Chapter 32

Nichole felt awful for what had happened. It was obviously affecting Jesse. She wanted to be able to fight her own battles and not have Jesse have to take care of her. Maybe she’d been going about this all wrong.

They were in the car heading home when she turned to Jesse. “Was it wrong to lie to that woman?”

He shook his head. “None of us wanted her to know we were the Navy SEALs who went in to rescue you. That would have sucked.”

“Yeah, I didn’t think you wanted strangers to know who you were.”

Worry passed over Jesse’s face. “You told her you were going home.”

“I don’t really want random people to know I live here. At least not yet. I get that I have a broad audience who reads my articles, but that doesn’t mean I want them on my doorstep. I want to be able to go out to the beach with you all. I should probably wear a ball cap and maybe something else to disguise myself.”

“Maybe not. I mean, what are the chances someone else will recognize you?”

She had a bad feeling about that but didn’t disclose it to Jesse. The more well-known she became, the more likely it was someone would recognize her. There were tricks people used to hide, like ball caps and hoodies. She’d thought she would be fine, but obviously, being on the national news circuit had put her face out there.

Danika texted, asking if she was okay. She replied that she was, though the unsettled feeling hadn’t left. This was her life now. People would recognize her, and she had to be ready for it next time.

They put up their beach stuff and then showered, but the weird feeling still clung to her. She didn’t want to leave California feeling like she’d disappointed Jesse. With Apple being so angry with her, she wasn’t sure how to recover.

After their shower, Jesse was in the kitchen and turned to face her when she came in. “You know Apple will get over this.”

“What if he doesn’t?”

Jesse shrugged. “There’s something else going on with him. His ex did a number on him, and he thinks you’re going to do that to me.”

“I won’t.”

He moved to her, cupping her cheeks. “I know that, and you know that, but Apple will take time. He’s not a bad guy.”

“So he won’t hold this against you in the field?”

Jesse shook his head, but she could see the worry in his eyes. “No way. He’s not a total asshole. He may not like what you do for a living, but he wouldn’t ever jeopardize us because of it.”

She wasn’t fully convinced, but she would believe Jesse. He knew Apple, and she didn’t. Maybe that was the problem. She needed to get to know him better.

“How about after I get back, we have Apple over for dinner? Do you think he would like that?”

“I’ll ask.”

“I just think I need to spend more time with him. He needs to understand who I am so he knows I’ll never stab you all in the back.”

Jesse kissed the tip of her nose. “Good idea. Now, how about some popcorn? Then we can watch a movie.”

“Do you really mean watch a movie, or do you want to just get me naked and let me suck your cock?”

The burst of laughter from Jesse made her smile. This man was the best thing for her. He was funny, sweet, kind, and strong as heck. He made her feel safe and loved.

“God, I love you.”

Jesse sobered fast. His arms came around her, and he held her close. “I love you, too. I want you in my life. We’ve only been together for a short time, but I know this is it. You’re it for me.”

She sighed and snuggled closer. His lips found hers, and she knew they wouldn’t watch any movie, at least not for a few hours.

Jesse didn’t disappoint. She was naked and on her back in bed minutes later, his head between her legs as he took her to heaven with little licks and sucks. The man knew exactly how to get her off in such a satisfying way it amazed her.

Once he slid in, he held her gaze, staring straight into her soul. She could see how much he loved her.

“Every day that you’re away, I want you to remember this. Remember how much I love you, how good we are together. Think about how our souls intertwine when we make love. I’m yours, Nichole Benton.”

She gasped as he stroked in. “I’m yours, Jesse Moore.”

Nothing, not a marriage certificate or some ceremony could bind her closer. She was totally and completely Jesse’s woman. The feeling of being connected was better than anything she’d felt before. No question, they were meant to be. Now, they just needed to spend more time together, then everything would fall into place and they’d end up married.

Jesse picked up his pace, making her whole body tingle as he hit just the right spot deep inside. She was so close to another orgasm it felt like they were practically vibrating on the same plane. His next stroke in, his cock grazed her clit, and she gasped, knowing she would be pushed over the edge again.

“That’s it, babe. Come for me.”

His commanding voice sent her over the edge. Her mind went blank as he pumped into her one more time before his own earth-shattering orgasm. Together, they gasped and held on, trying to get even closer to each other.

Before Jesse, she’d never thought sex was that special. It felt okay, but this man took it to another level, just like he did with everything else. They were meant for each other, and soon, they would make it their reality.

She didn’t want to leave in a few days, but if she didn’t go, she wouldn’t have her Chicago apartment closed down. It was best to make this move now, so she truly would have her home base of operation here in California with Jesse, the one man she knew she could spend the rest of her life with.