaze raked him from top to bottom and back again, locking on his jutting arousal. Her chest expanded as sparks snapped in her eyes. He’d wager that she liked what she saw.

He clenched his hands, determined to let her get her fill before moving on to the next step. Ignoring the throbbing her appraisal caused, he waited for her to finish and give him some indication she wanted more.

He didn’t have to wait long. Oakley lifted up, crawling on hands and knees to the edge of the bed. Upon sitting back on her heels, she reached for him, tracing every ridge and valley of his chest and stomach before leaning over to flick her tongue across his nipple.

“Damn, minx,” Tanner groaned and wrapped his arms around her. He felt her lips turn up against his chest. The image of her on all fours, making her way across the bed would burn in his mind for nights to come, providing more than enough bounty for dreams and future activities.

Her hands drifted downward, over his belly, before tentatively stroking his engorged cock with the tip of her index finger.

He moaned as his erection jumped from the stimulation.

Her wide green eyes met his.

Too needy and worked up for in-depth explanations, he grabbed her hand, leading her back toward the middle of the bed, encouraging her to recline back. “No more of that or I’ll explode.”

She arched an eyebrow, still petting his flanks and belly, anything she could reach. “I love the feel of you. So hard, yet soft.”

Her words would have knocked the breath out of him if he wasn’t already nearly panting. To know she appreciated him in such a way warmed his very soul. His cock swelled a tad more while a bead of moisture formed at the tip. He couldn’t recall being this hard or turned on before—for an innocent, no less. If he had the capabilities, he might have considered the rare situation a bit longer, but he could barely think with all the blood flowing into his demanding dick and Oakley naked on the bed, ripe for the taking.

Each touch threw a small bolt of lightning into his already raging desires. His heart pounded and lust crackled for the woman before him. She trailed her fingers over his nipple, sending another charge through his system. Never before had he been as worked up just from simple, light touches.

He allowed it for a couple of beats more before going back on the offensive. His mouth revisited her breasts while he leaned to the side, allowing room for his free hand to roam. He traced up a toned thigh, lightly stroking until he reached her other breast. Fussing with it for a moment, he retraced his path, heading down the center of her abdomen, pausing a second to tickle her belly button. Without preamble, he cupped her mound in his hand, using his palm to press, feeling the moisture soaked up by her panties. She jerked under his touch and shifted for a moment as if the intimate touch startled her. He held his position, sucked her nipple in his mouth, and prayed that she didn’t balk now.

When she didn’t protest and her legs remained parted, he slipped his fingers under the material, pulling it aside to not only see but also feel the heat of her core. He brushed his hand along the outer lips before delving deeper, seeking more of her slippery essence. Sitting back, he feasted on her with his eyes.

Impatience led him to haul her panties off in a clean sweep, leaving her bare. Pink glistening skin twinkled in the shimmering sunlight, drawing his touch once more. Outlined by short, dark brown, curly hairs, her mound made his mouth water. Swollen and full, he noted her bulging clit standing up for attention. He nudged her legs aside to make room for him. He probed with an index finger, seeking her depths, while kissing along her inner thigh, encouraging her to spread farther, to allow him full access.

Oakley’s breath caught, her head turned to the side, but she consented to his unspoken request, splaying her legs apart and granting him entrance to her promised land.

Tanner nearly groaned at the feel of her tight channel as it clamped down and massaged his digit buried deep inside. Each twist or arch caressed all the more, giving him a preview of what his cock would soon experience. Gently, he tested her, readied her, loosened up the entrance for his soon-to-come penetration. He wasn’t a small man in any sense of the word, and Oakley need all the groundwork she could receive in order to make their first time together more comfortable.

Upon scooting up, he leaned forward, blowing a puff of air across her nether parts. His mouth followed, trailing slow kisses along the outermost area before gradually moving inward.

She flinched with the first light probe of his tongue.

“Easy. I know how tender you are down here.” He soothed, placing kisses to her inner thighs once more. Tanner chastened himself to slow down, to take small steps in her seduction. The snail’s pace tortured him, forcing his revved-up libido to sit on the back burner much longer than in previous memory. No matter. This was about Oakley, not him. He would control himself and make sure she reached fulfillment. Watch her bloom with his attentions.

She relaxed with an expiration of breath.

Resuming his task, Tanner pressed once more, roaming his tongue from top to bottom, licking lightly all around her tightening nubbin before sliding downward, flicking inside to taste the dewy moisture that coated her like water from a thriving spring. “Ambrosia,” he whispered against her core, tossing out reassurance and praise for her gift.

Oakley groaned low in her throat, her hips lifting in frantic motions. Each time he centered attention on her bundle of nerves, she lurched and gasped, nearly bucking in an effort to get closer.

Tanner teased her a bit longer, working a second finger into her body, stretching and preparing. The generous moisture told him she enjoyed his attentions thus far and stood ready to accept more.

He licked and laved until Oakley writhed with pent-up passion. Her mews were like tender lashes of sensual delight raining over him, flaring into his cock, before lodging in his balls.

Reluctantly, he pulled away, backing up until he stood on the floor once more.

“Tanner?” Oakley called hoarsely.

He understood the unspoken question and managed to answer in guttural tones, “Condom.”

After finding his pants, he dug through the pocket until he latched onto his wallet. He flipped it open, grabbed the condom, tore it open with his teeth, and climbed back on the bed.

Oakley sat up, her gaze locked on his rigid erection before flicking to the item clutched in his hand. “Can I?”

Tanner nearly lost all semblance of control at her words and the thought of what those small hands would feel like rubbing over his flesh. He ran through a couple of multiplication tables in his head while taking a few deep cleansing breaths.

He advanced by inches until he waited in close proximity for Oakley.

“You’ll have to show me.” She reached out, pausing just before touching the moist tip.

Hastily, he placed the rolled-up rubber over the end, barely getting it started. With steady resolve, he took Oakley’s hand in his, wrapped her fingers firmly around the condom, and pulled, showing her how. His cock jumped at her touch and a loud moan escaped his throat, but Tanner held onto his tattered control with a will of steel.

As soon as the condom sheathed his throbbing cock, he removed her hand, easing her back on the bed, unable to wait another minute to sink into her depths. He edged forward, moving his larger frame to cover her supine body, aligning his hips with her entrance. Taking a moment, he kissed her deeply to apologize in advance for any discomfort that might follow.

“Are you sure?” he asked one final time, searching her face intently. He had to give her one more out, in all fairness.

Oakley nodded. “Yes. Please.” She panted out the words.

Relief surged at her acceptance. “Stay with me.” Tanner slowly pushed forward.

At first her body resisted, then finally relented, greeting him with heat and nearly blinding tightness. He couldn’t have surged if he had wanted to, not the way her core coated him like a second skin.

His gaze never left her face, watching closely for any sign of pain. Gently, inch by gradual inch, he merged their bodies.

A flicker of a grimace crossed Oakley’s face, combined with a sudden tightening of her muscles.

He stopped, feeling the frail barrier before him. “Oakley?”

She opened her eyes—large emerald irises stared at him, full of sensual passion and trust. “It’s okay. I want you.”

Tanner sucked in a breath. In all his days, he would never forget that expression on her face or the act that had brought it out in her. Bunching his muscles, he gradually pressed forward, increasing the pressure by increments until her resistance gave way, allowing him passage to her deepest depths.

Oakley cringed, a soft whimper escaping, as her body instinctively recoiled.

He paused, leaning over to cover her lips with his own, pressing with his tongue to seek entry for another game of tag. She’d given herself to him. Only to him. The knowledge induced both pride and great responsibility. She trusted him with her untried body and he would make damn sure she discovered the extent of pleasure a woman could feel at the hands of an attentive lover.

After only a moment, Oakley returned the kiss, allowing him to lead before tangling her tongue with his. Only then did Tanner begin to move, easing back and forth in a lazy, rocking motion, letting her body adjust to his penetration. Short tender jabs at first, more a way of testing the waters than anything.

Oakley caught his rhythm after a few thrusts, lifting to meet his entry, welcoming his return. Her breathing escalated, and she began to pant. Reaching out, she latched onto his neck, her short nails digging in, as she kissed him back with near savage passion.

He reveled in her wildness, the tiny sting of her hold, the way she unraveled in his arms. More than once he’d caught glimpses of her deeply bound passion. Now he saw firsthand the unfurling of the long dormant emotion.

She kissed his neck and nipped his ear, as if she couldn’t get enough of him. Enjoying her enthusiasm, he responded in kind, ever cognizant of her slippery channel stretched to accommodate his big cock. Finding a breast with his hand, he pinched the nipple, feeling the tip tauten beneath his fingers.

Another whimper escaped her lips.

“That’s it, baby. Tell me you like it.”

“Tanner. I need…” Her statement faded as she arched into his next stroke with a grunt. Her legs lifted and bracketed his side, as if trying to pull him tighter into her body.

“What do you need?” He released her breast and looked down at her face.

Her eyebrows furrowed, Oakley slowly opened her eyes, revealing large green irises. She bit her lip and squirmed. “I don’t know. More. Something more.”

Recognizing she lay on a rack of passion, Tanner urged her closer to the ultimate goal. “It’s okay. I’ve got you. Just let go, Oakley. Take from me and just let go.”

Tanner picked up the pace a step or two, pressing for a deeper insertion each time. He clenched his teeth as he fought the tingling sensations foretelling of a nearing climax. Her walls clung to his cock like a warm, moist glove, accepting and stroking him with wild abandon.

She had to come first. Nothing less was acceptable.

Pulling on his last reserves, Tanner sat up with a growl, pushed his hand between them until he found her core. Watching her face, he stroked her clit delicately with his thumb. Once. Twice. She threw her head back and tightened to the point where he feared she would break.

He brushed her nub harder in a flurry of motion, determined to send her toppling over the edge.

Oakley clamped down on him hard, her back arched, as she sucked in a deep breath. Contractions massaged his erection deep inside, tightening the already small passage to the point of near discomfort. As a bright red blush splashed across her face and chest, Tanner roared, pummeling in hard and deep, before finally locking their bodies together tightly.

Stars danced in front of his eyes as brilliant waves of orgasm washed through his body. Cum streamed from his embedded cock in strong, rhythmic pulses, heightening the crest of his release to a fevered pitch before fading all too soon. Latching onto the final shreds of rapture, Tanner rode out the climax in time with Oakley’s rippling channel.

Only when his now empty balls relaxed and Oakley sighed in contentment did he drop down to cover her body, her breasts serving as a pillow.

Long minutes passed before Tanner caught his breath. Upon lifting up, he shifted to the side, taking her with him. He tugged her leg over his hip, then began rocking slightly, sliding back to his maximum penetration possible. The new position allowed him to stay buried inside her glorious body, but gave her freedom from his considerable weight. He opened his eyes to stare at her, not certain what reaction to expect. He knew for certain he’d brought her pleasure from the convulsions deep inside her body, the very ones that had sent him over the edge. The knowledge filled him with pride and relief.

“Wow.” Oakley’s husky voice cut through his thoughts.

The corners of his mouth hitched up. “I’ll take that as a compliment.” He jousted with her, enjoying the afterglow. His mood lifted as he realized how important this moment had been to both of them.

She smiled shyly, an age-old expression of a woman well loved. “I think you exceeded my high expectations.”

He chuckled and squeezed her in a hug, unable and unwilling to let her go. He needed to touch her, soothe her, assure himself that what had happened was real. Because right now he had a hard time believing this wasn’t the best wet dream of his life. “Better than reading those romance novels?”

“Oh, yeah. No comparison.” She grinned at him then nuzzled his chin.

Pleased with her praise, Tanner beamed. He took a minute to savor the moment before turning serious once more. Reality interrupted. “Hold on.”

Upon reaching down, he grasped his quickly deflating cock. He held the condom in place while easing back then finally pulled free from her body.

Oakley gasped.

“Hurt?”

“No.” She rolled onto her stomach.

He removed the condom, tying the end shut with practiced ease before climbing off the bed and entering the bathroom.

She’d been perfect. He couldn’t recall ever reaching such levels of climax or the insistent yearning to take her again right now. While he knew better, his deflating manhood obviously had other plans as it began to swell once more, in record time. Ignoring the erection for now, he quickly discarded the condom and cleaned himself up. After a momentary pause, he wet another cloth with warm water, and carried it back with him.

Tanner strode back into the bedroom, noticing the look of concentration on her face. Unsure what that meant, he decided to err on the side of caution rather than dismiss something important. “What are you thinking?”

She tilted her head, eyes lowering to stare at his groin. “I was just wondering how many condoms you have.”

Tanner’s body responded with a throb and jump, despite their recent activity. A wicked grin spread over his face. “Dare I ask why?”

Her pink tongue flicked across her full lips. “I would hate to have to run to an all-night pharmacy if we ran out.”

He laughed at her outright teasing. “Don’t worry. I think we have it covered, at least for tonight.”

Climbing back on the bed, he motioned for her to roll over. She stalled.

“You’ll feel better if I clean you up.” He studied her face, saw the indecision, and understood her embarrassment. “Come on, Oakley. Let me make you feel better.”

She met his gaze then returned to her back, still watching his every move.

With exquisite finesse, he cared for her. The profoundly intimate moment didn’t go unnoticed. Although she said nothing, he felt her presence in the vicinity of his heart and realized that he bonded tighter to her in that moment than he’d ever been with another woman. Instead of a rush of panic at the thought, he felt an inner warmth and a rightness.

Being of a practical nature, not much bothered him concerning the human body—hadn’t since he discovered women in his early teenage years. He’d pretty much seen it all, but that only made Oakley’s gift all the more dear. His only regret revolved around her embarrassment at his actions, but he knew she’d gain confidence in his presence and soon leave bashfulness behind.

After finishing with his task, he checked her one last time before returning to the bathroom to deposit the rag in the hamper. He returned to her side, wrapped her in his arms, snuggling down in the center of the bed. Unable to refrain from discovering more of her delicious body, despite knowing he should allow her body time to rest and recuperate from her first experience of sex, he found her earlobe and nibbled softly.

Oakley sighed, her body lax in his arms. “I never thought it could be like that.”

He nuzzled the nape of her neck, holding her close. It never felt like that before for me either. The words tracked through his mind. It was true. All his previous experiences dulled in comparison with this one. Oakley. She made the difference, pulling at his heartstrings, and latching on tight enough that he couldn’t pry her out. Not that he wanted to. No way. Oakley bolstered his spirits, made everything new again, and showed him that strength and determination came in petite, beautiful packages. He felt more deeply for her than he ever had another person.

With those thoughts, he slowly drifted to sleep.