ALEX WANTED TO KISS Jenna. Again. And again.

Her eyes grew a little larger, her lashes standing out as dark fans against her skin.

“What is it you want?” she asked.

Did he have to spell it out for her? If he were smart, he’d walk out right now. Save them both the hard feelings and regrets, but they could be good together. They could be good for each other. That was worth taking a leap of faith, wasn’t it?

He took a deep breath and gripped the counter on either side of her thighs.

All the pent up desire and frustration came out in a single word.

“You.”

Jenna blinked a few times and exhaled. She pushed one hand through her hair and covered one of his hands with hers. The warmth of her seeped into his skin where he gripped the counter so tight his knuckles were turning white.

“So...uh...funny you should say that.” She flattened her palm over his heart, her hand over his sliding down to his wrist. She tugged his arm up and directed him to place it against her waist. Was it his imagination, or were her cheeks slightly pinker? “Moment of honesty here. I might have a thing for you.”

Though he’d begun to suspect he wasn’t the only one with feelings that morning, hearing her almost admit she was attracted to him as well still felt like a punch to the solar plexus.

His beautiful, bold Jenna—liked him, too.

“Might?” he asked.

Alex leaned toward her, every molecule in his body drawn toward her.

Distance, they needed space, to stop this forward momentum so they could talk this out—but Jenna might have a thing for him.

She slid her arm up and around his neck, pulling him closer.

“I’m working on my honesty here.” Her voice was low, husky. She’d only ever spoken like this in his dreams. “It’s a big thing to admit you’ve been harboring a crush on your Team Leader who hardly speaks to you.”

“I told you—”

“I don’t really care what you told me. Let’s stick with the important facts here. I really like you.”

“I really like you, too.” He was as giddy teenager with his first girl all over again. “But—”

Jenna put her fingers over his mouth.

“No buts. Nothing good ever comes after a but. Let’s leave it there. You like me, and I really like you.” She leaned closer, her gaze dropping to his mouth. “I think we should dwell on that for a bit before we make any rash decisions.”

It wasn’t the responsible thing to do. They should have a rational discussion about the longevity of a relationship like theirs and decide if it was in their best interest. Yes, he thought they could have something great, but she might not be on the same page. He should think about her future, what would happen if things didn’t work out. And what if they didn’t? What if they woke up tomorrow and realized it was all wrong?

“What do you say?” Jenna had both arms around his neck now and she was so close he could see the darker shades of green in her eyes. Her legs were wrapped around his, and their bodies pressed together.

“What exactly do you have in mind?” It took effort to form a complete sentence. At this point, he was highly susceptible to any suggestion—even if she wanted to cuddle on the couch and watch reruns again.

“No idea. I kind of just want to kiss you some more.”

“Well, darling, I’m not stopping you.”

She flashed him a grin for a second as her hand came up to cup the back of his neck. Her core pressed against him and he felt her lips curve as she kissed him once, twice in quick little pecks.

He was a lot needier than that.

Alex grasped the elastic holding her hair up and gently tugged on it. Jenna reached up, pushing his hand aside and in one pull released her wheat blonde hair. He pushed his hand up through her hair, curling his fingers around the strands, directing her head to tilt the slightest bit.

Jenna’s lips parted and her eyes were slightly dilated. Arousal would do that to a person. He dipped his head, watching the play of emotions across her face. How had he never seen this before? Was it really possible Jenna wanted him as badly as he wanted her?

He kissed her the way he’d day dreamed about, open mouthed and tasting her as she gasped. Reality was better. Her nails pressed into his skin and she hugged him closer. His aching dick was trapped between them, growing harder. She kissed him back, teasing him with the tip of her tongue, light flicks that invited intrusion.

The room began to spin, the intensity of it enough to make him more than a little light headed.

He tore his mouth from hers, leaning on the counter. Jenna kissed his cheek, his jaw and his neck.

“Alright.” He straightened.

“What?” The single word sounded like a protest.

“We need to take this elsewhere.” He cupped her bottom and hoisted her up.

Jenna yelped and laughed, twining her limbs around him.

Despite knowing better—he couldn’t stop himself. Besides, if two people wanted each other, why should a job stand between them? Sure, he lived and breathed SWAT, but that was because there wasn’t anything else for him. No family. Nothing more pressing than the badge. Right now, the only thing that mattered to him was Jenna, and keeping that smile on her face. Everything else could be figured out later. Tomorrow, next week, a month from now.

He toed his bedroom door open, not bothering with the light as he carried her to the big bed. He’d never had a woman here before. Not for any particular reason, but now he was glad for it. There were no other memories clinging to this space to encroach on what they did, however far this went.

Alex lay her down on the mattress, coming down on top of her, keeping most of his weight on his elbows. Jenna giggled, which was pretty cute. She was a good sport, had a great sense of humor, but something about that sound made him want to hear it again. Everything they did was so serious on the job. He wanted to hear her carefree and happy.

He stared down at her, captivated by the gleam in her eye. It wasn’t just the way the light from the hall hit her, it was something that burned from the inside out. He’d never seen her look this way. And by some crazy alignment of the stars, it was because of him. Her hands were up under his t-shirt, coasting over his back. Touching him. God, how many times had he wanted to feel this?

Jenna lifted her head and buzzed his mouth with a kiss. He wanted to dive into her, devour her mouth, pound into her pussy, but this was more than that. He’d make her remember tonight forever, no matter what happened later. Tonight, he’d brand himself on her soul.

She still wore her paramedic uniform. He’d imagined peeling the short sleeved, blue button up shirt off her body a number of times. All day he’d wondered which panties she wore under the sturdy, navy blue work pants. A tiny thong? The panties that would sit low on her hips, covering everything? Was she wearing lace, or satin?

He pushed up to his knees and straddled her thighs, grabbing her wrists when she started to move.

“You’re going to lay there and I’m going to strip every stitch of clothing off you, understand?” He knew he should ease up, stop being so controlling, but he needed to keep a tight rein on himself and how fast things were going.

One side of Jenna’s mouth hitched up, and she twisted her right hand free. The invisible fist holding onto his throat eased its grip a little. At least she wasn’t telling him to fuck off. Instead, she saluted him.

“Yes, sir.”

“Do you like taking orders?”

“I don’t mind when I trust my superior officer.”

Was she doing this because he was her TL?

“You don’t have to—”

“It was a joke, Alex. I don’t like something, I’ll tell you. I’m not laying in your bed because you’re my Team Leader.” She splayed her hands on his thighs, sliding her hands up and down, as far as she could reach. “I don’t mind if you’re bossy. I like that you’re confident. Your rank has nothing to do with how I feel about you. This isn’t a booty call though I’ll be really honest and admit that right now sex is about all I’m thinking about and your being a gentleman is going to get on my nerves.”

“Message received, loud and clear. Hands behind your head.”

“Are you going to arrest me, officer?” She chuckled, but did as he requested.

“No, I want your hands out of the way, and I don’t think you follow orders that well.” In the field, he had no doubt. In bed, he could see her being mischievous.

“I follow orders.”

“Hm.”

His vision focused on the top button of her blouse. The little white discs had taunted him so many times. She didn’t wear her paramedic uniform on SWAT missions, but he’d been around her in it enough to appreciate the way it fit her body. He slipped the first button lose, just below her collar bone and spread the fabric as far as it would go, until he could see the slightest bit of cleavage.

Alex bent and kissed her chest, up until he reached the dip at the base of her throat. He followed the fold of the fabric with his fingers to the next button. This close, he could hear the catch of Jenna’s breath as he pushed the disc through the slit and parted the shirt.

He glanced up, but Jenna’s eyes were closed and her lips glistened. She had her hands under her head, and her hair spread out over the dark blue comforter. He retraced his path of kisses, watching the way her mouth opened and felt the intake of breath as he kissed between the swells of her breasts. Once more, he unfastened a button and now, the edges of her purple bra came into view.

Last night he’d ducked away before he saw which items she’d selected. Now he knew. The pale purple one with cream, antique lace along the cups. Was she wearing the matching panties? Were there matching panties? He intended to find out.

One by one, he unbuttoned her shirt, lavishing kisses along the way. He left her bra and breasts untouched. For now. He could lose himself between those sweet peaks for an hour, but he didn’t think he’d hold onto his control for that long. He tugged the shirt out of the waistband of her navy cargo pants and parted the shirt completely.

He sat up, taking her in. She made the staid paramedic uniform sexy just by being herself. She didn’t need the enticing bra, but it certainly enhanced her natural assets.

Jenna’s eyes parted, and she peered up at him.

“What about now? Can I move?” she asked.

“No. Not yet.”

He stepped off the bed and grasped her foot, working one boot and then the other off, taking her socks with them. Even her toes were cute, painted in a pale pink with white flowers on her big toe. He liked the little, feminine touches hidden away, just for him to see.

Her gaze remained locked on his, and he couldn’t look away, not even when he reached for her belt and unfastened it. He’d finally learn just what color her panties were, but the way she stared at him, with longing and desire, as if she’d rip his clothes off were her hands not supposed to be behind her neck.

He unzipped her pants, and she lifted her hips, accommodating him as he pulled them down her long legs.

The panties matched her bra. They covered more than the black thong, but not by much. The purple fabric over her mound was slightly see through, while the lace circling her hips seemed too flimsy to withstand the daily rigors of the job.

He stepped back, needing a moment to take her in.

Jenna perched one foot on the bed while the other hung off the side. She was his wildest fantasy made real, and he almost didn’t know where to start.

“Alex,” she drew his name out as if it were a plea.

“What is it, Doc?”

“You’re wearing too many clothes.” She shifted as she spoke, not much, but her back slightly arched and she kicked her leg.

He was a little over-dressed.

Alex kicked off his boots and tossed his t-shirt toward the hamper. The jeans would stay on, for now. He needed some barrier between them to keep him on his plan of attack.

“Come here,” she said.

“Who’s giving the orders?” And yet, he took one step and set his knee on the mattress, next to her thigh.

“I’m impatient.”

“Too bad.” He slid one finger between her breasts. The clasp was an interlocking heart between the cups.

Alex concentrated on the tiny closure, feeling suddenly big and clumsy as he worked out how the bra opened. The fabric was so delicate he was a little worried it might snag on his rough skin. The pieces of the heart folded away, and with a slight twist, the cups came apart. He blew out a breath and laid the bra on the bed.

He’d undressed her with his eyes a thousand times, but he’d never been able to decide what color her nipples might be. Dusky brown. The peaks were furled tight, and her breasts moved as she breathed deep.

“Alex.” She drew his name out as if it were a plea.

He covered her left breast with his hand. She arched into the touch and a little moan escaped her lips. He liked that sound. So much so that he wanted to hear her make it again. He bent his head as he squeezed her breast. She fit well into his hand.

One taste. He could handle one. Couldn’t he?

He pressed an open-mouthed kiss to her bare breast, licking the nipple and sucking slightly. Jenna cried out, rising to press closer. He pushed her flat to the mattress, holding her there while he sucked her harder. She shifted under him, little helpless movements of a woman riding the tide of desire.

Would her other breast be as sensitive?

Alex kissed between her breasts, inhaling a lingering fragrance clinging to her skin.

“Alex.” This time his name was laced with frustration.

“What?” he whispered.

The only reply was her panting breath. What did she want that she was afraid to speak it? He’d have to tease it out of her.

Instead of going straight to her other breast, he kiss over her chest and shoulders. The smell of her, the fragrance and hints of arousal, mixed together, until it was stuck in his nose.

“Alex, please?”

“Please what?”

He paused, but she didn’t answer again. Her eyes were shut tight and her brow lined as if she were in distress.

This was about pleasure, not pain.

Alex smoothed his fingers over her face and followed the trail with his lips. He traversed her forehead, kissed the corners of her eyes, the tip of her nose and the edges of her lips. She turned her face toward him, seeking his mouth.

I kind of just want to kiss you some more. Her statement earlier played on repeat in his head.

He liked kissing her, too.

Alex sealed his lips over hers, tasting her gasp. Her hands wrapped around the back of his head and shoulders, pulling him closer. Everything about her was open to him. There were no boundaries, nothing forbidden. It was humbling. And arousing. He thrust his tongue into her mouth and she sucked. It was his turn to groan as his dick throbbed. He wanted to be in her. But not yet.

He grasped her wrists and pulled her hands off him, holding her to the mattress and rising.

“I told you, hands behind your head,” he said slowly.

“Not fair.” Jenna twisted her hands in his hold, but nowhere near enough to free herself. Just test his grasp. He knew she could get lose—if she wanted to. He’d gone through the hand to hand maneuvers with her himself at the gym. Did she like this? Was it okay? She hadn’t said otherwise—yet.

“My bed. My rules.”

One side of her mouth kicked up.

She liked it.

“What about what I want?” she asked.

“What do you want? Tell me, Jenna.”

Her cheeks were definitely redder.

He bent and kissed her shoulder.

“What do you want, Jenna?”

When she didn’t answer he skipped her breasts and kissed her stomach, down to her belly button. He released her hands to trace the band of lace at her hips.

“You have to tell me,” he said.

He wouldn’t take her panties off. Not yet. Instead, he moved the band lower, exposing her hip bones and the tantalizing arrow of flesh pointing to her pussy.

“Oh my God, I want you to fuck me,” Jenna said in a rush.

Hearing her say what her body was telegraphing still gave him pause. She wanted him. This beautiful, bold woman wanted him.

“Not yet,” he replied after a moment.

“What? Not yet?” She lifted her head off the mattress and stared at him.

Alex rose until his face was over her breasts. He pushed the two mounds together, all while holding her gaze.

“Not yet,” he repeated.

He licked the ignored breast, and she sucked in a breath of air.

“Oh, please, please, please,” she chanted.

Her hands weren’t behind her head. She’d fisted the blankets on either side of her shoulders and her head tossed back and forth. He sucked one nipple and gently rubbed his rough fingers over the other.

“Alex,” she whimpered.

Her plea felt as though it stroked his cock. His body shuddered.

“What is it, Doc?” He nipped the curve of her breast and she jumped.

“Are you going to—to fuck me?”

“With my mouth first. When I know what you taste like, how you sound when you come, then I’ll make you come a second time on my cock.”

For a moment, neither moved.

Where the hell had that come from? He wasn’t exactly chatty in or out of bed, but something about her sudden ability to speak her desires spurred him on.

“How long do I have to wait for that?” she asked.

“Not long at all.”

Because—he couldn’t wait. He needed to know her body, all of it. Inside and out.

Alex hooked his fingers into the band of her panties and drew them down farther. She wiggled her hips and lifted slightly, showing not a bit of shyness as he divested her of the last barrier separating her bare body from him.

He sank onto his knees, gripping the panties in one hand and slid his palm up her thigh.

Another burning question answered.

Jenna’s mound was covered in a small, neatly trimmed patch of blonde curls. He’d never understood the differing styles women went by, not that it was any of his business what they did with their bodies, but a primal part of him was pleased with her.

Her knees drifted apart, allowing him to glimpse her folds.

He dropped the panties and pushed her legs apart a bit rougher than he’d intended. Jenna gasped, shifting on the bed, but made no move to stop him. His focus narrowed to the apex of her thighs.

Alex wished his hands were softer, that he could be gentler for her, but if she wanted him—this was who he was. A little rough around the edges, too controlling with a tendency to stew. If it was too much for her, he’d have to trust her to tell him. He could try to be what she wanted, but he was who he was.

He smoothed his hands up and down her thighs. Her feet pressed against the sides of the bed, her toes wiggling.

“Alex, damn it.” Her hands covered his at the tops of her thighs.

“What?”

No answer.

“What is it?” He leaned forward until his chest was pressed to the mattress and her legs on either side of him.

“Nothing,” she mumbled. Her head was turned to the side, and a smile curved her lips while her eyes were closed.

“If you have something to say, say it.” He’d embrace this newfound bedroom chatter if it got a rise out of her.

“I’m not used to this.”

“Open your eyes, Jenna.”

She shook her head.

“If you don’t open your eyes, I’m not going down on you.”

“That’s not fair.” She peeked down at him, her smile spreading.

He pressed a kiss to her thigh, holding her gaze.

“It’ll be worth it.”

He shoved his hands under her ass and pulled her a couple inches closer. She squeaked and giggled, watching him now. He’d do anything to keep that look of desire and happiness focused on him.

She lifted one thigh, draping her leg over his shoulder and pressing her foot against his back. He glanced back to her folds. This would be good for her. Jenna’s body was responsive, if she liked something, he could tell, so long as he listened.

Alex pressed a kiss to the juncture of thigh and hip while running his fingers through her curls. Between her sharp intake of breath and the way her hips shifted he figured he wasn’t doing too bad so far.

He gently parted her folds, exposing the delicate pink skin of her pussy.

“You’re wet.”

Her skin glistened with arousal. He’d known she wanted him, but this was the evidence.

“Oh my God,” she whispered.

“You can just call me Alex.”

“You are not funny.” Her leg over his shoulder constricted, pulling him closer.

He leaned in, letting his breath fan her skin. She shivered and he could feel the wiggling of her toes against his shoulder. He pressed a kiss over her clit, careful of the sensitive nub. He’d learn her body, where she liked to be touched, what areas were the most responsive.

He passed his fingers through her folds, coating them with her arousal, before circling the clitoral hood with his index fingers.

“Oh, Alex.” The comforter rustled as she pulled on it.

“What? Does this feel good?”

“Yes...”

“Yes, but?” He circled the nub again.

“I want you inside of me.”

Funny thing was, he wanted to be in her, too.

He pressed his face to her, finding her entrance with his tongue. His fingers were too rough.

Her hips came off the bed and her thighs clenched around him as he flicked her inner walls.

“Oh my, oh my—Alex!”

Her hips shifted as he worked in and out of her. A small, feminine hand pushed his aside, stroking her clit with firm, bold motions. He cupped the undersides of her thighs, working his hands back to her ass, kneading the muscle, drinking in the mindless sounds of her pleasure. She seemed to come undone, losing all sense of shyness as the need of her body rose. It was beautiful, the way she moved against him, unafraid of her own pleasure.

“Alex,” she chanted.

Her body went taut in his grasp and a small squeak escaped her lips. The taste of her climax hit his tongue. He gentled his strokes, catching her as she went limp in his grasp.

She was the most beautiful, amazing thing he’d ever beheld. And tonight, she was his.