Chapter 12

CHAPTER TWELVE

Evie wasn’t sure who moved first, and she didn’t care. All that mattered was that Beckett was here, and his lips were on hers.

Lord, have mercy!

She took the kiss deeper, her tongue meeting his in a feverish dance. A low, almost animalistic growl reverberated from Beckett’s throat as his hands lowered to grab hold of her hips. And in the span of her very next heartbeat…

“Ah!” Evie couldn’t stop the tiny cry of surprise as she was suddenly hoisted into the air. On reflex, she wrapped her legs around his narrow waist while locking her hands behind his neck to keep herself from falling.

At the same time, she could feel his strong, steady arms wrapping around her back and holding her safely in place.

“Don’t worry,” Beckett spoke between kisses as he began walking them toward the suite’s only bedroom. “I’ve got you.”

Boy, did he. And in more ways than one.

His mouth returned to hers, their combined breaths becoming heady with passionate desperation. A man true to his word, his protective hold on her didn’t falter, and soon, Evie found herself being lowered onto the king-sized bed.

Beckett followed her down, letting his body lay half on hers and the mattress beside her. His kiss was like the man himself…a wonderfully conflicting measure of strength and gentleness she’d only ever felt with him.

Only him.

It wasn’t as if she were an expert when it came to men and sex. But Evie also wasn’t a novice.

She knew desire when she saw it. When she felt it. And knowing a kind, sexy, hero of a man like Beckett Stone wanted her as desperately as she wanted him made everything else going on in her life seem almost insignificant.

As if simply being with him could right all the wrongs in her world.

“You’re so fucking beautiful,” Beckett’s deep whisper filled her ear as his lips and tongue teased her delicate lobe.

Evie sucked in a breath, his sweet words and tantalizing touch sending waves of goosebumps racing across her skin. Determined to make the most of the precious moment, she let her lids fall shut, allowing herself to become lost in his touch.

Her head fell to the side, the comforter’s cool material against her cheek a stark contrast to the inferno raging within her. Hot, wet need pooled between her legs as her body ached with unprecedented longing.

Beckett’s lips left a fiery trail of short, tantalizing kisses as he followed an invisible path along the side of her neck. He gave her delicate skin a playful nibble, followed by a quick lick with just the tip of his tongue.

Evie’s sudden gasp morphed into a pleasurable moan. And when he leaned up and took her mouth in his once more, she knew this once would never be enough.

“Beckett…” His name lingered in the air like a warm summer breeze. “I need you.”

“Don’t worry, darlin’.” He nipped at her bottom lip. “You’ve got me.”

Her heart kicked a hard staccato against her ribs. This thing that was happening between them was all still so very new. And yet, Evie felt the abyssal depth to which those sweet words reached the moment they fell from his lips.

She did have him. And whether Beckett knew it or not, he had her. For as long as the mouthwatering man wanted.

Speaking of mouthwatering…

Evie reached for the hem of his black crewneck t-shirt and began hungrily pushing it up his sculpted chest. Understanding her obvious intent, he tore his mouth from hers, sat up, and reached back behind his head.

In one smooth, seamless motion, Beckett pulled the garment up over his head and off his arms. With his eyes locked with hers, he then bunched the soft cotton into a ball before tossing it somewhere to the side.

Her mouth watered as a rush of arousal left her sex swollen and heavy with lust and need. Damn, the man was perfect. A beautiful, perfect male specimen whose body was a work of pure, tanned, unadulterated art.

Beckett’s muscles contracted beneath her touch. She could hear his breath hitch as her greedy hands began their slow, sensual exploration, and she smiled. Knowing he was every bit as affected by her touch as she was his gave Evie a sense of encouragement, so of course…she kept going.

Working her way up his toned pecs and brawny shoulders, she took time to memorize as much as she could. Every crevice. Every dip. Every curve.

Every inch she could see was a destination to discover, and she made damn sure to commit them all to memory. Because something Evie knew better than most…

Tomorrow is never guaranteed.

“My turn.” Beckett practically growled as he gently wrapped his hands around her wrists and eased them from his body. With slow, careful movements, he guided her arms up so her hands were high above her head before ordering a low, “Don’t move.”

She obeyed the command, keeping her arms up just as he’d positioned them. It didn’t take long for her to realize his motive.

He reached for the hem of her t-shirt. Evie’s breath caught in her throat as his knuckles brushed against the skin at her lower belly, but still, she didn’t move.

Beckett pulled the shirt up over her head and tossed it to the side. His dark gaze lowered to her lace-covered breasts. He reached out, slowly sliding her bra straps down her shoulders—first one and then the other—before expertly undoing the front clasp nestled snugly in the lacy center.

Her breasts spilled free as Beckett removed the delicate white item altogether, and for a moment, Evie felt as if she were the most desired woman in the world. But then…

A sudden sense of uncertainty began pushing its way through, bringing with it a slew of self-sabotaging questions. Were her breasts too big? Her nipples too dark? Was her belly not toned enough, or her hips too wide?

At a size twelve, Evie knew she wasn’t exactly runway model material. And she’d always been perfectly fine with that. But now…

Now I want to know what Beckett’s thinking.

Or maybe she didn’t. Maybe it was best if she just pretended his opinion of her didn’t matter. Or better yet, maybe she could pretend he thought she was absolutely?—

“Perfect.”

Evie’s eyes flew up to Beckett’s, and for a split second, she was certain he’d just read her mind. But in her attempt to search his dark brown gaze, she realized he wasn’t looking into her widened eyes at all. Instead, he appeared to be eagerly soaking in the rise and fall of her exposed breasts.

Guess he’s not a mind reader, after all.

Emboldened by his obvious physical desire, Evie reached for his belt. But before she could make a move to release it, Beckett slid out of arm’s length and stood at the side of the bed.

“What are you?—”

“Figured taking off my pants would be easier if I was standing.” He arched an expectant brow.

Fair enough.

She followed his lead, scooting her body to the edge of the mattress so she was sitting directly in front of where he stood. Evie went for the belt a second time, her eyes remaining fixed with his as she pulled the thick leather strap free.

With his buckle undone and his belt straps hanging loose, she was able to easily free the button at the waist of his well-worn jeans. The zipper came next, and though it wasn’t easy, Evie forced herself to go slow.

This was their first time being together…like this. She wanted to make it as good for him as she could. She also, selfishly, wanted to make it last.

“You’re killin’ me here, you know?” Beckett’s deep drawl teased.

A wicked smile formed on her uplifting lips. “Am I?” Evie asked far too innocently.

And then she purposely let the back of her knuckles brush against the solid bulge stretching the denim alongside the zipper’s teeth.

He sucked in a breath, his six-pack tensing at the same time the impressive erection twitched beneath her touch. “You’re playin’ with fire, Evelynn.” Beckett rumbled the warning. “Just remember what they say about paybacks…”

Evie’s soft chuckle filled the air around them. “That a threat, cowboy?” she teased, pulling the zipper’s metal tab down the rest of the way.

The stuttering sound of the metallic teeth seemed almost deafening in the otherwise silent room.

“No, darlin’.” His fingers slid into the curls at one side of her head before he gently guided her focus back up to his gorgeous face. “That’s a promise.”

The expression on his face left her breathless, sending Evie’s heart skittering deep inside her chest. Beckett’s brown eyes appeared almost blackened with desire. A desire she understood all too well.

Despite her recent thoughts about savoring the moment, Evie’s ferocious need for him far exceeded her inner strength. She’d never wanted a man more, and it was that very same primal need pulsing through her veins that was the driving force pushing her closer and closer to paradise.

Evie reached up, pushing his jeans down the length of his strong, masculine thighs. Keeping her eyes on his, she gave his black boxer briefs the same treatment.

Seconds later, Beckett’s erection bobbed free.

She did her best to school her reaction, but the tantalizing movement still managed to pull her focus straight to its source. Heat curled down her spine as she caught her first sight.

Long. Hard. Ready.

Oh, my.

He was even bigger than she’d imagined, though she shouldn’t have been surprised. The man looked like a sculpted god with his lean, muscular physique. A tall, dark, and ruggedly handsome deity whose sole purpose for walking this earth was to bring her pleasure.

And though she was fully aware of how fantastical her recent thoughts were, she was nothing if not a dreamer.

Speaking of dreams…

Intent on fulfilling one of hers, Evie reached out, wrapping her fist as far around his swollen cock as she physically could. Beckett’s low moan spurred her into action, and she began stroking his hot length in slow, calculated movements.

He sucked in another breath, and her inner muscles clenched with anticipation. His erection was so full, almost angry in appearance. But if the drop of moisture coating the tip was any indication, he was enjoying every slow, methodical stroke.

Bet he’ll enjoy this, even more…

Evie leaned forward, keeping her movements slow enough to give him plenty of time to change his mind. But Beckett didn’t try to stop her, and if he had any reservations about where things were headed, he didn’t let it show.

“ My turn,” she whispered a repeat of his earlier sentiment.

She leaned down, sucking him deep into her mouth. A deep, almost primal moan escaped from his lips as she used hers to torture him in the most delicious way possible.

“Jesus, Evie,” Beckett breathed.

His hand went to the back of her head, his fingers filling with her hair. Evie began sucking him in harder, while continuing the slow, torturous slide of her fist.

A slight sting registered in her scalp, but the pain was surprisingly pleasurable…and erotic as hell. Struck with a feeling of feminine strength and sexual prowess, she reached up, cupping the delicate area below his shaft as she pumped him in and out of her mouth in a sensual rhythm.

“Christ Almighty.” He panted. “That feels…” Another pant. “Fucking…amazing…”

His deep, even breaths came faster and shallower as the seconds ticked past. Evie could feel his balls tightening against her palm, and she knew the delectable combination of her mouth and her fist were getting Beckett closer and closer to where he needed to be.

But just as she was certain he was about to explode into a fireball of orgasmic bliss, she found herself being carefully pushed away.

“Hey!” Evie admonished with a frown. “I wasn’t finished.”

“Maybe not, but I just about was.” He shot her a knowing glance. “And as much as I enjoyed the hell out of your mouth, that’s not how our first time is goin’ down.”

Going down…no pun intended, right?

Before she could point out the man’s double entendre—or inquire about his “first time” comment—she found herself lying flat on her back against the mattress. As for Beckett, well…

He deftly began removing his boots and socks before finishing the job she’d started with his boxers and jeans. Evie lay still in the center of the bed, soaking in the magnificent view.

Beckett reached for her, dipping his fingers between her hips and the waist of her leggings. Not bothering to play coy, she lifted her lower body from the mattress with a smile.

The leggings went first, immediately followed by her white lace panties. Letting the clothing fall near his feet, he positioned himself between her slightly splayed feet. And when Evie looked deep into his heated gaze, she found him staring down at her as if she was the most desirable woman in existence.

“Remember that payback I mentioned earlier?” His fingers caressed her ankles as he spoke.

“Go ahead and do your worst.” Evie stretched her arms up high above her head, letting her hands rest loosely on the covers. “I’m not scared.”

A slow, deliciously evil grin lifted one corner of his mouth as he rumbled back, “You should be.”

Without warning, he used the grip on her ankles to slide her entire body closer to his. Beckett positioned himself between her legs as they dangled over the mattress’s edge. And then, as he stared down at her as if he were a starving man preparing to feast, he dropped to his knees and brought his mouth to her sex.

Passion and lust took hold as Evie’s head flew back, and her eyes fell shut. She reached blindly between her legs, hungrily raking her fingers through Beckett’s short, dark hair.

The man’s primitive growl vibrated against her as his lips pressed against her very core. Time around them stood still, and she felt an almost euphoric high as she lost herself in the pleasure he so selflessly gave.

Her lower body lifted of its own accord, as if instinctively searching for more. More of his tender, bearded lips. His masterful tongue. His… Oh, God! …his fingers.

She moaned and writhed beneath his erotic musings as Beckett licked and laved her sensitive, swollen sex. At the same time, he thrust a slow, steady finger in and out of her welcoming heat.

Every move he made brought her closer to Heaven, and Evie knew it wouldn’t be much longer. And when he brought his mouth higher and began pleasuring her clit, it was only a matter of time…

“Ah!” Evie cried out, her fingers gripping his hair tightly as the tip of Beckett’s tongue flicked her swollen bundle of nerves.

Her body trembled uncontrollably beneath his incredible touch. As the insurmountable pressure continued to build, Evie felt as though she were drowning in a sea of wanton pleasure.

There was only one lifeline she could throw. Only one man who was capable of saving her. But she feared if he didn’t get her there soon, she may not be able to survive.

“Please,” she begged him shamelessly. “I need…”

Her breaths came faster and with more force.

“Hold on tight, darlin’,” Beckett rumbled from his kneeling position between her splayed thighs. “I know exactly what you need.”

And in the span of the next few seconds, her real-life hero proved he was a man of his word.

He added a second finger. Pressed his tongue harder against her clit. Beckett’s hand moved faster, his fingers curling inside her with expert precision, and when he pulled her sensitive bundle between his lips and began to suck?—

“Beckett!”

His name echoed throughout the entire hotel suite as Evie came longer and harder than she ever had before. A low, almost carnal keening sound echoed through her ears, and it took her a moment to realize it was coming from her.

“There ya go, sweetheart,” Beckett drawled as his fingers continued to pump. “Just let it all go…”

And let go, she did.

Her fingers clutched the hair still filling her fists as her entire body arched high off the bed. Wave after wave of pleasure rolled through her before she finally felt herself feathering back down to earth.

By the time she managed to reopen her eyes, Beckett was back on his feet with a smug smile on his face and a foil wrapper in his hand.

When did he have time to ? —

He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. “Ready for more?” he whispered low.

She may not survive it, but oh yeah. She was definitely ready.

Evie nodded, watching him through a set of heavy, sated eyes as he ripped open the foil square and donned the thin, protective sheath.

“This is going to go fast.” The mattress dipped beneath his weight.

“That’s okay.” She smiled up at him. “I don’t need slow.”

I just need you.

Beckett held his weight on his elbows while settling himself between her opened thighs. His eyes became fixed on hers as he reached between their bodies and lined himself up to her entrance. Then…he paused.

“This is more than just sex for me, Evie.”

A flash of vulnerability crossed over his heated gaze, and her heart melted inside her chest.

“For me, too, Beckett,” she whispered back, bringing a loving hand to one side of his ruggedly handsome face.

His whiskers tickled her palm as they moved with the man’s sweet smile. And with the very next beat of her heart?—

He thrust forward, filling her in one long, slow push. A low groan vibrated within as Beckett’s eyes nearly rolled into the back of his head.

“Jesus, you feel amazing.”

Evie’s breath caught from the sudden intrusion, and it took her body a moment to fully accommodate his larger-than-average size. He must have mistaken her momentary hesitation for something else, because the next thing she heard was?—

“You okay?”

The soft whisper of concern made her smile. “I’m better than okay.” She leaned up, giving him a soft, sweet kiss. “Much, much better.”

“Thank God.” He kissed her back.

She giggled but then…Beckett began to move.

The next several minutes passed in an impassioned blur. She took. He gave. Each thrust growing harder and faster than the ones before.

Their bodies moved in synch, as if they were two parts of a perfect whole. And as Beckett made love to her in a way no other man had, Evie wondered how she’d survive if he ever decided to walk away.

Don’t think about that now. Just…feel.

His tongue danced with hers as his cock surged forward once again. The man’s kiss was as demanding as his powerful thrusts, and yet Evie had never felt more cherished.

“Ah, fuck…” Beckett bit out as his body pushed in and out of hers.

She could feel him growing impossibly harder and knew that he was close. Tilting her hips, she moved her body in perfect rhythm with his. And when his movements started to become jerky and uneven, she was ready to fall right along with him.

“Evie…” He panted out her name as if she were a lifeline he was desperate to reach.

I’m here, Beckett. I’ll always be here.

The presumptive thought had barely driven past her mind when the telltale signs of her second climax made their presence known. She was almost there. Just a few more seconds and…

A deep, guttural groan roared above her own cries of pleasure as they simultaneously found their release. Evie’s eyes squeezed shut as she started to come again.

She felt an overwhelming sense of primitive satisfaction rolling through her as she continued riding the waves of her orgasm until the very end. And Beckett—bless the man’s giant, selfless heart—made sure to pull every ounce of pleasure he could for them both.

Time passed in a rapturous blur as they eventually fell into an unmoving peace. Him on top of her. Her legs lazily wrapped around him.

When the electrical currents called a cease-fire and her body grew limp, Evie had the fleeting thought that she wanted the moment to last forever. But all-too-soon Beckett lifted his heaving chest from hers and stared down into her contented gaze.

“That was…amazing.” His voice was lower and slightly rough, making him sound even sexier than normal.

“Yes.” Evie lifted her head from the mattress and gave him a kiss. “It was. Thank you.” She brought a hand to one side of his face.

“Pretty sure I’m the one who should be thanking you.”

She smiled, pressing her lips against his for the second time. “Call it even?”

Beckett brushed the tip of his nose against hers and grinned. “Only if you promise for a rematch in the very near future.”

She gave a teasing nibble of his bottom lip before whispering back, “Done.”

The joke was on her, however, when he reached out, cupped the back of her neck, and slammed his mouth to hers. By the time the kiss was over, they were both breathing heavily once again.

“I meant what I said, Evie.” His tone became serious. “This…you…it means something to me.”

“It means something to me, too, Beckett,” she responded honestly.

So much more than you’ll ever know.

“There’s one more thing,” he added softly. “I’m a selfish asshole.”

Evie frowned, not having seen a single speck of evidence to back up the man’s surprising claim. “You’re not an asshole, and I can’t begin to picture you being selfish about, well, anything.”

A soft chuckle left Beckett’s bare shoulders shaking. “Oh, I can be a dick if the occasion calls for it. Just ask my teammates.” His incredible lips flattened, and his serious tone returned. “As for the selfish part, you’re right. That’s not usually me. But things are different with you.”

“They are?”

He nodded. “Everything’s different when it comes to you, sweetheart. And I may not know where this thing with us is headed, but I do know I want you all to myself for as long as it lasts.”

Her heart skittered inside her chest as understanding finally sank in. “You’re talking about exclusivity.”

“Damn right, I am.” He gave her lip a playful nip. “I want you all to myself, Evie. And I know you’ve still got shit to work through from what happened, not to mention that asshat you used to call your father, but I’m here.” A sweet kiss that time. “And unless you tell me otherwise, I plan on staying right here. By your side.”

Too soon or not…too crazy or not…it didn’t matter. It was too late. Evie was too late.

She’d already started to fall in love.