that case, I would say Flipper, Bane, Coop, Mac and Nick. The six of us went through all phases of training together. A couple of years ago, Nick took a job with Homeland Security. He needed a little more stability in his life when his wife gave birth to triplets.”
As if he felt right at home, he stood and went to the refrigerator to get a beer and then returned to his chair. “Bane is a master sniper,” he continued, popping the cap. “Coop is the mastermind behind most of our strategic moves. Mac is slightly older than the rest of us and likes to think he can keep us in line most of the time. He’s been married for ages, has four kids and likes to impose his words of wisdom on us whether we want to hear them or not. And Flip can hold his breath under water longer than any human I know.” He chuckled as he took a swig. “We’re convinced Flipper has gills hidden somewhere.”
Layla heard the fondness in his voice when he spoke of his teammates. “What’s a master sniper?”
He looked at her. She thought he would say she was asking for classified information but then he said, “A master sniper is the best shot on the team. Bane is one badass. He can hit a target with one eye closed. He’s covered all our backs more than once.” He paused. “Bane and his wife, Crystal, are renewing their vows next month.”
“Oh, were he and his wife separated for a while or something?”
“Yes, you could say that.”
Layla knew he was being elusive but she was getting used to it. She didn’t have to ask if his job was dangerous. Anyone who knew of the navy SEALs was aware of the types of missions they went on. She finished the rest of her meal in silence, with him watching her. She was tempted to ask if he wanted some but knew the trouble she’d gotten into when she’d asked him that question the last time.
She took a sip of her iced tea and looked over at him when she pushed her plate aside. “Satisfied, Gavin?”
He gave her a crooked smile. “Baby, my satisfaction will come when I get inside of you.”
The glass nearly slipped from her hand. She recovered long enough to set it down by the plate. The impact of his words had her burning from the inside out. “Why do you say such things?”
“Just keeping it honest.”
* * *
Gavin liked rattling Layla. Evidently she wasn’t used to a man talking to her this way, telling her what he wanted and how he planned to make her feel. While watching her eat, his imagination had run wild. The conversation hadn’t distracted him enough to demolish his desire. He doubted that was possible. He wanted her. He’d made that point pretty damn clear and he knew she wanted him as well, so what was the holdup?
“I’ve finished eating so you can leave now.”
He held her gaze, felt the flare of response in their bodies when they looked at each other. Giving in to temptation, he lightly traced his fingertips along her arm. He felt her shiver beneath his touch. He heard her sharp intake of breath. “Why are you fighting this, Layla?”
“And why are you being so persistent?”
He could tell her that one of the reasons was because he hadn’t been with a woman in six months, eight days, twelve hours and no telling how many minutes. Being around her was taking its toll. However, telling her such a thing would make him sound like a greedy jerk with only sex on his mind. That was only partly true. The other part was that he found her as fascinating as he found her beautiful.
“Being persistent is part of my nature.”
When he saw her lips form a frown, his groin hardened and he couldn’t help drawing in a ragged breath. Standing, he said, “I’ll leave you alone now and report to Gramma Mel that you ate all your food.”
He reached to remove the tray, but she blocked him. “Surely you don’t think I’ll let you return with dirty dishes.”
“We’ve had a conversation about the purpose of a dishwasher before, Layla.”
“That might be your way of doing things but it’s not mine. I will wash the dishes and return them to Ms. Melody tomorrow,” she said, standing.
Doing so brought her right smack in front of him. Gavin knew that if she inched closer, she would feel his erection. Even so, he intended to kiss her before he left.
“Walk me to the door, Layla.”
From the look in her eyes, he knew she was aware of his plan. He watched her nibble her bottom lip. “Relax, baby. I won’t bite.”
She stopped nibbling her lips long enough to lift her chin and stare into his eyes. “You’ll do something even worse, Gavin.”
“What is that?”
“You will make me want you.”
He eased closer, pressing his body to hers, wanting her to feel his erection. There was no way she could miss it. “Welcome to the club. And you already want me, Layla. Why are you having a hard time accepting that?”
Gavin could tell she was at a loss for words, which suited him just fine. He had other uses for her mouth. He leaned in to capture her lips.
* * *
Why was she having such a hard time accepting this? Layla asked herself when Gavin took her mouth. She didn’t resist. She couldn’t. In fact she felt herself practically melting into his arms. That was why, she reasoned, she wrapped her arms around his neck. Otherwise she would become a puddle on the floor.
He kissed her with an intensity she reciprocated in every part of her body. His mouth locked onto hers, not leaving any part of her mouth untouched. He tapped into areas she hadn’t known existed. He was staking his claim on her mouth in a scandalous way. It was as if he was intentionally making her crazy for his kiss.
And then there was the feel of his erection, pressing hard against her middle. What man could get that aroused? To know she was the cause sent heated shivers through her body. The hard tips of her breasts pressed through the material of her dress as if eager to make contact with his chest.
Gavin broke off the kiss and when Layla drew in a deep breath, she was swept off her feet into his arms. He sat back down at the table with her firmly planted in his lap. Before she could ask just what he thought he was doing, his mouth was on hers. And just like before, this kiss robbed her of her senses, made her purr deep in her throat. It was a good thing his arm gripped her tightly otherwise she would topple to the floor. His hand was on her thigh, slowly caressing her skin underneath her dress.
Maybe she needed to ask herself why she was letting him do such a thing when she’d never let any man take such liberties before. Hadn’t she kicked Sonny Paul in the groin when he thought he could reach into her blouse and touch her breast? Why did she believe this was different? Just because Gavin’s mouth was driving her crazy with lust—could she accept this as okay?
And why was she still clutching him around the neck as if her life depended on their mouths being so intimately locked? Red-hot passion was making her dazed.
Somewhere in the haziness of her mind, she noted he had stood, without their mouths disconnecting. He was moving, headed somewhere rather quickly. It was only when he placed her on the bed that she regained her
