Ice (Elite Forces #1)(51)

“Let’s bet on that.” His eyes travel to my ass. Jerk. I’d give myself over to him just for the pleasure he brings me. I’m not betting him that he can take my ass over something I hope like hell is happening or will happen. He may be right, but I ignore him. Harris and Mal deserve to have some fun, and I know neither of them is insane, so I don’t have anything against them finding time together. I step over the saddle and lean forward to watch Kaleb get on his horse as well. We head back at a much slower pace than before and enjoy the view the whole way. He shares more of his life with me, and I absorb every word he says.





CHAPTER SIXTEEN


JADE


I'm watching Harris on the grill and Kaleb standing to his right with a beer in his hand. I know they're talking mission, and I'm okay with that. They're bonding, and that's important to me. I'm actually surprised Kaleb chose to bring Harris on the mission, considering their history, but it makes me feel better knowing he can put aside his issues and acknowledge talent when he sees it.

Mallory is talking, and I'm doing my best to spend as much time with her before I have to leave again.

“Do you know when you'll be leaving again?”

“Soon.”

“Damn it. I was hoping that I'd get you for a few months before you went again.”

“I'm hoping it’ll be short this time.” My eyes drift back to the guys, and I watch them both smile.

“You know I'll be here, and be sure you bring his sexy ass back with you.” She nods her head in Harris’ direction, and I can’t help but interrogate her ass.

“How was the horse ride?”

“It was so peaceful, Jade. I'm definitely going to have to ride again.”

“Are we talking a horse or Harris?”

“Both would be nice, but I'm talking about the horse, you crazy ass.”

“Well, I couldn't tell by the way you look at him.”

“Ehh. He's hot, but so many of them are.”

“Harris is a great guy. He's a riot to be around.”

“Yeah, I've noticed. I've laughed more today than I have in I don't know how long.”

“That's great, Mal.”

“I'm guessing you weren't laughing so much on your ride.” She softly punches my arm, and I laugh at her sorry attempt of hiding that something happened while they were out there.

“No really, we didn't do anything. We just talked about life and shit. He's an interesting guy, and I just loved getting his opinion on things.”

“Maybe we’ll be able to try this trip again when we return.” I say. I’m not one to pry. Well, I am, but not here in front of everyone. She’ll spill her guts out when we get back from this mission.

“I'd love that!” We spend the rest of the evening doing things normal people do every day, and I enjoy every minute of it. It's the simple things like curling my legs up under me on the couch and drinking a cup of coffee or cooking dinner in a fully equipped kitchen, even though the meat was cooked outside on the grill. We keep talking about politics and vacation destinations until we’re all dying to go somewhere tropical with beaches and water surrounding us.

“I'd love to go somewhere like Mexico to eat their authentic food and experience their culture.” Mallory freezes us all when she starts to speak. We all play it off decently well when the initial surprise wears off.

“Nah. Mexico would be fun, but I'm thinking maybe an island somewhere. I'd love the privacy.” Harris insinuates so much with his statement, not to mention his eyes, when he says privacy. Kaleb jerks his head in my direction. His brows lift in a challenging way, and I roll my eyes at him. I won’t admit to him his suspicions are spot-on. No way.

“Well, I think I'm going to bed. I have to head out early, and I'm going to be selfish and take Jade to bed. You two don't mind us if you hear screaming.”

“Kaleb. What the hell?” They all start to laugh, and I stand as he takes me by the hand and pulls me up.

“Yes, old Maverick is a screamer.” I swat his ass with my free hand.

“I'll show your ass a screamer.” He continues to hold my hand as he twirls me once then wraps his arms around me, talking to them with his chin over my shoulder.

“Okay. Good night, you two. Mallory and I will have to play a drinking game or something out here to try to drown out your noise if you're going to go like that.” Harris is smiling, while Mallory looks slightly nervous. She can handle herself, and I know they'll enjoy whatever they actually do. Like f*ck again.

“Night.” Before I get to say much, Kaleb is walking forward, causing me to do the same with him right behind me. His playful hands as we continue down the hall introduce me to this softer side of him. A side of him that's simple and carefree. A side I could really get used to.

Once the door closes behind us, he turns me to face him, and we just breathe each other in. Our foreheads resting on each other and the tips of our noses touching. “I'm never going to want tonight to end.” My words escape before I realize I'm thinking out loud.

He takes both of my hands and pulls them to his mouth. I welcome his soft invasion. He twines our hand together, blanketing them in between our bodies. His slow, maneuvering tongue sweeps across my bottom lip, beginning to unwind me and my beating heart as I feel the intensity rise inside my body. This man has approached me in different styles when it comes to sex, and I can't even tell you which I prefer, because I love what he does to me every time we’re together. He keeps me on my toes, and I find it intriguing that I honestly have no idea what he’ll do next. I'm waiting for his aggressive side to kick in, but it doesn't.