Rising Storm (Westin Force #2) - Julie Trettel Page 0,35

just curious. I was soft in all the places he was hard.

I wasn’t ashamed of my curiosity. He had told me to just go with what felt right, and touching him definitely felt right. It also started building that ache I’d complained about earlier.

The lower my hand drifted, the more erratic his breathing became, and his heart increased beating wildly. I knew it had to be a sign that I was affecting him too.

The ache between my legs was growing stronger and I couldn’t seem to stop myself from rubbing against him partly because it felt so good and partly because I wanted relief.

I wanted to know him, all of him. I reached out and took him in my hand. He was harder than I’d imagined. With a groan, he pulled my face up to his and kissed me. This time it wasn’t a quick peck. This time it was the kiss of my mate feeling everything as strongly as I was.

“Emma,” he said my name in a husky voice that sent a shiver up my spine.

“I need one of those orgasms again,” I told him honestly.

He rolled over on top of me, which forced me to let go of him. He pushed the hair from my forehead and stared down into my eyes. “I need you.”

I knew what he was asking. I thought when this moment came, I’d be scared, or at least nervous. But I wasn’t. I was excited and ready to give my body to him. If our earlier encounter was any indication, I was not only ready, but ready to beg him to make me feel that good again.

Painter

Chapter 11

Waking up holding Emma was incredible. I felt at peace. I had the day off, but I didn’t feel like I should take it. When I moved to get out of bed, she pouted even though I was pretty sure she was still asleep. I kissed her forehead and held her just a minute longer.

“I’m just going for a run. I’ll be back soon,” I whispered.

“But it’s your day off.” Her eyes never opened, but she was at least aware enough to respond.

“I know. I’m not very good with days off though,” I admitted.

“Run fast,” she mumbled.

I laughed softly and got up. Leaving her naked and alone in that bed was not easy, but I’d be quick. With any luck she’d still be there waiting for me when I got back.

I didn’t bother showering knowing I’d want one after the run. Plus, I liked having Emma’s scent on me.

I threw on some shorts and a T-shirt and left before I could change my mind. I found the guys assembled for warmups exactly where I expected. We had a routine when we were home and on injury, I didn’t like to tweak my routine much.

When Emma first arrived, I’d been so worried and focused on her that I had altered my routine. Now it was a perfect mix for all of us. I got up and went for our morning run. Normally I would go home, shower, grab a smoothie and head to the gym. I’d dropped my extra workout, which wasn’t a requirement and now ate breakfast with Emma before starting my day.

After breakfast I headed downstairs for formal work followed by a daily briefing. I worked for a couple of hours and then made my way upstairs for lunch with Emma instead of working through lunch. Afternoons were spent on skills and whatever paperwork still required my attention. I tried hard to wrap up my day at sixteen hundred every day to shower and head back upstairs to make dinner for Emma and me.

Before my mate, I’d toss something in the microwave or grab one of the protein bars always stored in the break room and keep working late into the night. I was having to learn to be more efficient now, but I was managing everything. I liked to try not to go back downstairs so I could spend my evenings with her instead.

While she had been in gorilla form, I’d felt an obligation to check on her regularly, make sure she had meals on time, and stay out of trouble. Now that I had my girl at last, I couldn’t wait to get my run over with and get back upstairs.

“Pay up boys!” Baine shouted.

“No way,” Ben protested.

“What are you doing here?” Tarron asked.

“I told you he couldn’t stay away,” Baine bragged.

Silas shook his head while he stretched. “Idiot. You were told to take