Burning Love (Hell Yeah! Cajun Style), page 13
“My suggestion is to take it slow. Make sure she realizes that she can tell you anything. Once you understand how she feels about something, do your best to show her that you support her decisions. She may interrupt you at some point during the lovemaking, and if she asks you to stop – do it - stop any contact immediately until her fear and discomfort subsides. If it were me, I’d start with sensual touching. A lot of touching – and not just you touching her – allow her to learn your body and associate it with protection and strength. When you’re touching her, don’t concentrate just on the breasts and genitalia, touch all of her. Show her that there isn’t a part of her that you don’t find beautiful and desirable.” As the doctor spoke, Beau’s mind was spinning – making plans and dreaming up ways he could please Harley. “You might take a bath together and take turns washing each other. Cuddling under the covers would be good and massages would work well. Add the little extras that make a woman feel special – her favorite music or candles. Baby her, Mr. LeBlanc. Pet her, pamper her and show her that there is no place in the world you’d rather be than at her side.”
“I think I can handle that,” Beau said dryly. “Anything else? I’m a mite anxious to get this show on the road.”
“Just take it slow – show her how good you can make her feel, and how much you love to be touched by her. Put her needs before your own. I’ve told Harley that I want to see her again very soon. Have her call me the day after you get back. Call me – day or night if you have any questions or concerns.” Dane handed Beau his card and they stood up and shook hands. “Good luck, and you’re a damn lucky man, LeBlanc.”
“I realize that. I’m counting my blessings every day.”
*****
As they drove north on I-49 through Alexandria, Harley was both excited and skittish. She had packed carefully, knowing that Beau intended for them to be intimate to some degree. As she gathered her lingerie and sleepwear, she had wished for a trip to Victoria’s Secret, but there wasn’t time. Just the thought of what they were going to do had her trembling, both from anticipation and trepidation. It was what she wanted though; she needed to find out if her life could be more than solitude and work. “So, we’re going to Cypress Bend first?”
Beau adjusted the radio; he was more interested in what she had to say than he was in the top forty countdown. “I thought we’d stay at the resort tonight. It won’t take me long to relocate that gator. The local wildlife officers are going to transport her to another spot on Toledo Bend, so all I have to do is catch her and restrain her – and Honey, I can do that in my sleep. You’ll love Cypress Bend. Do you like to play golf?”
“Yes,” she said, and she did enjoy playing. But that wasn’t the game she was interested in at the moment. “I understand they have a beautiful course.”
“They do, it has a real tropical feel – lots of water. But Honey, I have something much more enjoyable to share with you than golf.” Beau let his eyes rove slowly down her body. In a very non-threatening fashion, he wanted to start turning up the heat. “Is that gonna be okay with you?”
“Yes,” her answer was almost a whisper. Harley was happy that he agreed with her. Seduction wasn’t her strong suit.
“But don’t worry; we’re going to do other things, too,” he assured her, hearing the slight edge of nerves in her voice. “That’s why I brought some guns. I wanna have a friendly little competition with you. Really, I can’t wait to see you in action. The idea of you shooting a rifle makes me hard.” As soon as he said it, he regretted the reference, but it didn’t seem to faze her – she took her hand in his and squeezed it.
“That will be fun. And I’ve always wanted to explore Natchitoches. Steel Magnolia’s was always one of my favorite films. It was shot there, right?”
“Yea, and there are several interesting plantations nearby, but you live in one of those, so that might not thrill you too much.”
Wanting tonight to be special, she spoke what was on her heart. “You thrill me, Beau. Just the idea that we might find pleasure together is beyond my wildest dreams.”
“Damn, you have to say that on the Interstate, and me with no place to pull off and ravish you.” He winked at her. “I promise you this, Nada. Tonight will be a night you’ll never forget – or I’m not the Ragin’ Cajun of the Atchafalaya Basin.”
“Good Lord,” she laughed at his rhyme.
When they arrived at Cypress Bend, Harley was reminded of how big Toledo Bend Reservoir actually was - it was huge. On the way up, she had read a pamphlet declaring that the lake was sixty-five miles in length, with 1200 miles of shore-line. What she loved about it was the surrounding pine forests. It was peaceful; there was a natural harmony with the woods and the water. Best of all, there was a mystery to it – an almost primitive feel in the bayous and coves that formed the shoreline. She had never had the time to become a birdwatcher, but she was still fascinated by the number of species that called the lake home: pelicans, cranes, bald eagles, egrets and several species of ducks.
For privacy’s sake, Beau opted for one of the golf suites. This wasn’t their honeymoon, but if his baby wanted to be vocal in her pleasure, he didn’t want anyone overhearing her. Just thinking about caressing her to orgasm, if she was ready, had him as hard as a steel beam. “Let’s get you settled and then I’m gonna make short work of that alligator wrangling job.”
“Can I help you?”
“Sure, you’re my best partner.” But, he fully intended to keep her safe.
Making their way to the pro shop to meet the golf course superintendent, Harley couldn’t resist asking, “I see people are still playing golf. Don’t they know there is an alligator lurking about or are they not told?”
“That’s a good question, Lady Bug,” he chuckled. “Courses that are on the water like this, in the reptile’s natural habitat, are expected to have some incidents of alligator sightings. Usually the golfers and the gators can coexist in peace, but this one is a nesting mama and she’s become more aggressive and territorial. What they’re doing to ensure the safety is – and I’m not lying – someone is babysitting that female. I understand that they’ve got grounds keepers sitting in a portable tree-stand making sure she doesn’t charge some unsuspecting golfer or their family. Instead of hollering ‘fore’, they’re yelling ‘gator’. Of course, this is Louisiana; people expect and even enjoy the possibility of catching a glimpse of one of our swamp creatures. We just don’t want anything to happen here like what happened down in South Carolina. One golfer lost his hand reaching into the water after a ball – the poor old guy was seventy years old and it grabbed him and pulled him in and tore his arm off in the struggle.”
“You be careful, Beau,” she chided him. “I don’t want you losing any valuable body parts.”
“Don’t worry, Cher. I won’t be dangling my dick in the water.”
“Stop teasing me,” she fussed as he held the door open to the pro shop. They met with the superintendent and he notified Parks and Wildlife officials that Beau had arrived. While they waited, Beau got them both a cold drink and they passed the time watching the golfers tee off at the first hole. When everyone was ready, they told Beau where to pull his truck to get as close to the area as possible. He and Harley made their way around the scenic course and she enjoyed seeing the water lilies and other blooming plants. “There they are,” she pointed. “Look, that guy just jumped three feet in the air.”
Beau parked and yelled at the guy. “Stay back, before you lose a leg!” He took out his gear and handed Harley one of the hooks. “When I get down there, let me get up close and personal and you don’t step up until I tell you. Okay, Doll?”
“Okay.” She thought how different it would be if they were approaching a bomb. She would be the one with the skills, doing her best to protect him. Approaching the female alligator, Harley was amazed to see that this one was considerably larger than the one in the housing addition in Beaumont had been. “What will we do about her eggs?”
“Don’t worry, the Parks guys will gather them up and move them together and even help her set up another nest. They’ll take care of her.”
Beau worked fast and even though there were others there to help, he let her tape the mouth shut. When she finished, she held her hands up in triumph – “two wraps and a hooey!” She smiled, mimicking the move she had seen rodeo calf ropers do when they had tied off the calves legs in record time.
Beau ate her up with his eyes. Even though onlookers surrounded them, he couldn’t resist. “You’re precious, did you know that? I’m so damn glad you walked back into my life.”
“If it’s okay with you, we’ll eat on the balcony,” Beau offered. Shit, he was nervous. Now, wasn’t that a fine how-do-you-do. “I ordered grilled shrimp, rice pilaf and cheesecake. Sound good?”
“Oh yes,” she sighed. “And look at the sunset over the water.” She put her arms around his neck, “Thank you so much for bringing me. You’ve made me so happy.”
Beau got a little choked up, he cleared his throat. “Oh Doll, I intend to make you a lot happier than this.” He knew this was important – this night was huge. It all depended on him being gentle enough and supportive enough to lead her through the maze of anxieties her fears had constructed as a barrier to accepting physical love.
He held her chair out for her. “Thanks,” she put her napkin in her lap and they began to eat.
“Tell me about Socorro,” he prompted. If they were going to be together, he needed to understand. It was his hope that she would change her focus with the company, maybe become an adviser or a consultant – let someone else take the risks, but he couldn’t push. Not yet. He knew how he would feel if someone tried to tell him to stop doing what he did best. Not every woman would approve of his dealings with weapons or the risks he took with the reptiles he wrangled.
Harley took another bite and chewed slowly, considering where to start. “When I decided to test for Special Forces, I was considering trying out to be a diver or a member of the Special Warfare Combatant Craft Crewman. They work as support staff for the SEAL missions, including intelligence. But when I began the aptitude testing, my superior officers said that I was more suited to the EOD unit. I had a knack for it. It wasn’t something I shared, but my psychic ability gave me an edge. I just knew how to safely diffuse the bombs; it was like I could connect with the mind of the maker of the bomb. Not only could I determine the fastest and safest way to detonate or disarm them, sometimes I could pick up insights concerning motivation. That doesn’t happen often, but so far my gift hasn’t failed me and I have had some really, really close calls.”
Beau didn’t like to think about really, really close calls. “Why did you decide to leave the Navy and strike out on your own?”
“Fox Crocker,” she stated simply. “He made my life a living hell. I tried to handle it on my own, but it just kept getting worse. There were times he would set booby traps for me and undercut my projects. Anything he could do to make me look bad, he tried. The competition was fierce between us, and because I was female, it was a blow to his masculinity when I would score higher or complete a task faster. When it came down to who would be squadron leader, I won. That pushed him over the edge and he began to physically threaten me. At first he came on to me, but I wasn’t attracted to Crocker, nor did I want to be attracted to him.”
“What would he do to you?” Beau couldn’t help but want to know. He felt his chest tighten with anger at the idea of the bastard bullying her around.
“Ships have a lot of small spaces and nooks – he would corner me in those places and hold me down – sometimes he would kiss me, but he wasn’t really interested in sex with me. I fought him off, and I even went so far as pressing charges on him. But my immediate superior officer didn’t approve of sexual harassment accusations. He told me to toughen up and act like a Special Ops officer – so, I tried. But Fox got worse; he was trying to ruin my career. If it hadn’t been for Admiral Gaines, he would have succeeded. The Admiral reprimanded him and pulled him off the team. Fox got his revenge, though. He caught me alone in the head and attacked me in the shower stall. This time I fought back, and I did some damage – but he was stronger. Another person walked in on us, and he was apprehended and taken into custody. When they were about to take him off ship by helicopter, he broke away and jumped overboard. His body wasn’t recovered.”
Beau had listened carefully, wishing he hadn’t brought the topic up. Now, she was sad and tense and he was furious. These were not emotions conducive to good sex. “Good enough for him, I say.”
“Fox was good at what he did. Really, in some ways, he was better than me. Here lately, it seems like I’m seeing his handiwork. We had to study all types of explosives and understand them completely – so in order to diffuse a bomb, you have to know how it’s built. I have seen Fox’s work. He took short cuts; I know the knots he used, and I swear to God – the last two bombs I disarmed could have been built by him and they were left in places that meant something to me.” By this time, it was as if she was talking to herself. But Beau was right there hearing every word.
“Do you think the asshole is still alive and trying to get to you?”
“Believe me, the thought crossed my mind. But, I saw him jump overboard! And we were out at sea! His chances of survival were slim to none.”
“Have you mentioned this to anyone?”
“No,” she tore her roll in half, skipping the tempting butter. “I don’t want to sound paranoid. The FBI has questioned me twice about possible suspects and I did say that the work was similar to Crocker’s and they might need to check for possible associates of his.”
“Who calls you? I mean, when the government needs your help, who contacts you?”
“Usually Homeland Security, but Socorro responds to any request made by a state or city. Last year, I averaged two incidents a month. Most of these were overseas, dealing with American interests. Waco has been asking to take on more responsibility and I’ve promised him that he could.” She enjoyed the pleased, hopeful look that came over Beau’s face.
“One more question and then we move on to more pleasurable topic,” he gave her a hot wicked grin. “With all of the expertise in the world, it amazes me that they utilize a company like yours so often. Don’t they have robots designed to lessen the need for human contact to render one of these bombs harmless?”
Folding her napkin and placing it beside her place, Harley avoided his eyes. “Yes, there are some fantastic bomb disposal robots in service. Unfortunately, some bombs are deliberately placed where a robot cannot go. I’m small and my success rate is one hundred percent, or I wouldn’t be sitting here. So when the job is difficult or unusually dangerous, Socorro is called.”
He wished he hadn’t asked. Ignorance is bliss. “Hell, Baby. I may never sleep again.”
Wanting to see him smile, she squeezed his knee. “I’m not interested in sleeping – not just yet.”
Beau made a sound deep in his chest that sounded just like a growl. “I can’t wait to touch you. I am going to make you so damn happy.” Or he was going to die trying. Earlier, he had made arrangements for the concierge to add some special touches to the room while they dined al fresco. Housekeeping was also going to access the balcony from the outside stairs to clear away their dishes. “Come on inside, I have some surprises for you.” He stood and helped her with her chair, brushing her hair back off her shoulder. “You have the most beautiful soft skin. Soon, I’m going to kiss every inch of you that you’ll permit.” Wrapping his arms around her shoulders, he pulled her back against his chest.
Shivers ran over her body – good shivers. Harley could feel his breath move on her neck and when his lips grazed her skin, she leaned back into him, encouraging more contact.
Instantly, his cock started to rise. Angling his hips back, he avoided contact, not wanting to spook her. “God, what you do to me!” He kissed her again and led her to the double French doors. “Yeah, I think we’ve had company.”
“Oh, my,” she looked around in amazement. “This is beautiful. I can’t believe you went to so much trouble!” Candles were everywhere and their light danced all over the room. The king size bed was turned down invitingly and looked lush with pillows. As she stepped closer, she saw the sheets were sprinkled with deep red rose petals and a bottle of champagne was chilling on the nightstand. Low strains of Spanish music were playing. He had totally set the stage.
“It wasn’t any trouble, not for you.”
“Oh, look – they even lit the fireplace,” she exclaimed. “I love to watch a fire.”
Beau shrugged off his black jacket. “It’s not exactly fireplace weather, but the thermostat has been turned down. I think it will feel nice, especially if we lose a few of our clothes.” She watched him, mesmerized, as he removed his boots and socks. “Don’t look so apprehensive, Baby. Nothing is going to happen that you aren’t literally begging me for. The shirt and pants will stay on until you pull them off of me. How’s that?”
“Uh, yea, that will be fine.” Concentrating enough to speak while contemplating the possibility of seeing him naked was difficult. Damn, he was fine. She slipped off her own shoes and pulled her dress over her head, leaving her in a sheer top and slip.
“Leave the rest, Precious. I want you to be completely at ease with me.”
“Okay,” she stepped forward toward the thick rug. Beau knelt down and offered his hand. He looked like a handsome prince from a long ago fairy tale. “I’m not innocent of sexual knowledge, Beau. My life has been lived in the company of men. So, it won’t shock me if you become sexually aroused.” If he didn’t, she’d know it was her fault.
“Baby, I’ve been aroused since the moment I saw you in my shop, that heart shaped little rear caught my eye. Your hair was dancing on the top of your hips, and when you turned around, the only thing sweeter than your luscious breasts was your gorgeous face.” Not even the dim light could disguise the flush that rose from her upper chest and swept up as high as her cheeks. The camisole and slip she wore did nothing to hide the lushness of her beautiful body. “You look like an angel.” He helped her sit down on the rug – “Let’s face one another, Indian-style. I want to hold hands with my best girl.”
“I think I can handle that,” Beau said dryly. “Anything else? I’m a mite anxious to get this show on the road.”
“Just take it slow – show her how good you can make her feel, and how much you love to be touched by her. Put her needs before your own. I’ve told Harley that I want to see her again very soon. Have her call me the day after you get back. Call me – day or night if you have any questions or concerns.” Dane handed Beau his card and they stood up and shook hands. “Good luck, and you’re a damn lucky man, LeBlanc.”
“I realize that. I’m counting my blessings every day.”
*****
As they drove north on I-49 through Alexandria, Harley was both excited and skittish. She had packed carefully, knowing that Beau intended for them to be intimate to some degree. As she gathered her lingerie and sleepwear, she had wished for a trip to Victoria’s Secret, but there wasn’t time. Just the thought of what they were going to do had her trembling, both from anticipation and trepidation. It was what she wanted though; she needed to find out if her life could be more than solitude and work. “So, we’re going to Cypress Bend first?”
Beau adjusted the radio; he was more interested in what she had to say than he was in the top forty countdown. “I thought we’d stay at the resort tonight. It won’t take me long to relocate that gator. The local wildlife officers are going to transport her to another spot on Toledo Bend, so all I have to do is catch her and restrain her – and Honey, I can do that in my sleep. You’ll love Cypress Bend. Do you like to play golf?”
“Yes,” she said, and she did enjoy playing. But that wasn’t the game she was interested in at the moment. “I understand they have a beautiful course.”
“They do, it has a real tropical feel – lots of water. But Honey, I have something much more enjoyable to share with you than golf.” Beau let his eyes rove slowly down her body. In a very non-threatening fashion, he wanted to start turning up the heat. “Is that gonna be okay with you?”
“Yes,” her answer was almost a whisper. Harley was happy that he agreed with her. Seduction wasn’t her strong suit.
“But don’t worry; we’re going to do other things, too,” he assured her, hearing the slight edge of nerves in her voice. “That’s why I brought some guns. I wanna have a friendly little competition with you. Really, I can’t wait to see you in action. The idea of you shooting a rifle makes me hard.” As soon as he said it, he regretted the reference, but it didn’t seem to faze her – she took her hand in his and squeezed it.
“That will be fun. And I’ve always wanted to explore Natchitoches. Steel Magnolia’s was always one of my favorite films. It was shot there, right?”
“Yea, and there are several interesting plantations nearby, but you live in one of those, so that might not thrill you too much.”
Wanting tonight to be special, she spoke what was on her heart. “You thrill me, Beau. Just the idea that we might find pleasure together is beyond my wildest dreams.”
“Damn, you have to say that on the Interstate, and me with no place to pull off and ravish you.” He winked at her. “I promise you this, Nada. Tonight will be a night you’ll never forget – or I’m not the Ragin’ Cajun of the Atchafalaya Basin.”
“Good Lord,” she laughed at his rhyme.
When they arrived at Cypress Bend, Harley was reminded of how big Toledo Bend Reservoir actually was - it was huge. On the way up, she had read a pamphlet declaring that the lake was sixty-five miles in length, with 1200 miles of shore-line. What she loved about it was the surrounding pine forests. It was peaceful; there was a natural harmony with the woods and the water. Best of all, there was a mystery to it – an almost primitive feel in the bayous and coves that formed the shoreline. She had never had the time to become a birdwatcher, but she was still fascinated by the number of species that called the lake home: pelicans, cranes, bald eagles, egrets and several species of ducks.
For privacy’s sake, Beau opted for one of the golf suites. This wasn’t their honeymoon, but if his baby wanted to be vocal in her pleasure, he didn’t want anyone overhearing her. Just thinking about caressing her to orgasm, if she was ready, had him as hard as a steel beam. “Let’s get you settled and then I’m gonna make short work of that alligator wrangling job.”
“Can I help you?”
“Sure, you’re my best partner.” But, he fully intended to keep her safe.
Making their way to the pro shop to meet the golf course superintendent, Harley couldn’t resist asking, “I see people are still playing golf. Don’t they know there is an alligator lurking about or are they not told?”
“That’s a good question, Lady Bug,” he chuckled. “Courses that are on the water like this, in the reptile’s natural habitat, are expected to have some incidents of alligator sightings. Usually the golfers and the gators can coexist in peace, but this one is a nesting mama and she’s become more aggressive and territorial. What they’re doing to ensure the safety is – and I’m not lying – someone is babysitting that female. I understand that they’ve got grounds keepers sitting in a portable tree-stand making sure she doesn’t charge some unsuspecting golfer or their family. Instead of hollering ‘fore’, they’re yelling ‘gator’. Of course, this is Louisiana; people expect and even enjoy the possibility of catching a glimpse of one of our swamp creatures. We just don’t want anything to happen here like what happened down in South Carolina. One golfer lost his hand reaching into the water after a ball – the poor old guy was seventy years old and it grabbed him and pulled him in and tore his arm off in the struggle.”
“You be careful, Beau,” she chided him. “I don’t want you losing any valuable body parts.”
“Don’t worry, Cher. I won’t be dangling my dick in the water.”
“Stop teasing me,” she fussed as he held the door open to the pro shop. They met with the superintendent and he notified Parks and Wildlife officials that Beau had arrived. While they waited, Beau got them both a cold drink and they passed the time watching the golfers tee off at the first hole. When everyone was ready, they told Beau where to pull his truck to get as close to the area as possible. He and Harley made their way around the scenic course and she enjoyed seeing the water lilies and other blooming plants. “There they are,” she pointed. “Look, that guy just jumped three feet in the air.”
Beau parked and yelled at the guy. “Stay back, before you lose a leg!” He took out his gear and handed Harley one of the hooks. “When I get down there, let me get up close and personal and you don’t step up until I tell you. Okay, Doll?”
“Okay.” She thought how different it would be if they were approaching a bomb. She would be the one with the skills, doing her best to protect him. Approaching the female alligator, Harley was amazed to see that this one was considerably larger than the one in the housing addition in Beaumont had been. “What will we do about her eggs?”
“Don’t worry, the Parks guys will gather them up and move them together and even help her set up another nest. They’ll take care of her.”
Beau worked fast and even though there were others there to help, he let her tape the mouth shut. When she finished, she held her hands up in triumph – “two wraps and a hooey!” She smiled, mimicking the move she had seen rodeo calf ropers do when they had tied off the calves legs in record time.
Beau ate her up with his eyes. Even though onlookers surrounded them, he couldn’t resist. “You’re precious, did you know that? I’m so damn glad you walked back into my life.”
“If it’s okay with you, we’ll eat on the balcony,” Beau offered. Shit, he was nervous. Now, wasn’t that a fine how-do-you-do. “I ordered grilled shrimp, rice pilaf and cheesecake. Sound good?”
“Oh yes,” she sighed. “And look at the sunset over the water.” She put her arms around his neck, “Thank you so much for bringing me. You’ve made me so happy.”
Beau got a little choked up, he cleared his throat. “Oh Doll, I intend to make you a lot happier than this.” He knew this was important – this night was huge. It all depended on him being gentle enough and supportive enough to lead her through the maze of anxieties her fears had constructed as a barrier to accepting physical love.
He held her chair out for her. “Thanks,” she put her napkin in her lap and they began to eat.
“Tell me about Socorro,” he prompted. If they were going to be together, he needed to understand. It was his hope that she would change her focus with the company, maybe become an adviser or a consultant – let someone else take the risks, but he couldn’t push. Not yet. He knew how he would feel if someone tried to tell him to stop doing what he did best. Not every woman would approve of his dealings with weapons or the risks he took with the reptiles he wrangled.
Harley took another bite and chewed slowly, considering where to start. “When I decided to test for Special Forces, I was considering trying out to be a diver or a member of the Special Warfare Combatant Craft Crewman. They work as support staff for the SEAL missions, including intelligence. But when I began the aptitude testing, my superior officers said that I was more suited to the EOD unit. I had a knack for it. It wasn’t something I shared, but my psychic ability gave me an edge. I just knew how to safely diffuse the bombs; it was like I could connect with the mind of the maker of the bomb. Not only could I determine the fastest and safest way to detonate or disarm them, sometimes I could pick up insights concerning motivation. That doesn’t happen often, but so far my gift hasn’t failed me and I have had some really, really close calls.”
Beau didn’t like to think about really, really close calls. “Why did you decide to leave the Navy and strike out on your own?”
“Fox Crocker,” she stated simply. “He made my life a living hell. I tried to handle it on my own, but it just kept getting worse. There were times he would set booby traps for me and undercut my projects. Anything he could do to make me look bad, he tried. The competition was fierce between us, and because I was female, it was a blow to his masculinity when I would score higher or complete a task faster. When it came down to who would be squadron leader, I won. That pushed him over the edge and he began to physically threaten me. At first he came on to me, but I wasn’t attracted to Crocker, nor did I want to be attracted to him.”
“What would he do to you?” Beau couldn’t help but want to know. He felt his chest tighten with anger at the idea of the bastard bullying her around.
“Ships have a lot of small spaces and nooks – he would corner me in those places and hold me down – sometimes he would kiss me, but he wasn’t really interested in sex with me. I fought him off, and I even went so far as pressing charges on him. But my immediate superior officer didn’t approve of sexual harassment accusations. He told me to toughen up and act like a Special Ops officer – so, I tried. But Fox got worse; he was trying to ruin my career. If it hadn’t been for Admiral Gaines, he would have succeeded. The Admiral reprimanded him and pulled him off the team. Fox got his revenge, though. He caught me alone in the head and attacked me in the shower stall. This time I fought back, and I did some damage – but he was stronger. Another person walked in on us, and he was apprehended and taken into custody. When they were about to take him off ship by helicopter, he broke away and jumped overboard. His body wasn’t recovered.”
Beau had listened carefully, wishing he hadn’t brought the topic up. Now, she was sad and tense and he was furious. These were not emotions conducive to good sex. “Good enough for him, I say.”
“Fox was good at what he did. Really, in some ways, he was better than me. Here lately, it seems like I’m seeing his handiwork. We had to study all types of explosives and understand them completely – so in order to diffuse a bomb, you have to know how it’s built. I have seen Fox’s work. He took short cuts; I know the knots he used, and I swear to God – the last two bombs I disarmed could have been built by him and they were left in places that meant something to me.” By this time, it was as if she was talking to herself. But Beau was right there hearing every word.
“Do you think the asshole is still alive and trying to get to you?”
“Believe me, the thought crossed my mind. But, I saw him jump overboard! And we were out at sea! His chances of survival were slim to none.”
“Have you mentioned this to anyone?”
“No,” she tore her roll in half, skipping the tempting butter. “I don’t want to sound paranoid. The FBI has questioned me twice about possible suspects and I did say that the work was similar to Crocker’s and they might need to check for possible associates of his.”
“Who calls you? I mean, when the government needs your help, who contacts you?”
“Usually Homeland Security, but Socorro responds to any request made by a state or city. Last year, I averaged two incidents a month. Most of these were overseas, dealing with American interests. Waco has been asking to take on more responsibility and I’ve promised him that he could.” She enjoyed the pleased, hopeful look that came over Beau’s face.
“One more question and then we move on to more pleasurable topic,” he gave her a hot wicked grin. “With all of the expertise in the world, it amazes me that they utilize a company like yours so often. Don’t they have robots designed to lessen the need for human contact to render one of these bombs harmless?”
Folding her napkin and placing it beside her place, Harley avoided his eyes. “Yes, there are some fantastic bomb disposal robots in service. Unfortunately, some bombs are deliberately placed where a robot cannot go. I’m small and my success rate is one hundred percent, or I wouldn’t be sitting here. So when the job is difficult or unusually dangerous, Socorro is called.”
He wished he hadn’t asked. Ignorance is bliss. “Hell, Baby. I may never sleep again.”
Wanting to see him smile, she squeezed his knee. “I’m not interested in sleeping – not just yet.”
Beau made a sound deep in his chest that sounded just like a growl. “I can’t wait to touch you. I am going to make you so damn happy.” Or he was going to die trying. Earlier, he had made arrangements for the concierge to add some special touches to the room while they dined al fresco. Housekeeping was also going to access the balcony from the outside stairs to clear away their dishes. “Come on inside, I have some surprises for you.” He stood and helped her with her chair, brushing her hair back off her shoulder. “You have the most beautiful soft skin. Soon, I’m going to kiss every inch of you that you’ll permit.” Wrapping his arms around her shoulders, he pulled her back against his chest.
Shivers ran over her body – good shivers. Harley could feel his breath move on her neck and when his lips grazed her skin, she leaned back into him, encouraging more contact.
Instantly, his cock started to rise. Angling his hips back, he avoided contact, not wanting to spook her. “God, what you do to me!” He kissed her again and led her to the double French doors. “Yeah, I think we’ve had company.”
“Oh, my,” she looked around in amazement. “This is beautiful. I can’t believe you went to so much trouble!” Candles were everywhere and their light danced all over the room. The king size bed was turned down invitingly and looked lush with pillows. As she stepped closer, she saw the sheets were sprinkled with deep red rose petals and a bottle of champagne was chilling on the nightstand. Low strains of Spanish music were playing. He had totally set the stage.
“It wasn’t any trouble, not for you.”
“Oh, look – they even lit the fireplace,” she exclaimed. “I love to watch a fire.”
Beau shrugged off his black jacket. “It’s not exactly fireplace weather, but the thermostat has been turned down. I think it will feel nice, especially if we lose a few of our clothes.” She watched him, mesmerized, as he removed his boots and socks. “Don’t look so apprehensive, Baby. Nothing is going to happen that you aren’t literally begging me for. The shirt and pants will stay on until you pull them off of me. How’s that?”
“Uh, yea, that will be fine.” Concentrating enough to speak while contemplating the possibility of seeing him naked was difficult. Damn, he was fine. She slipped off her own shoes and pulled her dress over her head, leaving her in a sheer top and slip.
“Leave the rest, Precious. I want you to be completely at ease with me.”
“Okay,” she stepped forward toward the thick rug. Beau knelt down and offered his hand. He looked like a handsome prince from a long ago fairy tale. “I’m not innocent of sexual knowledge, Beau. My life has been lived in the company of men. So, it won’t shock me if you become sexually aroused.” If he didn’t, she’d know it was her fault.
“Baby, I’ve been aroused since the moment I saw you in my shop, that heart shaped little rear caught my eye. Your hair was dancing on the top of your hips, and when you turned around, the only thing sweeter than your luscious breasts was your gorgeous face.” Not even the dim light could disguise the flush that rose from her upper chest and swept up as high as her cheeks. The camisole and slip she wore did nothing to hide the lushness of her beautiful body. “You look like an angel.” He helped her sit down on the rug – “Let’s face one another, Indian-style. I want to hold hands with my best girl.”
