Liam leaned against the bathroom wall and reached into his pants, adjusting his cock. He was so hard it was almost impossible to move. No question, he would lose his load early with her. It would take every ounce of self-control he had not to go in there now, rip her dress off and make her his.

He pinched his dick, making it deflate a little. Not all the way, but it was enough of a reprieve. He washed his hands and stared at himself in the mirror. He was in a world of trouble with Lorelei. She was his siren, and he was helpless to her draw.

He forced himself to calm and headed out to the main room. She was there, looking better than ever. Her lips curved up. He was lost to her beauty again. He would do anything she wanted.

“You ready?”

“Sure,” he said, knowing he would follow her anywhere. If she’d grabbed his hand and led him into the bedroom, he would have gone with her.

They headed out to his truck sitting at the curb. He helped her in, holding her hand and shutting the door. The truck was older, but he wouldn't apologize for his vehicle. He didn’t spend a lot of money on cars because he didn’t want the attention.

“Do you want Italian or Mexican food?” he asked as he slid into the truck.

“There’s a nice little place that serves a good mix of food right around the corner.”

“That’s great. Just tell me where to go.”

She gave him directions, but the tension grew in the cab of his truck weighing heavy between them. Then Lorelei reached out and put her hand on his leg when a light turned red, stopping them. They both looked at each other and blew out a breath. He dropped his hand to his leg and held onto her hand.

Her touch was like a breath of fresh air. He didn’t know he needed her so much, but here he was in the cab of his truck drinking her presence in like a man nearly dead from thirst.

They pulled into the parking lot of the place she’d directed him to go and cut the engine. “Don’t move,” he said and jumped out, running around the front of the truck to the passenger side. He opened her door and held out his hand.

She gawked at him with her mouth open. “No one has done that for me, ever.”

“Well, they should—scratch that, don’t let anyone else get this close.” He smiled to lighten the words.

She giggled, the sound shooting straight to his balls. He tried to keep his dick from filling out, but he guessed he was just going to have to live with a hard cock around her.

The place was small and quaint. They were seated at the back of the restaurant in a little hidden alcove. It was almost like they were dining alone, except for the waitress who kept showing up to take their order, get them drinks, give them napkins, and otherwise check on them.

He asked Lorelei questions about her life, her family, her job, everything to keep the conversation off him. She’d grown up in San Marcos, Texas. Her family was still there. The boyfriend she’d become engaged to had cheated on her and that’s why she’d moved here to the house her grandmother had given her. Clean breaks were good, he knew that for sure. She loved her job and the people she worked with here. The robbery frightened the heck out of her, which he understood.

“So have you been having nightmares about the robbery?” Lorelei’s gaze was hooded, her cheeks pink.

The correct thing to say would have been yes, but that would be a lie and for some reason he couldn’t say the words that would hide his reality from her.

He shook his head. “No, not really.”

“Are you serious? That was so frightening…then again, you took control so easily.” Her eyes narrowed and her lips pursed. “You haven’t said what you do for work.”

The waitress showed up at that exact time and he pulled out forty dollars cash and handed it to her when she set the check on the table. Lorelei was reaching for her purse, he guessed to pay, and he reached across the table, holding out his hand. She hesitated.

“My treat.” He wouldn't budge on this. It would be wrong to have her pay for food on their first date.

“I’ll get the next one.”

He smiled, signaling his okay, but he knew he wouldn’t let her pay for their meal. It wasn’t how he grew up. Lorelei left the table to freshen her lipstick. He met her at the front of the restaurant after a quick stop in the bathroom and a pep talk where he convinced himself he could do this and not embarrass himself.

The plan was to kiss Lorelei at the door and walk away after telling her he wanted to see her again. He wouldn't push for sex though he wanted it.

She came out of the bathroom at the same time as he did and his vows to walk away without sex were dashed. This woman twisted up something so primal inside him he couldn’t ignore her draw.

He led her out to his truck and helped her in before running around to the driver’s side. She reached out and put her hand on his thigh, her fingers higher than last time. They rode in silence to her house. He had a plan, and he was going to follow through, but when she keyed open her door and tugged him in, he followed.

Though he could bench press her and lift her above his head, carry her for miles on his back, he was helpless against her draw. She tugged him close. He gulped in air, getting a good sniff of her warm scent. She smelled of cinnamon and flowers. Maybe a bit like apple pie too.

Her fingers twisted in the material of his shirt, tugging it up a little. He reached out and ran his hand over her shoulder to her neck. Her hair fell over his fingers as he ran his hands through the strands, loving how soft her hair felt.

“I should go,” Liam said.

“What if I want you to stay?”

He groaned and wrapped his free hand around her waist, applying a little pressure. She moved with his guidance and pressed her body against his. He lowered his head, his lips hovering above hers.

“If we end up in bed, are you going to be okay with that?”

“Couch, bed, wall, I want you.” Her voice was husky, deeper than before.

“Damn.” Liam’s lips met hers and his tongue swept into her mouth, exploring and taking as he thought of what he wanted to do with her.

Lorelei pulled out of the kiss, her breasts heaving against his chest in a most delicious way. “I want you.”

He slid her dress off her shoulder and bent to kiss her there. Her skin was soft, velvety, and he loved the way she smelled. Heaven had come to earth, and he’d found a piece of it right here in Texas. She shivered and pressed her body closer to him. When she grazed against his cock, he growled. She did it again, and he pulled her closer before realizing standing up with her pressed against him wasn’t enough.

He reached down and grabbed her behind the legs, swinging her into his arms. She yelped and her fingers twisted in his shirt.

“Put me down.”

“Why?”

“I’m too big. You can’t carry me.”

“Darling, you’re light as a feather. Now I’m going to take you to your bed and make love to you, tasting every inch of your body and showing you exactly how you should be loved. If you don’t want that, tell me now.”

Lorelei swallowed but said nothing. Her eyes were wide, and her pupils dilated. She wanted this, and he was going to savor every inch of her beautiful body.

He pushed the door open and gently lowered her to the mattress, staring down at her as he palmed his cock through his jeans. He needed to slow down, or he’d be blowing it now.

Her gaze stayed on him, watching his every move. He reached out and touched her leg and she flinched. She was skittish but hadn’t told him to stop so he removed her shoes then lowered and kissed her ankles. He could smell her excitement and he wanted to taste her, but he didn’t want to rush this.

He kissed his way up her leg to her knee, then lifted and kneeled on the bed, looking down at her. She reached for the button on his jeans and popped it out before lowering his zipper. If she touched him, it would all be over.

Though he didn’t want to move, he adjusted so she couldn’t get to his dick. His lips found her neck, and he kissed his way down, his hands exploring her waist to her hips. She lifted her leg and hooked it around his, pulling him closer.

Lorelei rocked against him, her center pressing against his thigh. He needed to feel more of her, to really taste her. So he pulled up her dress, and she lifted up, helping him get it off.

He paused and stared at her wearing only her lacy panties and a bra that matched. They were both a delicate color of purple that looked great on her. He ran one finger over the swell of her breast and moaned.

“You’re so beautiful.”

She shook her head. “I’m average at best.”

He met her gaze and moved in a flash to all fours, hovering over her. “Oh no, you’re more than average. You’re freaking amazing. I’ve wanted to see all of you for so long. Lorelei, you’re absolutely gorgeous.”

There was a reply on her tongue, but she said nothing as she stared up into his eyes. He lowered slowly, his gaze sweeping down her body before he brushed a kiss over her lips before he kissed his way down her neck to her breasts. He kissed the top of each mound before reaching behind her, undoing her bra clasp. She was shaking. He paused, glancing into her beautiful brown eyes.

“You still okay with this?”

“God yes. Please, I need you.”

Lust, maybe a little power filled him, and he looked down at her now uncovered breasts, his cock growing harder. He wanted to press her breasts together and fuck them, but he wanted to be inside her pussy more. Maybe he could talk her into it later.

He lowered and kissed around one dark nipple, ignoring the main event. She was moaning, her back arching off the bed, her fingers in his hair as she tried to get him to suck on her, but he moved to the other breast, licking and nipping before he went back to the first breast and gave her nipple a long lick that drew forth a deep moan from her.

Lorelei let her legs fall open, an invitation for sure. When she was moaning, her body writhing under him, he reached down and ran his hand up her thigh to her center. She arched up into his hand, pressing hard as he cupped her mound. She was wet and ready for him. He slid one finger into her pussy and moaned with pleasure. Heat raced over his hand and up to his brain, making it almost short-circuit. He wanted to be buried deep.

Liam propped himself up on one elbow and took his finger that had been inside her and lifted it to his lips, licking up one side. She watched with wide eyes that were full of need and lust. He was going to draw this out as long as he could because he wanted to remember every moment with this beautiful woman.

He lowered and kissed his way from her breast down, circling her bellybutton twice with his tongue before kissing his way to the top of her slit. He drew in a slow breath, drinking in her musky scent. His tongue slid out and licked over her clit. Her hands found his head, her fingers twisting in his short hair. He licked again, and she lifted, digging her heels into the mattress.

“Liam, please.”

He chuckled and licked again. She was bucking her hips, her hands twisting in his hair as he licked and kissed, taking her higher. He wanted her essence over his tongue so he lowered even more and slid his tongue into her, fucking her with it. She arched off the bed and called his name. She hadn’t fallen over the edge yet so he moved to her clit, licking his way there before sucking it into his mouth.

He was lost in her beauty, his mind clouded with lust. The need consumed him. He could die right now and be happy having tasted her.

His fingers were on her hips, trying to hold her still, but she was wild with passion and had her feet on the mattress, her knees bent so she could push up and press against his face. This was heaven. He licked her clit again and she shuddered, her body shaking against him. She came, shattering as he tasted her once more.

The pulse of her pussy felt amazing against his tongue and he reached for the condom in his pocket. He shoved his jeans low before rolling the rubber on and positioned himself so he was between her legs. She looked sated as he hung over her, waiting a moment as he studied her before he slid in.

She felt like warm honey, Christmas, and happiness all mixed in one. Her hands were light on his waist but tightened as he entered her. Her eyes snapped to his and her mouth opened as she gasped. He was buried deep, his hips against her, and he didn’t dare move. This felt too amazing, but he needed to pump because he really wanted to come. She was tugging at his shirt and he lifted and pulled it off, flinging it off the bed. Her fingers played over his chest and abs as he stroked in.

Her pussy was tight and squeezed him as he grazed against her clit on a slide in.

“Liam, you feel so good.”

“Darling, so do you. I can’t get enough of you.”

She gasped as he pumped in fast, striking deep. This woman needed to be treated special. He hoped he was showing her how unique she was. He hadn’t known her long enough to feel this way, but it was like they were connected.

He wished he’d stripped fully before starting because he didn’t want to pull out, but he wanted to change the angle and pound into her. Lorelei moved just a little, angling her hips up as she wrapped her legs around him. He went deeper, and her channel was tighter at this angle. The pressure mixed with just being with her and it was enough to push him over the edge.

The orgasm was like none other. His breath was sucked from his lungs as his back tightened. Every muscle squeezed as he emptied his balls deep inside her. She was touching his face, lifting up to give him gentle kisses. It was too much. He didn’t put all his weight on her, but he couldn’t stay up. She was beautiful and amazing, and she’d been his for a moment. He only hoped that moment became more moments and stretched into something amazing.

After giving her a sloppy kiss, he pulled out and got out of bed, heading to the bathroom where he tossed the condom into the trash and grabbed a washrag, getting it damp. He returned to the bedroom where he shoved his jeans all the way off and joined her in bed. He used the rag to wipe a little sweat from her brow, then down between her breasts before he slid it between her legs, making sure she felt clean. He knew women didn’t like the after-sex feel at times, so he wanted to make sure she never felt anything but loved after sex.

He dropped the cloth to the floor and tried to wrap his arms around her, but she sat up and stared down at him.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“You got to look at me earlier, but you didn’t take all of your clothes off until now.”

He lifted his brows and the corner of his lips quirked up. “What do you think?”

“You’re beautiful.”

The bark of laughter was automatic. He always thought he was kind of ugly. “No, I’m not.”

“Oh, but you are. Look at this spot.” Her finger ran over his hip and he twitched from the gentleness of her touch. “This is beautiful.” She slid her hand up and her brows bunched. Her fingers grazed over a scar on the edge of his pec close to his underarm. “What happened here?”

He thought about lying, telling her it was just a scar from football, but he couldn’t lie. He wouldn’t reveal details about the missions, but he could tell her what had happened to cause the scars he wore.

“A bomb went off. I wasn’t close enough to be killed, but a bit of metal hit me. It clipped me where I wasn’t covered.”

Lorelei met his gaze before she moved her hand to another scar. “This one?”

The scar was on the top of his shoulder. That had been a lucky miss. “A guy was shooting at me. The shot missed for the most part.”

She frowned at that one. Then her fingers trailed over the scar on his ribs, slowing as she moved over the rough skin again. “This?”

“Hand-to-hand. A guy pulled a knife on me. He meant to kill me, but it didn’t go well for him.”

Now Lorelei’s brows pinched tight and her mouth turned down in a deep frown. “You never told me what you did for a job.”

He avoided answering and reached up, pulling her down next to him. It felt good to have her body pressed up against his, warming him. Her skin was soft and smelled good. He wanted this closeness, but he didn’t know if he could have it. His life wasn’t easy. He ran into danger when others fled.

“What do you think I do?” He kept his voice low, wanting to savor every second spent with her.

“I’m guessing military.”

He grunted then kissed the top of her head, loving how her hairs tickled his face. The need to taste her again filled him and he began kissing his way from the top of her head lower. When he got to her breasts, she put her hand on his chest and pushed him away.

“You didn’t really answer.”

“My job is dangerous. I can’t tell you certain things. I can’t have photographs on the internet. If you’re with me, we can’t do any couple photos, you can’t put up any status updates about us. Heck, I probably couldn’t even be included in family pictures. I’m dangerous to be around.”

She pushed harder and sat up. He wondered if this was going to be the big brushoff. Dating him wasn’t fun. Most of the guys didn’t date, but a few had found women who were special. He knew the guys asked a lot from their women. The love of Ghost’s life had a brother in the military, so she knew it was difficult, but too many women ended up dumped or divorced when they dated special forces men. He couldn’t stand to have Lorelei fall for him then leave. Maybe it was better if she said goodbye now.

Lorelei was up on her knees and she sat back, her legs spread just a little and he thought she looked fierce, like an amazing warrior. He wanted to pull her close and never let go, but he couldn’t force her to be in his life.

“Now wait a minute, Liam Davidson, don’t you dare tell me what I can or can’t take. I went back into that building with you to save Megan. I’m not a wimp and I don’t give up easily. You can’t push me away just because you’re a little afraid.”

He drew in a slow breath and watched as Lorelei moved closer. She pushed him so he was sitting on the bed and she straddled him. Her bare ass on his thighs felt so good. He was having a hard time not looking at her breasts or reaching out to grab them. He wanted to touch and taste, but he needed to respect her and let her talk.

“I’m not some wisp that will shrivel up in a corner if you face danger. I know you can handle yourself. If you remember, I was there when you got all those women and kids to safety. You aren’t just an average guy.”

He shook his head. “I’m nothing special.”

“You are to me. We may not know each other, but part of that is you not answering the questions about yourself. You turned the topic to me so easily I didn’t realize what you’d done, but here, in this room, in this bed where we’re naked, everything revealed, don’t hide from me.”

He swallowed and opened his mouth then cleared his throat before he spoke. “There are things I can’t tell you.”

She lifted a brow. “Why?”

“National security.”

“Okay, but the rest.”

He shrugged. “I’m in a position where I deploy at a moment’s notice. I could get a call and have to jump up and leave. If we’re out to dinner and I get a text, I have to leave. I won’t ever be able to tell you what country I’m in, or when I’ll be back.”

She ran her hand over his scars, then she traced the outline of his tattoo. His heart squeezed.

“This tattoo?” Lorelei glanced up, her eyes searching his.

His lips twisted in a half smile as his heart nearly shattered. “My—” He cleared his throat and started again. “My mom wanted to see the ocean and the beach. She wanted to see real dolphins in the water. She—” He drew in a slow breath, trying to keep calm. “She had cancer—”

“Oh, Liam, I’m so sorry.”

Lorelei’s reaction made his emotions that much higher. Tears burned his eyes as the hole in his heart expanded then was filled with love from this incredible woman. She adjusted so she could kiss each scar then his tattoo before she looked up and met his gaze.

“I’m sorry you lost your mom.”

He shook his head and shrugged. “It was a long time ago. I got the tattoo so she could go with me, see everything I do…maybe it was wrong, but I wanted her close.”

She traced his tattoo again. “Were you just a kid?”

The words were hard to find so he only nodded.

“I’m here for you if you ever want to talk about it.”

He barked out a laugh. “Talking isn’t my strongest asset.”

She laughed and moved so she was straddling his legs again. “Lots of words, few words, that doesn’t matter. I like spending time with you.”

His gaze met hers and warmth filled him. “I liked tonight.”

Her eyes crinkled in the corners as she laughed. “So you like sex.”

He shook his head then rolled his eyes. “Yes, but I was talking about the rest. Spending time with you. Though I don’t talk much, I found it easy to tell you stuff. You’re…different. I don’t know, it’s like all your life you wait to find something, and then you do, but it’s better than you thought it would be.”

She sucked in a breath and he thought he’d said too much. Maybe she wasn’t ready for more. Then her lips were on his, her hands exploring. Her nipples grazed his chest and heat exploded through him.

She pulled back, her eyes again searching his face. “Would you ever cheat on me?”

He shook his head and cupped her cheeks. “No way possible. I may have to ditch plans and I might leave the country without telling you, but I’ll never be with another if we’re together.”

Her lips curved up and his chest expanded. He wanted to get to know this woman, to see what made her tick.

“Then the other stuff doesn’t matter,” she whispered before leaning in and kissing his neck just under his ear. Her teeth grazed over his earlobe and his cock twitched. “If you have to leave to help people who are in situations like what we went through, I can live with that.”

He drew in a slow breath and blew it out. This woman wasn’t what he thought he would ever find. How had he ever survived without her? “Are you sure that won’t bother you?”

“Very much sure.” Lorelei adjusted and in a swift move she lowered and kissed the tip of his cock. He’d grown half hard while she’d sat on him. Now with her lips at his tip, he was going full hard. She pushed at his chest and he dropped to the mattress, moaning as she sucked him in halfway.

He ran his hands through her hair as she sucked down on him. It felt amazing, and maybe part of the amazing feelings shooting across his nerves was it was Lorelei doing the job. She licked and kissed, sucking lower then popping off.

He glanced down and watched as she licked from the base up to the head. She was masterful, and he was going to come again way sooner than he wanted.