Page 54 of The Seal's Promise

“I disagree; I think having at least one night we know we can be together is a great start, and I bet we can find a few more ways to spend time together outside of work. That is, if you decide you want to.”

She nodded and started to fill her plate with a few rolls. “I guess we’ll have to see how it goes. I’ve never had a secret hookup, so I’m not sure how this works. Maybe we’ll both get bored with each other.”

Dalton laughed and filled his own plate. They tried each roll he’d brought and then she helped him pack up the containers. The sun had almost completely set, and she wondered what he had planned next.

“I figured we could have dessert later, and there’s a room I want to show you in my new bungalow that I think you’ll love.”

She couldn’t help but laugh at the double meaning, but stood and dusted off her hands.

“This is my new favorite place to have sushi.”

They folded the blanket up as the sun made its final descent beyond the ocean, and by the time they were stepping up to the back door of the house, they were cast in the shaded darkness with only a few automatic lights on the deck to guide their steps. The back of the house was all windows, and there was a deck that ran the length of it with some outdoor seating, a firepit, and a tall chimney made of stone.

“This house is more unique than the typical Georgian-style bungalows. Your brother might have missed his calling.”

Dalton opened one of the glass doors and slid it to the side, folding several more open accordion style. They entered into a cozy living room with big white couches and a gourmet kitchen to their right.

“Wow.”

“My little brother has done pretty well in his pro baseball career, so the upgrades are impressive.”

“Um, I’d say—the bad boy of the South. Isn’t that what they call him? He had a lot of media attention last year when he flipped off the cameraman at the playoffs.”

Dalton sighed. “I never thought of Levi as a hothead, but I guess I’m wrong.”

“I’m sure it’s very difficult having the world wanting up close and personal details about you.”

Dalton stored the sushi and wine in the fridge hidden by the crisp, weathered cabinetry as Brooke moved to the sink to wash her hands. A trail of goose bumps ran down her arms as Dalton’s chest pressed against her back and he wrapped his arms around her to share the soap. He washed his hands with hers, sliding his strong hands on top with the bubbles between them. His mouth kissed her neck and he reached for the towel to dry their hands.

“I’m glad you’re here,” he said softly before he added a few more kisses to her collar bone.

“I’m glad I’m here too,” she said, turning in his arms to face him. “It’s a luxury to have time away just for myself.”

His hands gripped her hips before pulling her closer, and she could feel his swollen need pressing against her abdomen. His eyes were hungry for her, and it felt amazing. It was clear Dalton wanted her as much as she wanted him. One hand moved up her back to cradle her as the other moved in front of them to unfasten the row of small buttons of her dress. With each one the material sagged open more, revealing the simple sheer bra she wore.

“I don’t have any expectations tonight. We can do as much or as little as you want—I just want to be with you.”

She fluttered her eyes at the swell of emotion. Her breathing was heavy as she stood half exposed to him, and she ached for his touch.

“I want you, but I want all of you,” she said before shrugging out of the straps of her dress and letting it fall to the floor, revealing her simple, matching, sheer and low-cut panties.

Dalton’s eyes roved over her like a man intent on savoring the moment, but he didn’t touch her yet.

“I want you to touch me everywhere,” she said.

Then she reached her hand down to cup his hard length and stroked him over his shorts.

“I want to feel all of you.” She undid his belt and pushed his shorts to the floor, then slipped her hand beneath his boxer briefs to feel his smooth, taut, warm hardness.

“Brooke.” Her name was a strained plea.

“I know. The ache of need is so intense it feels like if you don’t touch me, I’ll explode, but first…” She pushed him back to lean against the island while she continued to stroke his cock. Then she sank to her knees and looked up as she pulled his briefs down, releasing him, and his hard length sprang toward her, eager for her attention. She smiled before darting her tongue out to taste him. He was large but she wrapped her lips around him and slowly plunged forward to take him in. His hands gripped her head and his breath sucked in. She basked in his need for her. He was desperate for her and it made her feel emboldened. She loved the smooth feel of him in her mouth. One of his hands gripped her hair as he guided their tempo, but before long he was pulling her up to stand and lifting her to sit on the edge of the island.

“You’re mine,” he said as he traced each nipple through the sheer material with his thumb and then his mouth. He devoured her with painstaking discipline, each touch thoughtful. He unhooked and discarded her bralette, then cupped her breasts as he kissed her throat.

He had her panting and gripping his T-shirt before he stepped back to take it off. She smoothed her hands over his wide shoulders, where his muscles were carved as if by an artist. His biceps and forearms flexed under her fingers.

“You’re gorgeous,” she said as her hand lingered over the jagged scar on his arm.

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