Ice (Elite Forces #1)(46)
“There’s not much to me, Jade. What you see is what you get.” He spreads his arms out wide.
“There’s a lot of you to see. I want to know what’s in here and here.” I point to his head and his heart.
“Jade Elliott seems to be consuming both of those at the moment.” He takes the soap from my hands. He returns the favor by running it carefully over my skin.
“I love that I’m there, Maverick, but tomorrow morning I want to know all about you.”
“Yes, ma’am.” My brows lift at those two words.
“Are we switching roles here? No more demanding Kaleb?” I tease, knowing damn well what his answer will be.
“Fuck, no. If I tell you to call me’ Sir’, you’ll do it.” I laugh and catch myself smiling long after his words.
“My hair is going to look like a frazzled mess when we get up.” After drying it with a towel, brushing it out, and then putting it on top of my head in messy twist, it’s going to be a nightmare. I grab my shorts and tank off of the floor, only to have them yanked out of my hands and tossed into the bedroom.
“I don’t give a shit what your hair looks like, and as cute as those little items you were sleeping in are, when you sleep next to me, your fine ass is naked. Got me?” He grips my hips and starts walking us into the bedroom, while my arm flings out and catches the light switch.
“No. I don’t get you. I don’t mind sleeping naked, especially next to you. I can grab this anytime I want.” I reach around and wrap my hand around his cock.
“Exactly my point, Jade. Now climb your ass in bed. You need rest.” I won’t argue with him there. I climb in, the sheets cool against my skin. Kaleb wastes no time tucking me into his side. Swinging my leg over his, I curl my arm around his waist.
“Sleep, Jade. Tomorrow we’ll talk.” I close my eyes. Even though I slept soundly and peacefully in my bed at my parents’ house, sleeping next to Kaleb is undoubtedly the best night’s sleep I’ve had in months.
~~~~
“So let me get this straight. You left that fine piece of ass in bed to sit out here with me and have coffee? Did you fall and smack your head?” Mal reaches over, digging her fingers into my knotted-up hair.
“Quit it, you ass. And no. My head is fine. I agreed to sit out here to watch the sunrise with you and talk without any interruptions. So ask me. I know you're dying to know about him.” I nudge her shoulder. We’ve been up for about a half hour. Last night was wonderful, getting settled in, but Mal and I really haven’t had the chance to talk. She only knows what she overheard before we left. After Harris showed us around, he made a fire. We sat around and most of the conversation was directed around his ranch. I see why he loves to come here. Mal ate it up. Well, more like ate him up with her eyes. I’ll definitely be touching on that subject.
“Well, where should I start? How about this. When and how long have you been f*cking him?”
“A few weeks.” I shrug. That was not what I expected, hell I’m not sure what I expected her to ask.
“You can’t tell me shit. Can you?” She laughs.
“I can and I can’t. I care about him. Everything else is complicated. You have to trust me, I guess. Trust that I’m following my heart for once, Mallory.” It’s the truth. I thought long and hard on the ride here yesterday. He means more to me than I was willing to admit. My mind was so consumed with what happened to me that I was willing to push him away, when in reality I need him. Not to help me continue to deal with the things I have no control over, but to make me feel for the first time in my life. To feel wanted, needed, and cherished. The way he held me all night meant just as much to me as the way he gave me space for a few days even though he really didn’t want to; and the way he gave up everything without hesitation when I asked him to come here with me for the weekend. I’d be a fool to not see where we can go from here.
“Well, I’m happy for you. You deserve it, you know. Happiness and all.” She takes a sip of her coffee.
“So do you. I saw the way you watched Harris’ ass every time he stood up to poke the fire. I know how your mind works.” I laugh freely, breathing in the fresh country air.
“Even a blind woman would want to be poked by him. Jesus. Have you looked at his ass?” I have. Time to change the subject. I’m thankful yet again nothing happened between the two of us. Whatever did happen, she doesn’t mention it. What we do talk about is the visit with my parents. The dinner we have planned for the following weekend and my visit to see my brother’s grave. I have no guilt left, no shame for what I did to save the man I feel I’m falling in love with and the rest of my team. The truth bears weight that if I hadn’t shot that young boy, I wouldn’t be sitting here with my best friend, I wouldn’t be with the man who, yes, I need in my life. The possibility of him not being a part of my life now is undeniably not an option. I’m falling for the first time in my life, and god help me, I believe he will be there to catch me.
“Jesus Christ, that shit stinks. I could literally throw up my breakfast you gentlemen made for us this morning. That is nasty,” Mallory hollers the minute we walk into the stables toward the horses. I have my shit kickers on, but I sure as hell am not shoveling shit. Thank god he was only joking about it.