This wasn't the first time he’d mentioned doing it for real. Mira had no doubt sex with him would be epic. If they could turn each other on this much on the phone, in person would be explosive. Yet the thought of doing it for real made her nervous. Wouldn’t that change everything? They were having some sexting fun, pleasuring each other. No commitment, no strings, no complications. She would love to experience him in the flesh. The short make out session when he’d kissed her had rocked her world, so yeah, she wanted more. But it would cross a line, and where would it end? A one-night stand or a friends with benefits arrangement? What if it made things awkward?
As tempting as it was, she didn’t want to ruin what they had going on. So far, they hadn’t promised each other anything. They hadn’t said anything about being exclusive because it wasn't sex. They weren’t a couple. It was just a bit of fun. Wasn’t it?
But she hadn’t looked at another guy since that kiss. She had no idea whether Tyler was seeing anyone, and it didn’t feel right to ask. She’d been very clear about not wanting anything serious, and he said he was good with that; he didn’t do relationships. What did he want?
She glanced at her phone. Apparently more than sexting. It wouldn’t be her first one-night stand or casual encounter, but this was Tyler. Someone she worked with, liked, and respected. This wasn’t some guy she could just walk away from and then block on her phone.
Sighing, Mira straightened herself up and washed her hands. Her phone pinged.
Tyler: You’re amazing. Talk soon xx
She smiled. The texts — and Tyler — were becoming addictive, and she didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize that.
***
TYLER STRAPPED HIMSELF in, placing his hands in his lap trying to cover up the straining bulge. Christ, Mira did it to him every time. Thankfully, the team hadn’t noticed, all too eager to get on the plane and get home.
“You alright, Tyler? You’re very quiet.” Dexter Dawson, his team leader plopped down beside him.
“Yeah, I’m good, just tired.”
“I hear ya. That was a long one.”
No kidding. They’d been gone ten days, off grid for three days, on the move the whole time, snatching naps when they could. But it had been a success. Their target, a ruthless militant group, would not be terrorizing any more people. Man, the country was bad enough with a civil war going on, the last thing they needed was a terrorist group in the middle of it.
It had been a while since they’d had an op like that. In SEALs, they were used to long ops, and long deployments in war torn countries. Working with Sam Harrison and Onyx, they were spoiled. While the ops were more dangerous, they were seldom gone more than a few days and the mission was not always to the Middle East. Tyler was enjoying the change in pace and having more time at home. Especially now. It gave him more time to tease Mira. He leaned his head back and smiled.
“What you so happy about?” Jim “Donnie” Donaldson, the team sniper sat on the other side of him.
Tyler shrugged. “Just happy to be going home to my own bed.”
“Anyone going to be in that bed?” Mackie, the youngest on the team, teased.
“Yeah, me.” Tyler shot back, making him laugh. “Now, if it’s alright with you two, I’m going to close my eyes.”
“I think I’m going to be doing the same,” Dex said, leaning back himself.
“We all know why you need to get some shut eye.” Donnie mocked, glancing at him.
Dex grinned. “You’re just jealous. You need to get a woman of your own.”
It was Tyler’s turn to laugh now. He had no doubt Dex was eager to get home to his girl. The boys had known Kelly for years. But Dex had her heart, and she had their team leader wrapped around her little finger.
“I’ll get a woman when I’m good and ready. I cannot commit to one woman yet. That would be so unfair to all the other women out there.” Donnie scoffed.
That got the whole team laughing as the plane made its way down the runway.
“You just haven’t found the right one yet. Once you find love, you’ll be done.” Dex smirked.
The team completely lost it when Steve Williams, explosive extraordinaire, said, “Then his right thumb would seize up from no more swiping right.”
“And his left hand would seize up from no more—” The rest of Ryan’s sentence was drowned out as the plane lifted off the ground.
The team settled down for the long flight home. The guys were exhausted and planned to make the most of the time in the air by getting some rest. Tyler loved these guys. Dex, Donnie, Steve, Ryan Baxter, Dex’s number 2. John “Mackie” Mackenzie, the tech wizard, was Tyler’s best friend. These men here on this plane were his family. He loved every single one of them, trusting them with his life. These men had never let him down. They were the only family he’d ever known and all he needed. Although right now, he really wanted to see Mira.
Jesus, the woman did something to him. Yeah, she was sexy as hell. Her long almost black, thick hair and tanned skin. Mmm. Her wide mouth with full lips just begged to be kissed. But something else about her made her feel different from any other woman he’d slept with. He didn’t date, preferring to keep it simple, just making sure the women knew they’d have a good time, but they would go their separate ways after. He never spent more than a week or two with the same one. Always ending it before they got too attached. He didn’t do romance, didn’t do relationships, so better to be honest upfront rather than hurt them later. He wasn’t a complete asshole.
But what he and Mira doing... Jeez, what exactly were they doing? He’d sent a few saucy texts with women before, but never like this. He fucking loved it. The connection they had... the chemistry went beyond anything he’d ever felt. And they hadn’t even had sex. Not that he hadn’t tried. They planned to get together a few times but work always got in the way. Mira didn’t seem bothered by it. In fact, thinking about it, he realized she never brought up getting together. It was always him. Did she not want to?