Sand and Sin (7 page)

It was sick of him to doubt she’d ever sucked off her ex with such fervor. Jax’s competitive streak took over. He planned to make her forget everything during their short time together.

Slowly slipping from her greedy mouth, he bent and took her chin. Pressed his tongue into her open mouth and explored the same recesses. She tasted like him and it fucking turned him on. To him it was a branding, to make her want him and no other.

She broke the kiss with an odd expression. “You like kissing me after?”

“You kiss me after I savor you.” He stroked the soft skin of her throat.

“It’s just that…”

The lock on the back door clicked. Jax slid from the table and shot to his feet, yanking his jeans into place in one fluid motion. He had Peri on her feet behind him just as Phil rounded the bar.

“Your shot, Jax.” She stepped around him, already having snagged the cue from the table. “Oh, hey Phil.”

Damn she was good. Already had her dress straps already in place. Except for her slightly flushed face, no one would have guessed they were seconds from a mind-blowing orgasm. “Phil.” Jax stepped forward, extending a hand.

“Thought you were taking off the next couple of days, Peri.” He frowned.

Jax’s stomach clinched. From what he remembered from talking with Phil, the man was protective toward her, but he’d also said she needed some fun in her life. Maybe a SEAL wasn’t the type of fun her friend had in mind.

“After dropping Haley off at the airport, I needed some time…and Jax happened by.”

Phil glanced at Jax.

He started to speak, but she intervened. “Jax mentioned he could rebuild my pool pump. He said he’d drop by to get the parts list.” She smiled.

Nice cover. “Next thing I know she claims to be a pool shark.” Jax raised a brow. “You know a SEAL can’t resist a challenge.” He lined up his cue and took a shot.

He couldn’t afford to end up on the wrong side of her partner. Shit, the man would probably try to kick his ass if he knew he was about to take her on the table.

Peri twirled the stick between her fingers.

“Damn Peri.” Phil smirked. “I’d think he’d be good for more than fixing a pump or shooting pool.” He headed for the kitchen, and then shot over his shoulder, “You need to loosen up, lady. Time for you to play while Haley’s at Disney.”

She wiped a hand over her pinking cheeks.

Behind her, Jax chuckled, making her elbow him in the ribs. “Ouch. Might have to reconsider your angel status.”

While packing for their OBX getaway, Jax messaged TJ and let him know he’d be gone for a day or two. When he considered things, he realized TJ was at least partially right. There was nothing wrong with spending his leave in the company of a woman who grounded him. Whether fate deemed him for the East Coast remained to be seen.

They exchanged his matchbox rental sedan for a four-door, four-wheel drive pick-up truck. From the rental place, Peri directed him south toward the Outer Banks of North Carolina. After near misses of IED bombs in Afghanistan, he hated driving anything small. He relaxed behind the wheel of the large truck. Having her beside him made the drive more pleasurable.

“Your fangs are showing.” She smirked.

“Nothing like a big block engine and some steel around you.” He admired her long legs. Her dress had been hot, but shorts gave him more to appreciate.

“Most women would say you’re compensating.” Her gaze fell to his crotch. “But I know better.”

Good to know her mind was heading toward the naughty side of town. It’d be a distraction to keep her from constantly worrying about Haley and Sean’s lack of supervision.

Her cell phone rang. “Hey…you’re already there at the hotel?” She exhaled, sounding relieved. “Have fun. Text me when you go to bed, so I know you’re okay.”

He doubted Haley spoke the truth. She’d text her mother at a reasonable hour and run the park until it closed for the night. Still, he figured she was smart like her mother, so hopefully she’d be able to spot trouble.

After the call, Jax closed his hand around hers and caressed her palm. “Tell me your favorite place on the Outer Banks.”

“All of it. It’s so different than the commercial strip at Virginia Beach.”

He’d only driven along Atlantic Avenue from the base to get to Peri’s place. “Remote beaches are my specialty, but I’m usually toting a gun. It’ll be nice to be with a beautiful woman and enjoy a cocktail in a sandy paradise.”

“I’ve never done it on the beach.”

He glanced from the road for a second.

She gave a teasing eye roll.

“Hope you know that’s going to change. Then I plan on finding a remote pool table.”

“No, the Trident’s table is virgin.” She giggled. “It’s got to be there. And I know what you’re doing.”

“What?” He set the cruise control.

“Trying to distract me. I know I’m overprotective, but she’s my only baby.”

The expression on her face reminded him of his mother’s when he left for BUD/S training. He’d survived, but his father died of a heart attack during his last week. Never knew he’d made it. His mother delayed the funeral until he’d finished hell week. “I may not have any kids, but I can relate.”

“Thanks. And just so you know, this trip isn’t about me forgetting Haley or to distract you regarding your return to your team or California.” She adjusted her seatbelt.

“Did I spill my guts the night you found me behind the bar?” Christ, what else had he revealed?

“I can read between the lines, Jax.”

More than that, she read him. But why did he like it? He never let women into his work life. He might mention he was in the Navy, but no more.

The sun projected jewel-shaped reflections off the water below the Wright Memorial Bridge as they crossed the Currituck and Albemarle Sounds. It looked lazy and unassuming, but Jax had been around large bodies of water enough to know even shallow water could quickly become treacherous. A thunderstorm could capsize a small vessel in seconds. He’d been in numerous situations. Even before becoming a SEAL, he’d had respect for the water, having grown up along the coast.

After the bridge, the road turned into a busy, divided four-lane. Vehicles from Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, and even Kansas passed them. “Is everyone here for spring break?”

“OBX is a weekend getaway for a lot of people who live within a few hours driving distance. Let’s get on the beach road.” Peri motioned for him to get into the left turn lane.

True to its local name, Route 12 bordered the beach. Salty air infused the truck cab, reminding him of some missions at the beach. Cottages and dunes dotted the shoreline intermingled with restaurants and hotels. All had ground-level parking. So different from other large-area beach resorts. The place felt small town and family oriented. He already liked the laid-back vibes.

“How far is the hotel?” According to his phone’s map, Route 12 ran the entire way to Hatteras.

She reached in her purse and produced a set of keys. “One of my longtime patrons has offered his beach house for a getaway since my divorce. I’ve been waiting for the right opportunity.” She licked her lips suggestively. “Keep driving. I’ll give you the full tour.”

He couldn’t wait.

* * * *

“What a house.” Peri double-checked the address. Three stories and on the oceanfront at the head of a cul-de-sac. She couldn’t wait to see the inside.

Jax’s brows arched over his dark aviator shades as he braked the truck to a stop. “Damn, is he a retired admiral or something?”

“I don’t think so.”

Considerate, he’d already opened his door and started unloading their bags. “Maybe his wife is loaded.”

“She’s loaded with double Ds.” She snickered. Their prelude on the pool table still had her amped. She opened the door and let Jax pass with the luggage.

If Phil hadn’t showed, she’d have let Jax have his way. She must have had a guilty look on her face for her partner’s comment. His encouragement shocked her, yet she’d always trusted Phil as a good judge of character. TJ and Phil couldn’t both be wrong about Chief Taylor.

Inside, the house’s clean lines and open-beam ceil gave the feeling of space. The owners had spent a ton of money on Crate and Barrel furniture and wood flooring. Though she didn’t like stainless, the kitchen would have satisfied a five-star chef.

Jax squinted at an obscure piece of sculpture on one of the tables in the living area. He turned it around and eyed it from different angles. “What is it?”

“I know what it looks like to me.” She stroked the phallic piece, trying not to smile, before setting it down. “Come on. I bet the view is spectacular.”

She led him to one of the several glass doors overlooking the deck and beach. After opening it, she stepped outside and soaked in the gentle sea breeze. A calm washed through her.

“Awesome. And totally alone.” He squeezed close in behind her, eyeing the lazy afternoon waves over her shoulder.

The spring sun warmed them and tinted the ocean a striking shade of turquoise. A light breeze skimmed along her arms while his teasing breath tickled her ear. He made her feel petite, even though she stood a couple inches shy of six feet.

Peri lolled her head back against his chest, his hard body tensely inviting. The next couple of days, she’d soak in his utter maleness and accept ecstatic orgasms and how he made her feel womanly again. It’d probably have to sustain her indefinitely.

“Where is home, Jax?” His upbringing mattered. It had made him a SEAL. A determined man who succeeded where most failed.

“Used to be Corpus Christi.” He tucked her hair behind her ear.

His lips played along the side of her neck, making her nerves tingle, and proved more intoxicating than drugs or alcohol. In that moment he became center of her universe. Her stomach dropped at the thought. Believing anymore would lead to heartbreak. No, Peri. Just sex. Only sex.

She stepped to his side, needing a bit of distance. “So you claim San Diego as home now?”

His jaw tightened. “No. It’s just where I share an apartment with another sailor and pay rent for hardly being there.”

“You are the perfect roommate.” She let her flip-flop slap again her heel.

He stroked along her shoulder. “What about you? Have you lived in Virginia all of your life?”

“Yep. Graduated high school in Virginia Beach and got married a year afterward. I love Haley, so no regrets.”

“You have family nearby?”

“Dad took an early pension last year. He and Mom are seeing the country.” Not that they were around much even when they lived only a few miles away. “My brother is engaged and lives in Florida. What about your folks? Are they still in Texas?”

Anguish marred his handsome face. He answered in a hollowed tone, “Mom remarried after Dad passed. I only wished he knew I had made the team.” His smile seemed forced.

She kissed his cheek. “I’m so sorry. You know, I think he probably does.” She glanced heavenward.

“You seem to know the right things to say.” Then he jerked his head toward the water and stiffened.

She flinched at his sudden frown. Jax shielded his eyes from the sun with his hand. “Shit.” His cell phone, wallet, and the rental keys hit the deck. He crossed over the railing and palmed the deck before dropping nearly eight feet into the sand.

A small shape in the water frantically waved an arm. In the grip of a rip current, the swimmer struggled. White water foamed around him.

Jax charged for the breakers, his T-shirt and shoes dropped onto the sand along the way. He disappeared into the surf.

Peri’s stomach knotted as adrenaline flooded her veins. No lifeguards were stationed the beach this time of year. Her mouth dried and she crossed her arms as she trembled.

Christ. She shifted from foot to foot as she waited for the man she loved to surface. Loved. How could she have fallen in such a short time?

His head popped through the water first. In long, powerful strokes, he swam toward a faceless victim. Fear gripped her heart for him and the person he sought to save. She picked up his phone and called 911.

She raked a hand through her hair while waiting for the operator. SEALs were highly trained for such rescues. Hell, they were dropped from boats miles out and had to swim to shore. He was in his element. Her misguided panic subsided allowing her to breathe again.

She couldn’t help but admire his grace and speed. Even the hapless swimmer quit struggling and floated, seemly aware of their rescuer’s rapid progress. Awestruck, she remained on the deck, describing the scene to the operator.

* * * *

Hell! A beautiful woman practically begging him to make love to her stood on the deck as he dove into the chilly Atlantic Ocean. Instinct took over and he tunneled through the water. Between waves, he kept a bead on his target.

Thankfully, the man realized his pointless struggle. Good. Now he wouldn’t have to knock out a near-drowning victim to keep from being pulled under.

“Let’s get you out of this rip.” He hooked his elbow under the guy’s chin. “Relax and let me do the work.”

He’d lost count how many times he’d trained for this, playing the victim and being the rescuer. Swimming parallel to the shoreline, he concentrated on his strokes and regulating his breathing as his muscles burned. Pushing past the pain was mind over matter. When the current released its grip, Jax turned for shore.

“How close?” his victim asked.

“About fifty yards.” He paused for a second.

“I can make it in.” The guy pulled loose.

Jax let go. “Go on and I’ll follow you.” After such an ordeal, he could cramp.

A small crowd had gathered by the time they made it to the breakers.

A terrified woman, pale from fright, barreled for the victim. “Jesus, Patrick!"

“Sorry, baby.” He hugged her. “Thank my new friend.” He gestured toward Jax. “Thanks buddy. You’re like a frogman.”

Jax managed a smile, but ignored the comment, struck by the tears streaming down the woman’s ruddy cheeks.

A beautiful blonde with pale green orbs stood with her shoulders razor straight.

Still dripping wet, he stepped toward her.