“Don’t look now,” he says against my ear, his hot breath making me shiver. “But your number one fan is sending you the death glare.

  “Good.” I’m so desperate for more of those soft touches that I can’t even be bothered to open my eyes to see. Suddenly, I don’t care who’s watching, as long as he doesn’t stop. My fingers curl tightly around his bicep, digging into solid muscle as he nibbles my collarbone.

  “You promise you’ll tell me to stop if I go too far?”

  “Promise.”

  Jace kisses me again, this time harder. There’s a passion ignited between us that could light this entire room on fire. His lips are hungry on mine, his tongue demands entry. I part my lips and invite him in. A soft moan escapes, drowned out by the heavy bass of the music.

  His hands slide down my arms and one hand finds my thigh through the poofy tulle. “I’m going to really thank you now, Zoey.”

  My head is leaned back, my eyes closed. So I don’t know that he’s disappeared until I feel the absence of his heat. I scan the room, wondering if he’s just made a fool out of me. But that can’t be. Not with the connection we have. Not with the reverent way Beckett has talked about one of his closest friends.

  I feel the bottom of my dress lift, and I gasp.

  Jace is under the table. I almost lift the linen skirt to see for myself, but Grumpy Granny is emptying another glass of wine, her scowl meaner than ever. It’s enough to make me sit still in my seat.

  His hot breath kisses my legs as I feel his head move closer to my very wet center. He pushes my legs apart with two firm hands. I’m so glad I wore my favorite thong today. I hope my possible future husband appreciates it, too.

  He kisses my inner thighs, nibbling too. My hands fist the edge of the table, trying like hell to keep my sound effects turned to a minimum volume because the DJ is between songs. I should tell Jace to stop—someone is going to catch us. But I don’t want him to. I feel alive and so naughty. I love it.

  With shaky hands, I refill my water goblet. Maybe if I appear to be doing normal things, no one will know the very naughty event taking place below.

  Fuck, I want him to lick me right here, right now.

  And he does.

  That magical tongue finds its way around my thong and right to my swollen nub. I almost spill my water.

  JACE

  I’ve never done anything like this before, and never at a buddy’s wedding.

  But there’s something about Zoey that I can’t fight. It makes me wish I had said no to this deployment. It’s the only one—out of four—that I’ve ever had a choice to be a part of. If I have to go overseas—even for a shortened deployment of six months—I want to make sure I leave an impression.

  I push Zoey’s legs together so I can peel that thong away. Once I have it off, I stuff it in my pocket for safekeeping. She probably won’t be getting it back.

  Spreading her legs wide—I fucking love this dress—I kiss my way back to her wet pussy, inhaling her sweet scent. I let my tongue work slowly around her clit and up and down those lips. I want to savor her for as long as possible. Zoey tastes so sweet. Who needs wedding cake? I have my dessert right here.

  I come up for a brief moment of air, replacing my tongue with a finger. Flicking her swollen nub. “Do I need to stop, Zoey?”

  “Keep going.” Her words are almost a barked order that makes my dick rock hard. I want to be buried deep inside her, because I know that’s where my cock belongs. But there will be time for that later, I hope.

  I don’t hold back now that’s she’s given me the order. I cover her cunt with my mouth, sucking and licking, giving her no mercy. I should probably slow down my insatiable hunger. The poor thing might have onlookers.

  I know that scowling older lady is probably watching her with disdain. I gave that woman a wink before I dipped under the table.

  But I can’t stop myself until I feel her pussy vibrate its release. I gently lick her, and her hips rock violently in her chair from the sensitivity.

  As she recovers from her orgasm, I slide back into my chair. Her fist is tight around the stem of water goblet, her eyes hooded, and chest heaving.

  “Holy shit, Jace.”

  “That’s only the beginning, love.”

  “I might need a minute.”

  “Your number one fan is mortified.”

  Zoey lets out a weak laugh. “Good.”

  “How about a dance?” I ask when the music turns slow. “I’ll hold you up if your legs are too wobbly right now.”

  “I need air,” she gasps.

  “Then let’s take a walk.”

  4

  ZOEY

  The cool air feels amazing on my skin that’s still ablaze from all the pleasure I just experienced. Jace just gave me the best orgasm I’ve ever experienced. I don’t know if he’s just that good, or if it’s because of how naughty it felt to be eaten out with people all around. I’ve never done anything like that before, but I liked it.

  I’m thankful no one tried to come up and talk to me. Holding a conversation mid-orgasm might’ve proved a bit difficult. Someone might’ve mistaken me for having a stroke and called an ambulance.

  “So you’re Sara’s friend?” he asks as we walk toward the lake path.

  “Yeah. Met her at a coffee shop, actually. All the tables were full, and Sara offered to share hers with me. The rest is history.”

  “You like coffee then?”

  I laugh. “Actually, I hate it.”

  “What?”

  “I know, I’m weird right?” It feels so freeing to talk like this. Like I can say whatever is on my mind and not feel judged. My brother would be proud. “I actually really love their strawberry banana smoothies.”

  We reach the path behind the ballroom that snakes around the lake. The moonlight makes the water glimmer like it’s filled with diamonds. It’s about as romantic as it gets, and a detail I definitely plan to include in the story to our future children. I’ll be leaving out the bit about Jace under the table, all up in my cunt, though. No need to scar the kiddos for life. “Have you known Beckett long?” I ask.

  “We went to basic training together,” Jace says. “Lost touch for a while when we got stationed at other places, but we’re back in the same unit now. He saved my ass on a ruck march once, when my socks got soaked through. Tripped and rolled down a hill into a big puddle. I forgot an extra pair of socks, so he gave me his. We still had ten miles to go. You don’t forget that kind of selflessness.”

  “Sounds like Sara married a really great guy.”

  “The best.”

  “Why were you late today?” I ask the question casually, because I’m sure the answer is a good one. Jace doesn’t seem like the kind of person who would be late to something important if he could help it. But the way his shoulders tense makes me a little afraid of the answer.

  “Saw a woman stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire.” He lifts his hand, showcasing a smear of grease. “I’ve washed it five times, and still can’t get that off.”

  I’m touched as hell by his willingness to help a stranger, but I can tell he’s holding something else back. “Is there more?”

  Jace reaches for my hand, pulling me toward him. We’re in the middle of a wooden bridge, surrounded by sparkling water, fragrant flowers, and crickets. Faint music floats across the water from the ballroom, but otherwise it’s peaceful out here. We’re completely alone.

  “I’m going to kiss you again,” he tells me. “And I may not be able to stop.”

  A nagging feeling tugs at me about what answer he’s avoiding. Jace is military, and I know what the risks are when it comes to falling for an Army man. Whatever he has to say… I realize I’m not ready to hear it. Not yet. I just want to live in this moment, so I give in. Because I very much want to kiss him, too.

  Jace takes me into his arms, one hand scooping at the back of my head and tilting my lips closer to his. The kiss is sweet, passionate, and naughty. I can taste myself on his tongue, and it has all kinds of dirty thoughts circulating in my mind.

  There’s no one outside to see us.

  “Jace?” I ask.

  “Yes?” He hungrily kisses his way to my breasts, and I wish they could be freed right now. I want his mouth on my nipples. But this damn dress makes that a little difficult without ripping it up.

  “I want you inside me.” I take a few steps back, bracing myself on the sturdy wooden railing, and lift my skirt halfway in offering. I forget that my panties are missing until the cool breeze tickles my pussy. “Please?”

  “Zoey, there’s something I have to tell you first.”

  I don’t like his tone, and I’m not ready to hear whatever he’s about to say. “We’ll talk later.” I lift my dress the rest of the way, until I’m completely exposed to him. With my free hand I reach out and boldly place my hand on his cock. Fuck that thing is massive. “Please fuck me, Jace?”

  JACE

  I groan, bracing both hands on either side of Zoey. She deserves to know that I’m leaving in two weeks before we go through with this. Because once I’m buried in that sweet pussy, she will be mine. There’s no turning back. I won’t be able to live without her.

  “It’s important, Zoey,” I say through gritted teeth. The breeze carries her sweet scent to me. She’s so vulnerable right now, her pussy exposed and her eyes begging me.

  “I don’t care what it is, Jace. You can tell me later.” She works the zipper on my pants until my cock springs free. I’ve never really been a fan of boxers or briefs unless it was absolutely necessary.

  “Are you sure?” I’m about out of strength to fight her, and when she fists my cock in her soft hand, I’m a goner.

  “I want you inside me, Jace.” She guides my dick to her entrance, coating my head in her juices. “I don’t want a thing between us either. I’m clean.”

  “Me too,” I groan. Unable to hold back any longer, my hands cup her ass and help complete the union of my cock and her cunt. My dick slides into her in one motion, causing us both to groan. Fuck, her pussy feels like it was made for me.

  She’s on tiptoes trying to match my height, so I bend my knees to help. I guide the pace with my hands on her curvy ass. We thrust together in perfect rhythm. I’ve never done anything inappropriate in a public setting before—let alone twice in one night—but fuck, it’s a helluva turn on. Zoey is an adventure I want to experience the rest of my life.

  “You feel so good, Jace.” Her eyes fall shut.

  “Look at me, Zoey. Keep your eyes open. I want to watch you when you come.”

  The only thing that would be better than this is the two of us naked in my bed. But I’m not complaining. I’m so fucking turned on right now. The memory of this alone will get me through some of the loneliest nights in the desert.

  “Oh god, Jace. I—I—” She reaches her climax, trying so hard not to cry out too loud. The crickets and bullfrogs aren’t loud enough to muffle our loudest moans. She locks her eyes with mine.

  “Come for me, Zoey.”

  With my fingers dug into her curvy ass, I hold her tight against me as she shudders her orgasm on my cock. It takes every ounce of self-control not to explode inside her now. A couple pumps, and I would be done. But I have another idea.

  “You didn’t come,” she said in a heavy pant.

  “This fucking in public thing is kinda hot,” I say. “Wanna go one more round?”

  She bites down on her bottom lip, her eyes illuminating with excitement. “Okay!” I love that bubbly personality of hers. She’s so unapologetically herself, and it’s great. I could fall in love with her in a heartbeat if I let myself. I want to.

  “What did you have in mind?” Zoey asks.

  “Turn around.”

  “Oh!” she squeals in delight, dropping the front of her dress, spinning, and lifting the backside. She bends over, hands braced on the railing. Her high heels help lift her perfect ass in my direction. I snake one hand between the dress and her thigh, finding her clit. With the other, I guide my cock to her entrance again.

  My eyes never leave the ballroom, convinced someone might decide they want fresh air too. But now that my cock is seated inside her, I wouldn’t be able to stop even if we had company. The few clouds in the sky only give us brief moments of shadowy coverage. Otherwise, we’re exposed.

  “Fuck me hard, okay?” she says over her shoulder, sounding sweet as the wedding cake we haven’t had a chance to try. It makes me fantasize about licking frosting off her nipples. Fuck, I’m in trouble.

  I do as ordered and pound into her pussy, over and over. My fingers strum her clit, and this time, we can’t seem to keep quiet. We might draw a crowd, but fuck if I care. Let them watch.

  “I’m going to come,” I gasp.

  “Me too,” she moans. “Keep going. Harder for me, Jace. Faster.”

  I go until we both hit euphoria, releasing my seed deep inside her pussy. Claiming her for my own. We still have an important detail to sort out, but if I have my way, I’m marrying this woman as soon as possible. She’s mine, now and forever.

  5

  ZOEY

  We decide to spend the night at Jace’s apartment. It’s oddly empty, aside from the basic furniture and few essentials. But my brother was the same way. No point in collecting too much if the Army’s just going to keep bouncing you from place to place, sometimes on a moment’s notice.

  After another round of making love—this time sensual and slow—Jace falls into a deep, comfortable sleep. I feel safe in his arms. I feel loved.

  I might even be in love.

  My heart swells at the thought, then shudders in fear. Jace had something important to tell me, and I never gave him the chance. It sounded serious enough to change everything. But the moonlight gleams through the window, begging me to let the night be happy.

  I push aside my fears and allow myself to drift off into sleep. Stay in the moment.

  The next morning comes too soon. The sense of dread I tried to push away last night returns. I have a bad feeling about this.

  “Good morning, love.” Jace carries a tray to the bed. He’s wearing only a pair of gym shorts and his dog tags. I never got a chance to see those sculpted muscles or washboard abs last night, but fuck he’s perfect. Add to that breakfast in bed… I’m so touched by the gesture that I almost forget my worries. Almost. “I hope you like scrambled eggs and toast. It’s all I had.”

  “It’s perfect.”

  “I have coffee, but I remember how much you love that.”

  We laugh together easily, the tension that looms still keeping its distance. I want to rip the damn Band-aid off, but I’m afraid it’ll change everything too quickly. Sometimes being me is a big pain in the ass.

  “I’d take water if you have that?”

  “I have something better. Be right back.”

  I shimmy to a sitting position, wrapping the sheet around me for warmth. And to keep his scent close to my heart. I contemplate stealing a shirt before I leave, so that this night will always be tucked into my memory.

  Knock it off, Zoey. I chastise myself for all the doom and gloom trying to wiggle its way in. But my eyes wander the room instead as I wait for Jace to come back. When I hear a blender churning from downstairs, I smile. I doubt it’s a strawberry, banana smoothie. But a girl can hope.

  Setting the plate on the nightstand, I toss the sheets aside and hurry to the bathroom. Just as I fear, my mascara and eyeliner—more heavily applied yesterday for the wedding—made me into a raccoon. I wipe away the makeup, hoping I haven’t scarred the man for life.

  My stomach rumbles from the appetite created by numerous orgasms. I didn’t even get a piece of wedding cake last night, but I guess what I got instead was better. I’m on a path for the scrambled eggs, eyeing the room for a T-shirt I can steal, when a light breeze from a cracked window rustles a few papers. They float across the room and sail to the floor.

  On my way to pick them up, I find a folded T-shirt resting on a chair and slip it on. It feels naughty to wear it and nothing else.

  The papers rustle again, and I pick them up.

  “It’s a banana smoothie because I didn’t have any strawberries—”

  “These are orders,” I say, my entire body frozen. I’ve seen enough of these during my brother’s time in service to recognize the format before ever reading a single word. “You have orders.” I finally lift my gaze, my heart clutching in my chest. I’m so terrified what this might mean.

  “I tried to tell you last night.”

  I can’t even be mad, because he’s right. “You’re leaving?”

  “Just for six months.”

  Scanning the orders in my hands, I search for clues. The Army doesn’t normally move soldiers for six months then back again, unless… “It’s a deployment.”

  “Yes.”

  Jace sets the smoothie on his dresser, taking the papers from me. “Zoey, I really like you. I might even be in love with you.”

  The words rattle my insides to the core, but outside, my body is still rigid and unable to move. “We just met,” I barely manage to whisper. But my future husband feels it, too. I should be doing my happy dance, or at least the sprinkler. That’s what normal, chipper Zoey would do in this situation.

  “I know it’s fast, Zoey. But I’ve never been drawn to someone so strongly. We’re supposed to be together. You can’t tell me you don’t feel it too?”

  I want to tell him that I do. I want to say the words so bad. But I’m scared. I’m scared I’ll give him the rest of my heart, and then war will rip him away from me. It’s not fair to be afraid of the thing that makes him incredibly brave. “I should go.”

  Other than this T-shirt, I don’t have anything to wear but a Cinderella style bridesmaid dress. It’s not exactly the thing I want to prance around in on a Sunday morning-after. There’s too many people at my apartment complex, and I wouldn’t get in my door without at least half a dozen of them seeing me. But what choice do I have?

 

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