Page 114 of Protective Heroes

“Yes, I’d planned to stop off there for a minute before we head to the pond. Allison,” his tone grew serious, “thank you for saying yes. For giving me a chance.”

All day long she thought of the look in his eyes when he’d spoken those words. She didn’t want to admit it to herself, but she was in love with Lincoln. After her bad experiences with soldiers, she’d found one who was her equal, her soul mate.

She feared she’d blurt all these things out and ruin their relationship. She’d have to guard her words for the next two days or risk sounding like a sappy, obsessed woman.

After her shift, she could barely control her excitement. She grabbed her stuff and met him on the sidewalk in front of the hospital. He took her hand and they started walking.

“I’m embarrassed that you’ll see my place. It isn’t that tidy since I was in a rush to get to work this morning.”

“So?”

“So I know you soldiers have everything in its place and can bounce quarters off your bedcovers. It’s embarrassing.”

He nodded and scuffed his knuckles along his jaw, creating a rasping noise that speared her with lust. “That’s true but only because we’re forced to. If given the choice, I’d be a little laxer than I’m allowed to.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I’ll show you how sloppy I can be the next two days. Leave my socks lying around, make a mess shaving...”

“Don’t you dare!” She socked him in the arm, and wished she hadn’t. His muscles were pure steel.

He laughed and brought her knuckles to his lips. A shiver ran through her at the promising heat in his kiss.

Gathering her things took a mere minute and he insisted on carrying her bag, though it was only filled with a couple sundresses and a pair of flip-flops, along with a few toiletries.

All the way to the pond, they talked about their days and what they were going to do with their getaway.

“I’m going to strip off your nurse’s scrubs and put you in the shower, where I’ll go down on my knees and eat your pussy before I fuck you.” His dark tone lit her on fire.

She arched a brow. “And I’ll return the favor.” She leaned in so no one walking too close could hear. “I’ve been dreaming about sliding the hot silky flesh of your arousal between my lips. Tasting all that hot cum. Just last night?—”

“—God, Allison. Walk faster,” he cut in ushering them down the street at a faster pace.

Her laughter followed them through the quaint streets until they reached one of the most adorable cabins she’d ever seen. It looked as if it had grown up here among the foliage surrounding the pond, a fairy house.

He stretched one long arm overhead and felt along the molding at the top of the door. A silver key glinted in the sun as he fitted it into the lock and opened the door.

They stepped into a cool, air-conditioned space with modern, beachy furnishings. A few photos stood on the tables, showing the family who lived here. A young officer and his wife with three little kids that looked like they’d just come off the beach, pails swinging and sand clinging to their wet feet.

She smiled and met Lincoln’s eyes, unable to shake the feeling this could be them someday.

“C’mere.” He took her in his arms, her legs going around him. He kissed her deeply with a hand to the back of her head holding her close, never letting her go. When he pulled away, his eyes twinkled. “We’re using one of the guest rooms. This way.”

She shed her shoes to keep the carpet clean and followed him through the rambling spaces to a room perfect for a getaway for two. The bed was made up with whites and blues, and an American flag made out of rustic wood hung over the bed.

She barely had a second to look at her surroundings before she found herself naked and underneath Lincoln, screaming his name. When they came up for air, she panted, “I thought we were going to shower first.”

“Change of plans.” He slapped her lightly on the butt, and she tingled at the sensation.

He pushed onto his elbow to stare down at her. “You liked that, didn’t you?”

“What?” She was blushing again—her ears were hot.

“Me slapping your ass.”

She cut her eyes away from his heavy gaze. “Maybe.” She bit her lip.

A rough rumble sounded, and she looked at him again. He rolled out of bed and yanked her to her feet. “To the shower.”

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