Dream of Me Read online

  His plus one. Almost like a date. He let the thought wash over him. Liked the way it felt and decided to hold onto that feeling a little while longer. “We should head back. You might want to rest up before dinner.”

  She gave him sideways look with both eyebrows rising. “Are you saying I look worn out?”

  Damn, I’d like to be the reason you’re worn out. A smile tugged at his mouth. “Maybe I’m worn out.”

  “Huh. You’re a SEAL. I don’t believe that for a minute.”

  “Then I guess you’re up for another sprint?” Without waiting for an answer, he bounded ahead, smiling as she cursed behind him.

  Ash smoothed down the sides of the only dress she’d packed—a pale, apple-green sundress with thick straps that hugged her figure down to mid-thigh. She’d swiped an iron over it to get out the worst wrinkles because the garment had been crushed in the jumble of her clothing. Thinking she was headed to sleeping, sunning, and swimming, she hadn’t brought many cosmetics. So she made do with lip gloss and a touch of bronzer on her cheeks and lids. After the run, she’d washed and scrunched her hair, leaving her hair to curl naturally around her shoulders.

  As she slid her silver flip-flops on her feet, she heard a knock sound in the distance.

  “It’s just me,” Sam called out.

  “Be out in a minute.” She took a deep breath to steady her pulse as she stared at herself in the mirror.

  While she’d bathed, she’d realized a few things. Her grief was no longer at the forefront of every thought. She loved Marc, but he was no longer here and available. She’d carry the loss with her the rest of her days, but her life was far from over. And she wanted Sam. Maybe only for a night—an attitude that should have made her feel a smidgeon of shame, but didn’t. Her stomach fluttered at the thought of being with him. But did he feel the same way about her?

  She thought that maybe he did. On a few occasions, she’d noted his body’s response to her—when they swam, just before their run. Maybe he reacted to every reasonably attractive, scantily clad female, but she didn’t think so. His gaze rested on her too often, his expression still, reflective, as he studied her body and her expressions. He was interested. But how was a girl to breach a SEAL’s sense of honor to entice him into bed?

  She wished she’d packed perfume, but the citrusy shampoo she’d used would have to do. With one last glance in the mirror, this time over her shoulder and running the length of her body, she left her bedroom and scanned the open living area until she spotted him.

  Sam was faced toward the windows, a pensive look on his face. His stillness gave her a chance to study his features. Before, she’d only noted his ruggedness. Now, she noted the bladed cheeks, the strong jaw. The nose with its bump in the center was neither too large or long. Perfect.

  He wore linen trousers and a short-sleeved, loose linen shirt. Both were slightly baggy, but did nothing to camouflage his impressive build.

  For just a second, melancholy swept over her. She’d enjoyed Marc’s body so much and might have a chance to know Sam’s up close and personal. Would she ever have that intimacy again? She felt comforted by their strength and was made vulnerable by their size.

  She had to admit, she was spoiled. Her expectations ratcheted up to the stratosphere. She might never find another lover who would make her feel that way. But the mere fact she was thinking about future lovers was definite progress.

  His head swung toward her, and he blinked. His gaze swept her body in a second, and his jaw tightened just a fraction. “You look nice.”

  “Thank you,” she said, a blush heating her cheeks. “So do you.”

  The corners of his mouth curved. “Shall we?” he said, bending his elbow.

  She strode toward him and slipped a hand over his warm skin. Did he feel the same spark? Chancing an upward glance, she met his gaze, his head was bent toward hers. His mouth was close. Her pulse raced. Would he kiss her?

  She licked her bottom lip, and then gave a little gasp as he straightened and pulled her toward the door.

  They made the short walk in silence. She worried she’d misread the signs of his attraction. But then his free hand smoothed over the top of hers still clutching his arm, and she relaxed at the intimate gesture.

  Within minutes, she heard the sound of reggae and laughter. At the Warricks’ fence, she slipped her hand from his arm and waited as he opened the gate. Once inside the yard, they followed the sounds to a small, covered patio. Two men stood beside the barbeque holding beers. The women sat on loungers, tall iced drinks on the table between them.

  All gazes turned their way as she and Sam approached.

  Nicky fanned her fingers in a casual wave. “Welcome. There’s a pitcher of margaritas on the table,” she said, pointing over her shoulder at a small wooden table on the patio.

  Deke snorted. “Beer’s in the ice chest, bro.”

  Turning, Sam gave her wink. “You’ve got choices. Stick with me or mingle with the hens.”

  The curvy blonde beside Nicky threw her straw at Sam. “Hens!”

  The men laughed.

  The one Ash guessed was her husband Jax grimaced. “I’m not gettin’ in the middle of that one.”

  “Not if you expect to get any tonight,” she said with a flip of her hair.

  Sam bent toward Ash’s ear. “Be warned. Suri has no filter.”

  “I think I can handle it.” She gave him a conspiratorial smirk.

  “You’re braver than I am,” he muttered and strode toward the table. He poured her a drink, snagged an icy bottle from the chest, and then returned, handing her a drink.

  Ash glanced toward the women. Nicky was beckoning her, and pulling up her legs to make room for Ash on her seat. Mingling with strangers wasn’t an activity she did well, and her stomach clenched. She shot Sam a glance. “We need a signal,” she whispered.

  With his mouth beside her ear, he said, “Wink if you need rescuing.”

  Another blush suffused her face with heat, but she pasted on a smile and strode toward the women, taking a seat on the edge of the chaise.

  “I’m Suri.” The blonde wiggled her fingers in an airy wave.

  “Ash Dupree,” she murmured and took a hasty sip of tangy margarita.

  “So, Nicky tells me you’re from New Orleans. I love the Big Easy. I’ve been there several times.”

  Ash smiled. “It’s muggy as hell this time of year.” She glanced past the wrought iron fence to the beach. “This weather is a really nice change.”

  The men erupted in laughter, and all three women glanced their way.

  “Mmm-mm-mm,” Suri hummed as a grin spread.

  Nicky smacked Suri’s arm. “Don’t be ogling my husband.”

  “I may be taken, but my eyesight’s just fine. Have you ever seen a lineup like that?”

  Ash grinned as she noted the stellar eye-candy. Each man was unique in appearance and appeal, but all were a study in ripped hotness.

  Sam lifted his beer and took a long sip. His gaze slid to the women, and he nudged Jax beside him. She couldn’t hear what was said, but all three men turned to look at their group. Warmth skittered through her insides as his gaze lingered over her.

  “He’s a good guy.” Nicky tilted her head toward the barbeque.

  “I know it,” Ash said. “He’s been…wonderful. Really kind.”

  Nicky slid her hand over Ash’s and squeezed. “I’ll say this just once. I’m really sorry for your loss.”

  Ash kept her gaze on Sam, but her vision was blurred with a sudden welling of tears. “Marc was like all of them. Strong, brave. Before I came here, I wanted to crawl into the grave with him.” She turned to Nicky and gave her a sad smile. “I’m glad I came here.”

  Nicky’s smile was soft. “I can’t imagine what you’ve been through, but I’m happy you’re here, too.”

  Suri swung her legs over her chaise and leaned toward Ash to give her a brief hug. “We’re sisters, you know. We could all be in your shoes.” She pulled back
but held onto Ash’s shoulders. “You grab for the gusto, girl.”

  Ash’s laugh was a little thick with pent-up tears. She glanced toward the cloudless deep blue sky and blinked away the moisture. “No more sad thoughts. This is a party, isn’t it?”

  The three women raised their glasses and clinked them together. “To sexy SEALs.”

  “Amen,” Suri said, waggling her eyebrows.

  “To SEALs,” Ash said as her gaze once more sought Sam’s.

  He stared right at her. His gaze so intense and hot, she felt heat wash over her skin in a luscious wave. How long would they have to stay with these people? Right now, she wished they were alone. And from the look he wore, he was thinking much the same thing. But they’d need sustenance first, wouldn’t they?

  Ash gave Sam a quick smile, and then turned back to the women, leaning forward. “So, tell me how you all met. I want all the deets.”

  Chapter Five

  ‡

  When the moon was high above them, Sam and Ash said their farewells and he held open the Warricks’ gate, letting Ash pass. The scent of oranges followed her, and he drew a deep breath.

  “I like your friends,” Ash said.

  At her quiet words, Sam reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. But he didn’t let her go. And since she didn’t tug it away, he released a sigh. He liked the way this physical connection felt. Walking close together. Their fingers intertwined. When she leaned her head against his shoulder, he knew she let down her guard, and his chest swelled. Since he’d never brought a woman around his SEAL friends before, the moment felt bigger. Their approval of this woman only cemented the thought that she was The One. “They liked you,” he said softly.

  “They had some pretty interesting stories about how they met their fellas. Suri said their connection was ‘insta-love’.”

  “Danger has a way of bonding people in an instant.”

  “Like you and your SEAL buddies.”

  “Yeah.” The warm sand shifted beneath his feet as they approached the cottage.

  She angled her head toward him. “Makes me almost wish for a firefight.” And then she laughed. “Sorry. I know how that sounds…like I don’t know what the hell I’m talking about.”

  “I bet you have pretty good idea, Ash. I get what you’re saying. But you’re wrong. Maybe we don’t have drug runners on our tails, but you and I have something else pretty traumatic that’s drawing us together.” He tensed, waiting for her response.

  “We have Marc,” she whispered. “You never said how he saved your life. But I’ll tell you the way he saved mine.”

  Sam already knew the story, but he kept silent as she described responding to the robbery, the man hidden behind the door. From the tension in her voice, he knew the experience would forever haunt her.

  “I think, all the time, that I shouldn’t have ducked. That I should have taken the shot. Maybe the bullet would have embedded in my vest. Maybe I would have pulled through.” She drew a deep, shuddering breath.

  His gut twisted. She was guilt-ridden over her actions, reliving the moment over and over her mind, second-guessing her decision. Something he could relate to. But he knew how futile that was, and that she had nothing to feel guilty about. One of them would have died. The one left behind would forever be marked. He halted, turned, and drew her into his arms, cupping the back of her head to coax her to lean against his chest.

  She was quiet, but her hot tears soaked the shoulder of his shirt. Slowly, her arms encircled him, and she leaned closer.

  Skimming her skin through her thin dress with his hands, he gave her comfort while he learned the strength of her back, the sweet indent of her narrow waist. With her small, soft breasts pressed against his chest, he was content to stand on that spot, would have done so for hours just for the gift of holding her.

  But she stirred and leaned back; her face tilted away. Moments later, her gaze met his, and he didn’t stop to think. He bent forward and sealed his mouth over hers.

  What he’d intended was a chaste kiss, but her lips parted beneath his, opening herself to his touch. He groaned. The kiss deepened as each stroked the other’s tongue and their lips suctioned together. His cock slowly filled, and her belly rubbed against it.

  Pulse racing, Sam broke the kiss. “Aislin?” He couldn’t put his question into words. Whatever she wanted of him, she’d have to take.

  She swallowed. “Sam…” Her gaze dropped to his chest while her hands stroked his back. “I’d like…to be…with you.”

  Sweet, sweet Ash. He closed his eyes and hugged her close again. “Whatever you need, sweetheart.”

  “This isn’t about need,” she whispered. “I want…you.”

  He cupped her cheek with one hand and slipped his thumb under her chin to lift her face. Her tears were gone now. Her glossy gaze was steady.

  Taking a moment, he searched her expression, looking for any signs of hesitancy. He gave her a nod, and then stepped away, holding out his hand.

  Smiling, she reached for it, and they held tight as they walked the rest of the way to her bungalow in silence.

  Ash waited as he unlocked her door and pushed it open. She preceded him inside, aware of him behind her, following as she led him through the darkened cottage to the bedroom. After those kisses, she felt arousal. Her body vibrated with need, shivering and tightening. She’d never experienced this tension, this depth of anticipation. With Marc, sex had been fun and relaxed, interspersed with moments of extreme pleasure.

  This was different. Different man. Different her.

  Since Marc’s death, she’d ridden a rollercoaster of draining emotions. Sam had given her a glimpse of a future where she might once again connect with another man. The truth hit—that she could learn to love again. That maybe, she was already falling for Sam.

  Which should have rung alarm bells, but she wouldn’t think about the future. Whatever the outcome, she was grateful for this night. For him. She’d never expected to feel this alive again.

  Once inside the bedroom, she moved to the nightstand and turned on the lamp. Not that she worried she’d forget who was with her in the darkness, but because she wanted him to see her. To know that she was here. Now. That she didn’t want anyone else making love to her.

  His features were taut, his jaw and cheekbones defined. His eyes were green and narrowed as he remained still, both hands curling at his sides.

  His stance announced the parameters of what was happening. He still offered a chance to change her mind. Instead, she slipped out of her flip-flops and slid the wide bands of her sundress off her shoulders. She pushed the garment downward until it fell around her feet, leaving her in only bra and panties. She fought the urge to wrap her arms around her middle. She’d be brave so he’d know there’d be no hesitation on her part.

  “You’re shivering,” he said softly. “Are you afraid?”

  She shook her head, her mouth too dry to give him words. She reached both hands around her back and unsnapped her bra. The lacy cups fell away, exposing her small breasts. She hoped he didn’t find her wanting.

  His gaze dropped and held for long seconds. His chest billowed around a deep breath.

  Encouraged, she slipped her thumbs into her panties at the sides of her hips and pushed them down.

  Nude, she couldn’t maintain her gaze and instead, looked at the painting on the wall past his shoulder. She stood still as only the sounds of their deepening breaths filled the room.

  “You’re beautiful, Ash,” he said, his voice grinding and deep.

  Her nipples tingled. The tips lengthened.

  Another long moment passed when she wondered if he would make her beg. Then he moved, laying her keys and his cell phone on the night stand, placing a couple of small plastic packets there too. Next, he quickly unbuttoned his shirt and shrugged it off his wide shoulders. His pants were gone within seconds along with his briefs.

  Now, she had a turn to stare. She’d thought him perfect before. After seeing him nake
d, she’d add breathtaking.

  Every inch of his body was powerful and honed. The inches rising at his groin sent a quiver through her core. Gasping, she raised her arms, holding them out toward him. “Sam…please.”

  His mouth pursed as he blew out thin stream of air. He reached for one of the packets, tore it with his teeth, and then quickly rolled a condom down his shaft. In a flash, he strode toward her, his expression taut, and lifted her into his arms. Then he took the extra steps toward her bed and crawled with her to the center of the mattress where he laid her flat. She settled and opened her legs, inviting him to come over her body.

  Sam swallowed hard, then set his knees between her spread legs. He held himself above her, bracing his weight on his hands as his gaze raked her body. “I wanted to go slow,” he said, his voice nearly a growl.

  She almost smiled at the thought that he’d been thinking about having sex with her. And he’d been determined to be considerate. “I’m fine with fast.”

  His mouth twitched then one side rose. “We have time to get this right.”

  She slid her hands tentatively over his chest, palms cupping the muscular swells. Beneath her fingers was warm skin over taut muscle, coiled strength within easy reach. “This is so right. So, now.”

  He gave a strained laugh then bent to kiss her. Slowly, he lowered to his elbows.

  Now his chest met hers; his cock rested against her mound. Her heart beat double-time. Ash lifted her knees to cup his sides, relishing the heat he gave off. “Never took you for a slowpoke.”

  Again, he laughed. “Don’t talk about pokes. Not now.” His mouth glided over her cheek, he nuzzled her ear and the column of her neck with his nose.

  Tingles ran along her skin. “Come inside me, Sam.”

  “Move your hands, baby. Put them on the pillow.”

  She slid them from between their bodies and let her lids lower as his chest hair scraped her nipples. Every place their bodies touched was aroused, awakening, as though from a long slumber. His hips shifted, his cock sliding between her folds, and she gasped and shivered again.