Jamie (23 page)

Squeezed into the tiny shower, Jamie held Faith from behind. But even with his hands covering her breasts, her body a mighty diversion, he finally remembered his other question. She'd thrown him with the news that Cory would visit, and made him forget. But now ...

“Faith?” He gently squeezed her breasts, teasing the edge of her nipples with his thumbs. His cock nestled between her cheeks. He wanted her, but he wanted answers, too.

Her head moved restlessly against his chest and she made soft, sweet female sounds each time he shifted his hands or his body or both.

Jamie smiled. “Tell me how it is that you were a virgin. ”

Faith groaned and tried to turn to face him, but Jamie held her in place. He'd already taken a turn washing her, moving his soapy hands over her body, exploring her everywhere. And still she intrigued him. He wanted to know everything about her, physically, emotionally. He wanted to know her past and what plans she had for the future.

As weak as his discipline seemed around Faith, hers was worse. He could give her a certain look, and she started to melt. He mentioned sex, and she was immediately agreeable.

Her enthusiasm and willingness pleased him.

Pressing one hand between her legs, Jamie relished her heat and the way she quivered. “Tell me.”

Her fingernails sank into his thighs, stinging in force, turning him on more. She parted her legs to encourage his touch, and Jamie didn't disappoint her.

“Tell me,” he urged again while stroking her.

“I ... I never wanted anyone but you.” Her breath caught, and she moaned. “I tried dating other men, but they weren't ... right. I had no interest in them.”

“That's why you adopted? Because you didn't think you'd ever meet a guy you wanted to marry?”

She hesitated, trembling all over. “No.”

Jamie knew he'd lose the fragile rein on his lust if he didn't slow things down. He released Faith and turned her to face him. The warm water hit his back, and Faith's heat warmed his front. He held her shoulders, needing to understand. “Then why? ”

Faith moved up against his chest, her cheek over his heart. She rested her hands on his waist. “Cory's mother didn't want a baby. She knew she couldn't take care of her.”

“So you agreed to take her?”

Nodding, Faith whispered, “I never regretted it. I fell in love with her the second I saw her. So I adopted her, gave her my name, and she's mine.”

She was holding back. Jamie sensed it. But somehow her thoughts proved too elusive for him to grasp. Or maybe his thoughts were too centered on her body to free his abilities. “Have you seen her mother since then?”

“No, never. There'd be no reason. Cory is all mine, and that's the way it's going to stay.”

Her ferocious tone made Jamie smile. “I wasn't questioning your devotion to her.” But something in the way Faith answered didn't add up. Jamie tried to work it out, until Faith's small hand curled around him.

He stiffened, felt a surge of desire that blocked everything else, and switched places with Faith so he could lean back against the shower wall. Bracing himself, he let her have her way.

Gently stroking, her lips touching his chest, Faith whispered, “I always cared about you, Jamie. Even when I was far away from you, when I assumed I'd never see you again.”

“No.” That didn't make sense, but Jamie couldn't rationalize the problem, not while Faith's hand moved up and down, pushing him closer and closer to the edge.

He watched her through a red haze, aware of her caring, her excitement.

She looked up at him and licked her lips. “Once I knew you, no other man could even begin to compare. They were all ... just men, when you were so much more.”

Jamie hated that he couldn't remember her. He started to tell her so, but she sank to her knees in front of him, and seeing her like that, knowing what she would do and how he'd react to it, obliterated everything but his savage need.

He tangled his hands in her wet hair, holding her head, urging her forward. Not that Faith needed much encouragement. Her eyes were heavy. Her lips parted when she brushed them against him, teasing, butterfly soft.

Jamie groaned and his fingers tightened.

Her tongue came out, licking up the length of him.

Jerking with the unexpected, extreme pleasure of it, Jamie locked his knees and watched Faith service him. She continued to use her tongue, licking from the base of his shaft all the way to the head, over and over again.

He couldn't bear it; he didn't ever want her to stop.

His heart, already full to bursting, punched hard against his breastbone. He couldn't draw a deep enough breath. Then Faith parted her lips and he felt her tongue swirl around the head of his cock before she closed her mouth over him, sliding down, taking him deep.

He gripped her head, holding her close, turbulent with the need to come and the desire to be tender. His thumbs curved into her hollowed cheeks as she sucked, and he knew he had to pull her away.

She didn't want to leave him, and Jamie groaned, close to begging as he said, “Faith, honey, that's enough.”

One hand knotted in her hair, the other cupped around her jaw, he eased her away. Faith stared up at him, her eyes dark and dazed. “I want you, Jamie. All of you.”

She couldn't be faking it; forget his gift, his vulnerability. Jamie saw the truth in her eyes.
She couldn't lie to him.

“You have me.” Jamie lifted her under the arms, turned her against the shower wall and pinned her there with the press of his body. Frantic to be inside her, to let himself go, he rasped, “Put your right leg on my hip, Faith.”

Holding his shoulders, she did as instructed, and Jamie sank into her with one strong thrust. It felt so right, so perfect, he gave a shuddering groan.

Faith caught her breath, whispered, “Oh.”

He loved the sultry surprise on her face, the adventurous smile, the soft satisfaction. She pushed closer, moving against him.

“That's it.” Going slow and deep, his feet braced on the wet floor of the shower, Jamie built a rhythm. Faith's mouth sought his, and she rocked with him, countering his thrusts, rapidly climbing toward her release.

Jamie gave her the kisses she wanted, swallowing her small moans, then her higher-pitched cries as she stiffened and her inner muscles convulsed around him.

It kept getting better. Hotter. More intense. And each time, he felt Faith's caring. He felt her honesty.

Jamie let himself go. With Faith holding him, he didn't have much choice.

 

 

Staring at the ceiling, watching the moon shadows dance with the sway of the trees outside the window, Jamie contemplated the sleeping woman beside him. He'd known her only days, but it felt like a lifetime. She was a part of his past, aware of things he'd never told anyone else. And that meant she knew him as few ever would.

They'd slept for about four hours, and he felt refreshed. He didn't want to go back to sleep. He had an almost panicked need to make the most of his time with Faith. He didn't want to waste time sleeping, not when they could talk. When he could look at her, listen to her, touch her.

Make love to her again.

He'd spent so much of his life alone, not even wanting company, assuming he couldn't have it anyway. And now Faith was a part of his life. He wanted to relish every second.

Dismissing any guilt he felt for disturbing her rest, Jamie turned to his side and propped himself up on an elbow. For a few more minutes, he just watched Faith sleep. She wasn't quite snoring, but close, and he smiled.

Odd, how quickly he'd gotten used to smiling, to showing his pleasure.

Reaching out with one finger, he touched her pale cheekbone. Then he didn't want to stop touching her. Her skin fascinated him. Her red hair and blue eyes mesmerized him. Her laughter and her chatter amused him.

Her sexual drive thrilled him.

Leaning down, Jamie brushed his lips over the bridge of her nose and then drew back, waiting to see if she'd awaken.

She didn't.

And he realized that even the sound way she slept gave him pleasure.

Plucking up the edge of the sheet, Jamie slowly drew it off her body, unveiling her breasts to the milky moonlight in a slow tease. But that didn't suffice, so he lowered it more, until he could see her belly, and lower, until the bunched sheet rested around her knees.

She was on her back, her face turned toward him, one leg out straight, the other bent toward him.

She was his.

Jamie caged her in with his arms and leaned down to kiss her breasts, brushing his mouth above her nipples, along her cleavage, nuzzling underneath.

Faith stirred, murmuring and sighing. She started to pull her legs together, but Jamie caught her thigh, holding her until she settled again.

He kissed each rib, breathing in the subtle fragrance of warm, sleepy woman, a tantalizing scent that got stronger as he worked his way down her body.

When he nibbled on her hipbone, she shifted and her hand fluttered up to rest on his head. “Jamie?”

He gave her a soft love bite on the belly for that and asked, “Who else?”

Sleepily, she inquired, “What are you doing?”

Though it amazed even him, he had another boner. “I'm making love to you.”

She groaned, more alert and now teasing. “Seriously? Again?”

Settling himself down low between her soft thighs, Jamie murmured agreement. “It's your fault, you know. You're irresistible.” Very gently, he parted her labia. There was just enough murky light for him to see her, and his stomach clenched with need.

Faith shifted, and Jamie could hear her breathing. “You're ... you're insatiable,” she accused.

“I know.” He leaned down and kissed her, a soft press of his lips that made her still in reaction. “I admit it. But what does that make you, Faith?”

He touched her with the tip of his tongue, gave one tiny lick, teasing her. “You've come ... what? Five times now? And not little mewling orgasms.” He rolled a shoulder forward, knowing she'd left scratches there. “You burned up and were plenty vocal about it, too.”

Her hips lifted the slightest bit. “Braggart,” she breathed.

Smiling, Jamie pushed one finger into her. “I felt you squeezing me, Faith. I felt every single contraction.” Talking about it made him hotter. He nuzzled her, and said, “I want to feel it again.” Then he closed his mouth over her.

An hour passed before Jamie had his fill, allowing Faith to nod off again. Limp as a rag doll, she curled against him, her head on his shoulder, her hand resting over his abdomen.

Temporarily sated, Jamie automatically sought out the trouble in town. Usually, he had nothing more important to do than concentrate on problems, which made them easier to decipher. But now ... Faith kept him sidetracked in so many ways.

He kissed the top of her head and closed his eyes, trying to find the source of danger. Jamie didn't recognize the woman, but she was blond, attractive. Conniving.

And he saw Scott again, but he didn't think Scott had anything to do with the stranger.

Scott planned to come see him in the morning, but Jamie decided he'd go to Scott first. As much as he hated to lose any of his time with Faith, some vague urgency pushed him to correct Scott's misconceptions. Leaving it alone could mean a tragedy. And Jamie wouldn't let that happen.

He hugged Faith closer, already feeling the loss of their isolated time. After seeing Scott, the others would come, obliterating the privacy. Knowing it made Jamie rigid, which disturbed Faith. She mumbled in her sleep, and Jamie hugged her tight.

He felt protective. He felt ... territorial. And then he made up his mind.

To hell with it. They could all troop in if they wanted, but Jamie wouldn't let them interfere with Faith.

Plain and simple, he wasn't ready—not to leave her, not to explain her.

Sure as hell not to give her up.

Chapter Thirteen

After her trip to the post office to pick up some computer supplies, Alyx went by the drugstore to get a soda. The pharmacist, Marshall Peterson, greeted her with a smile. “How you doing today, Alyx?”

“I'm good, Mr. Peterson.”

His eyes twinkled, and he said, “Now, I don't believe that for a second.”

Alyx laughed with him—until she noticed the blond bimbo browsing the magazine rack. Her eyes narrowed, and she had to fight an urge to confront the woman. Just what was good old Becky up to now?

Mr. Peterson whispered, “Tourist. She's only been here a few days.”

As far as Alyx was concerned, that was a few days too many. The woman had blatantly come on to Scott, even with Alyx right there in plain sight. And that wasn't something Alyx would ever forgive or forget.

Besides, she didn't trust her. There was just something about her....

Mr. Peterson ran his fingers through his thick, silver hair. “She's been in several times now. Always buys something.”

Alyx scowled, remembering how Becky had asked Scott if she'd see him around town. Did that explain her frequent trips to the pharmacy, which sold everything from basic medical supplies to snacks to housewares?

Or did she have other reasons?

Alyx took Becky's measure, noting her elegant height and very feminine curves.

Unlike Scott, she wasn't fooled. Not for a second.

“Now, why are you looking like a thundercloud?” the pharmacist asked.

Unwilling to give away her thoughts, Alyx pulled herself together. “Sorry. I caught her flirting with Scott, that's all.”

“Ah. And you're as territorial as that brother of yours, I reckon.” Mr. Peterson nodded with approval. “It's a good thing to care that much. Don't let her bother you none. The deputy's a good man.”

“I know.” Alyx sighed, starting to feel like a fool. She'd gone from being a woman who never felt jealousy to putting on a jealous display in public. “How about a pink cow? I'm in the mood for sugar. ”

They chatted while the pharmacist moved to the ice-cream section, put two scoops of vanilla ice cream in a tall paper cup, and poured cream soda over it. He was careful that the foam didn't run over.

All the while, Alyx kept her eye on Becky—and that was probably the only reason she noticed the teenagers loitering behind Becky, near the candy aisle.

The three boys glanced around the store while whispering to each other. Suddenly, they grabbed handfuls of candy bars and stuffed them inside their shirts.

Appalled, Alyx started to protest, but she saw that Becky watched the boys too, her interest very suspect in Alyx's opinion. Why would Becky be so interested in the local youths?

Deciding not to rat the boys out—yet—Alyx alternately watched them make a hasty exit out of the store and Becky's rapt attention to them.

“Here you go. That oughta hit the spot.”

“Thanks.” Absently watching through the front window, Alyx saw the boys get in an old, rusted Ford Falcon, where three girls waited for them. Laughing and sharing their loot, they all drove away. She recognized them, and she had a pretty good idea where to find them later.

She glanced again at Becky, but the woman had moved on, putting more items in the small plastic basket she carried.

Giving her attention back to the pharmacist, Alyx eyed the frosty pink cow and smiled. “Just perfect, Mr. Peterson.” She pulled out some singles and paid him. But Mr. Peterson was in a talkative mood, and Alyx hung around several more minutes, visiting.

Just as she prepared to leave, Scott pulled up out front. Happiness bloomed inside Alyx—until she noticed that Scott hadn't seen her yet. No, he had his eyes on Becky.

Swallowing her unease, Alyx whipped around to face the pharmacist with a false smile. “I guess I should be on my way. You have a great day, Mr. Peterson.”

The pharmacist waved to her as she rushed out the door, only half hearing the chime that sounded. She intercepted Scott on the walkway. “Hey, handsome!” She went to her tiptoes and gave him a friendly smooch. “Want a drink of my soda?”

“Alyx.” Scott, seeming very distracted by her sudden appearance, barely acknowledged her kiss. “What are you up to?”

“Nothing illegal.” She hefted the bag in her left hand. “I had to pick up some things from the post office. What about you?”

He glanced into the pharmacy, his gaze on Becky. “I didn't see your car.”

“No,” Alyx said slowly, while her temper went up a notch. “I left it at the post office.” And to see if he paid her any attention at all, she added, “I decided to crawl here.”

Scott gave an absent smile. “I see.”

That did it. She loved him like crazy, but apparently she'd been only a convenience to him. Now that another attractive female was in Visitation, Scott couldn't keep his eyes off her. Maybe it was time to do as Jamie said, and let Scott make a move.

“You know, Scott, I'm half inclined to dump my pink cow over your head, but truthfully, it tastes too good to waste that way.” And Alyx pushed past him to leave.

As if he only then realized her pique, Scott snagged her from behind and pulled her back around to him. “Whoa. I'm sorry. I've got a lot on my mind.” He smiled. “What were you saying?”

Damn it, why did she always end up looking foolish with Scott? Before, it hadn't mattered so much. But that was before ... before her heart felt ready to break. “Forget it.”

His brows shot up. “What's this? Withdrawal from a Winston?” Bending the few inches it took to have their gazes even, he said, “Come on, honey. Let me have it.”

Alyx's eyes narrowed. “Have what?”

“The blast of your temper. You know you want to.”

“No,” Alyx said slowly, “actually I don't.”

Scott drew back in surprise. “Why not?”

“Because truthfully, I'm tired of chasing you.” And again, she started to walk away. But again, Scott brought her back around. “You're causing a scene,” she hissed, and noticed Becky making her way out of the drugstore.

“Since when do you care about scenes?”

“Oh great. Here comes Blondie. Just what I
don't
need.”

A knowing glint entered Scott's eyes. He leaned close to her ear and whispered, “Swallow down that jealousy, sweetheart.”

A sharp breath nearly choked her. Alyx opened her mouth, ready to verbally slay him.

And he continued, saying, “I don't trust her, Alyx. Just play along, okay?”

Startled, Alyx frowned up at him, but Scott threw his arm around her shoulders and hauled her into his side, almost causing her to dump her ice-cream float.

He didn't trust Becky? Did that mean that he was onto her, too?

Becky paused, seeing the two of them cuddled so close. But not for long. “Deputy. It's so good to see you again.”

Scott released Alyx to hold out a hand. “Becky, isn't it?”

Nonplussed that he might have forgotten, Becky said, “Yes. How are you?”

“Busy as always. And you?”

“Just picking up a few things.”

Once again ignoring Alyx's presence, Scott peeked into Becky's bag at the magazines she'd bought. “I've seen you in town several times now. I take it our landscape doesn't appeal to you?”

Alyx wasn't a dope. It dawned on her that Scott was subtly interrogating the woman. Ready, willing, and able to help, especially since she had her own suspicions, Alyx spoke up before Becky could reply to Scott.

“Hi. I'm Alyx Winston.” She didn't have a free hand to greet the woman and didn't particularly want to touch her anyway. “We sort of met that night on the road, but we weren't formally introduced.”

Becky looked down her nose at Alyx. “Uh, hello. ”

“Where are you staying, Becky?”

Becky's gaze darted from Scott, who looked a little stiff, to Alyx, who made a point of smiling like the village idiot.

“I rented a small cabin.”

“No kidding? And you're hanging out in town?” She laughed. “You must not realize what a great lake we have here in Visitation. My brother runs it. There are always activities going on, everything from boating and swimming to fishing and sunbathing. Or you can hike one of the bird trails. Or maybe—”

“I'm not much of an outdoorswoman.”

Alyx pretended great surprise. “Wow, that's weird. Doesn't make much sense to vacation in Visitation if you don't like nature. There's not much else to do here. I guess that's why you've visited the pharmacy so much, huh? Mr. Peterson, the pharmacist, says he's seen you a bunch of times.”

Becky's mouth opened, but she failed to utter a single word.

Scott gave a quick glance at Alyx. With a tight smile, he said, “I think she must like the quiet time to read.” And then to Becky, “I noticed you here not that long ago, and you bought some magazines then, too.”

Becky actually flushed, and again, Alyx launched into speech. “Don't mind us. It's a small town, and everyone knows what everyone else is doing. That's just the way it is.” She scooted closer to Scott and leaned her head against his rock-hard shoulder. “Isn't that right, Scott?”

“Pretty much.”

Shaking her head as if to clear it, Becky said, “Well, as to that, I had something to tell you.” She peered around the sidewalk to ensure they had privacy, gave Alyx a dubious once-over, then whispered, “I noticed some young boys shoplifting.”

That caught Scott off guard. He glared at Alyx, rightly assuming that if Becky had seen them, she had too.

Rolling one shoulder, Alyx said, “Yeah, I saw them.” She took a drink of her float before explaining. “I was going to have a talk with them, make them come back in and pay for what they took.”

Staring down at Alyx, Scott's eyes widened in disbelief and he flushed before he visibly got himself under control. “So you know them?” he asked with notable restraint.

“Of course.” She didn't, not really. But she knew she could locate them.

“I see.” Scott slid his arm around her shoulders again, and this time it felt more like confinement than a show of affection. Turning back to Becky, he affected a jovial tone. “Thanks for letting me know, Becky. I really do appreciate that. I'm sure Alyx would have given me the details anyway, but it's nice to know you're so honest and willing to get involved.”

Clearing her throat, Becky said, “Yes, well... are there many young people in the area?”

“Same as anywhere else, I suppose.”

“I'm willing to be a witness if you need one.”

Scott asked, “To what?”

“The shoplifting.”

Alyx laughed. “Scott won't need witnesses. He can handle it.”

Scott's hand tightened on her shoulder. “She's right, but again, I thank you.” He tipped his hat. “It was nice chatting with you again, Becky. But now Alyx and I have to be going.”

Uh-oh. Alyx didn't think that sounded good. And when Scott began steering her toward his cruiser, she considered refusing, then changed her mind and straightened her shoulders.

Scott opened the front passenger door and said, “Inside, sweetheart.”

“Thank you.” Hiding any misgivings, Alyx slid in and put her bag on the floor.

Scott stomped around the hood of the car and settled in beside her. “So.”

Taking the offensive, Alyx said, “I don't like that woman.”

Sidetracked, Scott said, “No, I don't either. But I don't think she fits the description of the woman Jamie is worried about.”

Prepared to argue, Alyx opened her mouth—and his words sank in. He didn't like Becky, either? Did he have the same suspicions she had? She started to ask him. Then she realized the rest of what he'd said, and she frowned.

“Jamie's worried about a woman? Who? Faith?” Alyx laughed. “Let me tell you, he didn't look all that worried to me. More like hot and bothered.”

“Not Faith, no. Delayna.”

“Who's Delayna?”

Scott took in her confused expression and groaned in resignation. “Joe didn't tell you about her, did he?”

Anger sparking, Alyx said, “No, I've spoken to Big Brother only in passing lately.” She'd been too busy snooping. “Why?”

More to himself than to her, Scott muttered, “He must have told only the men.”

She'd box Joe's ears later. “Told only the men
what,
exactly?”

Scott dropped his head back. “Joe's going to be pissed, but what the hell?” He proceeded to tell her all about Jamie's getting a haircut and a shave, buying Faith clothes, and worrying that some evil woman from his past might be threatening Faith's daughter or maybe even Jamie himself.

And her brother hadn't said a word to her, the sexist pig. Why did Joe persist in thinking of her as a baby sister? “Hmmm. So you think Becky could actually be Delayna?”

“She's a stranger in town, and she's definitely female.” Scott shrugged. “But Becky doesn't fit the description, and hell, she doesn't look like she could threaten a fly. It's probably just coincidence that she's here. Still, there's something about her I don't like.”

So much confusion converged on Alyx that she could barely speak. Her worry for Jamie was very real. There were some strange things going on in Visitation, and she was starting to think they all had to do with Jamie.

And what about Scott? He'd actually confided in her. Alyx wanted to bust with happiness.

Joe might not want her involved, but Scott trusted her enough to tell her everything. Emotion lodged in her throat. How dumb. She
deserved
Scott's trust, but still, it felt like a concrete sign of intimacy—the kind of intimacy she craved.