Treasure on Lilac Lane (Jewell Cove 2)

It was all the urging he needed. He got out of the car and went around to open her door. She left her empty and washed dishes in the back and only grabbed her purse, then took his hand as they walked to the house.

He let go of her hand long enough to get the keys from his pocket, and unlocked the door. Stepping into the kitchen, he flicked a switch, letting light into the darkened room.

It was barely seven o’clock. They hadn’t eaten dessert until four, after a huge meal midafternoon. He could suggest turning on the television, he supposed. Offer her something to drink. Tea. She liked tea, he remembered. Maybe he imagined sweeping her off her feet and carrying her to his bedroom, but the last thing he wanted was for her to think that was the only reason he’d asked her in.

“I can put on some tea if you like.”

She put down her purse and smiled softly at him. “Tea? Is that why you asked me in?”

His cheeks felt hot. What the hell? He was nervous and she looked as cool as a cucumber, smiling at him that way. He had no answer for her. Nothing that he could think of that didn’t sound utterly stupid or inappropriate.

She stepped up to him so they were face-to-face. “Are you nervous, Rick?”

“I shouldn’t be.”

“I’m glad you are.” She leaned forward and kissed him again, a feather-light touch of lips that stole his breath. “I’m glad you don’t take anything for granted.”

He closed his eyes for a moment, willing himself to take it slow and not rush anything. “Nothing should ever be taken for granted. It can disappear in the blink of an eye.”

“I know,” she murmured, her fingers teasing the hair at his temples. “But we’re here now.”

He swallowed. “I guess I wanted you to know that for me, it’s more than just sex. I just want to be with you, Jess. In whatever way you need.”

“I need to feel alive, Rick. I need to feel alive and strong and secure. I was hoping you could help me with that.”

He ignored the pain in his hand and curled it around her neck, pulling her closer so he could kiss her properly. Her body melted against him and she made a soft sound in her throat. Damn, she was sweet. Sweet and sultry, innocent and earthy all at once. Jess Collins was a whole lot of woman and at this moment, with her in his arms, he felt a protective possessiveness he’d never felt before.

Somehow they made it to the stairs with their lips still joined. Rick swept her into his arms and she leaned against his chest. Slowly they made their way up the stairs, Rick constantly aware of the side of her breast pressed against him and the way her lips nuzzled at his neck. Good God, she was going to be the end of him if she wasn’t careful.

He hadn’t redecorated his room, and for a moment he realized that it wasn’t exactly romantic with the boyish spread and posters still tacked on the wall. Jess didn’t seem to mind, though, as he put her down carefully on top of the covers.

Before things went further, he opened the drawer of his nightstand and took out a condom, putting the foil packet on the top of the stand. He wanted her to know. Know that he was prepared. Know that he would take care of her …

And he did. Twice, before sleep finally overtook them as they curled together under the bedding.

* * *

Jess rolled over, her eyes slowly opening as she came awake. The bed was empty beside her, and a quick glance at the alarm clock next to the bed told her it was eleven fifteen.

She was naked under the blankets and she stretched luxuriously, feeling the soft cotton against her skin. It was such a revelation to have a physical relationship based on mutual pleasure. On giving and receiving.

A sliver of light was visible at the bottom of the bedroom door. Rick was up. Maybe it had simply been too early for him to go to sleep. Or maybe he’d needed some space. Things had been pretty intense there for a while. Intense and awesome.

There was a T-shirt on a nearby chair, so Jess rolled out of bed and pulled it on. She was tall enough that the shirt barely covered her bottom, but she didn’t care. On quiet feet she padded to the door and gently opened it. The light was coming from the bathroom across the hall. The door was open and she could see Rick standing at the sink.

“Couldn’t sleep?” she asked.

He spun around, startled by her voice and the smile slid from her face.

She’d never thought. Never considered or expected. He’d removed his prosthesis, and the stump of his arm was visible.

“God, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt you…”

His face went blank, devoid of any emotion. “I thought you were asleep. I take it off at night. The batteries need to charge and I have to look after my skin.”

“I didn’t mean to intrude…” Lord, she felt like such an idiot. She didn’t know where to look. She was curious about his arm but didn’t want to stare; she was acutely embarrassed and couldn’t meet his eyes.

“It’s okay if you freak out a little. You weren’t expecting to see me without the arm.”