Page 56 of Eligible Best Friend

Right. I’d have my own EMT partner once I became a paramedic. Is that what’s stopping me?

That question deserves time. I let a guy sway my future once. I’m not doing it again. “Ford mentioned Great Plains Life.”

Samantha nods. “Mitch considered becoming a flight paramedic.” She chuckles. “But he hates flying, so… You’d be good at it. He speaks so highly of you.”

I like my job. I enjoy flying. Can I mix the two and still love them both? My gut says yes. Not only does it feel right, but if I take the course offered through work, then, like Samantha said, they pay for me and I can keep working. A few years after that, I can work toward becoming a flight paramedic if it still feels right.

My gaze is drawn back to Ford. He’s laughing at something Ryan said, his broad shoulders shaking. I’m not letting a guy influence my decision, but I like the thought of being around for a while. Of having a future with him.

As if he senses me thinking about him, his eyes meet mine, the blue in them catching a line of sun that found its way through the vines. The corner of his mouth hitches up and I match his small smile.

He nods like I’ve given him the affirmation he was looking for. I’m doing okay. More than okay. I wish I could go back to the brokenhearted Lia from after the breakup, the one who looked at a map on her phone and wondered where in the world she could rebuild her life. I wish I could tell her that she’s making the best decision of her life. That she’ll find herself and in doing so, she’ll find a real partner.

* * *

Ford

“Want something to drink?” I wander into Lia’s kitchen. The place is dark. We haven’t turned on any lights yet. Ryan’s kids went to bed well before the party wound down and Lia invited me to sleep over. Since watching her all night and not being able to touch her was a special form of torture, I most definitely accepted.

My hand is raised to flip on the light when she says, “Leave it off.”

I like the sound of that. “Tell me you’re naked already.”

Clothing rustles in the dark. “Now I am.”

“That’s what I’ve been waiting for all day, baby.” I rip my shirt over my head. “Get on the table.”

She hesitates.

I undo the clasp on my pants. “The table, Lia. I’m a starving man.”

“You’re so naughty,” she breathes but pads softly to her small kitchen table. A chair scrapes against the floor.

I grab my wallet before I drop my pants and walk out of them. After I have the condom, I toss the wallet and don’t care where it lands. She’s leaning against the table, not on it like I asked, but I don’t care. I’ll make her comfortable enough to perch on it and spread herself for me.

But first, I have a question.

I approach her, not saying a word. Her breathing quickens and I’m as hard as a rock, yet I take my time.

When I reach her, I don’t attack but drop my head and capture her mouth. She snakes her arms around me, aligning our bodies in the dark until my erection is smashed between us.

I let the kiss linger until our lips break apart. I keep my voice quiet, preserving this moment between us. “Not that I’m complaining, but what prompted you to jump me?”

“I didn’t jump you.”

She can’t make out my dubious expression. I’ve always been the initiator of the first round. After that, she’s my wanton little goddess, but tonight’s different.

She runs a hand along my collarbone and up my neck. Cupping my face, she says, “I’m just really happy right now. I like where I’m at and who I’m with.”

“Good. Because I don’t plan on going anywhere.” A flood of relief cascades through me, going so far as to dampen the stiffness of my hard-on. We’re both on the same page. We have the same goals. Other than chemistry and respect, that’s become one of the most important things in a relationship. Something I’ve avoided until now. Until I found the right person.

The moment of relief is over and need pounds into me. I need to claim her, make her mine, again and again, until we’re both too boneless to move from each other’s side.

I grip her ass and lift her to the table. I love the hitch in her breath, the way she’s always surprised that I can handle her so easily.

Feeling behind me, I find the chair and take a seat, moving her legs apart as soon as I’m settled.

“Ford—”

---