Page 162 of Defenders of Jawhara

He nodded. “I did.”

“Why?”

When he reached her, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in for a hug. “I was worried about you. It wasn’t like you not to respond.”

Chloe leaned back to look up at him. “How do you know that’s not me? I mean, we’ve only known each other for a week and a half. How could you possibly know me?”

Trent touched the side of her face, smiling down at her. “I know you, Chloe Baker. I know that you have a big heart. I know that you’d do anything for your dad. I know that you love roses. That you secretly love sushi and really want to get back out on a surfboard.” Chloe snorted at that. “And while it may have only been a week, I know that I’ve fallen for you.”

She held still. “Say that last part again?”

“Getting back on a surfboard?”

She smacked his chest lightly. “No! The last part.”

“The sushi?”

“Trent!” She tried to pull away, but he laughed and tugged her so she was pressed against his chest.

“I’ve fallen for you, Chloe Baker, and if you will allow it, I’d like to give us a try. What do you say?”

Chloe went up on her tiptoes to kiss him. He looked worried, as if she might say no. Smiling, she reached for the buttons on his shirt, thankful he wasn’t wearing another ridiculous Hawaiian shirt. “I’ve fallen for you too, Trent Larson, but I meant what I said. No lies. Can you do that?”

Nodding solemnly, he tried to stop her, but she brushed his hands away as she tugged his shirt from his waistband. “Good. Now, if you’re ready, I need you to make love to me.” Undoing his belt, she reached for the button on his jeans. “Now, sailor.”

The slow smile that spread across his face should have been illegal, Chloe thought as she felt her insides flip-flop in response. Scooping her up, he tossed her over his shoulder fireman style, making her squeal in surprise. Turning fast, he strode to the bed and tossed her down. Before he could join her, she stopped him.

“Uh-uh.” She pointed to him. “Too many clothes.”

He raised his eyebrows and stared at her, and Chloe kicked off her shoes, sending them over the side of the bed. Reaching for the buttons on her shirt, she quickly removed it. And just like that, they were in a race to see who could strip the fastest. Trent won, and he jumped on the bed to help her wiggle out of her underwear, leaving her in her bra.

Chloe flopped back on the bed as Trent settled between her legs, where he stretched out. Wrapping his hands around her thighs, he pulled her closer to his face and started kissing the insides of her thighs.

“I thought I’d pick up where I left off,” he told her as the scruff on his face tickled her legs.

She gasped, lifting her hips as he pressed a hot kiss to her mound. “I seem to recall that you left off higher up,” she reminded him.

He hummed against her, before blowing warm air against her lower lips. “I plan to work my way up and then start all over again,” he promised as he pressed more kisses to her heated skin. His lips settled on her clit, and he licked it before sucking lightly.

“Oh! Uh. Okay. I? Oooohhhhh!” Chloe wasn’t sure if it was the stress of the last few days or simply Trent, but her orgasm barreled through her like a rogue wave taking her by surprise. She arched up, her body shaking from its intensity, and Trent held her tight, feasting on her as if she were dessert.

She lay there with her eyes closed until she felt him shift. Looking up, she watched as he reached for a condom. Tearing the wrapper off, he smoothed it on, stroking his cock as he watched her. Lifting her legs to his shoulders, he entered her completely in a single thrust, his pelvis pressing against her butt.

They both moaned at the same time, and Chloe tightened her muscles, wanting to hold tight to Trent as he thrust in and out. Still riding the high from her orgasm, Chloe felt another one fast approaching, and she knew this one would be bigger. Lifting her hips, she matched his pace and his grip on her legs slipped.

She wrapped her legs around his waist, digging her heels into his butt to spur him on faster and harder. Trent’s movements became jerky, and she knew he was close. Reaching down, he rubbed his thumb over her clit, giving her that extra sensation she needed to come. Jerking under him, she tightened her muscles, and Trent called out her name as he dropped down on top of her.

One, two more thrusts, and he groaned long and loud before wrapping his arms around her to hold her tight. Chloe had no idea how long they stayed that way, but she didn’t want it to end. Reluctantly, he lifted off her and rolled to his side to remove the condom and toss it in the trash. He pulled her back into his arms, and she flopped over on his chest, feeling boneless and at peace.

She knew it was going to be all right between them. She’d heard the love and assurance in his voice. She knew it from the way her body responded to him. She knew it because she could feel it in her heart. She could trust Trent with her love—and she was trusting her instincts on that one.

EPILOGUE

Jawhara

One Year Later

Chloe disembarked from the private jet with Trent right behind her. She’d been working for Slade Security for a year now, and she loved her job. The bump in pay was a big help with her dad. At least that’s what she’d planned. But Slade had insisted on covering those medical expenses that weren’t covered by his insurance, and that included trips out to a local ranch that specialized in working with people with disabilities. Her dad was so happy to be up on a horse again that he redoubled his efforts with his physical therapy. Now the doctor thought that he might overcome the odds and get to ride on his own again.

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