To Catch A Player

Like I was a rock star or a queen. Like I was Julia freakin’ Roberts. “Well, there is one thing you can do, Detective Slater.”

“Name it.”

“Say it again.” I needed to hear it again. Just one more time, and then I would be sure.

He smiled and let out a slow sigh that had me leaning in just in case I missed a single word. “I’m in love with you, Reese.”

That’s it. I smiled and went to him, cupping his face in my hands as my thumbs rubbed back and forth over the stubble that had grown since morning. Maybe yesterday morning. “That’s really nice to hear, Jackson, because I’ve recently realized something myself.”

“Oh, yeah? What’s that?” His smile was playful, but he was as anxious as I was to hear me return those all-important words.

“That I’m hopelessly in love with you, too.”

His shoulders sank in relief. “Well, that’s damn good to hear, woman. Were you gonna make me wait all night for it?”

I laughed and tossed my head back, feeling light and free and so damn happy I thought I might burst with it. “It’d be no less than what you deserve. I guess I’ll have to train you better.”

He laughed and pulled me closer. “I respond very well to positive reinforcement, especially the naked variety.”

“You don’t say,” I told him, swatting playfully at his roaming hands.

“Just something to keep in mind. Later.” Then, before I could say another word, Jackson claimed my mouth in a hot and fiery kiss that felt like the start of something really big and really great. Maybe it was wishful thinking on my part, or maybe it was just strange to start thinking that things might actually work out in my favor—either way, it was an odd feeling. And I kind of liked it. “Say it again?”

“What? That I love you? That I’m madly in love with you, and until a few minutes ago, I thought I’d never get to kiss these lips again? Because all of that is true.”

“These lips are yours for as long as you want them, sweetheart. Longer, even.” That promise sounded like music to my ears and I leaned forward and pressed my lips to his, taking exactly what I needed and using only my mouth and hands to show this wonderful man exactly how much he meant to me.

“Longer sounds good. Now, shut up and kiss me good.”

Jackson moaned and fisted his big hands in the fabric of my T-shirt, tugging me as close as I could get without being in his arms. “Yes, ma’am.”

Turned out Netflix & chill was a lot more fun when there was someone there with you.JacksonWaking up with Reese not just in my arms, but with her body plastered completely against mine and one leg flung between my own, was the very definition of heaven, as far as I was concerned. She was warm and soft; a small smile touched her sleeping lips as she snuggled closer and I pulled her to me, pressing a kiss to that silky space between her neck and shoulder.

“Mmm.” She woke up with a moan and smile. Just for me. “Morning.”

“It’s a great morning now,” I told her and leaned over, stealing a kiss before she could turn her head and squeal about morning breath. “Great morning.”

When I pulled back, Reese smacked a hand over her mouth. “You’re a morning kisser?”

I nodded and smiled. “Is that a problem?”

“I don’t know, do you enjoy the taste and scent of morning breath?”

I barked out a laugh and scooped her up, placing her body right on top of mine and holding her there, savoring the feel of soft, naked feminine curves pressed right where I needed them. “Just thinking about all the things you did with that mouth last night makes me not really give a damn about morning breath.”

Her skin turned bright red and Reese shook her head. “I shouldn’t be surprised by those words, but I am.”

I already knew what she was thinking, because I hadn’t stopped thinking about it since last night. I’d told her being in love with her made me sick to my stomach. How could a man ever live that down? There was only one way. “I’m going to make it up to you. I swear.”

She blinked and sat up, bringing the hot dampness of her core right on top of my straining erection. And then she threw her head back and moaned, loudly. Twice. I squeezed her hips and that seemed to bring Reese out of her stupor. “Sorry. Make what up to me?”

I blinked. Seriously? “Last night. The way I said I love you for the first time? Nausea ringing any bells?” She’d been so upset about it last night that my mind had been spinning with ways to make it up to her. I’d planned to reach out to all the other Hometown Heroes for ideas.