Perfect Fling (Serendipity's Finest 2)

Holding back his own orgasm, Lord only knew how, he braced his hands on either side of her head and focused on his thrust and grind, making sure to hit the same spot over and over. Her eyes rolled back and he swore her breathing stopped for a split second before she came—long and hard, shaking, shuddering, her body clamping around him—screaming his name.

Cole waited until every last mini-shudder subsided before letting himself go and taking his own pleasure, losing himself completely inside her in a way he never had before.

It took him a hell of a long time to come back to reality, and when he did, his sweat-slickened body covered hers, the only sound in the room their commingled heavy breathing. First thing he realized? The silence surrounding them was comfortable. Next after that? He was still partially inside her.

And he liked it.

He pulled out quickly and she groaned. “Don’t go.”

“I’m heavy.” And he needed space. “I’ll be back,” he said, and slipped into the bathroom to regroup.

Thirteen

When the shower water ran in the bathroom, Erin knew Cole wasn’t coming back to bed. She pulled her top and shorts back on and walked to the windows, adjusting the shutter so she could see out. Below her was a blue-stone-covered patio, with a brick built-in barbeque and wall surrounded by an array of colorful flowers. It was so beautiful, she thought. So real.

So out of her reach, just like Cole.

Suddenly chilled, she wrapped her arms around herself in search of comfort. Each time they came together, Erin felt more, and by the way he reacted to her touch, she was convinced he’d experienced the emotional connection too. But considering how quickly he’d pulled back, those feelings frightened him, because she refused to believe the alternative—that she was just another woman he slept with. One he’d gotten pregnant and was now stuck with in his life.

Erin came from a family of cops who prided themselves on their instincts in life and in dealing with people. And hers were screaming at her not to give up on Cole. But damn, he didn’t make it easy.

She was lost in thought when the bathroom door opened with a squeak. “Needs WD-40,” she muttered, spinning around to see Cole step out of the steam-filled room.

A towel wrapped low on his waist, he dried his hair with a hand towel and one hand. Sexy didn’t begin to describe him, while she looked like a disheveled pregnant woman who’d woken up, had sex, and hadn’t taken a shower.

She straightened her shoulders, intending to tell him they were due for a talk.

“We need to talk,” he said first.

Oh. “We do,” she agreed.

“About work. You can’t go in today.”

“Oh my God, it’s Monday!” How had she forgotten? She glanced at the clock on the nightstand.

Eight thirty. She did a quick mental calculation. “I’ll be late, but I can still get there at a decent hour.” Heart racing, she started for the bathroom, only to have Cole stop her with a touch on her shoulder.

“Whoa. Didn’t you hear me? You can’t go in today. Or any other day this week.” Before she could argue or ask questions, he held up one hand. “Until this psycho is off the streets, it’s too dangerous for you—and the baby—to follow your normal routine and make yourself an easy target.”

Erin exhaled a long, slow breath and let his words sink in. She didn’t know what disturbed her more, the fact that despite her hating it with every fiber of her being, Cole had a point, or that she’d completely forgotten today was Monday and a workday.

“Okay,” she said at last.

He narrowed his gaze. “You aren’t going to fight me on this?” he asked, sounding stupefied.

This stalker woman, whoever she was, had gotten into Erin’s home. Cut up her things. Had her shot at. Even if she wanted to go about her business and not give in to fear, she’d never ever put the child she was carrying at risk.

“I’m not a fool. I understand how dangerous this woman is. And despite what you think, I don’t argue for the sake of arguing. I only do it when the men in my life think they know what’s best for me. I just want the right to make those decisions for myself.” Her throat ached from holding back unexpected, sudden tears.

“Dammit,” she swore, and stormed into the bathroom and slammed the door behind her.

She splashed cold water on her face, embarrassed and frustrated at the same time. She’d had it with the pregnancy hormones, the ups and downs, the stalker, and she’d had it with Cole blowing hot and cold. But she didn’t want to cry in front of him, and just because she’d shut herself in the bathroom didn’t mean he hadn’t figured out she was upset.

As evidenced by the barrage of knocking on the door. “Erin, let me in.”

Not wanting to be any more dramatic than she’d been, she opened the door. “Go away. I need to shower.”

He raised an eyebrow. “First tell me you’re okay.”