Tempt Me Read online

  For a second he said nothing, but his eyes darkened. His lips curved into a slow, sexy smile. “Is that so?”

  “Yeah.” She kissed his chin, then his mouth. “Whatcha gonna do about it, Marine?”

  “I’m going to show you just what being taken by a Marine is all about.”

  He slammed his mouth down on hers. Every hormone in her body started to hum then scream as he slid his tongue between her lips. Without breaking the kiss, he lifted her up and plopped her down on the counter. He skimmed his hands down over her breasts and she moaned against his tongue. Zoe hadn’t realized how much they hurt until this moment. He flicked his thumbs over her nipples again and she shivered.

  Apparently, it wasn't enough for him. He growled, pulling back to tug at the bottom of her blouse. He tossed it on the floor behind him and she knew she should complain. But, at that moment, all she wanted was his hands on her bare flesh. She undid her bra and threw it in the same direction.

  "Damn." It was the only word he uttered before he leaned down and took one of her nipples in his mouth. Heat flushed through her veins and she could do nothing but tip her head back and enjoy. He rubbed her other nipple with his thumb, brushing over it then pinching it. The mix of pleasure and pain tore another moan from her.

  He grazed his teeth over the tip of her nipple, then dragged his tongue over it. He pulled back before she was ready for him to quit.

  "I think we need to move this into the bedroom."

  "How very...conventional of you," she said, teasing him.

  His mouth curved just a bit, but the heat in his eyes had the breath tangling in her throat. "The things I want to do to you will take time and lots of space. I would rather do it on my king sized bed."

  He lifted her up off the counter and all she could do was grab on tight and see where this took her.

  * * * *

  Jesse's heart was beating so damned hard; he couldn't believe that Zoe didn't hear it. Hell, he was pretty sure most of Arlington heard it. By the time he tossed her on the bed, his hands were shaking. It had been years since he had wanted a woman this badly. He didn't want her to know how badly, or that every now and then, he thought about what it would be like to wake up every morning with her.

  He shook that thought away. Thinking of the future was the one thing she had told him she didn't want to do. She wanted to live in the now with no strings attached.

  She wiggled on the bed and a flash of metal against her cocoa-colored skin caught is eye. Lord save him, she had a belly ring. He had never been a man into tattoos or piercings, but damned if that didn't intrigue him even more.

  "What's going through that mind of yours, Jesse?"

  He skimmed his fingers down her stomach to the small ring. "Kind of sexy there, Zoe."

  Even to his own ears, his voice sounded funny. Deeper, filled with need. It wasn't like he had never had a woman before, but there was something more with this woman. In the short time he had known her, she had gotten under his skin, and worse, he liked that. He enjoyed feeling kind of out of control of his emotions. That should scare him, but it just made him feel alive.

  "Oh, good, I didn't know if it would be a turn off for you. Or the little tat I have on my back."

  He looked up at her. Her dark brown braids lay tangled across his pillows. "Is that so?"

  She blinked. Okay, he was scaring her apparently. But, he knew something about her, and he knew that she loved a challenge. Without another word, he took her by the waist and flipped her over. Her laughter ended on a moan as he trailed his index finger down her spine to the rose tattoo on the small of her back. He traced the vines that came out from each side of the flower.

  "Tsk, tsk, and when did you get this?"

  "The week I had my first show."

  He brushed aside her braids completely and leaned down to give into the one thing he had wanted more than anything else. He touched his mouth to her sweet flesh. He licked and nibbled his way down her spine, enjoying the way she squirmed against the mattress. Her moans grew with each inch he covered. He flipped her over again, and yanked at her jeans. He needed to taste more, to feel her soft flesh against his mouth, feel her thighs as he gave in to the temptation that had been calling to him since he had first seen her months earlier at the wedding.

  He paid little to no attention to the panties, other than to note they were sunny yellow like the blouse she had been wearing. When he finally had her naked, he sighed in appreciation.

  She was a work of art, like the ones she created. It had nothing to do with her size, or even the fact that she had amazing bone structure. It had more to do with the way she lived in that skin. He knew a part of him wanted to be like that. To live day-to-day and just—be. He wasn’t made for that, but being with her made him want to be like that—at least when he was with her. Even after the problems she had, she had a zest for life.

  “Jesse,” she said, when he hadn’t moved.

  “You’re stunning.”

  She blinked again.

  “You are. I was pretty sure of it, but damn, woman.”

  They were the only words he could come up with. She was lucky he could form those words. He licked one nipple then the other, then kissed a path down her stomach. She was soft curves and delicious flesh. When he reached the apex of her thighs, he used his hands to spread them further apart. He settled between her legs and indulged. The first taste of her danced over his taste buds, and sent heat racing through his blood. The next taste took his breath away. Soon, she was moaning his name over and over. With little to no warning, she exploded, screaming his name as she came. He lifted his head and watched in amazement. She bowed up off the bed then collapsed.

  “Damn.”

  He wanted to give her that again, but this time, he wanted to be deep inside her when she came.

  As fast as he could, he tugged at his clothes, then opened the side table drawer. He pulled out a condom, tore at the package and rolled it on in record time. He climbed back onto the bed and kneeled between her legs. He grabbed her by the hips.

  “Zoe.”

  Her lashes fluttered, then her eyes shut again.

  “Zoe.”

  She finally opened them and with one hard thrust, he entered her. As he thrust in and out of her, he never took his gaze from her. Soon, he knew he was close, too close to hold out very long. But he wanted her with him. He slipped his hand between them and teased her clit. Once, twice and she came again. He watched as pleasure coursed over her body. Her eyes closed as she gave a long, loud moan. It was just what he needed. He thrust one more time, then followed her into bliss.

  Chapter Nine

  Zoe shivered as delight still filtered through her senses. Lord, the man was amazing. Of course, she should have known from the start he would be, but he really did blow her mind. Of course, he hadn't moved since he'd collapsed on top of her a few minutes earlier. She didn't really care. She liked the way his big strong body was pressing her into the mattress. But then again, she was worried he might not be breathing.

  "Jesse?" she asked.

  "Hmph." It was the only thing he said.

  "So I guess you're alive still?"

  He moved his head so that he was facing the side of her face. "Yeah, barely."

  She smiled as she skimmed her fingers down his back. He was all muscle and smooth golden flesh. She was just irritated that she hadn't had the chance to do more than touch a little bit. She planned on rectifying that as soon as she could move more. He was right. They were barely alive so she thought maybe a little rest before she attacked him.

  She felt his mouth moving over her neck and she tilted her head to give him better access. She expected great sex. It was a normal function and there was no doubt, Jesse Johnson was in good enough shape to show a girl a good time. But there were times like this, when he undid her with small gestures. He was hot and sweet and every time she peeled back another layer, she fell a little bit more for him.

  He pulled back, then lifted his hand to her
chin, urging her to look at him. His eyes were barely open, but he had one of those smug, self-satisfied smiles.

  "Hey, there, beautiful."

  Her heart tripped. God, he was making it hard to keep this light. It wasn't that he made big speeches or grand gestures. It was things like this that had her fighting the urge to give in to him. To beg him to ignore that silly notion she had of not getting serious.

  Nope. No way. She couldn't do it. He was sweet and honorable, and someday he would leave and break her heart.

  "Hey, there yourself."

  He sighed and his eyes closed.

  "Oh, no you don't, Marine. Get up."

  "I already did. Now I'm down."

  For a second, she didn't get the joke, then she chuckled. "You're too heavy, Jesse."

  With a groan, he lifted himself off her, but leaned down and gave her a quick, hard kiss before climbing off the bed. He went into the bathroom. She heard water running then he came out. Just as she had predicted, he was very comfortable in his nudity, but then, so was she.

  She rolled to her side and propped her head up on her hand. "You do know how to show a lady a good time."

  Again, he gave her that slow, easy smile, which curled her toes. The man was dynamite with a dash of gasoline on top.

  "Yeah?"

  "Does this mean I can draw you nude now?"

  "As long as it remains private."

  She sat up. "What fun is that? I think we could auction it off for charity."

  He chuckled as he walked back over to the bed. "Fat chance."

  Once he was settled, she lay back down again and watched him. It was hard to believe he was a decade older than she. He definitely didn't look it. Although, she did see a cute little indention in his butt cheek, he had little to no wounds. She knew he had served and been injured, but she didn't see where.

  "What?" he asked without opening his eyes.

  "Where did you get that little nick in your butt?"

  "Nothing sexy, I promise you."

  "So it wasn't from the war?"

  He shook his head. "There's absolutely nothing sexy about war."

  She nodded, even if he didn’t see it. “So, gonna tell me where you got it, or do I have to call MJ?”

  He sighed. “There is too much gossip flowing between the families.”

  Zoe laughed, but she poked him in the ribs.

  “Ow!”

  “Spill.”

  “Fine. My butt had a date with a BB pellet thanks to Jack.”

  “Ah. A little sibling rivalry?”

  “Nope. Just Jack being Jack. He wasn’t paying attention, set it on the table and it went off. Hurt like a bastard too.”

  She giggled and slipped her fingers through his chest hair. She liked that he had some, especially the little trail that led to his groin. God, the man was sexy. Even now, she could feel her body begging for another round.

  “You must have some stories about your sisters.”

  “Oh, I think most of those stories are about me. I’m the youngest and therefore, I have been treated with little to no respect.”

  He chuckled as she slid her hand over to his nipple and teased it. He opened one eye. “You might want to be careful there, Zoe. You’re about to wake the sleeping beast.”

  She smiled as she leaned down to flick her tongue over his nipple. Then, to prove that she was ready and willing, she rose up and slipped over him, straddling his hips. His cock pulsed against her sex.

  “I think he’s already awake,” she said, moving her hips.

  He groaned and reached for her, but she batted his hands away.

  “No. It’s my turn to play.”

  She leaned down again, letting her breasts skim over his chest. God, he smelled good. Then, she kissed him, slowly, deeply, exploring his mouth. When she pulled back, she took his bottom lip between her teeth. She knew he liked it and he rewarded her with a groan.

  Feeling even bolder, she kissed down his neck and continued in much the same fashion as he had done to her earlier. Nipping at his skin, then moving the flat of her tongue over it. When she reached his cock, she wrapped her hand around it and gave it a deliberate tug.

  His legs moved beside her in restless motion and he bowed up against her hand. With a sigh, she leaned forward and flicked her tongue over the head of his penis. She was about to take him into her mouth, when he said, “Nope, can’t do it. Gotta have you now.”

  She laughed as he pulled her up and over him. “Condom,” she said.

  He groaned, but pulled out the nightstand drawer. She grabbed it from him, ripping it open. Once she pulled it out, she set it on top of his cock, rolling it down, taking her time. She let her fingers dance over his hot flesh.

  He leaned his head back and said something under his breath.

  “What was that?”

  “You’re going to fucking kill me.” He bit out every word.

  Driving a man like him crazy gave her a little jolt of excitement. He had more self-control than most people she knew.

  “Why don’t we just destroy each other?” she asked as she rose up and then slid down on him.

  She was still tender from their time before, but she didn’t care. She rocked against him, teasing both of them over and over, until apparently he couldn’t take it any more. He shot up, rolled over, and took command. Again and again, he slid into her. She loved it, loved that he was out of control and wanting nothing but satisfaction. Soon, they were both cresting over the edge of pleasure giving into the need for surrender.

  Chapter Ten

  A few hours later, Jesse woke needing a glass of water. He made his way to the kitchen, got a quick drink then decided he should call Joey to let her know Zoe was spending the night. She thanked him and told him to get some rest.

  He chuckled as he hung up. The woman bossed everyone around. He kind of liked that about her. As he padded back to his bedroom, he realized there was a lot of Joey in Zoe. They weren’t related, other than by marriage, but even in this time when most people would spend their time healing, Zoe seemed to be thriving. Sure, she hadn’t been able to produce anything lately thanks to the cast, but she had been drawing. She’d shown him a few of the things she had been working on.

  He leaned against the doorjamb watching her. It was kind of creepy, but he wanted to see her like this. She always seemed to be in some kind of constant motion. Seeing her still was nice. There was enough light from the kitchen for him to see the serene expression on her face.

  He knew he would never be the same after tonight. Damn, he was thinking in clichés now, but Jesse couldn’t help it. He felt some kind of connection with her he just couldn’t deny. When he was with her, he felt…free. No worrying about the job; no irritation that he had to be back at work on Monday.

  And damn him, he was falling in love with her.

  “Are you going to keep standing there staring at me?” she mumbled.

  He chuckled. “Maybe.”

  “Kind of stalkerish, if you ask me.”

  He made his way over to the bed and slipped in beside her.

  “You know, I knew you were okay with your naked body, but I would have never guessed that you walked around naked all the time.”

  He slipped his arm beneath her and pulled her close. She moved this way and that, finally resting her head on his chest and sighing as her body relaxed against his.

  Jesse lay there thinking he could definitely get used to this. Just the two of them and the quiet pitter-patter of rain against the window.

  She didn’t want forever, she had been very clear about that. Jesse just hoped he could change her mind before she realized he was in love with her.

  * * * *

  Zoe woke slowly the next morning. A sprinkle of sunlight on her face had her frowning. She turned over away from it and tried to get back to sleep.

  She stretched then realized this was much bigger than her normal bed.

  “Morning,” Jesse said. She opened her eyes and smiled. He was leaning against
the doorjamb wearing only a pair of jeans and drinking coffee. A girl could get used to a sight like that in the morning.

  Morning. As in, she didn’t tell Joey where she was. Granted, she was a grown woman but she was staying at their house. She should have let them know.

  “Oh, crap.”

  “Nice. I’m glad I bring that out in you in the morning. I mean, I thought maybe you would have a better response than that.”

  She jumped out of bed and went in search of her clothes. “I didn’t call the Santinis.”

  “Don’t worry.”

  “Fine thing for you to say.

  “No, I called last night and let Joey know.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her to him. “So, say ‘Good morning, Jesse.’”

  She smiled. “Good Morning, Jesse.”

  “Now, would you like something to eat?”

  She thought about it. “Yeah, I would. I kind of worked up an appetite last night.”

  He smiled. “Let’s go see what we can scare up.”

  “Uh, I need some clothes. I mean, I’m not a prude, but this goes beyond being free with my body.”

  He handed her the coffee and pulled her along behind him to the dresser. He opened a drawer. “Here. This should fit.”

  He let loose of her hand and pulled the shirt over her head. She set the cup on his dresser to work her arms through the sleeves. The t-shirt hit her mid-thigh.

  “I like that,” he said. She looked up at him and he had a strange expression on his face.

  “What?”

  “You look good in my shirt.” He kissed her nose. “I’ll go see what I have in the fridge.”

  He left her standing there staring after him. The man was definitely getting under her skin. She was used to being romanced in big ways. She hung with artists, so they always seemed to do things over the top. One bought her twelve dozen roses and filled her apartment with them. Another had serenaded her from the street.

  Jesse didn’t do things like that. He just did those little things, like give her his shirt or share his coffee. Those things meant more to her than the biggest bunch of flowers.

  “Hey, I have a new toothbrush I haven’t used yet. Left it on the counter.”