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Jason’s car was still in the driveway every morning when she left for work, and Amy wondered how long he was taking off and for how long his son was staying. Through Christmas? That seemed unlikely since his mom was supposed to retain primary custody. Or so she thought. Maybe he was here for the week.
When she arrived home later that evening Jason’s car was finally gone but there was a small, wrapped present sitting on her doorstep. Puzzled, she picked it up. There was no card attached, and she carried it inside to unwrap it. As she tore off the paper, she noticed some writing on the small cardboard box. In black marker, it simply said:
This made me think of you.
Jason
Suddenly feeling very curious, she opened the box to see a Christmas ornament nestled inside. Pulling it out, she saw that it was a small snow globe, and as she looked closer, she was shocked to see the art gallery she and Jason had visited. The whole row of shops on Main Street was there—the coffee shop, bakery, bookstore, and art gallery, each with tiny details painted on and their names in small letters.
When had Jason found this? Where had he found it? He didn’t seem like the type to go shopping for sentimental gifts. He knew she loved the gallery, and it had been their first and only “date” that really wasn’t.
She swallowed, feeling moved that he’d found this for her. Melissa had talked to Jason the day of her party. Had she told him that each of her friends had brought over a special ornament? Or was it just a coincidence?
She was amazed he’d taken the time to pick out something that she’d really love. Walking into her living room, she hung it on the tree. The glass reflected the lights, and the snow globe shook, the snow softly falling to the ground as it settled back into place. She heard a car door slam a moment later and saw Jason walking around to the passenger side. Suddenly feeling brave, she decided it was now or never, and she marched out the door and across the street.
Jason looked startled to see her. He helped his son out of the car and introduced them, and Amy couldn’t help but smile as the little boy shook her hand. “We’re just getting back from the park,” Jason explained, his voice deep. “It was a little cold, but we had a fun time.”
“And we saw a deer!” Brian shouted. “A real one!”
“Wow, that is very special,” Amy said. “I wonder if it was a reindeer.”
“A reindeer?! Daddy! She said it was a reindeer!” Brian shrieked happily, jumping up and down.
“Maybe so, buddy,” Jason said with a chuckle. He looked back to Amy, his blue eyes bright and alert.
“I just wanted to say thank you for the ornament,” she said softly. “I love it.”
“I knew when I saw it that it was perfect for you,” Jason said with a warm smile. “I only wish I could’ve given it to you in person.”
“Yeah, well, thanks again,” she said as Brian raced around them. She watched him for a moment then looked back to Jason. “I guess I should get going. You guys just got home.”
“Wait, Amy. Can I come by later on? I really need to talk to you.”
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea,” she said hesitantly.
“Please? Can I at least call you? Tonight? I won’t keep bothering you, but I really just want to explain myself.”
Her heart fluttered in her chest as she looked up at him. This could only end badly, and although logic and reason were telling her no, do not agree to talk with him, her heart was screaming yes. “Yeah, I guess so,” she said hastily, turning again to go. “Bye,” she called back over her shoulder as she walked down his driveway.
Jason grinned and looked down at his son. “Come on—I’ll race you to the front door!”
***
That evening Amy nervously paced back and forth in her living room. Waiting for Jason to call was unnerving. Besides, what if he didn’t even bother? He was wrapped up taking care of his son this week—she got that. She wondered what time four-year-olds went to bed and then realized the little boy was still probably on west coast time. It would be a while before she heard from Jason.
Amy showered and changed into her pajamas, deciding to settle in with a movie for the evening. If she heard from Jason—great. And if she didn’t, then she’d just gotten her hopes up for nothing.
She walked over to her Christmas tree, admiring the snow globe ornament that he’d given to her. It was perfect, and she was touched that he’d thought of something to give her that he knew she would love. She curled up on her sofa, pulling a warm blanket over her. Flipping through the TV channels, she finally found a Christmas movie to watch. The only thing better would be a hot cup of cocoa—that, and someone to drink it with, she thought with a wry smile.
When the phone finally rang half an hour later, she actually jumped in surprise. She’d been so into watching her movie that she’d actually forgotten about Jason’s call—was that a good or a bad thing? Now she was a bundle of nerves all over again, and her heart raced as she answered.
“Hello?”
“Amy. Hi. It’s Jason.” He seemed nervous as well. She didn’t recall him ever sounding so disjointed before.
“Hi,” she said softly.
“Sorry I wasn’t able to call sooner. I just got Brian off to bed.”
“I figured you’d be busy with that.”
“Yeah, the poor kid hasn’t adjusted to the time change. He’s here visiting for two weeks though, so as soon as he gets used to Eastern Standard Time, I’ll have to send him back to his mom,” he said with a low chuckle.
“So I guess you worked out a custody arrangement?”
“Yes, we did,” Jason said, sounding more and more like himself. “He’ll be able to come visit me every month—at least for now while he’s young. We’ll have to work out a whole new arrangement when he starts elementary school in a couple of years, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.”
“Well, I’m glad it worked out for you,” she hedged.
“Thank you.” He paused for a moment, and she knew he was about to bring up their fight and the weekend they spent together. Their conversation up to this point was just pleasantries, but they both knew the reason he wanted to talk. “Amy, listen, I feel terrible that things happened the way that they did. I mean, I never expected that weekend to happen at all. I wanted to take you out to dinner, drinks, get to know you—I’d been hoping to ask you out that night at the art gallery, but I got called back to base. And I never meant to keep the fact that I had a son from you. I honestly just hadn’t had a good chance to sit down with you and talk.”
“I know,” she said with a sigh. “I just—I just felt like you intentionally kept it from me. And then you told me how I couldn’t understand—” her voice broke off and she fought back the tears that once again threatened to fall. No matter what Jason had or hadn’t said, it didn’t change the stark truth—in a way she couldn’t, wouldn’t, ever understand, because she’d never be able to have a child.
“Amy,” Jason said, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m so sorry.”
She sniffed but didn’t answer as fat tears rolled down her cheeks.
“Please don’t cry.”
“I should go,” she sniffled, wanting to end this call as quickly as possible.
“No—wait. I’m coming over,” he decided.
“Now? I’m in my pajamas. And what about Brian?”
“I’ll be right over.”
The line clicked as he hung up the phone and Amy stared at it, dumbfounded. Did they really need to talk about this right now and in person? She’d agreed to talk over the phone, and that seemed like a nice way to ease back into things. She wasn’t sure if she was ready to forgive him yet even though a part of her desperately wanted to.
Just like Melissa had noticed, Amy saw how amazing he was with his son. It was impossible to find fault with that—if anything, it was just the timing of the situation that had gone all wrong. And as for the comment about having children—who hadn’t asked her that? She was a preschool teacher—everyone assumed she wanted and would have kids.
A moment later a knock came at the door, and she hesitantly went down the hall. She’d changed earlier into her red flannel pajamas. They were warm and cozy but not exactly what you’d wear to have a man over for the evening. She cracked the door and saw Jason standing there in the cold, wearing cargo pants and his black ski jacket. “Jason, look, this really isn’t a good time. I’m in my pajamas!”
“I don’t care,” he said firmly. “I’m so sorry that I hurt you. Can I please just come in?”
The pleading look in his eyes made her hesitate, and a moment later she opened the door further. Jason stepped inside, the cold radiating off him as he entered. “Whew—it’s freezing out there tonight. Can I take this off?” he asked, gesturing to his jacket.
“Fine,” she said crossing her arms across her chest. She felt a little ridiculous standing there like that, but he was the one who’d insisted on coming. “Where’s Brian?”
He nodded at her neighbor’s house. “I asked if she could watch him.”
He shrugged out of his jacket and hung it from the front doorknob. Glancing into her living room, he saw the Christmas tree in the front window. “Your tree looks good there,” he said, his voice deep. One beat passed, and then two. Finally, he turned back toward Amy. She nervously licked her lips as he gazed at her, and he cleared his throat. “Please tell me how to fix this,” he said quietly. “I’d give anything to take back what I said.”
Tears filled her eyes, and although she’d sworn to herself that she wouldn’t cry when he came over, they slowly spilled down her cheeks.
“Please don’t cry,” he said huskily, taking a step closer to her. They were still in the front hallway, and Amy took a step back, finding herself with no place to go as she backed against the wall. She wiped the tears from her cheeks. “Please don’t cry,” he repeated.
He was right in front of her now, cupping her face in his hands and wiping her tears away with his thumbs. “Amy,” he breathed, leaning down so that she felt his breath on her cheek, “I’m so sorry.”
He slowly kissed the side of her face, kissing each tear away. As he kissed his way across her forehead, she closed her eyes, and in a moment he was gently kissing the tears off of her other cheek.
“Please forgive me,” he whispered, trailing his fingers gently up her neck and entwining them in her hair.
She tilted her head up to meet his gaze, seeing the devastation across his face. She’d never seen him look so vulnerable before—Jason was this big, tough Marine, always seeming so strong. Would he look so upset if he didn’t care for her? “I’m sorry, too,” she said. “I shouldn’t have gotten mad at you.”
He dipped his head down, tightening his grip in her hair, and slowly kissed her. Amy kissed him back, running her hands up his muscular chest and locking them behind his neck. Jason deepened the kiss, his tongue edging inside her mouth, tasting and discovering her there. When they finally came up for air, Amy was gasping against the wall. Jason lowered his mouth to her neck, softly kissing and tasting before allowing his teeth to gently graze across her skin. “Let’s go upstairs,” Amy said breathlessly.
Without even giving a response, Jason bent and scooped her up into his arms. He slowly ascended the stairway, staring deep into her eyes and even ducking down for another kiss as he held her close. The layout of their homes was exactly the same, and Jason turned, instinctively knowing the way to the master bedroom at the end of the hall. He carefully laid Amy on the bed and then paused a moment, eyeing her meaningfully. “I can’t stay all night—not tonight; I’ve got Brian.”
“I know,” she said, reaching out to pull Jason to her. “It’s okay.”
He bent down, kissing her softly as he slowly unbuttoned her pajama top. As he undid each button, he kissed her flesh, slowly working his way down her chest and abdomen. When he finally reached her stomach he looked up, pushing her top open to reveal her breasts. “Amy,” he breathed, softly kissing the underside of one breast as he worked his way up to her nipple. He took it into his mouth, sucking and flicking his tongue lightly back and forth across it.
Amy felt a fluttering in her lower abdomen and a surge of moisture beneath her pajama bottoms. As soon as Jason removed them, he’d see just how hot and ready for him she was.
He moved to her other breast, planting heated kisses all over before taking that nipple into his mouth. He lightly tugged on it with his teeth before teasing her further with his tongue. “Oh!” she gasped, feeling the pleasure shoot straight through her.
Jason pulled his shirt up and over his head, and once again she admired his wall of muscles. He was pure male perfection, and right now he was doing all that he could to please and satisfy her.
He unbuttoned his pants, pulling them down along with his boxers. His thick erection sprang out, throbbing with need, and she reached down to assist him in taking her own pajama bottoms off. Jason kissed her stomach, working his way down lower and lower until she was practically trembling with desire. He hovered over her center but then kissed her inner thigh, slowly working his way up until at last his mouth was above her core.
“I want to taste you,” he said huskily, giving one long lick up her center. He gently parted her lower lips with his thumbs and bent to softly caress her throbbing clit with his tongue.
She gasped and lurched up off the bed.
If she thought Jason was amazing in bed before, it absolutely paled in comparison to the pleasure he was giving her now. Warmth was surging through her, and she could swear she was beginning to see stars.
He expertly tongued and laved at her arousal dampened folds, leaving her fisting the sheets as she moaned. “Jason,” she gasped, as she thrust her hips closer to him.
“I’ve got you, baby,” he said, giving her a couple more ministrations with his tongue before sucking her clit between his lips.
She exploded and shouted his name, pleasure coursing through her entire body. He gently continued licking her, allowing her to slowly fall back down to earth. “That was unbelievable,” she panted, meeting his heated gaze.
“I’ll never get tired of hearing you scream my name,” he said gruffly, kissing his way back up her body until at last their tongues intertwined once more. He slid a finger to her entrance, teasing her a moment before gently thrusting it inside. He added a second finger, stretching her, as his thumb slid over her clit.
She whimpered and he pulled his hand away, positioning himself above her. A moment later, he slowly inched his hard length inside.
Amy groaned as he filled her up, inch by amazing inch. He moved slowly this time, seemingly in no hurry, and that made it all the more pleasurable and simultaneously unbearable. She wanted him—now. She needed him to soothe the ache building deep inside of her, to thrust deeply into her and give her release.
Jason slowly ground into her, and she wrapped her arms around him, moaning his name. His hips worked their own magic, allowing him to penetrate her deeply as he repeatedly rubbed the base of his erection up against her swollen clit. She gasped, and just when she thought she could no longer bear it, he sped up, powerfully thrusting into her until she was clinging to him and crying out his name.
He finished as well, shouting his own release, and collapsed on top of her, burying his face into her neck.
They lay there like that for a moment in the darkness, Jason still inside of her. “I don’t want to leave you,” he said sadly.
“I don’t want you to either.”
He finally pulled out and bent down to kiss her. “Mrs. Jones is watching Brian. I said I’d be back in less than an hour.”
“It’s okay—just go. We’ll see each other soon.”
Jason kissed her once more and then slowly got dressed. Amy pulled on her robe to walk him out, and Jason took her hand as they went to the front door. In a flash she realized they’d kissed and had sex plenty of times, but they’d never done something as simple as hold hands. It felt nice. As they reached the front hall, Jason raised her hand to his lips. “I’ll call you in ten minutes, okay? I just need to thank Mrs. Jones for watching Brian.”
“What did you tell her anyway?”
“That you were upset and I needed to talk to you.”
“She already thinks we’re a couple.”
Jason raised his eyebrows. “How so?”
“That night you drove me home from the restaurant—she spotted you standing in my driveway.”
Jason grinned and bent down to kiss her again. He pulled on his jacket and went back out the front door. Amy smiled as he left, actually looking forward to his call this time. She went into the living room and turned off the TV that had been left on all this time and folded the blanket back up.
A few minutes later there was a knock on the door, and she wondered what Jason had forgotten. She opened the door and was shocked to see him standing there with his sleeping son in his arms. Amy stepped to the side and let them walk in, watching Jason carry Brian over to her sofa. He’d been wrapped in a blanket, but Amy added the one she’d been using earlier as well to make sure he stayed warm.
“I can’t believe you came back,” Amy whispered, guiding Jason over to the kitchen so they wouldn’t wake Brian.
“I didn’t want to leave you,” he said sincerely, his blue eyes bright with emotion.
Amy smiled and stood up on her tiptoes, running her hands over the dark stubble on his cheeks and pulling him close for a kiss. Jason wrapped his arms around her waist and smiled down at her. “So I know we still haven’t gone out on a proper date yet...but Christmas is only two weeks away. What should I get you?”
“I don’t need anything for Christmas” she said, shaking her head. “Just you.”
“A Marine for Christmas,” he mused, a gleam in his eyes.
“That sounds perfect to me.”
“Done,” he said with a grin. “There is one more thing I was wondering though....”
“What’s that?”
“Are you wearing anything under that robe?”
Amy laughed and grinned up at him. “Nope.”
“I may have to check this out for myself,” he mumbled, ducking his head down for a kiss.
“So don’t I get to ask what you want for Christmas?” Amy said between kisses as Jason guided her toward the stairs.
“I don’t need anything either.”
“Nothing?” she teased.
“Nope. I already have you.”
♦ ♦ ♦
Thank you so much for reading Amy and Jason’s story! If you enjoyed this book, you’ll love Her Sinful Marine. Find out what happens with Melissa.
He won’t rest until she’s safe...and he’s claimed her as his.
Melissa Ford is done with men. Especially the tall, handsome, and military kind. After being burned by her ex, the last thing she needs is a new man in her life.
Especially her cocky, arrogant, and smoking hot new client.
With broad shoulders, muscles to die for, and an ego a mile wide, he spells nothing but trouble. The sexy and sinful kind.
Marine Corps Captain Tyler Braxton needs a new place to live. And the sexy little redhead that’s showing him properties around town.
Melissa has porcelain skin and curves that won’t quit—not to mention a sassy mouth that has a comeback for every single one of his lines.
When Melissa goes missing one weekend, Tyler will stop at nothing to make sure she’s found safe and unharmed.
But it will take a hell of a lot more to convince her to be in his bed—and his life.
One-Click Her Sinful Marine now!
And book one in the addictive Alpha SEALs series SEAL THE DEAL is FREE at all retailers! He’d do anything to protect her....
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