Emily released a soft little sigh of acceptance. Her hands moved slowly up the breadth of his chest. She enjoyed the ripple of his muscles beneath his warm skin as she pressed her fingers against him. With each movement his tongue flicked in its quest for entrance. She opened to welcome him. Heat pooled low in her with each urgent thrust.
Sounds of her desire came from deep in her throat and bubbled up. She smoothed her hands over his shoulders and clung as Reid’s hand brushed her breast. If Reid let go she’d melt at his feet. He ran his hand around her waist and gathered her closer. His hand found the hem of her shirt and slipped under. She moaned.
He pulled his mouth away to leave kisses down the column of her throat. Removing a hand from her waist, he pulled the cloth band from her hair. It fell around her shoulders.
“Oh, how I love your hair,” he breathed close to her ear as he raised a mass of it and buried his face in the strands.
Emily ran her fingers through the curls covering his head and found her own pleasure in touching him.
Reid looked at her longingly for a moment before his lips found hers again. She met him kiss for kiss. His palms cupped her butt, lifting her against his length. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she flexed her hips.
He released her mouth. His indigo gaze filled with passion captured hers. “Don’t tease me if you don’t mean it.”
“Who says I don’t mean it?” She kissed him soundly.
“Your bedroom?” he murmured against her lips.
Emily nodded and she tugged at his earlobe with her teeth. She pulled back to watch one of those sweet sexy grins form on his lips.
Reid’s fingers squeezed the softness of her backside before he hauled her higher. Bringing her legs around his hips, she locked her ankles. She kissed him again, unable to get enough of his mouth. Never in her life had she been this uninhibited. She was wild for this man.
He backed toward the hall while she kissed him deeply before moving on to his forehead, eyelids, cheeks, and temples. They came to an abrupt halt when Reid backed into the bedroom door. Emily giggled. She unlocked her legs and made a point to slide in slow motion down Reid’s body, pausing where his manhood strained against his zipper.
He growled. “Are you laughing at me again?”
“Oh, I’d never do that.” She gifted him with a quick press of her lips.
Reid clasped her hand and led her inside the bedroom. Taking her in his arms, he gave her a tender kiss full of promise for the night to come. She made a sound of protest when he ended it.
He sat her on the bed. His lips met hers for a second. “I’ll be right back.”
She fell back on the bed, throwing an arm over her eyes.
“Did you miss me?” Reid voice came out low and suggestive. She peeked out from under her arm. He removed the glass globe of the antique oil lamp sitting on the dresser across the room. Reid adjusted the wick so the flame washed the room in a soft moonlight glow. Coming toward her one deliberate step at a time, his face drawn taut with desire and intent.
Emily had never felt more empowered. This incredible sexy man wanted her. She opened her arms making it clear she craved him as well.
Reid joined her on the bed, his arms encircling her. He gave her small kisses across her eyes and nose before his lips found hers. Heat like her balloon burner filled her body. It was sweet, perfect. Right.
He pushed away, rolling to his side, bringing her along with him until she could gaze into his hunger filled eyes. Placing his palm on her cheek, Reid looked deep into her eyes as if he could see into her heart. He ran his thumb gently back and forward over her cheek stopping at the crease of her mouth. “Are you sure? You need to be because I’m so hot for you I won’t be able to stop.”
She kissed the tip of his thumb.
“Em...” He nudged her head upward with the hand at the nape of her neck as he brought his lips down to hers.
Emily’s hands grasped his shoulders as the tip of his tongue skimmed the line of her lips. She shuddered and opened for him. His tongue mated with hers making the blood pooled low in her throb. Lifting her hips, she pressed against him.
Reid groaned and shifted away. “You’re killing me.”
She grabbed for him.
He chuckled low in his throat as his hands slipped up her ribs gathering her shirt as they went. “I’m not going anywhere. There are just too many clothes between us. I need to touch you.”
Emily lifted her arms and Reid removed her shirt, throwing it behind him. She had no idea where it had landed because her attention remained on the movement of Reid’s lips across the swell of her breasts above the line of her bra. The coolness of the room touched her heated body, aching with pent up need. Her breasts tingled. Seconds later, one of his hands glided to her back and released the clasp of her bra. Emily shivered. His other hand pushed the bra upwards before his mouth circled her nipple. She bucked in reaction.
Reid ran his tongue around the tip and then gently tugged. Emily arched her back in encouragement. Pushing her bra away his mouth moved to her other breast rewarding it with the same devotion he’d given the first. His hand fondled her as his damp mouth caressed and teased her. Emily moaned with pleasure.
Her hands ran up and down his firm back. She massaged his muscles enjoying the movement beneath his warm skin. Pulling him toward her, she asked for more, wanting nothing between them.
Reid shifted back and pulled her bra from her arms then allowed her to tug him to her. She sighed with satisfaction when Reid’s warm skin met hers. His lips found hers again giving her a deep, delicious, and delving kiss that had her arching her hips begging him for it all.
His manhood stood rigid and long behind his jeans. Emily ran a hand down to his waistband. Using one finger, she trailed it along the edge from one side of his back to the other. Her reward came when Reid’s arms tightened around her. She wasn’t the only one affected by a touch. She dipped the finger beneath the band of his jeans and underwear slowly running to his hip bone.
“Enough of that …” Reid growled as he rolled to the side and released the snap of her jeans. His gaze held hers as he slowly worked the zipper down. With it open, he stood and took the bottom of the legs and pulled. Emily lifted her hips assisting him in the removal. Seconds later they were gone. He wrapped his fingers under her panties and slid them away.
Emily’s breath caught as she watched in amazement and awe as Reid shucked out of his jeans and then his boxers. He was a beautiful man and one who obviously desired her. With an economy of effort, he put a foil packet between his teeth, opened it and rolled the covering into place.
The mattress dipped as he joined her again. She sighed as Reid covered her with his warm, hard body. The hair on his legs brushed hers as his manhood rested thick against her center.
“I can’t wait any longer,” Reid said against her lips.
Emily slid her legs up his thighs, opening for him. Pushing forward, Reid entered her then pulled back to go deeper the next time. He did it again, each time taking her higher and higher so that her world only consisted of what he made her feel. She climbed, grasping, and begging until she exploded with pleasure.
She opened her eyes to find Reid watching her. His expression, she couldn’t put a name to. He kissed her softly. Seconds later he pulled out and thrust hard and did it again and again until he found his release with a rumble of satisfaction.
A gentle rain continued to fall as Reid pulled her against his chest. She snuggled close and found perfect sleep.
Emily woke to the sound of running water in the bath. She stretched her arms out across the bed touching the warm spot where Reid had been. Her hand stopped.
Reid.
She moved her hand across the sheet again. It had been a heavenly night. None like any other in her life. She hugged herself, curled into his spot and smiled. It smelled of him. That unique scent that belonged to Reid alone.
Minutes later she heard bare feet crossing the floor. The bed sagged before Reid kissed her shoulder. “Hey, sleepy head.”
“Mmm.”
“Don’t you have a flight this morning?”
She went board straight, hitting him in the chin with her head as she flipped the covers back. Grabbing the spare blanket from the end of the bed and pulling it around her, she searched the room in a panic. “What time is it?”
Reid chuckled as he grabbed her waist and pulled her down to sit beside him. “Calm down, we’ve got time. It’s early yet.”
She shifted away feeling shy. “I should get dressed.”
He clasped one of her hands. “You don’t have to on my account.” He closed the inches between them until his thigh touched hers. “Em?”
She looked at him.
“Morning.” He kissed her gently. As he pulled away, she made a sound of complaint. “Baby, if you don’t get your cute butt out of this bed and get dressed right now, you’ll have to forfeit your flight because I wouldn’t let you go in time.”
He stood and towed her to her feet. With his hands at her waist, he turned her around. “Go.” He gave her a light pat on her backside.
She made an ooof sound and Reid’s chortle echoed behind her.
Coast-to-Coast Hot Air Balloon Race – Leg 6 of 8
Location: Land Between the Lakes, KY
Standings: 1st - Big Red, 2nd- Float Away, 3rd - Beautiful View, 4th- Hot Air, 5th- Wind Drifters, 6th - Sky Lanterns, 7th -Aeronauts Fly, 8th -Life-in-the-Sky, 9th - Cloud in the Sky 10th -Fogger, 11th- Rise and Shine, 12th- Falcon
Disqualified for Leg 5: Team Checkerboard
Reid pulled on his team shirt and added socks and tennis shoes. They needed to leave. He knew how much this race meant to Emily and he needed to get his head in the game. Lately all his thoughts revolved around her, what she needed and wanted.
He had to refocus. Reviewing Skytech was his job. After last night, the true reason he was there weighted heavier on him. Keeping secrets was never good for a relationship. He suddenly realized that’s exactly what he wanted to have with Emily. Still, he had an obligation to his father’s business. He couldn’t tell her. When the race was over, he’d explain. Emily would understand. She had to. Right now, she needed him. He was her only crew member with Billy gone.
Last night Emily had looked beautiful with her riotous hair spread across his chest as he held her after their lovemaking. She had been both responsive and eager. An experience he hoped they’d repeat. Yet she’d been timid with him that morning. It always surprised him at how strong she could be and still show her vulnerable side even when she didn’t want to admit she had one. She was a fascinating woman. One he couldn’t easily give up.
He glanced at his watch as he put on water for coffee. He could hear Emily in the bedroom. “Em, we need to go.”
A faint “I’m coming” came down the hall. Seconds later she joined him. “I’m ready.”
“Billy called. His dad is doing better but still in CICU.”
“I’m glad to hear it. I’ll give him a call after the race.” Emily picked up a coffee cup then set it down again.
“Hey, what’s going on?” Reid took her hands in his.
“Nothing. I just can’t find my flight bag.”
He chuckled. “It’s over by the door. You put it there last night so it would be ready to go.”
She glared at him. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”
He couldn’t help but grin. “I sure am. It does something special for my ego to know that I can not only have a woman come apart in my hands but also have her be rattled by my presence the next morning.”
Emily harrumphed, picked up her bag and went out the door. He couldn’t help but chuckle at her attitude.
Forty minutes later Reid maneuvered among the other pilots who were arriving at the takeoff field. A sliver of pink could be seen above pines on the eastern horizon when he pulled the SUV to a stop at the edge of the wet field.
The first vehicle he saw was Brian’s. He stepped out and looked their direction with a smirk on his face. Just what was the deal with this guy?
“I’m going to check in and make sure we’re still flying.” Emily looked through the windshield at the gray sky. “Looks iffy to me.”
Reid caught her wrist. She gave him a questioning looked. “Just so I don’t get caught stepping out of line again, would you tell me what happen between the two of you?” He nodded toward Brian.
Emily shrugged. “You know most of the story. The part I left out was I made him look good at work and he took all the credit. When I found him in bed with another woman from the office, I said that’s it.”
Reid said an expletive under his breath. The guy really was a piece of work.
She looked directly at him. “I know what it feels like to be used and lied to. I promised myself that I’d never let that happen to me again. I believe in being open and honest.”
Reid had to force himself not to squirm. She wouldn’t take his keeping Skytech from her well after all. “Got it. While you’re gone, I’ll start unloading and see if I can encourage some of the onlookers to help.”
“Bet they’ll all be female,” she mumbled.
His brows rose. “Did you say something?”
“No. See you in a few.”
By the time she’d returned he’d removed the balloon box and got his guilty conscious under control. When the time was right, he’d come clean. The race would soon be over. He had a couple of teenage boys and a girl working to help unload the basket.
“We’re flying. So let’s hustle and get this up.” Emily started pulling the fan out of the back of the Suburban. “A couple of the committee members will be over in a minute to review the envelope.”
Without Billy, it took them longer than usual to get the balloon ready. Even with help from the onlookers he and Emily had to stop what they were doing to explain what should be done.
The committee members arrived just before he and Emily were ready to raise the canopy. They picked up the fabric and rubbed it around in their fingers and walked around the balloon and declared it okay to fly. He and Emily looked at each other and shrugged.
Reid gave Emily a quick kiss before takeoff. “For luck.” He gathered the tether line and handed it to her. Despite the extra time it took to get the balloon inflated and ready, Emily made good time. The wind picked up. Some of the pilots hadn’t lifted off because of it. Emily had made it just in time.
Reid pressed the button on the walkie-talkie. “Em?”
“Yeah?”
“How’s it going?”
“Great so far. A little windy but nothing I can’t handle. I wish you were up here with me. It’s beautiful with the green of the trees, the lake and the sun coming up.”
As tempting as it might be to spend time with Emily, up in a hot air balloon wasn’t his thing. She’d have to talk mighty hard to get him to join her. “Maybe. We’ll see. Hey, my travel route is long because I must go around and over these lakes. I’ll do my best to keep you in sight. I may need directions.”
“Will do.”
Emily floated over another group of trees and moved out over another lake. From her vantage point, she could see how the area got the name Land Between the Lakes.
Turning the gas valve up, she gave the burner enough vapor to raise the balloon over another group of trees. Ahead the landing area looked much like the takeoff space had except this time the lake was in front of her. The touchdown would be challenging with the amount of wind she had to contend with. Her primary goal would be to stay out of the water.
“Reid, come in Reid.”
“Yes.” He immediately answered.
She loved the reassuring sound of his deep voice. “I’m preparing to land. What’s your location?”
“I have a visual. But I’m still a few miles away.” He sounded distracted.
“Okay. See you on the ground.”
The race committee had added a-degree-of-difficulty to the drop by putting the X off to the right of the landing field. The pilots would have to drop the sandbag just after they cleared the trees then land before going into the lake. It would be a demanding task but doable.
Emily released air starting her descent. Moments later the balloon began to creep downward. She leaned over the edge of the basket and let the sandbag go. It landed to the left of the marker. Not a great drop but satisfactory for this type of landing.
Now she must concentrate on getting down safely. Pulling the rope, she let more air out. As she did the wind gusted, pushing her toward the trees standing to the west. Reaching for the valve she gave the balloon a burst of heat as she watched the trees grow closer. The balloon lifted but not enough. Again she gave the burner gas. Biting her lip, she waited for what seemed an eternity until the balloon rose. The wind buffeted her again sending her into the treetops. The basket tipped sideways and back. The sound of smashing and breaking limbs below had her heart racing.
She needed to get down – fast.
“Em, come in Em. Em!” Reid shouted but she didn’t have time to talk.
Reaching, she secured the gas valve, so she didn’t have to worry about a fire if she hit hard.
As calmly as she could, despite her shaking hands and a pounding heart, she pulled on the rope releasing more air. She continued to descend over the trees, but the lake came up fast. Landing there would be better than in the trees. The only worry was if she went too far out, and the balloon sank before she could get help.
If she was careful maybe, just maybe, she’d put down close to the shore. She looked up, searching the balloon, checking its shape. To make it work she couldn’t let the envelope collapse into itself. She sailed below the tree line when the envelope fluttered. Her head jerked up at a ripping noise. The tear flapped in the wind. She was losing air. The hole looked small enough that maneuvering the balloon wouldn’t be impossible.
“Em! Answer me!”
Reid sounded frantic. She couldn’t worry about him. She had her own problems. Remembering her training, she checked her altimeter. Twenty feet. What happened next would prove her mettle as a pilot.
Taking the rope, she pulled down and held it. A great swoosh as air left the balloon and it dropped sharply. She had seconds to prepare for hitting the water. She’d stay in the basket and hold tight. After she hit, she’d swim away from the balloon as quickly as possible to avoid getting tangled in the envelope or ropes when the balloon settled in the water.
The lake approached fast. She hit hard. Jerked backwards, she fell to the bottom of the basket. Water seeped in, soaking her clothes. She sucked in a breath, but thankfully the water wasn’t freezing. The basket settled and it tipped on its side. Emily pushed away from it as water rushed in. She looked up. The top of the envelope drifted down. She took quick stokes and swam out of the way. Turning and breathing deeply, she waited until the material settled on the surface.
She had been swimming back to the basket when the sound of thrashing nearby stopped her. It was Reid. His face wore a look of horror, his lips drawn into a tight line. “What’re you doing here?”
With one hand he jerked her to him. They treaded water for a moment locked together. Reid held her so tight she feared she couldn’t breathe. Seconds later he eased his grasp and searched her face. “Are you okay?”
“Yes. Yes, I’m fine.”
“Are you sure?” Reid didn’t let her arm go.
“Yes.”
His eyes were dark with concern as he gave her a searching look. Apparently satisfied, he quickly kissed her before releasing her. “Good. Let’s see if we can get this monster out of the water before it becomes any more of a job that it already will be.”
Unable to deny being grateful for his help, she moved toward the floating basket, and he followed.
“Well, at least we’re not too far offshore and it isn’t freezing.” Reid went under the water holding his hands over his head. The water came to his elbows. He came up and shook his head, sending droplets around him. “Just over my head. Got any ideas about getting this out?”
“What if you get on the other side and I’ll stay here and we’ll swim it toward the shore. When we get close enough we can put a rope on the basket and pull it out with the Suburban. Only thing is we’ll have to be careful not to get it caught in the envelope.”
“Okay, let’s give it a try.” Reid swam away.
It hadn’t missed her notice Reid had let her make the decision about how to handle the balloon without him taking control of the situation. He had been there to help and support, not to tell her how stupid she’d been or how to handle her balloon. She appreciated that. Brian would have never swum out to help. A warmth filled her. Reid had slipped under the barrier she’d built to protect her heart.
They made slow progress as they pulled the half floating gondola between them. With the bottom end facing the shore, the basket crept closer to land. They had been swimming thirty minutes before Reid could stand on the bottom with his head out of the water. The process sped up after that. Emily could see his muscles straining beneath the sleeves of his shirt as his arms remained wrapped over the side of the basket. If she hadn’t been so exhausted, she would have appreciated the view more. Right now, she’d never been more thankful to have Reid along. She wanted to take back all those ugly words and thoughts she had a week and a half ago.
As they made the shore other pilots and spectators waded out to help them. Brian wasn’t among them. He stood on the edge watching them with not quite a smile on his face but there was a look of satisfaction.
When the basket hit bottom, Reid waded out and went to get the Suburban. Using spare rope she carried in case of emergency, he tied it to the basket and the rear of the vehicle. Gradually he accelerated, pulling the basket out of the water until it was on dry land. Emily looked back at the envelope still floating in the water. Now all that was left to do was the daunting job of getting it in.
As she stood on land, catching her breath for a moment, Brian stepped up beside her. “Well, I see that your piloting skills failed you. I told you so.”
How dare he. She stood straighter and look him in the eyes. “I don’t think so or it would’ve been much worse.”
A smirk curved his lips. “I guess now you’ll have to forfeit the race.”
“Not going to happen.” Her attention remained on the balloon. She put her hands on her hips. “Quit wasting my time. I have my balloon to see about.” She waded back into the water.
“What was that about?” Reid stood in the water pulling on the envelope. “What did the SOB say?”
“Nothing I couldn’t handle. Let’s get this out.”
Thank goodness the ballooning community pitched in to help. After hours of back breaking work, they finally had the envelope out of the water. Some of it had already dried before the last made ground.
The sun beat down from high in the sky by the time they were finished. Reid had let her tell him how they were going to get the balloon out, but he took the position of drill sergeant executing a mission when it came to seeing about the envelope. He stayed busy telling the helpers what he wanted done and making sure they did it his way.
With the envelope spread out to dry, she and Reid dropped down on the grass beside each other to catch a moment of rest. Someone handed them each a soda drink. Reid downed half of his in one swallow.
Emily lay back on the ground and put her arm over her eyes to shield out the sun.
“Em, what happened with the landing?” There was an edge to the question as if it were extra important to him that he know.
She went through the story in detail. “Must have caught a limb. It put a hole in the envelope.”
“Really?” She sensed rather than saw Reid stand. “Where?”
She lifted her arm to look at him. “Near the skirt.”
He walked away.
“Hey, let’s look at it later,” she called.
Reid kept going. “I’m going to have a look now.”
Emily put her arm over her eyes again wishing for time for a nap. “Well, have at it. I don’t understand the urgency.”
Reid had to see for himself how Skytech had faired. As terrifying as Emily’s landing had been the damage to the balloon gave great data for how well the fabric preformed. He felt disloyal and somewhat underhanded to think of it in that manner but what he learned may make a real difference in what adjustments, if any, should be made to the product.
After a couple of false starts of picking up the envelope and flapping it around to locate the hole, he found it. It was L-shape and about ten inches wide. It was more than a nick. A small round hole would have closed on its own. The fabric had been designed to do that. Under close examination there were no jagged edges. It had been done intentionally.
His stomach roiled and his heart went to his throat. Emily could have been hurt or worse. What if he had lost her? If he ever found out for sure who did this, he’d…
He looked at the small piece of black thread hanging from one end of the opening. It looked as if it had been cut then loosely sewn together so it would let go during the pressure of the flight. Who would do such a thing? Maybe Emily had mended a hole he didn’t know about. Either way the envelope had to be repaired.
Reid returned to Emily. “Did you repair a hole I didn’t know about?”
She jerked to a sitting position. “No. Why? What’s wrong?”
“It looks to me like it was cut. The edges aren’t jagged enough to be a rip.”
“Let me see.” Emily started to her feet. Reid offered a helping hand, pulling her to her feet.
Reid relocated the tear.
Emily gave it a close look even pulling at it. The split didn’t get any larger. She said with amazement surrounding her words, “It’s not even giving.”
Pride filled him. Skytech was performing as he and Roger expected. This would be the time to tell her. Do it. He couldn’t. She already had a hard enough day without him piling more on her. It would wait.
“You may be right about it being cut but who would do it? Why?” She looked at him worry in her beautiful eyes.
His jaw tightened, but he had to say it. “That answer is easy. Brian. Who else doesn’t want you to win?”
The look on her face said she was both surprised and saddened by the thought. “I don’t see him doing something that low. He could lose his pilot’s license. He’d never take that chance. So who else?” She shook her head. “There has to be some other explanation.”
Reid wasn’t happy with Emily’s defense of Brian. No way would Reid put it past Brian. He wanted to win the race to gloat over Emily and to keep his status with the other ballooners.
“Think of the things that have happened. Your gloves went missing. Someone called in about the envelope material. Now this. Em, something is going on here. You need to notify the committee.”
“And tell them what? That I can’t keep up with my gloves. They’ve already checked the material and I did hit the trees.”
When she put it that way it didn’t sound like so much. Regardless, Reid planned to see to it neither Emily nor the balloon was out of his sight until the end of the race. “You’re the boss but I don’t agree. What I do know is that the rip is so large, it needs to go to the factory for repair.”
“I’ll just have to use my old one. I brought it as a backup.” Started toward the basket.
“No, I’ll have a new one shipped out.” He headed toward the SUV to get his phone.
“Why? I have another one in the SUV. There won’t be time to get a new one to us before the race day after tomorrow. I’ll use mine.”
“No.” Reid winced at the firmness in his voice.
“No?” She raised a brow in question.
“I’m the sponsor and the agreement was you would use my product.” He’d managed to make her suspicious. The last thing he wanted to do.
“But—”
He opened the driver’s door and grabbed his phone. “No, buts. I’ll call Roger now and have him start work. He can have it delivered to Georgia by the time we have to be at the race.”
“Look, I’m going to race with or without your precious envelope. Understand?”
“It’ll be there.” Reid spoke into the phone. “Yeah, Roger, we’ve hit a snag…”
With the balloon still unloaded, Emily chose not to continue arguing. If the envelope didn’t return in time she’d go with her plan. Their help drifted away as the balloon had to dry out which happen faster than she expected.
She commented on it to Reid, and he shrugged a shoulder before starting to lift it above his head and shaking it, making sure it was ready to pack. She rubbed the material between her fingertips. It did seem to have unique qualities.
The sun had moved to the west when they left the field. It had been a tough day. Exhausted, Emily wished she’d packed tents so they could just camp where they were for the night. Swimming with a large basket had gotten the better of her. Reid’s help had been a blessing. Once again, he had more than earned a spot on her crew. Now, she had to find a place to clean the basket, maybe a car wash, then they could rest.
“We’ve both had a hard day. Let’s stop at the next decent place we see and get a good night’s sleep and start fresh in the morning,” Reid said. “If we start early then we should be in Georgia in plenty of time to get the envelope on. It should be waiting on us.”
She glared at him. What was the big deal about using his envelope? Why was he going to all the expense of sending a new one? Reid had spent a lot of time studying the tear in the material being far more interested in the envelope than she thought necessary. Afterall envelopes could get holes. He had suggested it might have been cut but she wasn’t convinced. Material ripped when it caught on limbs.
In the SUV Emily rested her head against the headrest and closed her eyes. “I still need to get the basket cleaned off and make sure the burner is completely aired out. Even a little water in it can be dangerous.”
“Why don’t we clean up and get something to eat then worry about cleaning the balloon?”
“I want to at least get the dirt off the basket before dark.” She must prepare the balloon for the next leg the race. She needed to spend less time playing strip poker and doing other activities with Reid and focus on the race. She’d earned no points toward her total in this leg.
“Okay. Then we’ll get some food and sleep.” A few minutes later Reid chuckled dryly. “I don’t know if you realize it but you scared the hell out of me today. I was just driving into the open when I saw you going into the water. I had no idea what had happened. I kept radioing and you never answered.” He reached across and took her hand, kissed it before placing it on his thigh under his.
She looked at Reid. This big strong man had been afraid for her. “I couldn’t answer you. I was too busy.”
“I know that now, but I never want to feel that way again.” His voice sounded gruff with emotion as he gave her hand another squeeze. A warm feeling washed through her. She felt protected and cared for.
They stopped at the first store they came to and asked about a car wash in the area.
“Yeah, there’s one in town one block off the courthouse square,” the wrinkled woman with a few teeth told Emily. “Can’t miss it.”
“Thanks.” Emily headed toward the door.
Reid approached the counter with a couple of can drinks in his hands. “How about a drink and a pack of crackers to tide us over until we can find a steak?”
“That would be great.” Emily hadn’t eaten since early that morning and was famished.
They approached the city limits sign when Reid said, “There it is.”
Off to the right as a two-bay open carwash. Reid pulled through a bay. “Do you have any quarters for the machine?”
“Yeah. I got a few. Do you have any?”
“I threw a couple in the cup holder.” He started searching through the change coming up with five quarters. He handed them to her and stepped out of the SUV. Emily stepped out as well. She started feeding the money into the machine. Reid joined her.
As the water spurted to a start, he picked up the wand and began washing off the mud caked to the basket webbing. Large hunks of dirt dropped to the cement floor. He’d gotten the worst of it off when Emily reached for the wand. He let her have it, standing back as she completed the rest of the job.
Two hours later, Reid exited the motorway and pulled into the parking lot of a chain motel in a small town in middle Tennessee. They had opted for a drive-thru dinner instead of a sit-down meal.
Now all Emily wanted was a hot bath and a nice bed.
Reid stepped out of the Suburban then stuck his head back in. “This is okay with you, isn’t it? I know how you like to pick the places we stay.”
She twisted one corner of her mouth upwards in a snarl wishing she could knock that sexy, smart-aleck grin off his face. “Yes. It’s fine. Just get two rooms.”
Had he said ‘in your dreams?’
Reid returned with a key and parked the Suburban along the side of the building.
Her eyes narrowed. “Why’re you parking here?”
“I thought you’d want to see the balloon from the room window.” Reid climbed out of the SUV. “Come on, you look ready to pass out. I know I could use a bath and I bet you could too.”
She climbed out of the SUV. “Are you saying I stink?”
“Well, I’d rather not say it like that but a dip in the lake, working hard to pull a balloon out, and drying in the sun adds up.”
“Thank you, kind sir, I’ll take the hint.”
They went through the lobby and entered the elevator. Reid punched the second-floor button.
“May I have the key to my room?” she asked.
He handed her the card. She found the room number and inserted it, turning the handle when the light flashed green. She pushed the door open. “What room are you in?”
“This one.” Reid gave her a nudge and walked in behind her.
“What? I told you to get two rooms.”
“I don’t always do what I’m told.” He grinned. “Look Em, I’m too tired to argue. I’m not going to jump you unless you want me to. There are two beds here.” He waved a hand toward them. “You take one and I’ll take the other. You know where I am if you want me. You’re welcome to shower first. But make it quick.”
Steam filled the bathroom when Reid stepped inside. Emily must have the hot water turned on as far as it would go. A pile of muddy, sweat stained clothes lay on the floor. Reid stripped off throwing his on top. Never in his life had he looked forward to a shower more.
Emily’s had her eyes closed. She was soaping her hair when he pulled the curtain back. He slipped in behind her.
She drew still. “Reid?”
“Yeah.”
“What’re you doing? You said you weren’t going –” She wiped the soap away from her eyes and faced him.
“I’m just making sure I get a hot shower. You were taking too long.” He ran a finger over the slope of her breast ending at the tip of her nipple. He marveled when he gave it a gentle flick how it tightened. His manhood reacted.
“You look like a Greek goddess. All slick and shiny, with your hair piled high.” He didn’t touch her except with his mouth that replaced his finger. He teased and tugged on her breast until she moaned.
Emily stepped closer. As she did, he placed his hand around her waist and backed her under the fall of water. He pulled her hips to him leaving her no doubt of his arousal. She met his gaze with one full of hunger and anticipation. Reid angled her backward, so the water fell on her head. He used the hand not supporting her to direct the water as he rinsed the shampoo from her hair. Nuzzling her neck, sucking, and nipping, he stopped short of leaving marks.
“I’m going to take you and I want you to know it’s me when I do.”
He ran a hand through her hair in a last effort to remove all the soap before he cupped a breast. Still holding her, his fingers traveled over her slick stomach to tangle in her curls. He slipped a finger between her folds. She tensed.
Emily was hot and wet for him both inside and out. She squirmed and spread her legs offering him an easy entrance. His length throbbed with need.
With a quick movement, he picked her up, wedging her against the wall and him. She looped a thigh around his hip. He couldn’t wait any longer. He had to have her now. With one sure thrust he found home. And paradise.
Emily’s eyelids fluttered down.
“Look at me.” He growled his command.
Her eyes sprung open. Met his. Hers were dark with emotion. With a long stroke he pulled out, then pushed in with the same control, filling her again. He continued the motion until she gasped, her nails digging into his shoulders. The pain only heightened the sensation consuming him. Emily quivered and shuttered, her eyes going wide as she stared into his. With pleasure he never known could be possible he watched in supreme satisfaction as her dam broke, her look turning dreamy.
Heaven help him. Would he ever get enough of her?
Emily rode the wave to its peak and stayed there, floating down to settle peacefully against the shore. This time their mating had been sizzling, powerful, and consuming. As if Reid wanted to place his mark on her.
He shuddered his release and followed it with a rumble of pleasure. Reid leaned his head against hers. Their breathing mingled deep and ragged. He held her close for a moment then placed a gentle kiss on her lips.
Emily made no move to leave as she clung to him. If Reid released her, she’d slide right down the wall of the tub. The water going down the drain had more stability than she.
He chuckled like a man who knew he’d undone a woman. “Need some help?”
She looked at him and nodded her head slightly. He grinned. Pulling the curtain back, he stepped out and held one of her hands as she lifted her legs over the tub rim. Emily reached for the counter to steady herself.
Reid placed a kiss on her wet shoulder before returning to the shower and began humming softly.