Nonstop (Open Skies Book 3) Read online

  Bex gasped, her heart pounding from shock and fear. Roger groaned, his hand coming to his face.

  Bracken stepped between her and Roger, blocking her view as he spoke in a calm voice. “How about you and your friend get the fuck out of here? If I ever hear about you coming anywhere near Rebekah again, you’ll answer to me.”

  “Jesus, asshole. Chill. I was just joking around.” Roger was backing up as he spoke.

  Bracken stepped toward him. “You must have flunked out of comedy school if you think harassing a woman is funny. Get the fuck gone before I show you my uppercut.”

  Roger and his friend scrambled out of Bracken’s reach and finally turned around and jogged away.

  Bracken spun around and reached for Bex, pulling her closer. “You okay?”

  She stared at him. “You punched him.” She was still in shock, but she couldn’t keep from smiling.

  He returned the grin. “Yeah. He deserved it.” He reached for the bag at their feet and then threaded their fingers together. “Let’s get out of here.”

  Her mind was reeling as Bracken drove toward his house. She couldn’t believe he’d decked Roger. She wasn’t sorry. It had been very chivalric, and just plain hot. Like he’d defended her honor or something. Part of her felt uneasy about the things Roger had said about her and what Bracken would think, but he didn’t mention it again.

  She gave herself ten pep talks on the way. Bracken was a great guy. She liked him a lot. He seemed to like her too. For the first time in a long while, she felt like she was with someone she really would be willing to “put out” for as Roger stated. At no point when she’d been with Roger had she considered letting him so much as touch her. Bracken was different.

  Instead of being afraid that Bracken might want to have sex with her, she was kind of hoping he did because sex was a hurdle she wanted to get across anyway. Life would be so much easier if she slept with him and got it out of the way.

  His house was in an older neighborhood with huge trees that shaded the front yards and hung over the sides of the street. He pulled up to a brick ranch and parked in the garage.

  She jumped down from her side of the SUV and followed him into the kitchen. Although the outside of the home led her to believe it was about forty years old, the inside was completely modernized and recently updated.

  The kitchen had light wood cabinets, large off-white tiles, and a breakfast area. He’d purchased a table that matched the cabinets. Out the sliding glass doors, she could see a welcoming patio with wicker furniture arranged around a firepit. To one side was a hot tub.

  He took her hand and led her through a wide arch that led into the living room. Warm. Inviting. Plush khaki carpet. A khaki sofa and armchairs. There was even a fireplace, and it looked electric. She could imagine sitting in this room cozied up with him, staring at the flames.

  He took her purse from her shoulder and set it on the end table before leading her down the hallway, her hand loosely in his. Pointing from side to side, back and forth, he spoke. “Guest bath. Office. Guest room. Weight room. Master bedroom.”

  She glanced in each room and followed him back to the living room.

  “Can I get you something to drink?”

  “Water would be nice.”

  Without releasing her fingers, he pulled her back into the kitchen and over to the island. “Have a seat.” He pointed toward a bar stool and finally released her.

  She watched his fantastic ass as he opened the fridge and then bent over to grab two bottles of water. Her pulse picked up. She could see herself dating this man. Spending time in this home. Watching movies with him, curled against his chest.

  Having sex with him in that master bedroom she’d glimpsed. On the dark wood, king-sized bed. Right? She could do this. It was what normal women did.

  After twisting off the top of her water, he handed it to her. “I have dinner options because I wasn’t sure what you like. How about chicken fettuccini alfredo?”

  “Sounds delicious.” Apparently, pastries weren’t the only thing this man cooked. She was intrigued. “Can I do anything?” she asked as he started pulling out ingredients and pans.

  “Nope. Just sit there and look pretty.” He winked at her and started working. He was extremely comfortable in the kitchen, never missing a beat while he cooked and kept up the conversation.

  She was grateful because she still couldn’t manage to initiate. It didn’t matter. Bracken filled every void with a running series of discussions. By the time dinner was ready, she knew him better than just about anyone. And he knew as much about her.

  His cooking was better than most restaurants, and she moaned around more than one bite before she could stop herself. He was undaunted, pleased even.

  After they finished, she helped him load the dishwasher and followed him into the living room. He dropped onto the couch and pulled her down next to him. “So, how is date number two going? You think I’m going to get a third?” he asked, his eyes dancing with mirth.

  She giggled. “We’ll see,” she managed to joke, her gaze on the way he threaded their fingers together and played with her rings, spinning one of them around with his thumb.

  “Come here,” he murmured, pulling her closer.

  She leaned into his side as he slid his free hand up her back and encouraged her to close the distance. Releasing her fingers, he cupped her face, holding her gaze intently for a long time before licking his lips and drawing her face the last few inches.

  When their lips met, she sighed, enjoying everything about this embrace. She loved the way he so tenderly kissed her, his huge hand stroking up and down her back, his other fingers on her chin. It felt like the perfect final scene in a Hallmark movie. The scene when the hero and heroine finally kiss as the credits are rolling. Only this was better, because they were at the beginning of their story.

  The kiss lasted for several minutes, but he kept it light—lips, a little tongue, nibbling on her mouth. When he pulled back a few inches, he met her gaze. “You okay?”

  She flinched as she realized she was gripping the front of his shirt with her fingers.

  He set his hand over hers and squeezed, his gaze searching hers. “I’m not going to drag you into my bedroom and toss you onto my bed on the second date if that’s worrying you.”

  She swallowed, her gaze dropping to their combined hands as she forced herself to relax her grip. She hadn’t consciously been thinking about anything except how nice it felt to kiss him, but apparently, the rest of her body had gone on alert. She was also wondering how much what Roger had said was influencing Bracken.

  He let go of her hand and lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze again. “Talk to me.”

  She drew in a breath. “I’m not so good at talking.”

  He smiled. “I know, but I need to know what you’re thinking so I don’t do something you’re not ready for.”

  She cleared her throat. “I’m ready. I mean…whatever.” She started shaking a bit and that made her feel ridiculous which increased her nerves.

  Suddenly, he sat straighter and lifted her to her feet next to the couch. She wasn’t sure what his intention was, but he stretched out along the back of the couch and then patted the space alongside him. “Lie down so I can hold you. We’ll be more comfortable.”

  She wasn’t sure that was possible, but she lowered next to him, swung her legs up next to his, and let herself ease down along his side. As he adjusted her against his chest, she leaned her head in the crook of his shoulder.

  “There,” he declared. His hand roamed up and down her back. His other hand reached for hers and brought it to his lips. He kissed her knuckles and then held her fingers against his chest.

  He was right. For the most part, she was comfortable. Nervous but comfortable.

  When he met her gaze, he smiled. “I hope you don’t think that just because I brought you to my house, I expect you to sleep with me.”

  She bit her lip. Apparently, they were having this conversa
tion. She hated this conversation. Not that she’d gotten far enough into many relationships to have it, but she still got uncomfortable. Eventually, it had to happen though.

  “Rebekah?” he encouraged, giving her body a squeeze.

  “It’s okay. I mean, I don’t mind.”

  “You don’t mind what?” He looked confused. “Having sex with me?” His brow furrowed further.

  She nodded.

  He winced. “You don’t mind?” His voice rose a bit, making her nervous.

  She swallowed and looked away. Great. She was making a mess of this.

  He started to chuckle, shocking her, his chest vibrating against her, making her meet his gaze again.

  “Why are you laughing?”

  “I’ve never in my life had a woman tell me she didn’t mind having sex with me. That’s so…romantic,” he added sarcastically.

  Heat climbed up her face and she started to pull away.

  He held her closer though, both hands keeping her from moving. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have laughed.” He drew in a deep breath. “I’m trying to read you, Rebekah. It’s hard. Wade through this conversation with me. I know it’s uncomfortable, but every couple has to have a discussion about sex at some point.”

  “Okay.” She knew he was right, even if she’d rather have a tooth extracted, as he’d suggested last night.

  “First of all, we’re not having sex tonight. We’re going to lie here, talk, maybe kiss a few times, talk some more, and then I’m going to take you home and call you tomorrow morning and ask you out again.” He grinned.

  She nodded, blowing out a breath.

  “Does that much work for you?”

  “Yes.” God, why did it have to be so hard for her to communicate with men?

  “Good.” His body relaxed a bit. Apparently, he was relieved too. “Now, how many men have you slept with?”

  Shit. Just, shit. She dropped her face down toward his chest and groaned against his firm pecs.

  He gave her a moment, but then lifted her chin and met her gaze. His brows were high on his forehead in question. “Tell me, Rebekah.” God, he could melt her every time he said her name.

  She drew in a deep breath and went for it. “None.”

  His chest rose slowly and he swallowed before saying, “I thought you might say that. So why would you tell me flippantly that you wouldn’t mind having sex with me tonight?” He emphasized the word mind again, making her feel a bit silly. At least he didn’t mention the incident with Roger earlier. Bracken had surely wondered what the man had meant, but he hadn’t brought it up or asked her a single question.

  She shrugged. “It’s lame that I haven’t had sex. I thought maybe if I just did it…”

  His eyes slowly closed and then reopened as he composed himself. She wasn’t sure if he was frustrated or what. He opened his mouth as if to speak and then closed it again and pulled her tighter against him. He flattened her head against his shoulder so that her next breath drew in from his neck. He smelled so good. Clean. His own personal scent combined with his soap and probably his aftershave. And why was she thinking about how he smelled right now?

  “I’m sorry,” she murmured, feeling decidedly ridiculous.

  He groaned softly. “No need to be sorry. I’m just trying to decide what to say.” He kissed the top of her head. “You can’t have sex just to get it over with, baby.”

  She closed her eyes at his endearment. No one had ever spoken to her so gently. No one had called her baby. “Why not?” she asked in a soft voice.

  He tipped her head back again, looked into her eyes, and frowned. “It should be special. Earth-shattering. I mean maybe when teenagers flounder around in the dark they do it to get it over with, but you’re not a teenager. You’re a grown woman. Why bother at this point until you’ve met someone you know will rock your world?”

  She rolled her eyes. “This isn’t a romance novel. It’s real life.” She wasn’t stupid. She knew sex was far more exciting on paper.

  He narrowed his gaze. “Why can’t life be a romance novel?”

  She snickered. “I’m not that naïve.”

  He gave her a little shake. “Well, you have serious misconceptions about sex.”

  “I’m just being real.”

  He shook his head, a smile growing. “It’s been a damn long time since I slept with a virgin, and I’m not going to lie, the responsibility is enormous, but trust me, if and when I take you into my bed, I will make sure the earth stops spinning and switches direction for you.”

  She had no idea how to respond, but his confidence made her nervous. She eased away from him, glad that he let her, and rose from the couch to put some space between them. It was impossible to think straight with his arms around her and his body flush against hers.

  He swung his feet around and sat, but didn’t stand, which made her grateful. “I didn’t mean to freak you out. I guess that was a bit too much pressure.”

  She shook her head. “It’s fine. I’m just…” She dropped down onto one of the armchairs, uncertain about her ability to continue standing. A part of her missed his touch, and she wished she was still lying in his arms. “It’s embarrassing,” she admitted, not looking at him.

  “I can see that, but I don’t want you to be uncomfortable. You told me. That was the hard part. It’s done. Thank you for sharing. I know that was difficult for you.”

  “I should go home.” That wasn’t really what she wanted, but he was right. She was embarrassed and now she was uncertain he would call her again. Who wanted to date a virgin?

  “If that’s what you want, I’ll take you home, but I get the feeling you’re running from me. Or from you.”

  She sighed. “Yeah. Probably.”

  “I really like you, Rebekah. A lot. I don’t care that you’re a virgin. I probably should have figured that was a possibility.”

  She groaned as she rubbed her temples with both hands, thinking once again about the earlier altercation. “No thanks to Roger,” she murmured.

  “This has nothing to do with that asshole. The reason you didn’t sleep with him was easily apparent. He was a dick. I doubt he gets many women at all to have sex with him.”

  She sighed, not meeting his gaze.

  “Listen, I don’t think I handled my reaction well a moment ago. It changes nothing. I wouldn’t have slept with you tonight no matter what. You’re not the kind of woman I would drag to my bed at the first opportunity.”

  She flinched. “Do you date that kind of woman too?” she asked before she could stop herself. It was unnerving how she could be so tongue-tied, and then the moment she had a thought she should have kept to herself, it slipped out unbidden.

  He shook his head. “No. I mean… Okay.” He drew in a breath. “Have I ever slept with a woman on the first date? Yes. I’m thirty-nine. It has happened. Regularly? No. Did I consider it with you? God, no. And, for the record, I haven’t dated anyone since I moved here a year ago. I’ve been kind of a hermit, living my life, taking deep breaths after so many years in the Army.”

  She nodded. “Okay.”

  He reached out a hand. “Will you come back over here?”

  She rose and went to him.

  He surprised her when he slid into the corner of the couch and then drew her down so that she sat sideways across his lap. He had one hand around her waist, and the other on her thigh. “I’d be honored if you would continue going out with me. I enjoy your company immensely. We’ll take things slow and see what happens.”

  She nodded.

  “Can I kiss you again?”

  “Yes.” She loved it when he kissed her. A lot.

  He slid his hand up to her neck and eased her closer. She parted her lips before closing the distance, and she was certain she moaned into his mouth within moments of making contact.

  For the first time since she first agreed to go out with him, she felt decidedly more relaxed. He wasn’t going to pressure her to do something she wasn’t ready for. Kissing hi
m was no hardship. In fact, it was amazing. If his kisses were anything to judge by, maybe he was right. Maybe sex wasn’t something she should dismiss so flippantly.

  In fact, as she angled her head to one side and let him deepen the kiss, she felt her body coming to life against him. Her breasts felt heavier and butterflies started to dance in her stomach.

  Maybe she had finally met someone who would give her the time she needed to let her guard down and remove her clothes.

  When he ended the kiss and leaned back, she rested her head against his shoulder, her thoughts running rampant.

  A sliver of panic rose inside her, but she tamped it down. It had no place in Bracken’s home. He’d done nothing to warrant her unwelcome reaction.

  There were complications to getting involved with a man. There were reasons why she never did. She had no intention of ever sharing her rationale, however. Never.

  Yeah, she was treading in uncharted territory. When she’d agreed to go out with Bracken, she’d done so because he was sexy and confident—two very attractive qualities. She’d had some strange notion that perhaps she could finally unload her V-card. What she hadn’t anticipated was falling for him.

  He was so much fun to be with. He made her feel comfortable and relaxed. She thought it might be easy to also have sex with him. Now, things had taken a turn in a different direction. As much as she was attracted to him, she wasn’t really prepared to have an actual relationship.

  There was no way she could actually sleep with him for example. Sex she could probably manage in the not-too-distant future, but not actual sleeping. That was out of the question.

  She had secrets that prevented her from opening up to people. Men in particular. Her reasons needed to remain buried, and the only way to do that was to avoid putting herself in any situation that threatened exposure.

  She pursed her lips and gave herself a small pep talk. Bracken was a wonderful man. She wanted to date him more than she’d ever wanted to date anyone before. She would not deny herself this experience. She just needed to be careful. Set some boundaries. Make sure it didn’t get too serious.

  And pray it didn’t hurt too badly when he could no longer tolerate her idiosyncrasies and broke up with her.