Sparks Fly

A Red Hot and BOOM! story

Mari Carr

Sparks Fly

Copyright 2014 Mari Carr

Smashwords Edition

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

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Formatted by IRONHORSE Formatting

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Epilogue

About the Author

More Red Hot and BOOM!

Other Titles by Mari Carr

Prologue

“Well, look what the cat dragged in. This is an unexpected surprise. Didn’t know Maris’ biggest, baddest lawman was planning to stop by tonight. Where’s Annie?”

Lieutenant Evan Sparks claimed a seat at the counter and smiled at his cousin, Macie. He’d left work a little later than normal and had almost been home when he found his cop car making an illegal U-turn in the middle of Sagebrush Lane to come to Sparks Barbeque instead. The restaurant had been in his family for three generations and it felt more like home sometimes than his actual house.

He’d been depressed all day and he needed some advice. He could count on straight-shooting Macie to lay it all out for him.

Evan shrugged. “She’s at home, I guess.”

Macie narrowed her eyes. “You guess?”

He glanced at his watch. It was almost six-thirty. Quitting time at the bank, where his wife Annie was a loan officer, was at five o’clock. “Yeah. She’ll be home by now.”

Macie reached into the cooler and pulled out a Heineken. She popped the cap and slid it across the counter to him. “And you’re here. Looking like someone shot your dog. Did you two have a fight or something?”

He shook his head. He and Annie rarely fought. At least, not with words. Instead, there was a tension hovering in the air so thickly these days that sometimes Evan thought it would almost be a relief to break it up with some screaming. However, they couldn’t do that because they’d both be yelling at the wrong person. No one was to blame for what was making their lives together so unbearable.

Macie looked around the restaurant. Their older cousins, Jeannette and Sydney, would be in the kitchen cooking, while Macie’s mom Stella and their Uncle TJ were serving dinner and chatting with a large table of patrons in the corner.

The general consensus in Maris, Texas, was that the Sparks family made the greatest barbeque in the world. Countless entrepreneurs and food critics had found their way to Maris in he hopes of bottling the sauce or creating a chain of Sparks restaurants. The family had turned down every offer, dedicated to maintaining quality over mass-producing something that wouldn’t live up to their standards.

Macie always manned the bar, since she was damn easy to talk to and made one hell of a Bloody Mary. She had a bubbly personality and an incredible memory. Evan suspected she knew the drink of choice of every single person who had ever walked into the restaurant.

Once Macie was sure they could chat relatively undisturbed, she leaned over the counter and lowered her voice. “Okay, spill. What’s wrong, Evan?”

He hesitated, though he wasn’t sure why. He’d come here because he needed someone to talk to and he trusted Macie. Evan wondered if it was embarrassment or pride holding him back.

“You know, Mace, there’s only one thing I’ve ever been sure of in my life. One thing I’ve known about myself since I was young.”

“What’s that?”

“That I want to be a father. That’s the life I’ve always wanted to live. The feeling’s always been there.”

Macie sighed softly, her eyes filled with compassion. “Still no luck?”

He shook his head miserably. Evan and Annie had married when they were in their early thirties, both well established in their careers. They’d planned to start a family immediately, hoping for a honeymoon baby. Everyone in town knew they were anxious to become parents and in those early days, very few weeks passed when someone hadn’t asked if they were expecting yet. Then the months turned into a year and that year extended into another. With the passage of time, people stopped inquiring, and actually tried to avoid making eye contact with him and Annie anytime the subject of babies came up.

“I know the doctor said there was nothing medically wrong, but have you and Annie considered talking to someone else?”

“We have.”

Macie seemed surprised by Evan’s admission. He didn’t blame her. She’d been his confidant for most of his life. Maybe it was strange for him to be so close to a female cousin who was several years older than him, but even when they were younger, Macie had felt like a kindred spirit. “When?”

“We drove to Austin a few months ago to see a specialist.”

“And?”

“And Dr. Bryan was right. There’s no medical reason why we can’t conceive, so the specialist gave us some tricks to try. None of them are working.”

“So adopt.” It was an answer Macie had offered countless time in the past two years.

“You know I’d do that in a New York minute, but Annie really wants to have a baby. She doesn’t want to stop trying yet.”

Macie smiled sadly. “None of this is news, Evan. What’s wrong? Why are you here, sweet pea?”

He took a drink of his beer, then he stared at the bottle, unable to hold Macie’s gaze. Then he heard the words that had been trapped inside him for well over a year falling out.

“I’m fucking done in, Mace. I’m tired. Sex is completely regimented. We’re on this schedule. I’m all but punching a goddamn time clock in the bedroom. It’s hurting my marriage. I love Annie. Really love her, but we’re just so tense. Every month when we find out she’s still not pregnant, I hold her while she cries and tell her it will be okay. But what if it’s not? What if those words are a lie and it’s just another way I’m failing her?”

Macie reached out and took his hand, waiting until he raised his eyes to look at her. “You aren’t failing her. Don’t say that. Don’t even think it.”

“I don’t know what to do.”

Macie squeezed his hand. “Everything happens for a purpose and in its own time. Can I make a suggestion?”

Evan nodded. Her advice was the reason he’d come. He was out of ideas and running on empty. He needed someone to point him in the right direction.

“Stop trying.”

He frowned. Hadn’t she been listening? He and Annie wanted to be parents. They wanted to have a baby of their own. “Macie—”

“It’s time to put the baby thing aside and focus on your marriage, Evan. I’m not saying you and Annie should stop trying to get pregnant, but don’t schedule sex or read charts about ovulation times or have Annie stand on her head for twenty minutes afterward or whatever other voodoo shit y’all have been trying.”

Evan laughed. “You think the standing on her head thing would work?”

Macie shook her head and snorted. “I’ll bet you twenty dollars Annie is sitting at home feeling like she’s failing you.”

The thought bothered Evan more than he cared to admit. “That’s ridiculous.”

“She’d say the same thing to you, and you’re both right. It is. You and Annie are a solid couple. You always have been. Don’t fuck that up. So here’s my solution. It’s a holiday weekend. Y’all should put it to good use.”

“I think you’re forgetting I’m a cop and the words ‘Fourth of July’ in this town are synonymous with ‘party ’til you’re stupid’. I’ll be patrolling the streets, arresting drunk drivers.”

Macie frowned. “Maris isn’t that big a town and most of the drunks know to stay put once they got a snoot full. Besides, everybody and their brother will be down by the lake, dancing on the beach then passing out in tents and cabins. You’ve got some seniority at the department. Take the early shift. Give the rookies the later one. It’ll be good experience for them.”

Evan admitted she had a good point. He’d been with the Maris police force for eight years. And though the Fourth typically included lots of heavy partying, he could count on one hand the number of drunken arrests he’d made during the holiday weekend—be it driving under the influence, idiots picking fights, or one fella pissing in the fountain in the middle of town.

“Well…” He couldn’t think of a good reason not to ask for some time off, except lately, work had been his escape from the stress at home.

Macie must have sensed she was wearing him down. “We’re closing the restaurant tomorrow and taking our meat on the road, setting up a big spread like we always do. You and Annie need to come eat, drink, listen to Tyson’s band and then watch the fireworks with all of us. Let’s face it. One night with our crazy family is sure to make you forget your worries. Kick up your heels and shake the rest of this crap off for a little while. The two of you need to give yourselves a break.”

It was good advice. His thoughts had been consumed with worry and fear of what the future held for so long, he couldn’t remember the last time he’d relaxed and simply lived in the moment. Macie was right. If he and Annie didn’t take a big step back, they were in danger of destroying a good marriage. He loved his wife more than anything and the idea of losing her felt like a hard punch to his gut.

It was time to reignite the romance, time for them to remember what it felt like to be in love, without a care in the world. It was time to make the sparks fly again.

Chapter One

Evan glanced at the clock on the dashboard of his car and sighed. He only had a few more minutes left on his shift. Traffic had been steady most of the day as revelers headed to the lake to celebrate the Fourth, but it had slowed down in the last hour or so. He figured most everyone had already gathered by the lake and had started digging into the barbeque ribs Sparks laid out every year. His mouth watered just thinking about them.

He’d taken Macie’s advice and managed to talk his captain into letting him get off early. He had made plans to meet Annie at the lake around six for some barbeque and dancing.

For the first time in months, he was actually looking forward to seeing Annie, rather than worrying about heading home to find her either waiting to rush him into the bedroom because it was a good time for sex, or upset because she’d gotten her period again.

It was date night, and he was determined they were going to have fun. They were going to turn things around this weekend. Get back on track.

He was just about to pull onto the road when he saw a familiar car speeding by, going way faster than the forty-five mph limit. He turned on his lights and followed, grinning at the chase.

His wife had always had a lead foot. They’d actually met when he pulled her over for speeding.

Evan caught up with her car on the outskirts of town. She had the top down on the convertible, enjoying the last of the day’s sunshine. The weather was surprisingly mild for July in Texas, the temperature not creeping much above eighty-five all day. In Maris, any summer day that didn’t touch a hundred was a cool one.

She waved when she spotted him, not bothering to pull over or slow down. Obviously she thought his pursuit was a joke. They were only a few miles away from the turn off to Harper’s Lake, where they’d planned to meet up.

Annie’s family owned a cabin on the lake that they used on weekends and holidays. However, her parents were out of town, visiting Annie’s brother in Seattle this Fourth of July, so he and Annie had decided to take advantage of the empty cabin, packing overnight bags and staying there after the fireworks. It saved them driving back into town later and added to the element of romance. They could almost pretend they were away on vacation if they weren’t in their own bedroom.

As Annie continued to fly down the road, a wicked plan began to play out in Evan’s mind. It would mean missing the barbeque, but it would be worth it. The more road they ate up, the more Evan was convinced he’d discovered the perfect way to rejuvenate and reignite the passion in his marriage.

He and Annie were going to recreate the first night they met—only this time, Evan intended to put a sexy spin on it. A very sexy spin.

He sped up, not bothering to turn off the lights or siren. The road was clear, so he began to overtake her. Once he pulled even to her car, he used the loudspeaker.

“Follow me,” he commanded before continuing past, enjoying the confusion on her face.

When he made the turn for the lake, Annie was right behind him. This was the same road he’d pulled her over on nearly five years earlier. She’d been on her way to the cabin to spend a long weekend with her parents when he’d stopped her for driving way past the legal limit. They’d struck up a conversation as he studied her license and registration. He hadn’t been fooled by her obvious attempts to charm her way out of the ticket, but he’d pretended to fall for them just the same. She’d been flirtatious and funny and he’d tried hard to find ways to keep talking to her. Plus, she’d been wearing a bikini beneath a low-cut cover-up and it had been difficult for him to concentrate on much of anything besides her sexy tits.

Luckily, it had been late and, just like now, he’d been at the end of his shift. Somehow, they’d wound up taking their conversation down to the lake, the two of them sitting on the sandy beach, dipping their toes in the cool water. They’d talked all night. Then, somewhere around four a.m., he’d gotten his courage up enough to lean over to kiss her. He hadn’t kissed another woman since.

Unfortunately tonight, the public beach by the lake would be packed with people celebrating the Fourth of July. What he had in mind required more privacy. A hell of a lot more privacy. He took the left that would lead them down the long, meandering dirt road to her parents’ cabin. It was isolated and perfect for what he planned.

His phone beeped. Glancing at the screen, he spotted a text from Annie. It was simply a question mark, but it made him chuckle. She was probably wondering why he’d gone the wrong way, driving away from their destination.

Texting while driving. Another violation to add to his growing list. She was making things too easy for him. He didn’t bother to reply. Instead he tossed his phone onto the passenger seat and continued. After several minutes, they reached the cabin. It was on a slight incline with a path that led to the lake and a large dock he and her father had built a year earlier after a flood had wiped out the old one.

Maybe they’d make it down to the water eventually. But first, he had some punishments to mete out. His wife had been a very naughty girl.

She started to park her car behind his, but he gestured out his open window for her to go around him. If all went according to plan, he intended to make use of his police car’s spotlights later on.

Annie followed his directions. He stepped out of his car slowly, letting her curiosity build. She started to open her car door, but he said, “Don’t get out of the car,” in his most authoritative policeman’s voice.

She hesitated, glancing over her shoulder, and he wondered if she’d obey. Then she leaned back against her seat and waited for him.

As he approached, she gave him an exasperated look. “Were the siren and lights really necessary the whole way here?”

“License and registration.”

She laughed, making no move to reach for either thing.

He crossed his arms. “License and registration, ma’am.”

Her laughter died at his stern expression. “What are you doing, Evan?”

Evan refused to break character. He had plans for the evening. Back in the early days of their relationship, they’d taken a few walks on the wild side, incorporating role-play into their sexual exploits, blowing vanilla sex out of the water as they experimented with bondage, domination and submission.

The fact that she still hadn’t picked up on his intent proved to just how far they’d let their relationship fall to the wayside.

“Evan—”

“You have ten seconds to produce the paperwork I’ve requested or I’m citing you for not complying with a policeman’s orders—in addition to the speeding and failure to pull over. There are stiff fines attached to evading arrest.” He made sure to emphasize the word stiff, but she missed the sexual innuendo attached to it.

Her eyes narrowed at his haughty tone and he saw a spark of anger flash in her eyes. It had been too long since he’d seen any expression other than sadness or disappointment there. The fury was a welcome sight. It meant the lively, opinionated girl he’d fallen in love with was still there.

She dragged her wallet from her purse, muttering curses that sounded a lot like “jackass” and “arrogant prick,” as she produced her driver’s license.

Annie handed it to him with an annoyed smirk. “Having fun? You realize we share a bank account, so you may want to think about that before slapping too many fines on that ticket. Go too far overboard and our trip to New Orleans this fall is out.” Her tone was pure sarcasm, but he didn’t take the bait. He knew what part he was playing tonight and he fully intended to see her assume her character as well.

He looked at the license. “Annabel Iser.” He purposely left off her married name. “Do you have any idea how fast you were driving, Ms. Iser?”

Her anger was wiped away, replaced once more by confusion. “Um…sixty?”

“Sixty-one. In a forty-five.”

“You know as well as I do that speed limit is set too low. You’ve said so yourself, Evan, so why—”

“My name is Lieutenant Sparks. You can call me Lieutenant. Nothing else.”

She was taken aback by his firm voice, his quick correction. “You’re joking?”

He frowned. “Do I look like I’m joking?” He moved away from her door. “Step out of the vehicle, Ms. Iser.”

Annie opened her door, still leery of his strange behavior. He hoped his next move would help clear things up for her.

He pointed toward the front of the car. “Stand facing the vehicle and put your hands on the hood.”

She moved as he directed, taking her time. No doubt she was waiting for him to call the game to a halt with a laugh. Once she was in position, he stepped behind her. “If you’d been driving four miles per hour faster, I could have charged you with reckless.”

“It’s an obvious speed trap. Proven by the fact you were sitting there. Like a spider on his web capturing poor, unsuspecting flies.”

He leaned closer, letting her feel the erection in his pants as he brushed it along her ass. “And you flew right into it.”

Annie started to step back, intent on rubbing against him, but he moved away, patting her down. At first the touch was cursory, no nonsense. Then he repeated the motions, letting his hands linger on her sides, the tips of his fingers stroking her breasts.

“Are you searching for something special, officer?”

The breathless quality of her voice let him know she’d finally caught up with him.

“I need to be sure you aren’t carrying any concealed weapons.”

She looked over her shoulder and gave him a flirty smile. “Oh, I’m packing heat. But you aren’t looking in the right place.”

He fought to restrain a groan. Annie was a master at dirty talk. Then it occurred to him that this fantasy—the cop and his criminal—was one they’d never played out. Which was strange considering his occupation and the fact he had all the right toys.

“Face forward, Ms. Iser. I don’t think you understand the seriousness of this situation.”

Annie held his gaze a few seconds longer before looking away. Her hips wiggled seductively as he moved his “search” lower. He didn’t take the bait. He had a definite strategy for how the night would unfold and it had everything to do with his pretty criminal submitting to his authority.

“Have you been drinking, Ms. Iser?”

She lifted her shoulders casually, unconcerned, unrepentant. “I may have had a glass of wine earlier. It is a holiday, you know.”

Annie wasn’t much of a drinker, even on the holidays, so he wondered about the wine. Was she feeling the same pressure he was? Had she been looking for a way to relax before seeing him again? That thought made his chest ache. He pushed it away. Hopefully, tonight would help them mend the rifts they’d unconsciously let grow.

He reached for her upper arm, dragging her upright and turning her until she faced him. “Drinking and driving?”

“You don’t really expect me to confess to that, do you, officer?”

“Lieutenant.” The mischief in her eyes told him she was purposely refusing to acknowledge his rank. “And I don’t need your confession. I have a breathalyzer.”

She didn’t pretend to be worried. He loved her spunk, the challenge in her posture. She crossed her arms, allowing them to push up her breasts. The move drew his attention to her hard nipples. His mouth watered for a taste of them, but it was far too early for that. If he started taking off her clothes, the game would end too fast.

For months, he’d viewed sex as a chore, the two of them going through the motions with very little passion or foreplay. As he looked at her flushed face, as he watched her chest rise and fall with breathless expectation, he wanted to kick his own ass for forgetting how good it could be between them.

“Don’t I have to consent to the breathalyzer?”

He shook his head. “I’m not giving you a choice.” He cupped her face in his hands, pulling her closer. “Are you ready?”

He didn’t give her a chance to respond before placing his lips on hers. He pressed them open, touching his tongue to hers. He couldn’t detect even the faintest hint of wine on her breath. Regardless, he kept kissing her, tasting and breathing her air. Evan didn’t need alcohol. He could get drunk on Annie.

Finally, after several minutes, he forced himself to release her, working overtime to maintain control, to stay in character. “You realize you’re in quite a bit of trouble, Ms. Iser.”

She feigned a contrite smile that didn’t fool him for a minute. “Maybe there’s some way I can convince you to forget all this and let me off with a warning?”

He narrowed his eyes. “Are you attempting to bribe a police officer?”

She reached out to run her hand along his chest, toying suggestively with his badge. “I didn’t say anything about a bribe.”

He moved so quickly she didn’t have time to counter or retreat. Evan turned her toward the car, grasping her wrists and tugging them behind her back. She had just begun to struggle when he slapped on the handcuffs. Then he bent over her, pressing her against the hood of the car, letting her helplessness sink in.

“What did you have in mind?” he murmured in her ear.

He’d taken her off-guard. It took her a few moments to regroup.

“I…” She swallowed heavily when he ground his cock more firmly against her ass. “I…” She paused again. Finally she said, “What do you want?”

Evan chuckled. Annie was rarely at a loss for words. It felt good to shake up the self-assured woman. “I want it all, Ms. Iser. Your total submission. For the entire night.”

“Submission?” Annie repeated the word with the same tone some women used when they mentioned chocolate or wine. She wanted the same thing he did. Badly.

“I’m taking you into custody. You will be punished for every single crime you committed tonight—speeding, failure to yield to a policeman, resisting arrest, drinking and driving, carrying a concealed weapon—”

“Hey. You never found that,” she argued.

“Oh, don’t worry, Ms. Iser. I’m definitely going to uncover that heat.” Then he finished his list. “And texting while driving. You’ve been a very naughty woman. So do you agree to my demand or should I read you your rights and take you to lockup now?”

Annie bit her lower lip, pretending to consider her options. He was transported back in time, to the days when sex was playful and fun and so goddamn hot, he went to bed most nights with a cock sore from fucking.

“I don’t want to go to jail,” she said at last.

“Then you’re mine.” Evan made sure to evoke as much menace into his voice as he could. He fully intended to test Annie’s limits tonight. He’d lost his way, so overwhelmed by guilt for letting her down that he’d forgotten what they could truly give each other.

They’d let their disappointment and sadness beat them down until they were mere shadows of their former selves. Somewhere along the line, they had relinquished their desires and given up on their relationship. Tonight, he was reclaiming it…and then he would demand even more.

He lifted the hem of her white sundress, pleased to find her wearing his favorite thong. Annie had dressed for the holiday, adding bright red flip-flops to her outfit and tying her hair in a ponytail with a thick blue ribbon adorned with stars. She’d been ready for an evening spent sitting on the sandy beach by the lake. He ran his hand over the bare cheeks of her ass.

“You were driving sixteen miles over the legal limit,” he said as he continued to stroke.

Annie began to move sensually, soaking up his soft touches. Her chest was still pressed to the hood, her hands constrained behind her back. She was truly his captive. There was little she could do to resist his advances. Evan didn’t think she’d realized that yet. But she would. Soon.

“I’m going to punish you for that, Ms. Iser. Now…count.”

He lifted his hand, striking her firmly on the ass. Annie started to rear up, but without the use of her arms, it took very little for him to hold her against the car. They’d experimented with spanking in the past—only a couple of times—but they hadn’t gone much beyond him taking her over his lap and placing a few taps on her bottom before they gave in to the heat of the moment. Tonight was all about practicing restraint—his and hers.

“Evan—” she said with a gasp.

“You will call me Lieutenant. And you will count.”

He spanked her again, his hand landing on the opposite cheek with the same amount of force.

“Two,” Annie said, still struggling to escape.

He cupped one globe of her ass in his hand as he bent over her back. “No. That was one. The count will start over every time you forget.”

She shot him a dirty look over her shoulder and started to protest. Evan didn’t give her the opportunity. He lifted his hand and struck again.

“Two,” she repeated through gritted teeth and with a look that promised retribution.

He wasn’t worried. He knew how to distract her from her anger. He placed three lighter blows on her upper thighs as she counted. Then he caressed her heated skin. Annie sighed at his softer touch. Unable to resist, Evan ran his finger along her slit, amazed by how incredibly wet she was, her thong drenched.

The last few weeks, they had actually started using lubrication during sex. The fact Evan hadn’t considered that abnormal or wrong drove home just how low he’d sunk. He hadn’t been wrong when he’d told Macie he was letting Annie down—he’d just mistaken the reason.

Never again, he vowed silently. He loved this woman and she deserved all his attention and care…in the bedroom as well as out.

Annie opened her legs, silently urging him to touch her more deeply. He resisted the temptation. The punishment wasn’t over yet.

He lifted his hand and struck her harder on her left cheek. The sudden roughness caught Annie unaware and she nearly forgot to count. He was just about to tell her to start over when she quickly said, “Six!”

He repeated the motion a half-dozen more times—varying the placement and strength.

Annie was gasping for breath as she said “thirteen.” He stopped once more. He didn’t even need to touch her to feel the fire radiating from her body. She wasn’t complaining about the pain. Instead, the spanking had morphed into something that was clearly pushing her arousal higher. She quietly pleaded for more. He wondered if she meant for him to continue the spanking or if she wanted a different sort of more.

He shoved the string of her thong aside and pushed two fingers inside her pussy, marveling at the pressure of her inner muscles as they clenched around him. Damn. How good would that heat, those strong contractions feel on his cock?

He thrust shallowly a few times before pulling out.

Annie cursed him loudly, demanding he continue. He silenced her with the final three slaps, letting that action remind her who was in control.

She pressed her forehead against the hood of the car. “Please. I need you.” The words fell out on a whisper. It took all the strength in his body to refuse her. He couldn’t recall the last time he’d brought her to this place, to the moment where she wanted him with such a fierce hunger.

“That’s right, Ms. Iser. I want you to beg me. Plead for me to fuck you.”

The use of her maiden name seemed to draw Annie back into the game, to remind her of where they were and what he wanted from her.

“I won’t beg you, Officer,” she taunted.

God, he loved her. He lifted her from the car, letting her sundress fall back into place. She challenged him with a gaze that said she was ready for more, that she was capable of handling everything he dished out. He couldn’t wait to prove her wrong. He was going to demand more than he’d ever asked for before.

He lifted his hand to her face, cupping her cheek. Then he let his gaze slide down to her lips. He touched them. “Such a pretty mouth.”

She licked her lips. “Evan.”

He placed his finger on her mouth to keep her from saying more, his expression stern. “Before the night is over, you will call me Lieutenant.”

She didn’t deny it with words, but the fire in her eyes let him know she would resist until the bitter end.

He opened the driver’s side door and urged her to sit sideways on the seat. He didn’t miss her slight wince when she landed on her sore bottom. The alpha male he’d kept locked away for too long felt like beating his chest. He was marking this beautiful woman as his. There was something heady about making sure she’d remember this night every time she sat down for the next few days.

His cocky grin must have revealed his pride because she narrowed her eyes in a way that said she’d get her revenge eventually.

Her hands were still cuffed behind her back. Though he wanted to challenge her, to keep her on edge, the part of him that had always stood as her protector came to the forefront. “Are the cuffs too tight? Are they hurting you?”

She shook her head.

“Then they stay on.” Bending forward, he lifted her slightly so he could raise her dress, the material gathering around her waist. Then he tugged her thong off, tossing it aside.

“Open your legs, Ms. Iser.”

He loved the way her eyes went heavy every time he used her maiden name. It continued to fuel the fantasy, to keep her on edge. And hot.

She spread her thighs a few inches. She wasn’t finished fighting him yet. Annie intended to make him work for everything. He stepped between her legs, using his knees to open her as wide as the confines of the car would allow. The height of her sitting on the seat, with him standing in the open door, was perfect for what he had in mind next.

Evan unhooked his gun belt, laying it on the backseat of the convertible. Annie’s gaze never left his hands as he unzipped his pants, then reached in to draw out his cock. He held back the groan of relief he felt as he freed his erection. He’d reached critical mass the moment she’d stepped out of the car and the tightness of his pants had become painful.

Annie moved forward slightly, but he halted her.

“I haven’t told you what to do.”

She looked up. “I hardly think I need instructions.”

Her sassy smile faded when he pulled the ribbon out of her hair, her auburn waves falling over her shoulders. He wrapped a handful of tresses around his fingers, tugging it roughly.

Annie flushed, her breathing becoming rapid.

“You will do exactly as I say and nothing more.” He stroked his cock with one hand as she watched, the other still gripping her hair, holding her captive.

Annie didn’t resist his tight hold or try to take control. Slowly, the submissive part she kept at bay ninety-nine percent of the time started to emerge. They’d only scratched the surface on her desire to yield to him during their previous sexual games, but Evan had recognized her needs.

“Open your mouth, Ms. Iser.”

She complied so quickly, Evan failed to hide his smile as he directed his cock toward her pretty lips. Even without the use of her hands, Annie was more than able to test the limits of his control. She drew her tongue along the sensitive underside of his cock, humming as she dipped the tip of it into the slit at the head of his dick.

He took several deep breaths, forcing himself to calm down, to resist. “Did I tell you to do anything more than open your mouth?”

Annie stilled, raising her eyes to his face. He didn’t withdraw from her mouth, didn’t wait for an answer.

“I told you to do exactly what I say. Nothing more. Understand?”

He fought a wave of lightheadedness when she nodded, his cock still deep inside her mouth.

“I’m not interested in a blowjob, Ms. Iser. You’re mine this weekend. You’re here for my pleasure. And what I want right now is to fuck your mouth.” His words were deliberately crude. They’d spent the past year tiptoeing around each other in the bedroom, playing nice until Evan thought he’d go mad. The kid gloves were off. His wife was going to see the man he longed to be.

She nodded once more, her eyes telling him she wanted the same thing. He used his grip on her hair to direct her motion. Pushing his hips toward her, he pulled her forward. His cock brushed the back of her throat. She gagged slightly, trying to fight against his hold. He didn’t relinquish, didn’t release her.

He continued to thrust in, pushing her farther than he’d ever dared. On the fifth pass, her throat opened and his cock slid deeper. Annie groaned, the sound triggering something primal inside him.

Evan moved faster, took her with more force. She was with him. Her mouth opened wider and soon it wasn’t his hand moving her toward him, it was Annie increasing the pace, the depth. She was wild, unrestrained. Beautiful.

Evan closed his eyes as his balls drew tight. Then he held Annie still, his cock exploding, sending jet after jet of come down her throat. She swallowed, and as he started to withdraw, she followed him, licking him clean with her tongue, sucking lightly on his now flaccid cock.

He pulled free, reaching down to pull her up. He held her face as he kissed her. When they parted, it was on the tip of his tongue to tell her how much he loved her, but he wasn’t ready to leave the game yet. There were still fences to mend.

He turned her away from him gently, releasing her from the cuffs. She started to rub her wrists, but he stopped her, massaging them himself.

Annie was uncharacteristically quiet. One look at her face told him she had fallen deep into the fantasy. Time to take it up a notch.

“Don’t get used to your freedom, Ms. Iser. You’re still in custody.”

He led her to a tree nearby. The sun had set as day gave way to dusk. When it grew darker, he’d move them back to the convertible and make use of the spotlights on his police car. His cock—though sated—twitched as he considered his plans for the rest of the evening.

“Take off that dress.”

Annie didn’t hesitate as she reached for the hem, tugging the lightweight cotton over her head in one quick motion. She made no move to undress further. His little submissive was learning her lessons well.

“Kick off your flip-flops.”

Again, she complied instantly.

He stepped closer and reached into the cups of her lacy bra. Evan drew her breasts over the stretchy material, so they were pushed up, her nipples tempting him to take a taste.

Bending his head, he sucked one turgid tip roughly into his mouth. She gasped, her hands flying to his hair. He stood rapidly, stripping the bra off. He needed to see every bare inch of her.

Then Evan tugged out the handcuffs he’d stuffed into his back pocket. His pants were still open, though he’d tucked his cock inside his boxers. It wouldn’t stay there for long. Just the image of her naked had the blood rushing south once more.

He grasped her hands, lifting them above her head. He’d picked his spot well. It was perfect for what he had in mind. Evan tossed the cuffs over a branch then secured her wrists once more. The branch was low enough to allow her to bend her elbows slightly while still standing with her feet flat on the ground. He studied her face, checking to make sure she was comfortable.

Saucy little thing winked at him.

He schooled his features, though it was hard. Annie always knew how to make him laugh. “Apparently I’m going too easy on you. After all, this is punishment, Ms. Iser.”

She didn’t bother to hide her pleasure. She clearly loved being bound, at his mercy. They would definitely have to expand on this concept in the future. He wasn’t going to be a fool again, wasn’t going to lose sight of what they could do to and for each other.

Evan recalled the way she’d taken his cock into her mouth, the pleasure she’d given him. Now it was her turn. He knelt before her, grasping her ankle to guide one leg over his shoulder. It left her pussy level with his mouth and open, his for the taking.

He drew his tongue along her slit, tasting her sweet juices, soaking in the sound of her startled but aroused, “Oh!”

Evan cupped her ass as he held her pussy to his mouth. He used his teeth to tease her clit before dipping his tongue inside her. Annie jerked, so he tightened his grip, holding her still for his sensual assault.

“God, Evan.”

He savored her cries as he moved his hands, using them to separate the globes of her ass. He continued to fuck her with his tongue as his fingers drifted toward her anus. She was gyrating wildly and oh so close to coming. He knew her tells. Years spent as lovers had made him an expert on Annie’s orgasms. Not that he’d been utilizing that knowledge the way he should have lately.

He ran one fingertip around the rim of her anus. She gasped then closed her eyes.

“Please.” The word escaped on a hungry whisper.

Anal play was one area they hadn’t explored in the past. Annie has always pulled away whenever he made the suggestion and he respected her boundaries. Given her response to his touch, he regretted giving up so easily.

Evan shifted away for a moment. It took only a few seconds for Annie to realize he didn’t intend to return to her pussy.

Her eyes opened, finding his. “Don’t stop.”

“Don’t tell me what to do.” He deliberating kept his voice low, the tone rife with warning. He pressed one finger into her pussy, letting the juices of her arousal coat it. Then he dragged it back and pushed it into her ass.

Annie’s gaze never left his. He waited for her to struggle, to try to escape, to refuse the touch, but she didn’t. Instead, she watched him. Let him expose her to the new experience.

He didn’t move quickly, careful to read her expressions, looking for any sign of discomfort. He saw none. Once his finger was buried to the hilt, he paused. He knew what he wanted, but he also knew now wasn’t the place or time. He’d need to prepare her for the experience. And they needed lube.

Even so, he wanted to ramp up her anticipation, play with her mind as much as her body to enhance the experience. The dominant Lieutenant who’d taken her into custody with the intention of using her wouldn’t care about her comfort.

“I’m going to fuck you here.” Eventually.

She blinked rapidly, her brows creasing. Evan schooled his features, careful not to grin at her obvious uncertainty. The sensual threat increased his desire when he realized something—she wanted to say no, but she also wanted to say yes.

She wans to say yes?

He took a deep breath, cataloging that information for later. He may have impulsively jumped on board the kinky train, but he sure as hell wasn’t getting off at the next stop. Evan fully planned to ride this thing all the way to the end of the line. They would need years to indulge all the sexy ways he wanted to take his wife. And anal sex had just jumped to the top of the list.

“Stop thinking, Ms. Iser. I wasn’t asking your permission. Merely telling you what’s going to happen.”

Annie digested that information quickly, then like the sun emerging through dark clouds after a storm, her face cleared, her confusion passed.

Evan slowly pulled his finger out before thrusting it back in—once, twice—before removing it completely. She was gasping once more, her arousal fired to full blast within seconds.

Then he stood and stepped away from her.

Annie frowned, the anger he’d seen when he’d first pulled her over reemerging. “Wait, I was close.”

She was damn close. Which was why he’d stopped.

“And you’re going to get closer still, but you’re forgetting why you’re here. This night is about your punishment and my pleasure.” That wasn’t entirely true—he had no intention of leaving her unsatisfied—but the way her body flushed and her nipples tightened every time he spoke of her incarceration told him she liked that fantasy. One of her favorite roles whenever they used to play was that of the captive. She loved the thrill of the chase, the exhilaration as she tried to escape. She never failed to put up a fight. Her aggression and failure to submit triggered the Dom in him and those nights—the rough fucking, the explosive passion—had been the most incredible of his life.

How had they traveled so far from there to here?

“Evan, please, I need—”

He stood quickly, grasping her hair roughly. “You will call me Lieutenant. Continue to forget and you won’t enjoy the consequences.”

A soft moan escaped her lips. Annie tried to take a step closer to him, fighting the bondage to rub against him. She was sex and sin rolled into one. It would be far too easy for him to uncuff her, toss her to the ground and pound into her sweet body all night.

He tightened his grip, holding her away from him. “Say ‘yes sir’.”

She resisted his demand a heartbeat too long.

“Say it, Ms. Iser. Now. Or I’ll make damn sure you don’t come tonight.”

“Yes sir,” she whispered.

Evan tugged the key to the handcuffs out of his pocket, reaching above her head to unhook her. He put the keys and cuffs away. They’d used them enough this evening and he didn’t want to hurt her, keeping her bound for too long.

Annie’s arms fell to her sides and he was there, ready to stroke the blood back into them. He massaged her shoulders, working his way down before clasping her smaller hands in his.

He leaned forward, unable to stand being even a few inches away from her. He squeezed her hands. “Ready to continue?”

Chapter Two

Annie nodded, and then added, “Yes sir,” to her response. Evan’s eyes darkened with lust. She couldn’t recall the last time he’d looked at her with so much hunger, so much need. Her heart ached with the beauty of it. And the relief. And the excitement.

Annie wasn’t sure what the hell had gotten into her husband, but she wasn’t going to look this gift horse in the mouth. She’d had a glass of wine earlier in the day, hoping it would relax her because she’d been nervous about tonight. Lately the tension between her and Evan had grown so thick, she feared she’d need a sledgehammer to break through it.

She’d been so scared these past few months. Evan had slipped further and further away from her with each passing day and she hadn’t had a clue how to pull him back. Now he was standing in front of her, bringing all her wildest fantasies to life.

He reached for her and before she realized his intent, he’d lifted her into his arms. She resisted the hold, insisting he put her down. She had gained some weight since they’d married and part of her was embarrassed for him to realize how much.

“Be still.” His voice was gruff, powerful. The timbre sent shivers of excitement through her.

Even so, she tried to escape his grip. “Put me down. I’m too heavy.”

His eyes narrowed, the slightest trace of anger creeping in. “No. You’re not.” He’d been walking toward the car, but he stopped at her protestation. She ceased her struggles when it became apparent he wouldn’t move again until she obeyed him.

“Are you ready to behave?”

She stopped squirming. Then reluctantly nodded, hoping it would encourage him to hurry up and get where he was going.

He raised one eyebrow until she added, “Yes sir.”

Annie wasn’t sure what it was about her that loved it when Evan turned into this commanding alpha male. She certainly didn’t want him trying to call the shots in their daily lives; she enjoyed the true partnership they shared when establishing a budget or dividing the household chores. But in moments like this, there was something about being taken over by a powerful, sexy man that made her panties melt and her heart race.

Evan continued to hold her for several moments longer, letting his lesson sink in, before starting toward her car. He walked to the trunk of the convertible and lowered her slowly to the ground.

Patting the metal, he said, “Hop up there.”

Night had fallen. While the sky was clear and the moon was shining, most of the light it offered was hidden behind the thick overhang of leaves from the trees. She was grateful for the darkness.

Though she was used to walking around in front of her husband naked, it was slightly unnerving to be so revealed outside, regardless of the remoteness of the area.

She reached behind her, using her hands to hoist herself up. Evan stood before her, waiting until she was seated. Then he grasped her knees, pulling them apart.

“Don’t move,” he commanded.

She was startled when he stepped away from her, turning and walking to his car. She wanted to call out, ask him where the hell he was going. He’d left her hanging—literally and figuratively—at the tree. Her body hadn’t forgotten the orgasm he’d denied her. However, she managed to bite her tongue, certain the dominant man her husband had become would add that to her list of punishable offenses. She smiled at the thought, sorely tempted to do it simply for that reason.

Her grin died when Evan reached into his car, turning on spotlights that cast her center stage. She reached up to shield her eyes, unconsciously closing her legs.

“Hold the position I put you in.”

She froze, wariness creeping in. Annie knew there was no one else around. That Evan was the only one who could see her—and he’d seen her naked at least a thousand times in the past. But that didn’t make exposing herself like this any easier.

“Ms. Iser.”

She repressed a shiver at his use of her maiden name. It was all he’d called her tonight and damn, if it didn’t make her a little bit wetter every time he uttered it.

Slowly, she opened her legs. Her cheeks flushed, her skin growing hot. Evan walked to the front of his car and leaned against the hood. She lost sight of his features as the bright lights overwhelmed her vision, making him appear as nothing more than a silhouette.

Less than ten feet separated them, but he felt much farther away. Without a clear view of him or the sound of his breathing, it seemed as if she was completely alone. It was unnerving…and exciting.

It was quiet except for the natural sounds surrounding them—crickets chirping, a slight breeze rustling the leaves, the more distant lapping of the lake against the dock. Evan didn’t speak for several moments, which left her even more in the dark.

What was he doing? Thinking? Typically she could tell from his tone or expression if he was tired, stressed-out, hungry or amused.

Now, he’d hidden from her, leaving her exposed under the lights. It forced her to focus not on him, but on herself, on her own feelings. As the minutes stretched, Annie was lulled into a state of relaxation by the gentle rhythm of the water in the distance. The heat produced by the police car’s lights made her almost sluggish, sleepy. She stopped worrying about her nudity or Evan’s impression of her.

She was pleasantly warm, fuzzy, horny. Her arousal hadn’t waned. In fact, it had grown.

“Touch yourself.”

She jumped slightly when he finally broke the silence. Had she somehow given herself away? Revealed her need?

It took her a moment to process his command. By then, he’d lost patience.

“I’m not going to repeat myself, Ms. Iser.”

Her hands moved to her breasts—seemingly of their own accord—and she cupped them, letting their plumpness fill her palms. The women in her family had a history of being rather well endowed. Most of the time she cursed her large boobs, wishing she didn’t have to lug the ungainly things around all day.

Evan, however, loved her breasts. It wasn’t unusual for the two of them to fall asleep, him spooning her from behind with one of her breasts in the hand he’d wrapped around her.

She squeezed the globes harder, intending to use the action to arouse him. He was still hidden in the shadows.

Was he watching? Was her sexy peepshow working?

Annie moved her fingers to her nipples, sucking in a shallow breath when she stroked the sensitive tips. How long had it been since she’d felt like this—her body on fire, her pussy clenching with a gut-aching need?

She pinched her nipples tightly, pushing the sensation just beyond pleasure to pain. She winced, not because it hurt, but because the rough touch sent shards of electrical currents directly to her clit. She started to close her legs, hoping to find some relief, but she recalled Evan’s order.

He wanted her legs open, wanted her completely exposed. After the magical wickedness of the evening, she couldn’t think of anything she wouldn’t give him right now. She’d fallen in love with the man five years earlier that first night by the lake, and she’d fallen just a bit deeper every single day since then.

Evan didn’t speak as she played with her breasts, didn’t offer commands or try to direct her actions. If not for his silhouette leaning against the car, she could almost forget he was there.

Almost.

Annie moved one hand lower, drawing it over her stomach to her pussy. She wondered if Evan would stop her. He didn’t move, so she took the freedom he offered.

She needed to come. Like yesterday. The need had built up until she’d reached the point of no return. He’d told her to touch herself and that was exactly what she was going to do.

She caressed the firm bud of her clit, going straight for the kill. She was no stranger to masturbation, to finding her own pleasure. She’d spent too many single years before meeting and marrying her hot cop. Too many lonely nights.

As she increased the speed and pressure, she was overcome with gratefulness that she had met Evan. Though her touch was doing the trick, she realized whatever climax she gave herself would be lukewarm compared to the explosive sparks Evan provoked.

Or at least, the ones he used to provoke. Before she became obsessed with getting pregnant and having babies.

Guilt crept in and Annie hesitated, her fingers pausing mid-stroke. She didn’t want to come without him. Didn’t want to keep feeling alone in a house where she wasn’t alone. Annie spent every single night with Evan and yet, she’d missed him.

Now he was there, with her, and she needed this time to make things right between them.

“Don’t stop,” he commanded.

She wanted to submit, wanted to give him what he asked for, but first…

“I’m sorry.”

Evan didn’t reply immediately and she suspected her apology confused him. After all, how was he supposed to know what she was sorry for?

“I’m so sorry, Evan. For everything. I know I haven’t been the easiest person to live with lately, but—”

She didn’t get another word out of her mouth. Evan was there, crossing the distance between them in three long strides.

“Hush,” he urged, pressing his lips firmly to hers. She clung to him as he deepened the kiss. Their tongues tangled as tears sprung to her eyes.

She’d missed this closeness, this passion. She gripped his hair more tightly when she sensed him trying to pull away. She wasn’t finished yet. She needed more. So much more.

Evan reached behind her, tugging her ass toward him, dragging her to the edge of the trunk of the car. She reached down, drawing his cock from his still-open pants. It occurred to her they’d spent the last couple of hours with her in some state of nakedness while he was fully dressed. They’d address that issue later.

For now…

She directed his cock to her wet opening, groaning as he pressed deep, thrusting inside with one relentless, powerful motion.

Annie wrapped her legs around his waist, trying to pull him even closer. The incredible restraint her husband had shown all night appeared to be lost.

He grasped her hips, keeping her in place as he took her. Neither of them held back anything as he pounded harder, Annie urging him on.

“More! God, more,” she demanded.

Evan pressed on her shoulder, directing her to recline on the trunk, tugging her ass closer to the edge. He slowed his motions, thrusting shallowly, stoking the fire but controlling the blaze. Evan’s gaze traveled along her body, the admiration reflected there making her feel beautiful, cherished.

Then his hands followed the path of his eyes. He ran his fingers along her neck and down her chest. The delicate stroking provoked a strong shiver. She was a woman on the edge.

“I need—”

“Shhh,” Evan admonished. “I know what you need, Annie.”

He cupped her breasts in his hands as he slowed his thrusting even more. She started to tell him it was clear he didn’t have a damn clue what she needed.

Then he pinched her nipples.

Annie’s back arched, her pussy clenching greedily on his cock. Stars flew behind her closed eyelids.

He pinched again.

She pressed her hands flat against the car, wishing she had something to grab on to. She was in serious danger of flying away.

Evan bent forward to kiss away the little pangs of pain, his mouth gently sucking one of her nipples in. With his tongue, he soothed and stroked. Annie balled her hands into fists as she fought for the strength to hold on.

She’d been on the verge of coming for hours, yet she didn’t want to give into it yet. Something told her that the pressure building would explode white-hot, and it would be magnificent. She wanted Evan with her for that.

So she sucked in some much-needed air then bit her lip, hoping to distract herself with the pain.

Evan rose once more. She instantly missed the heat of his body on her chest, his departure reminding her once again that they were outside.

Though night had fallen, the temperature hadn’t. Instead, the humid July air, the heat produced from the bright spotlights and the fire raging in her body left her in danger of suffocating. And the worst part was she welcomed that intensity.

Evan didn’t seek to increase his pace. Instead, he drew his hand away from her breast, lightly teasing the skin of her stomach before drifting even lower. He found her clit instantly. The man was an expert on her body, though she’d sort of forgotten that fact.

She was ashamed of herself for taking the joy out of their bedroom, for making Evan feel like nothing more than a stud to her broodmare. She’d stopped treating him like a man, like her lover. Instead, she’d become a slave to ovulation charts and optimum body temperatures, snapping her fingers whenever she needed him and turning her back on nights when she didn’t.

Another apology rose, but Evan wiped it away, distracted her from the words when he pressed her clit harder, stroking it faster. He’d begun to move once more, his thick cock traveling deep, touching every hot spot. With his fingers on her clit and his dick inside her, he slowly, steadily drove her to the brink of paradise.

“Come with me, Annie.”

She didn’t need to be told twice. Her head fell back against the car as her climax flashed. For a moment, she panicked it was stronger than she was and she wouldn’t survive the tremors, the sizzling electricity flowing through her veins.

She was overwhelmed, overcome. Undone.

Evan briefly stiffened as her inner muscles clenched his cock, his fingers tightening where they now gripped her hips. “Fuck,” he muttered. “Shit. Yeah. God, baby!”

Annie had only just started to come down, had only found one second of reprieve before Evan’s hard thrusts triggered another climax. Her cries were drowned out when sparks of red, white and blue began to light the darkened sky, a loud explosion—matching the one inside her head—disrupted the quiet night.

Evan joined her, filling her with hot jets of come. He slowly leaned forward, holding himself above her on his elbows. He kissed her as more fireworks flashed. Neither of them sought to separate, too wrapped up in the wonder and magic of the moment.

He kissed her softly, matching her smile. Then he studied her face and the somberness she’d grown too used to returned.

“I’m the one who’s sorry, Annie.”

She shook her head, unwilling to hear him take even the slightest bit of blame. “No.”

He pressed a quick kiss to her lips to silence her. “I love you.”

She swallowed heavily, trying to dislodge the lump in her throat. “I know, Evan. I’ve never doubted it. I hope you realize that. But I’m sure I’ve made you question my feelings for you.”

“No. You haven’t. God, Annie. I’ve failed you in so many ways.”

She scowled. “Don’t say that. Don’t think it. It’s ridiculous and wrong.”

He gave her a crooked grin. “Macie said the same thing to me.”

She didn’t return his smile, too upset by his words. “You’ve never let me down. Never. Not once.”

He lifted one eyebrow and she suddenly understood exactly how he felt like he was failing her. She repeated her previous assertion. “Never, Evan.”

He reached up to cup her cheek. “How did we forget this? How good it was between us?”

She chuckled softly. “I have no idea. Pure insanity.”

“It won’t happen again. You have my word.”

“And you have mine.” No matter what life threw at them, Annie refused to let stress or disappointment or fear drive them apart again. As long as she had him in her life, they could handle all the rest together.

Evan stood slowly, provoking a slight shiver as he withdrew. She pressed her legs together, trying to hold on to the memory of his possession, to trap the heat for as long as she could.

She was surprised when he walked away from her, back toward the tree. She sat up, giving him a questioning look when he returned with her flip-flops.

“Here. Slip these on.”

She did as he asked as Evan went to his car, turning off the spotlights and grabbing a blanket from the trunk. “Grab those beach towels from your bag.”

Annie reached into the backseat, procuring the towels. Then she took the hand he proffered, letting Evan lead her to the trail that meandered to the lake.

As they got closer to the water, she could see the light of a big bonfire in the direction of the public beach. The fireworks display still lit up the sky. If she listened very closely, she could hear faint strains of music. Evan’s cousin, Tyson, had formed a band last winter—the talented group blowing most people in Maris away with their rockabilly sound.

When they reached the dock, Evan released her hand and began to disrobe. She watched him in silence, enjoying the sexy striptease and the way the moonlight and brightly colored flashes of fireworks lit his skin.

Once he was naked, he walked toward the ladder at the end of the dock. “Feel like skinny dipping?”

She giggled. “I’d love to. I’m so hot right now.”

He winked at her. “You’re always hot, Annie. But yeah, I swear the temperature is rising tonight. You gotta love Texas in July.”

Evan climbed down the ladder, sliding into the water with a loud sigh. Annie was right behind him. The cool water felt like heaven against her overheated skin.

Evan was waiting for her a few feet from the dock. She swam straight into his open arms, loving the strength in his hold.

They’d spent countless summer days—and nights—in this lake together, playing or floating or just diving in to cool off before getting right back out again. They had gone swimming that first night he’d pulled her over. The sun had been coming up, adding to the heat that hadn’t waned a bit. She’d been wearing a cover-up over her bathing suit, so she’d suggested they take a morning swim to cool off.

Evan had accepted her invitation, stripping off his uniform until he was left in only boxers. Then he’d joined her in the cool water. And just like now, she’d swum into his arms, the two of them kissing and floating, content to cling to each other, swaying with the water.

The fireworks display ended, allowing them to hear the sounds from the beach more clearly.

“Orange Blossom Special?” Annie asked, picking up on the tune of one of her favorite songs.

Evan smiled, nodding. “Do you want to get dressed and head down to the beach? I suspect the party still has a few more good hours in it.”

She shook her head. “No. I’m happy here. With you.”

They kissed once again. Then a thousand more times. Annie wasn’t sure how long they stayed in the water, but by the time Evan suggested they get out, she noticed the party had quieted and the moon had shifted a bit farther along the sky.

Grasping a towel, Evan dried her, wrapping her in the soft terrycloth before retrieving the other for himself. He spread the blanket over the grass at the edge of the shore. They lay down together, both falling to their backs to stare at the night sky.

Evan reached out, clasping her hand. They didn’t talk for a long time. Annie was lost in her thoughts—reliving the wonder of the night.

Then she recalled his fears. Evan had truly thought he’d been failing her. Just the idea of it caused her heart to break. She’d been so wrapped up in her own sadness and self-pity, she’d let those hurts affect her marriage and upset Evan.

She shifted to her side, facing him. “Evan—”

He looked at her. The expression on his face told her he knew what she was going to say. “No. Not tonight.”

“But—”

“We need to talk about it, Annie. And we will. I promise. I mean, God only knows what I’d be without you.” He rolled toward her, pulling her beneath him. “But for tonight, can we just focus on Annie and Evan?”

His request required no thought. She understood what he wanted and she knew how important this time was. They had some rebuilding to do. Some trust to reestablish. There was plenty of time for them to talk about the future—about children, conception, adoption. None of that mattered if they didn’t fix what they’d broken in their search for those things.

She reached up to touch his face, careful to school her features. “No. We can’t.”

Evan frowned at her refusal.

“We can’t be Evan and Annie tonight.” She gave him what she hoped was a sultry smile. “But I would like to spend some more time with that sexy lieutenant. Damn if he doesn’t know how to make sparks fly.”

Evan chuckled.

And then, before her very eyes, her dominant, sexy, amazing husband transformed himself into the man of her dirtiest fantasies. He stripped the towel from her body, and then parted her legs with his.

She closed her eyes, sighing when his thick erection parted her sensitive folds, thrusting deep.

“Open your eyes, Ms. Iser. Look at me.”

She obeyed, giving him a sexy smile. “Yes, Lieutenant.”

Epilogue

Evan walked into Sparks Barbeque after his shift ended. He’d promised Annie he’d pick up their dinner—nothing like barbeque to go—on his way home. Macie was in her usual place behind the bar.

“Jeannette is just finishing up your order. Good thing you called ahead. This place is packed. Lots of people looking to kick off the long Labor Day weekend with beer and barbeque.”

Evan grinned. “That’s my plan too. Only I’m doing my celebrating at home.”

Macie gave him a funny look. “You’re a cop. Didn’t think you guys found much pleasure in three-day holiday weekends, between the traffic and the drunks.”

“Didn’t say I was celebrating Labor Day. Or at least…not the kind of labor you’re thinking of.”

Macie tilted her head, confused. “Have you already started drinking? What the hell are you talking about?”

“I’m saying that I’ll be celebrating a different sort of labor day in about seven months. Right around the fourth of April.”

Evan watched the light go on.

“Shut the front door!” Macie exclaimed so loudly most of the patrons in the restaurant turned to look at her.

He and Annie had kept her pregnancy a secret until they’d seen a doctor and eight weeks had passed, and they were more confident everything was okay. They’d broken the news to their parents earlier in the week, but they’d asked them to keep it quiet for a little while. This morning he had asked Annie if he could tell Macie, since it was her good advice that had led to this moment.

What he’d failed to realize was that telling Macie in a public place was the equivalent of telling everyone. The woman had no poker face, her emotions—whether it be anger, sadness, or absolute joy—radiating from every part of her.

She jumped up and down several times before coming around the bar to tackle hug him. Luckily he’d seen her coming and had time to plant his feet. She leapt at Evan, hugging him tightly as she laughed and cried.

Macie’s crazy response drew a crowd, and soon Evan found himself embraced by three more cousins and two aunts who happened to be there. Then several men—friends and family—slapped him on the back, adding their congratulations.

“I see you told Macie.”

Evan turned to find Annie standing close. He gave her a sheepish grin. “I’d intended to tell just her.”

Annie laughed. “That’s why I stopped by. It occurred to me when I left work that breaking the news in Sparks Barbeque would pretty much open the floodgate.”

Macie offered Annie the same exuberant hug as Jeannette unpacked their take-home boxes, insisting they stick around to eat so everyone could celebrate.

He and Annie claimed two stools at the bar, enjoying the buzz as Macie proclaimed Annie was having a son and Jeannette and Sydney began making a list of baby names for them.

Soon, his family drifted away to wait on the other customers. Annie ignored his teasing when she ordered an extra helping of coleslaw for her barbeque, insisting it was fine since she was eating for two.

Evan watched her, soaking up her smiles and laughing at her exuberance as she ate. He’d counted at least three throaty “mmms,” two “oh my God, that’s good” moans, and a “wow” that was accompanied by a sexy lick of her fingers.

Evan shifted on the stool, trying to coax his ever-growing erection down. He was getting seriously turned on by his wife’s enjoyment of her dinner. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder after they finished the meal. “What do you say we head home, Ms. Iser? I have a hankering to hear you make all those delicious noises again. In bed.”

Annie was off the stool before he’d added the last bit. “You’ll have to catch me first, Lieutenant.”

And with that she jiggled her car keys with a giggle and left.

Evan threw some money on the counter to pay for their dinner then said good night to Macie. As he pulled his police car onto the road, he switched on the lights and siren with a grin.

Life was good.

It was very, very good.

About the Author

Writing a book was number one on Mari Carr’s bucket list. Now her computer is jammed full of stories — novels, novellas, short stories and dead-ends. A New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller, Mari finds time for writing by squeezing it into the hours between 3 a.m. and daybreak when her family is asleep.

You can visit Mari’s website at www.MariCarr.com. She is also on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.

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Return to Her

Red Hot and Boom!

Alexandra O’Hurley

©2014

The following morning, Cassie sleepily wandered toward the smell of fresh brewed coffee, rubbing her sleep-filled eyes. As she started to see more clearly, she stopped at the edges of her kitchen and saw a shirtless Mason standing over her stove. He was in his boxer-briefs and dog tags, which left nothing to the imagination. Nothing. And, my God, the man was chiseled out of marble.

Her gaze followed a tattoo curving up one large bicep and onto his shoulder. Another piece of impressive ink graced his muscular back, and crept to the other side, out of her line of sight. His skin was dark and tanned from hours of being in the sun, even his dark hair was a touch lighter at the tips, she noted. When he turned to get something out of the fridge, she saw a light smattering of hair over his chest, arrowing down to the waistband of his boxer-briefs and disappearing.

Cassie’s nipples tightened as she watched him move about her kitchen. Wetness pooled between her legs, and a telltale throb started there as well. Her mouth salivated over more than the delicious smelling food.

Mason looked over his shoulder, his lips widening into a smile. “Good morning, Sleepy Head. How did you sleep?”

Cassie scuffed into the kitchen in her slippers and robe, suddenly feeling very plain compared to his gorgeous face and body. “I slept better than I expected.” She went to the coffee maker and poured herself a cup, watching him flip over a couple of pieces of French toast. “I didn’t know you were such a good cook.”

“One learns a thing or two, especially working at the kitchen. I make a mean pot of stew now.”

She smiled a little at the reminder of how wonderful he could be. But then her brain reminded her that the Casanova had probably perfected his breakfast culinary skills to cook for all those women he took home. Stop being so negative when he’s being so nice!

Cassie finished adding sugar and cream to her coffee then, took a sip, eyeing him over the rim. He had been incredibly nice. He’d come to check on her when there had been no reason he had to. And then he’d sat with her all night, watching silly movies to make her laugh when he could’ve been out carousing. Mason had kept his end of the bargain, sleeping on her little couch, even when she’d offered him the bed instead.

Now he was making her a nice breakfast in only his boxers, definitely brightening her day.

“Thank you,” she said suddenly.

Mason cast a glance her way, a tender smile on his lips. He lifted the French toast out of the pan and onto a plate. “You needed a friend. What else was I supposed to do?”

He walked over to the table and lowered the plate down before moving her chair out and motioning for her to sit down. No one had ever fussed over her this much, except maybe her mother. It felt nice to have someone take care of her a little.

Cassie moved to the spot and sat. Mason helped push her seat in. He went back to the stove, loaded another plate, and brought that and his coffee cup over to the table and sat down. “Is this enough? You want some eggs? I think I saw some strawberries in your fridge if you want some.”

“This is plenty,” Cassie said. “You’ve already gone above and beyond.”

Mason caught her gaze. “You deserve a lot more.”

That telltale lump came back into her throat and her chest tightened. The way he looked at her made her heart beat faster, and suddenly she wanted the Casanova to come out. She’d never been wooed like that by a man and the desire to be swept off her feet, to forget the last few months, sounded wonderful.

Mason looked down at his plate, breaking the spell she’d started to fall under.

Cassie felt dazed. How could she expect to jump from one man to the other like that? She’d just been cheated on and dumped. She had no business drooling over Mason.

After a cleansing breath, she cut into the French toast. As soon as it hit her tongue, she knew it was the best she’d ever had. An unbidden moan came from her, and Mason’s head whipped up. His brown eyes darkened to almost black as he stared at her. That look had her twisted and tangled all over again.

“Good?”

Cassie swallowed and nodded. “Better than good.”

A little smile hitched on one side of his lips. “I’m glad you think so.”

The air was heavy between them. She struggled to breathe, or to understand what was going on. “Do you make breakfast for all the women you sleep with?” The question sprang from her lips without a filter. “I mean, sleepover with?” she added, trying to quickly dig herself out of the hole.

Mason looked down at his plate and cut another piece of toast. When he looked back at her, she saw the same wounded look she’d seen almost two years ago in that soup kitchen. “I know what you think of me. Yeah, I like having fun. What’s so wrong about that?”

“I don’t understand your constant need to have a new flavor of the month. But then, what right do I have to even ask? It’s your life, and I shouldn’t judge. You’ve been a good friend to me, and I’ve seen the man hiding inside, so I know you’ve got a good heart in there.”

Mason leaned back in his chair. “I was a fat kid.”

Cassie looked up at him and gawked. “What?”

“From grade school through part of high school, I was the fat kid who got bullied all the time. Sometime in the middle of tenth grade, I got my growth spurt and grew to a little over six feet. All a sudden, I wasn’t fat, and the bullies left me alone. Then the girls took notice. Girls who had laughed at me and taunted me suddenly wanted to go out with me.”

Hearing his story made everything make a little more sense. “So you went out with them as, what, retribution?”

Mason’s hand froze midair as he lifted another piece to his mouth. He lowered it as a frown crossed his brow. “I hadn’t thought of it that way, but I suppose you’re right. I dated them and quickly broke things off, moving on to the next girl. I guess it started a habit I never broke.”

“I’d think by now you’ve exacted enough revenge.”

Mason stared at her a moment, his face devoid of emotion. “Maybe I have. Maybe it’s time to settle down into something a little more long-term, like you suggest. Find a girl who I can talk to, who isn’t boring. Someone who will love me as much as I love her.”

Cassie both loved and hated that idea. She loved it because she’d want to be that girl. She hated it because she more than likely wouldn’t be. And then she’d turn into a jealous harpy the moment she laid eyes on the poor wretch who landed her man. “I think it would be good for you. If you found the right girl.”

Mason smiled wickedly and then started eating.

Cassie joined him, enjoying the breakfast he’d made. She watched him as she ate, wishing her Sunday mornings could always be spent sitting across the table from him, eating breakfast after a wild night of pleasure.

For months, she’d thought that sensual side of him was bad, but now she knew both halves would make him a friend and a lover. The good soul she saw inside wasn’t enough. After so many weeks of seeking out the hidden Mason, she realized she wanted all of him, Casanova included.

Do I want him? Or am I just overly needy because I’ve just been dumped?

The thought gave her pause.

She needed to get her head out of the clouds, see him for the friend he was trying to be, and leave the desire behind. No matter how difficult it was.

Other Titles by Mari Carr

Ellora’s Cave books

What Women Like:

Sugar and Spice

Everything Nice

Scoundrels:

Black Jack

White Knight

The Madison stories:

Kiss Me, Kate

Three Reasons Why

Cowboys:

Spitfire

Rekindled

Inflamed

Wild Irish:

Come Monday

Ruby Tuesday

Waiting for Wednesday

Sweet Thursday

Friday I’m in Love

Saturday Night Special

Any Given Sunday

Wild Irish Christmas

Cocktales:

Party Naked

Screwdriver

Bachelor’s Bait

Screaming Orgasm

Foreign Affairs:

Misplaced Princess

Misplaced Cowboy

Misplaced Lessons

Misplaced Hands

Samhain books

Compass Brothers:

Northern Exposure

Southern Comfort

Eastern Ambitions

Western Ties

Compass Girls:

Winter’s Thaw

Hope Springs

Summer Fling

Falling Softly

Black & White Collection:

Erotic Research

Tequila Truth

Rough Cut

Happy Hour

Power Play

Slam Dunk

Naughty is Nice

In the Running

Just Because:

Because of You

Because You Love Me

Because It’s True

Second Chances:

Fix You

Full Moon

Status Update

The Back-Up Plan

Never Been Kissed

Self Pub Books

Trinity Masters:

Elemental Pleasure

Primal Passion

Scorching Desire

Forbidden Legacy

Big Easy:

Blank Canvas

Crash Point

Full Position

Rough Draft