I'm a little late getting my usual new release post up this morning. Whoops! In Jack's Arms is on sale for 99 cents for a week as a thank you for sticking with me over the delay because of that icky eye thing I had going on in November and December. So snap up a copy this week! The book is already live at All Romance eBooks and Smashwords. I expect it to be available on Amazon and B&N by the afternoon and will update links as they go live. It will roll out to iBooks, Kobo, etc as well. To tide you over, here's one last teaser! (Has some sexy-times in it so NSFW!) Eyes closed, I sank a bit deeper into the steaming hot bath. The soothing warmth eased the ache from my shoulders and neck. I tipped the glass of wine to my lips and enjoyed a long, slow drink of the slightly sweet Australian Riesling. "You need me to top that off before I slide in with you?" A smile played upon my lips at the deep timbre of Jack's voice. "No, thanks. I'm a one glass a night girl." "You can let loose tonight, Abby. I'm here, and Mattie is perfectly safe with Finn." "I'm good." Though I was tempted to have another glass, I stuck to my rule. Finally opening my eyes, I glanced at Jack and nearly had a heart attack. He had stripped down to just his boxer-briefs and—oh my God—he looked absolutely delicious. Last night, when he has slipped into bed with me, he had stayed almost totally clothed, just in case more trouble had arrived on my doorstep. Tonight, I was getting a much desired look at the full package. And I do mean the full package. Already rock hard, his long, thick cock jutted out against the gray fabric of his boxer-briefs. The outline of his massive shaft told me I was going to be one very satisfied woman. Just as Jack handled everything else in life, I had no doubt that he would soon prove to be an incredible lover. Not showing the least bit of discomfort, he confidently peeled out of his underwear and dropped them with his small pile of clothing. He motioned for me to sit forward in the tub and climbed in behind me. Water and bubbles sloshed over the edge and spilled onto the towels he had smartly arranged beforehand. Leave it to Jack to be prepared for every eventuality. Those big, strong hands settled on my shoulders. I melted back against him, loving the way his hot, hard body pressed to mine. Soon I hoped to have all that heat and strength on top of me and inside me. I let out a low sigh as Jack's thumb worked a knot in my shoulder. He was so much bigger than me that his hands easily manipulated my shoulders and arms, easing out the tense, painful aches and leaving me limp and relaxed. He grabbed one of the sea sponges I kept in a basket in the corner, dipped it into the steamy, bubbly water and dragged it along my arm. Sipping wine and being bathed and massaged by the man I had been crushing on for years was like something out of my wildest fantasies. The luxurious experience left me feeling so feminine and pampered. "You're awfully quiet tonight, Abs." "Just enjoying all of this," I said, dropping my head back to his chest. "It's been a long time since I've had a break." Jack wrapped his arms around me. "We'll have to do this more often." He kissed my temple. "Maybe we should make it a standing date. You know—the last Tuesday of every month or something like that." I noticed the way he was dropping these subtle reminders of his intent toward me, toward us. It would be so easy to believe that he really meant that he wanted a long-term thing with me, but I had been burned so many times in the past. My lack of a real, solid relationship wasn't for lack of trying. I had had plenty of great boyfriends over the years, but none of them had been able to handle the added responsibilities that came with my family dynamic. But Jack was different. Although I really, really wanted to guard my heart, I found myself falling deeper and deeper for the sexy Marine gliding that soft sponge up and down my arms and along my belly. If ever there was a man who could be all the things I needed, it was Jack Connolly. He was the sort of take-charge, in control man I had always craved. He ran a successful business. He was good with money. He loved his family and would do anything for them. I had seen firsthand the way he had fought to drag Finn out of his alcohol-fueled downward spiral. Even now, Jack had opened his home to the father who had abused and hurt them so he could recuperate. That said a lot about his character and his loyalty. What I wouldn’t give to have a loyal, hardworking, loving man like Jack as my partner in life. It was too easy to imagine coming home to find him making dinner with Mattie's help or working in the yard or taking care of one of the household repairs that crept up every now and then. I wouldn’t have to ask. He would know it needed to be done, and he would take care of it. It would be the silent, simple way he communicated his devotion and love. I'm here. I've got this. I'll take care of you. Tempted by the possibilities, I traced the tattoo on his forearm. I decided to be brave. "I've had a crush on you since you walked into the shop that morning to pawn your motorcycle." Jack started to laugh. Miffed, I asked, "What?" He noisily kissed my neck. "I nearly tripped over my own damn feet when I spotted you behind the counter. You were the prettiest thing I had ever seen. Hell, you were so distracting I screwed up the negotiation and walked out two grand lighter than I had expected." Jack's admission sent a deliciously exciting flutter through my core. "Why didn't you say anything?" "You were really young, Abby." "Twenty is really young?" "At that time in my life, it was. I had a lot of shit I was trying to sort out from leaving the Corps and trying to fix the gym and save Finn from the bottle. I wanted you. I wanted you so bad it fucking hurt to walk away from you, but I knew that I couldn't give you what you deserved." "And now?" I held my breath and waited for his reply. "Now I'm right where I need to be." He pulled me in a little tighter and pressed his lips to my cheek. "Now you're right where you need to be." |
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