CHAPTER NINE
Lisa opened her door and frowned. “You’re not my Chinese food delivery.”
“No, but I’m pretty sure I’m the man of your dreams,” Ace replied as he handed her a bouquet of flowers.
“These are lovely, but none of my dreams currently include you.” Stepping out on the porch, she hip-checked him and waved to Joe, her favorite delivery man. “Cutting it a little close, aren’t you?”
“Girl, you have another thirty minutes. We both know you’re not going to start watching until 8:30, so you can skip the commercials.”
“Am I that predictable?”
“Afraid so,” he replied as he held up the bag.” Looking up at Ace, he frowned. “You said you were ordering for one.”
“I was.” She glanced at Ace and tried to elbow him away. When he didn’t budge, she tried to step around him. “He’s not staying, so ignore his frown.”
“Kind of hard to.”
“Sorry about that, man,” Ace said as he pulled his wallet out and took the bag out of Joe’s hand. He checked the receipt and then handed over some money. “Here you go; keep the change.”
“Don’t accept his money,” Lisa said as she tried to step in front of Ace again.
Joe stepped back and shook his head. “Sorry, he’s big and looks mean, so you have to work it out with him.”
Lisa watched him wave and scurry down the sidewalk. Turning to Ace, she shifted the flowers and then tried to hand him the money she had in her hand. “Please, take it.”
“No way.” He kissed her head and then put his hand on her lower back and moved her into the house. “What are we watching tonight?”
“We are not watching anything; I, however, am going to watch the Bachelorette.”
“What the hell is that?” he asked as he closed the door behind him.
“Have you been living under a rock?”
“No.”
She watched him walk into the kitchen like he belonged and let out a huff as she followed him. “Thank you for the flowers, by the way; they’re beautiful.”
“I told Birdie to make a bouquet that would knock your panties off, and this is what she came up with.”
Moving around him, she grabbed a vase and filled it. “Really?”
“Yeah, I’ve known Birdie for ages, and her husband was my former commander.” He set the bag on the counter and took the boxes out. “In fact, I was there the day they met and have never forgotten the look on Mark’s face when they had their first dance.” He looked over his shoulder and grinned. “That shit is the stuff romance movies are based on.”
She arranged the flowers and then set them on the table. “How so?”
“Lt. Cmdr. Mark Frazier was one of the toughest men I ever served under, and he didn’t have a soft feeling in his body until he met Birdie. He fell so hard that he asked her to marry him within a couple of weeks of their first date and somehow married her three months later.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, and they’re happy to this day. They have two kids and are as passionate for one other as they were in the beginning.
“I thought that only happened in books, not real life.”
“I did too until a bunch of buddies have done the exact same thing over the last couple of years.”
Pulling out a plate, she hugged it against her chest. “You almost sound like a romantic, Ace.”
He leaned against the counter and shrugged. “Didn’t think I was until I met a certain journalist in Yemen. The woman has me thinking things that I never considered.”
Tilting her head, she tried to fight the smile and warm feelings his words were invoking. “What am I going to do with you?”
He leaned forward and took the plate out of her hands. “Honey, I’m hoping you’re going to give me a chance because I want to see if all those crazy feelings we had in Yemen are possible again.” He dropped his head and gently pressed his lips to hers. “I breathe so much easier when you’re in my arms.”
Feeling like she was at the top of a roller coaster, she felt herself free fall as Ace kissed her with a gentle ferocity that had her mind spinning.
He pulled his mouth away and nodded. “It’s stronger than ever, Lisa. No way can you deny what we have.”
“I thought you were going to give me some time before you made a full-frontal assault.”
He leaned down and kissed her head. “I already did since I left you alone yesterday. I figured that was more than enough.”
“You are something else,” she replied with a frown as she looked up. “I like your sweet words and pretty flowers, but I don’t feel comfortable getting involved with you.”
“Is there anything I can do to help you feel comfortable?”
“I don’t know.” She ran her hand over her face and shook her head. “How do I know if you’re being honest with me? How do I know that you and Victoria won’t get back together? How do I know if you’re trustworthy?”
“I’m honest to a fault, Lisa, and the fact that you doubt me makes me angrier than a bull.” He took her hands and lowered his head. “All I can do is show you, and for that to happen, we need to spend time together. I’m asking for a chance to prove to you that I’m a man worth investing in.”
“I feel like an idiot, Ace.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m actually considering getting to know you.”
“That’s not idiotic.” He lifted her hands and kissed them. “I promise on my Trident that I’m a good man and will never do anything to hurt you or make you doubt me again.”
“I guess we can have dinner together.”
Letting out a loud breath, he pulled her into his chest. “Thank you, Lisa.”
“Don’t make me regret it.”
“I won’t. I promise you that.”
“Courtney wanted to poison you, and I’ll let her if I find out you’re lying.”
“Fair enough.” He kissed her head and grinned. “I’ve never wanted someone the way I want you, and I won’t give up until you understand I’m serious and want you for my own.”
“Ace, that’s so…”
“Amazing and wonderful?”
“Crazy.”
“Maybe so, but it’s the way it is.”
Stepping out of his embrace, she pulled another plate out. “You should keep those little tidbits to yourself.”
He slung his arm over her shoulder and shrugged. “All right, whatever makes you happy.”
Groaning, she shook her head. “Please, dear Lord, save me from willful men and their crazy proclamations.”
“It’s not crazy if it’s true.”
She opened a drawer and pulled out a spoon. “Now would be a good time to keep your thoughts to yourself.”
“Got it,” he replied with a wink.
“You can grab a beer from the fridge.”
“Thanks, do you have your drink already?”
“I do,” she replied as she made two plates. Grabbing the chopsticks, she nodded toward the living room. “Follow me.”
“Anywhere you want to go,” he said as he grabbed a stack of napkins.
Laughing, she walked out of the kitchen and settled herself on the couch and poured herself a glass of wine. “The bachelorette is down to the final six, so we’re finally getting to the good part. The weirdos and drama kings have left, and it’s starting to get interesting.”
Ace sat back and took a slug of his beer. “Fill me in on what happens on the show.”
“A woman gets to date twenty-five men and then pick the one she wants to propose.”
“No shit?”
“It takes two months and, by the end of it, she hopefully has found the one she’s willing to spend the rest of her life with.”
“Does it work?”
“Not really, but it’s fun to watch.”
Leaning forward, she picked up a plate and handed it to him. “Are you sure you want to stay?”
“Of course, if you told me we were going to watch paint dry, I’d be in.”
She picked up her own plate and laughed. “You are so full of it.”
“No, honey. I’m not.”
Looking up, she saw his determined patience and wished the road ahead of them wasn’t so treacherous. She picked up the remote and flicked on the TV and decided to enjoy the show and leave reality until later.
“Are we rooting for anyone in this?” Ace asked before biting into a spring roll.
“This season is a little different because the guy she gave the first impression rose to is clearly the one she’s smitten with. I feel like Becca and Garrett should just walk off into the sunset and they can bring someone else in because there isn’t even a competition anymore. As far as I’m concerned, she’s just going through the motions until she can finally tell everyone it was Garrett all along.”
“Kind of like us.”
Snorting, she lifted her wine glass and took a sip. “We certainly have all the elements necessary for a reality TV drama.”
“But not forever. This situation with Victoria is going to be resolved soon and then we’ll have no drama whatsoever.”
Rolling her eyes, she leaned back and tried to pretend like his words were possible. “Eat your dinner, Ace, and behave.”
“Whatever you want, honey.”
And that’s exactly what she was afraid of because the thing she wanted most was Ace, whether it made sense or not.
***
Ace took the dishes into the kitchen and made quick work of getting them rinsed and put in the dishwasher. Just as he was finishing up, he watched Lisa walk in with the glasses. “Thanks for letting me crash your night.”
“You’re welcome.” She set the glasses down and then leaned against the counter. “How are things going with Victoria?”
Groaning, he shook his head. “The same as they were the other day. I laid out what I was willing to do until paternity can be established and I’ve contacted the other men. We’re having beers later in the week, and I hope we can come up with a plan we all agree on.”
“Seems like a good idea.”
He stepped over and took one of her hands. “I wish this wasn’t happening and we could start our relationship clean. But that’s not going to be possible, so tell me what I can do to make this as small of an obstacle as possible.”
“I don’t really know what to tell you since this is all new territory.”
“What scares or pisses you off the most?”
“I think Victoria still has feelings and this thing between you two is going to be complicated for a long time to come. I don’t want to get in the middle of what is sure to be a very grueling situation.”
“I understand, and I’d never willingly ask you to get tangled up in this disaster. But, I can’t give up on the idea of us, so I’m being a selfish bastard and praying you’ll take a gamble on me.”
“I really want to resist you and your compelling arguments.”
“But…”
“I can’t seem to make myself.” She punched him lightly in the arm. “Why are you so irresistible?”
Relief washed over him as her words gave him the glimpse of hope he’d been praying for. “Because you and I have something rare and you’re smart enough not to want to toss it away.”
Resting her head against his chest, she sighed. “I don’t know if smart is the right description, but it’s certainly better than the alternative.”
“And what might that be?”
“I’m not telling you since I’m trying my best to resist you and failing miserably.”
Dipping his head, he nuzzled her ear. “You own me, and we’ve not even had a date yet. I’d tear down the world if I thought it would make you happy.” Dragging his mouth along her neck, he felt her shiver. “So, know that the power rests in your beautiful hands.”
“Ace…”
Lifting her into his arms, he grabbed her ass and turned. “Let me show you how true my words are.” When he felt her nod, he let out a whoop and strode out of the kitchen and thanked his lucky stars. “Where am I going?”
“The room at the end of the hall.” Lifting her head, she held his gaze. “Please, don’t make me regret this, Ace.”
“Not in a million years,” he replied as he walked into the bedroom. Setting her on her feet, he cupped her face. “Something incredible happens when we’re together, and the intimacy we create is nothing I’ve ever experienced. I think it’s rare and a sign that we’re meant for one another.”
“I’m not ready for any of that yet because you may end up in a life-long relationship with a woman who loves drama and is the mother of your child.” Pushing his chest, she shook her head. “Let’s just keep this casual for now and see how things unfold.”
“If that’s all you want, then fine, but know that there is nothing casual about the way I feel for you. I get that you need to protect yourself for a while, but I’m coming in hot and not going to let up for a second.”
“Just don’t expect me to go all in.”
“For now.” Knowing more words were not going to change her mind, he decided that reminding her of what they had was his best option. “I’ll just show you how I feel for now,” he whispered as he moved his hand under her T-shirt and enjoyed the feel of silky soft skin.
“I like show and tell.”
“Then get ready because I plan on rocking your world.” Pulling her close, he dropped his mouth and kissed her deeply. Blood burning in his veins, he felt the roar of possession just like he had the first time they were together.
The woman was his idea of perfection, and he was fucking grateful to have the opportunity to show her how he felt. Sliding her T-shirt off, he groaned at the sight of her soft curves and long lines as he unhooked her bra. “You’re more than I deserve.”
Kissing his way down her neck, he felt his cock throb. Nothing more than a taste and he was ready to go off like a rocket. He ran his mouth down her neck and across the swell of her breasts, taking one candy-pink nipple in his mouth. “So sweet,” he murmured as her hand moved inside his shorts. Flexing his hips, he felt her soft fingers wrap around his shaft and braced himself as she stroked slowly.
On the edge of losing it, he tried to think about anything other than sinking every inch of himself into her dripping wet, tight pussy. Gritting his teeth, he moved out of her reach and heard a grumble of frustration. “Too close.”
“You didn’t let me last time.”
“But…”
Moving away from his hold, she shook her head and pushed him. “I want a turn.”
Laughing, he fell against the bed and leaned up on his elbows. “Come sit on my face and let me taste you.”
“Maybe later,” she replied with sass. Tugging his shorts, she grinned. “Don’t play hard to get; give me a chance to rock your world.”
Seeing her eyes glint with need, he decided to go along and got rid of his clothes and hers quickly. “Just don’t kill me.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.”
“Doubt that.”
“I guess time will tell.”
Her pink tongue ran along her lower lip, and his cock jumped in response. He was rock hard and pulsing, and he didn’t know if he’d survive whatever she was about to do.
“Mmm,” she murmured as her eyes ran over him. “I forgot how big you are.”
“Well, come here and remind yourself.”
“Don’t mind if I do.” Wrapping her hand around his shaft, she gave him a slow stroke and then bent down, opening her mouth. “I want to see what you taste like.”
His cock lurched as her hot wet mouth slid slowly down. She inhaled his dick as her hand stroked him and then teased his balls. Feeling her tongue flick the sensitive underside, he groaned and then almost blacked out when she hollowed her cheeks and bobbed against his cock.
He was spellbound as he watched her swallow his length. Needing more, he yanked her up and around, so that her perfect ass faced him with her knees resting on the sides of his head. “Going to need to sixty-nine you to survive.”
She moaned a response, and then dropped her mouth back to his cock and sucked him deep inside. The beast roared inside him at the sight of her sweet, pink pussy dripping with honey. Moving in, he used his hands to spread her thighs and lips before sinking his tongue deep inside.
Lisa cried out around his cock, whimpering as he pushed his tongue in and out of her tight heat. He teased her lower and swirled it around her clit, groaning into her as he licked up her sweet juice.
“Right there,” she cried out.
Hearing her need spurred him on, and he tongue fucked her in earnest until the sounds coming out of her were unintelligible. Wanting her to fall apart, he pushed his tongue deeper before sliding it out and moving up. He groaned and dragged his tongue over her tight ring and felt her whole body shake.
“That’s it, Lisa, let go.” He teased her ass further with his tongue and groaned when her hand stroked his cock and her tongue danced over his crown. Too damn good, he thought as he pushed his thumb into her ass.
She was close, and he wanted to be inside her when she came, so he slid out from under her and pushed her chest gently against the bed.
“Ace…”
“Don’t worry, honey.” He moved behind her and lined his cock up against her slit and teased it up and down. Feeling her slick wetness coating his head, he let it drip down his shaft.
“Condom!” she moaned as she panted and moved back.
“You have a patch, Lisa.”
She moved her hair out of her face and looked up. “Are you cracked? You really want to take a chance?”
“I’d happily take any chance in the world with you.” Dropping his head, he let out a frustrated groan. “I’d love it if you carried my baby.”
He dropped down, turning her over and pulling her against his chest. “I’m fucking nuts for you and want a future together. I know it’s too soon to say it, but I’m falling so hard that I don’t have a prayer of ever getting up.”
She ran her hand over his face and then kissed him gently. “This doesn’t make any sense, Ace.”
“I know, but maybe that’s how love feels.” Raising himself up, he grinned wickedly. “Let me get you a little messy, and then I’ll put a condom on.”
“Why do you need to get me messy, Ace?”
Seeing the desire return to her gaze, he shrugged. “I want to mark you.” He eased the head of his cock against her opening, teasing her and letting his pre-cum drip against her skin. “I like seeing you covered in my seed.”
“You’re a dirty man.”
“You like it,” he replied as he pushed the head up, rubbing it over her clit. Rocking against her, so that every fat inch of the underside of his cock slid over her sensitive nub, he stroked himself harder and watched his cum drip down and coat her mound. “You’re pulsing against me; do you want more, Lisa? Or can I tease you for a bit longer?”
“Don’t you dare,” she growled.
Grabbing the condom, he suited himself up and watched her back arch off the bed. “Since you asked nicely.” Easing just the head inside, he waited and then, before she could complain, he plunged every single inch of himself deep inside her beautiful body.
Lisa cried out and groaned, and he joined her as her hot, slick tight walls milked him. It was like she was trying to suck the cum out of him before he took even a single stroke. Gritting his teeth, he gripped her tight ass in his hands and sucked in a lungful of air, so he wouldn’t lose his load.
She needed to come first, and he wanted to enjoy the ride. Driving into her, he stretched her wide with his girth and heard her cry out as her pussy clung to him. He pulled out and then slid back in, feeling her ripple along his length like she didn’t want to let him go.
Slipping his hand into her hair, he tugged tight enough to hear her gasp and her pussy tighten around his length. He moved faster and deeper, as his cum-filled balls slapped against her ass with every thrust. “You like me filling you up?”
“Don’t stop,” she cried out.
He felt her body tighten and his muscles tensed in response as he ground himself deeper, letting her feel how hard she made him. Pinning her to the bed, he leaned over and sucked her neck as he drove his cock into her tight slit again and again until her cries of pleasure filled the room.
When she started to tighten further, he pulled out, so just his head was inside and then rocked back in, burying himself to the hilt. “Are you ready to come? I want to your honey dripping down my balls; do you think you can do that?”
“Yes!” she screamed as she arched her back and rocked her hips against him.
Fisting her hair again, he crushed her lips to his and fucked her as hard as he could, swallowing her sweet moans.
He tore his mouth away and growled against her lips, “Let go!” Feeling his balls swell with the need to release, he ground into her and let his teeth graze over her ear.
Lisa exploded beneath him and her whole body tensed as another cry of pleasure tumbled from her lips. It was so sweet and perfect that he immediately covered her mouth, swallowing the sound, so he could hold on to it.
She opened her hips and took him deep as her orgasm thundered through her body. Roaring loudly, he let go and his cock throbbed hard as he fell over the edge and heard her gasp as he released rope after rope of his thick, sticky cum.
“That was incredible,” he heaved out as they came to a panting, groaning stop. Rolling over, he made sure to stay sheathed in her sweet heaven as he held her close.
“God, Ace…what was that?”
“Us.” Hearing her heavy breaths, he laughed as she snuggled closer. Her pussy rippled and clenched, making him groan and harden in response. “I think you killed me because this feels like heaven.” Letting his fingers trail over her skin, he cupped her ass and let his thumb run over her tight ring.
“Don’t you start something you can’t finish,” she replied with a laugh.
“Lisa, you keep moving, and there will be only one outcome.”
“Yeah, big man, what’s that?”
He pushed his hips and showed her how hard he still was. “Another mind-blowing orgasm.”
“I think you’re all talk.”
Growling, he filled her slowly all over again. He was rock-hard and gave her slow thrusts and knew he was never going to let her go, no matter what it took.
Feeling her hips rock against his, he pumped his thick cock between her slick thighs and felt her release almost immediately. “I think I’ll join you.” He gave her two short thrust and emptied himself once again, binding them in a way he prayed was unbreakable.
“Whatever is happening between us is the real thing, and I hope you understand that.”
When he heard no response, he lifted his head and saw that her eyes were closed, and she’d passed out. “We’ll talk about it more in the morning.”