Page 20 of The Soul of Archer
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Alora came awake slowly. It took her a second to remember where she was. The where was in Lance's bed and Lance's arms more specifically. Last night she had indeed slept in his bed just like he said he wanted. Carefully she rolled onto her side and studied him. His handsome face relaxed in sleep, one of his arms draped over her waist keeping her close.
In his arms she felt safe and had slept like a babe. What was this hardened solider doing to her? She could sense that he had seen a lot in his life and not just the nastiness of war. There was something else. A deep hurt and pain in his eyes. Maybe he would tell her, if not, there was always Krista.
Alora reached out and stroked her palm against his cheek, kind of liking the slight stubble abrading her hand. Lance sighed and opened his eyes. "Good morning."
"Mornin' yourself. How did you sleep?" He smirked.
"I slept wonderfully. How about you? You in any pain?" She answered.
Lance carefully sat up. She was pleased to see he didn't hiss or even grimace. She supposed he was feeling much better. "Well, it doesn't hurt when I move. Guess that's a plus."
She giggled, "Yeah it is. Good thing today is Saturday. You can take it easy the rest of the weekend."
Lance gave a grunt in agreement, slipping from the bed. Shaking her head, Alora climbed out of the bed as well and started for the stairs after grabbing a t-shirt she saw hanging on the foot board of the bed. She walked into his kitchen and started the coffee. As the coffee brewed, she pulled opened the fridge to see what she could whip up for breakfast.
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Lance just stood in the kitchen doorway watching. Alora stood at the stove wearing one of his t-shirts. He couldn't remember seeing anything as sexy. In the background a local country station played, and his tigress was dancing along. He felt his jeans grow tighter as he moved toward her. Just after she moved the frying pan and turned off the burner, he slipped his arms around her pulling her to him with a gasp.
"God! You scared me." She growled, swatting his arm. "I never even heard you."
He chuckled, "That was the point. I wouldn't be good at my job if I wasn't quiet." Lance dropped a soft kiss against her neck, making her sigh. "You look good in my shirt, Tigress."
He smiled when Alora whimpered. Lance leaned down and softly began kissing at the juncture where her neck met her collarbone. Making a mental note of her reaction. Her head fell back against him, her breath hitched and her back arched. Seemed he found a sweet spot for her.
"Lance..." She breathed, her voice thickening.
"You taste good. Can't wait to taste even more of you, Tigress." He whispered, hearing his own voice deepening.
Reluctantly, he pulled away only because his stomach growled at that moment. Lance stepped away and headed for the coffeepot while Alora began plating their food. Silently they sat at the island and began eating. Both seemed lost in their thoughts. It was Alora who broke the silence first.
"So, what exactly is going on with us? Yes, we obviously want to jump each other's bones, but is it just that?" She asked.
Lance sat down his mug and faced her. "I don't know. I would like to think it's a bit deeper than just sex. Which, for me is a bit of a surprise."
This peeked her interest. "Why is that?" She watched Lance. His face seemed to turn to stone. "You don't have to tell me. I'm sorry..."
"No, no it's just..." Lance paused and rubbed the back of his neck. "I haven't really talked about my past except with my team, or my parents. And only Ethan and my parents know the whole story."
She reached out and laid a hand on his arm, "You don't have to tell me if it makes you uncomfortable. Look, you and I don't really know each other, except in a client capacity. You don't have to tell me anything that makes you uncomfortable."
Lance smiled at her softly. "You're right, we don't know each other. So, how about today we do that. Get to know each other and see if what's between us is more than just lust."
"I like that idea." She beamed.
Chapter 10
"So, what do you want to know about me?" Lance questioned as he and Alora sat on the sofa, her still in his damn shirt.
"For starters, how old are you?" Alora giggled.
"I'm thirty-five. I'll be thirty-six on August sixth. And you?" He replied.
"I'll be thirty-five on August tenth." She laughed.
"Guess that's one thing in our favor." He smirked. "Besides baking and cooking, what else do you like to do?"
