Guarding Me Page 4

  “Levi said something along those lines.” She half laughed. “He said the sparkle wasn’t so bright in my eyes and he’d do his best to bring it back.” The words, that’s a load if I ever heard one, teetered on her tongue. Instead she waited for her sister’s reply. She rather liked Levi’s declaration, liked being cared about by someone who wasn’t family.

  “He sounds pretty smart.” Tia’s brows rose. “Don’t you think? What’s the dog’s impression? Peaches is a pretty good judge of character. If she bites him, kick his ass to the curb.”

  She hadn’t given the dog a chance to meet Levi. But what about Maya? What did she think? She stared at herself and placed her hands on her lower belly. From the moment Nicky walked out, she’d allowed herself to freefall. Enough. The baby deserved better and so did she. No more wallowing.

  “Thanks. I needed the reality check.” Maya grinned. “I also should’ve gotten his phone number.” She raised her index finger and her sister spoke in unison with her. “Never wait on the man to call when you can do it yourself.”

  “Good girl,” Tia replied. “You might be the oldest, but you definitely didn’t get all the dating tips. We’ll sort you out.” She checked the timer. “Ten more minutes and we’re ready to rinse. I’m going to check on the kids.”

  When her sister walked out of the room, Maya laughed at her reflection. She always did have the craziest timing. What a strange moment to have epiphanies. Her hair looked like hell, no makeup, and her eyes were puffy from napping during the day, but she didn’t care. Time for the old Maya to make her appearance and knock Levi off his feet.

  Chapter Eight

  Levi collapsed on his bed and scrubbed both hands over his eyes. A day shift, a midnight shift and four hours at the civilian air traffic control center had taken their toll on his body. The run on the treadmill and the hour of weight training at the gym helped, but not much. He wondered what Maya was up to.

  No better way than to call her. He picked up his phone and dialed her number. The line rang twice before it switched to voice mail.

  “Hey, it’s Levi. Sorry I didn’t call right away. I had to work crazy hours. If you get in tonight and want to call me back, I’d love it. Maybe we can get together for coffee or something. Talk to you later.” He winced as he hung up the phone. Leaving voice messages sucked. He never knew what to say or how to say something that didn’t sound dorky.

  A moment later, his phone rang. The familiar heavy metal song blared, startling him. He didn’t recognize the number. “Hello?”

  “It’s Maya.”

  His heart skipped a beat. “Hey. I left you a message. I meant to call you sooner. It’s been crazy. A day shift with only an eight hour turnaround before my mid shift, then I had to help out at the local airport.”

  On her end of the line, she laughed. “I completely understand. I had to work two night shifts in a row. Normally I’m strictly days. Seniority rules. You asked if I wanted to go for coffee. Why don’t you come over? I make a mean pot of java, and it’s cheaper than going somewhere.”

  “I’d love it,” he blurted. “What time?”

  “Give me half an hour. Do you know where Macy Street is?”

  “Sure do.” Finally, one of the main drags he did know.

  “I’m in the Flagship Estates. Building two, apartment C.”

  “I’m on my way.” A little quick for his response, but he didn’t care.

  “Cool. See you then.”

  She’d barely hung up when he tossed the phone on the bed and pumped his fist. Finally, a woman who wasn’t upset by his crazy hours—not yet, anyway. He hurried through a shower, shave and getting dressed. Levi glanced at the bottle of cologne.

  “Worth a shot,” he murmured, then spritzed his shirt with one pump. He ran his fingers through his hair, then grabbed his keys and wallet. Her frugality came to mind. Most women wanted to be wined and dined. Not Maya. Sure, he’d take her out. He’d treat her well, but he appreciated another soul with the ideals he held dear.

  Twenty minutes later, he sped down Macy Street to her apartment. He’d looked into a place at the Flagship, but the prices were a tad high for the square footage. He pulled into the lot and scanned the building numbers. Maya, a wide grin on her face, stood on her doorstep and waved.

  His heart leapt again. He knew damned well it wasn’t love, but the giddiness wasn’t going away. Hell, it got stronger. Love at first sight didn’t exist, but maybe a lusty first night together could grow into something much more intense.

  “Hiya, stranger.” Maya opened the front door and stepped out of the way. “Long time no see.” A rat terrier stood at her feet and barked. “That’s Peaches.”

  “I’ll do my best to make it up to you.” He stopped beside her. The urge to kiss her was strong. Instead, he knelt next to her and offered his hand to the dog. “Hi, little girl.” Peaches sniffed his fingers and took a step back. He remained on his knees. “I won’t hurt you or your mistress.” He kept his hand open to the dog. Inch by inch, Peaches crept to him. She licked the back of his hand, then sat down beside him. “I think she likes me.”

  “She is picky.” Maya folded her arms. “Or she’s in love.”

  “I am very likable.” He patted Peaches’ head. “You’re a good girl.” He petted her for a few more moments, then stood. This had to be a test. If the dog liked him, then she’d give him a chance? He watched her reaction. Maya tipped her head, and he imagined removing all her clothes so he could kiss every inch of her delectable body. Heat swarmed in his lower belly and his cock throbbed. Damn. One look at her and she made him hard.

  “Are you going to stare at me or do something about that?” She slid one hand over his erection. “This might put someone’s eye out.”

  There was the spunk he knew lurked under her surface. “What would you like me to do with it?” he murmured, grinding into her touch. Like fire on his skin, despite the denim between them.

  “Make me feel beautiful.” She gripped his belt loops and dragged him into her apartment. Instead of taking in the sights of her living space, he allowed her to take the reins and haul him into the bedroom. Maya pushed him onto the bed and climbed onto his lap. She yanked her shirt up over her head and tossed the garment out of his view. The bra strained against the weight of her breasts, and her nipples jutted out over the lace along the top. The baby weight showed, but the extra fullness turned him on. He eased onto his back and smoothed his hands over her belly, then tipped her forward.

  From just below her breasts to the waistband of her pants, he licked and nipped. “Baby, you’re so soft and sexy.”

  “I like feeling wanted,” she groaned.

  He snuggled her tight to his chest and sucked on her nipple through the lace. The more he tasted her, the more he wanted her. He dragged the straps of her bra down and flicked open the clasp. The lingerie fell away from her body, exposing her to him.

  “I want you.” Levi hooked his fingers into the elastic of her pants and eased both them and her panties down. “Stand. I want to see all of you.”

  Maya did as told, although she wobbled on her feet. Her breasts jiggled with each movement. A fine sheen of sweat glittered on her dark skin.

  “Come here.” Levi reached for her and dragged her across his chest once more. Her taut nipples scraped his flesh. Good God, he loved that feeling. He could hold her forever. First, he wanted to taste her cream.

  Levi helped her crawl up his chest until she straddled his face with her knees. Her juices streamed down his chin. Damn, he loved her all worked up. From her clit to her hole, he licked her satiny soft skin.

  “Levi.”

  He could drown in her. Christ, she tasted good. He scraped his teeth over her clit, pleased when she cried out.

  “Give me more.” She ground her pussy on his face. “More.”

  With one hand, he slapped her ass. Not hard, but enough to garner a reaction. Her moans filled the room. He added a finger to her slit, then two to stretch her. Her heat enveloped hi
m and her cream slicked his way.

  “Oh, sweetheart.” He hummed against her clit. “Like honey.”

  “God, I’m close.” Her legs trembled and she wriggled her hips.

  Yet another thing he loved about her—how sensitive and responsive she was to him. “Come for me, babe. Drench me.” He buried his face in her cunt and pumped his fingers in her vagina. She clenched around him from within. She dug her knees into the mattress and bore down on him.

  “Fuck.” Maya shivered and moaned as the climax washed over her.

  Fuck was right. He lapped at her labia, licking every inch of her clean.

  After a moment, she crawled off him and stretched out beside him. “You’re dangerous.” She splayed her hand on his chest. “Like, I could get used to that kind of thing, dangerous.”

  “A man should always make sure his woman is satisfied first.” He rolled onto his side. “Did I make you happy?”

  “Hell, yes.” She smiled and closed her eyes. “Give me a couple and I’ll be ready to tackle you.”

  “Just watch.” Levi slid his legs off the bed and stood. Giving her the best view, he hiked his shirt up over his head. He arched his back and twisted to show off his muscles. Might as well give her a hot show. Once he removed the shirt, he dragged his hands over his chest and pinched his nipples.

  “Damn,” she whispered.

  He popped the button on his jeans, then turned his back on her. Levi glanced over his shoulder and eased his pants and boxers down his hips. When he bent over, he made sure to give her the best view of his ass.

  “Momma likes.” Maya smacked his butt, the crack resonating through the room. She threaded her hand between his legs and cupped his balls.

  Jesus. He loved when a woman played with his nuts.

  “Turn around. I want to see everything, too.”

  Chapter Nine

  Maya wanted to see everything, taste everything and feel that hot cock in her cunt one more time. Damn, he flowed through her veins like wine.

  When he turned around, she rose up on her hands and knees. Her legs still trembled from the orgasm. She rolled his balls in her hand, then wrapped her other hand around his dick. Precum shone on the blunt head of his erection.

  She licked her lips. “Mine.”

  “I’m all yours.” Levi pumped his hips, fucking himself on her hand. “But I want to be inside you.”

  She leaned forward and opened her mouth.

  “I want your pussy.” Levi backed away from her. “I need to make love to you.”

  Make love to you. The words sounded so sexy and sweet. Levi didn’t give her much time to savor the sentimentality.

  “Roll over on your back. I want to look into your eyes.”

  He stole the breath right out of her. Without saying a word, she arranged herself on the bed, her legs open and her heart bared to him. She could love a man like him. Could grow old with him and have his children. She met his gaze. Shit. She’d allowed herself to over-think again.

  “Let me love you. Let me guard you and cherish you.” He picked up the condom packet she’d left on the nightstand, then tore the corner of the packet and sheathed himself. Levi stroked his cock three times, then lined himself up with her pussy.

  “You should be valued and shown how special you are every day.” In one thrust, he buried himself balls-deep in her cunt.

  Maya grabbed her legs. She wanted this to last, this fuck, this night…this relationship. She dug her shoulders into the mattress and met him thrust for thrust. Each ripple and curve of his cock caressed her from within. Her heart pounded.

  She parted her lips and gasped. “Oh, my God.”

  “Naughty girl.” He grabbed her ass, tilting her body up for a better angle. “You love this.”

  “I do.” Like she’d lie? Each minute with him imprinted itself on her brain. Butterflies swarmed in her belly. She panted. Not five minutes ago, he brought her to orgasm. Again? Already? She could get very used to multiple orgasms during sex.

  “Levi.” She wound her hands around his forearms. “I’m so close.”

  “Ah, baby.” He increased the intensity of his thrusts and leaned between her legs to kiss her lips. “You’re my drug.”

  “Yeah?” She nodded and tangled her arms around his neck. “Come with me. I don’t want to do this alone.”

  “You bet.” He planted his knees on the bed and pistoned into her pussy. Sweat beaded on his chest. His brow furrowed and the sound of his grunts echoed in the room. “Sweet Jesus.”

  Her legs turned to jelly and every cell in her body stood at attention. She wriggled her hips. “Now. Oh, my God, now.”

  Levi slammed hard into her. His cock twitched and he rested his forehead on her breastbone. “Christ.”

  From the depths of her soul, the climax washed over her. Her thoughts scattered and she closed her eyes. There would never be another man like him in her life. Never.

  But how long did she want him there?

  Forever.

  After what seemed like a millennium, Levi pulled out of her. He sat on the edge of the bed. The latex of the condom snapped and something thumped. Summoning all her strength, she crawled to the head of the bed and uncoiled her body.

  Levi scrubbed both hands over his face, then flopped onto the bed.

  “I wore you out?” She rearranged the sheets and covered his naked body.

  “You did and I’m glad.” He propped himself up on his elbow and smoothed a lock of her hair between his fingers. “What are you thinking about? How awesomely good the sex was? Or how freaking fast we seem to get to orgasm together? You make my motor run at dangerous speeds and I love it.”

  He used the word love so much, but he didn’t strike her as the type to say things he didn’t mean. “I’m thinking about how we got here.” She tucked both hands under her head. “Things are happening fast. In a week’s time, I’ve managed to lose a dirt bag, realize I’m pregnant, and find something pretty hot with you. This isn’t how it’s supposed to work. Not this lightning fast. Is it?”

  She held her breath for a heartbeat. He could answer one of a couple of ways. Agree, disagree, or tell her this was just sex for the sake of a good time. She allowed herself to breathe. Screw it. She’d ask.

  “What is this between us?” She splayed her fingers on his chest. “Dating? Or fuck friends?”

  “Dating. Kind of.” He grinned. “I’m not seeing anyone else. Don’t need to.” He settled on the pillow and stared into her eyes. For a moment, she could’ve sworn he saw straight to her soul. “I like you, Maya. Everything I’ve learned about you, the quirks, the baby…” He shrugged, “I’m smitten.”

  “Smitten?” No one said smitten anymore—but she kind of liked when he said the word. “I should give you shit for saying old-fashioned words, but I like you, too.”

  Levi stared at her for a long time. He didn’t say a word, simply swept his gaze over her. The move made her shiver. This time she wondered what he was thinking about.

  “So where do we go from here? You’re not going to be deployed or anything any time soon, are you?” She raked her index finger nail over his nipple. “I hate goodbyes.”

  Once again he didn’t say anything. Her nerves took over. She’d gone too fast and injected emotions in when they weren’t welcome. Plus, she’d asked too damned many questions.

  “Levi?”

  He grinned. “I like it when you say my name.” He brushed his fingers over her lips. “Sounds so sexy.” Another swipe across her bottom lip. “I don’t ship out for a while, and I’ve been around long enough I won’t be moving around any time soon.” He met her gaze. “Who hurt you, Maya? Besides Nicky. Someone hurt your pride and even though you’re tough, you’re still stinging.”

  No, no, no. She wasn’t going to tell him about her past. That was ancient history. “When I was a kid, my father said he’d be back. Tia, Katja and I waved goodbye, but he never came back.” Tears misted in her eyes. “Drunk driver sideswiped his car right in front of ou
r house.”

  The pain, the fear, the regret all came back in waves. Missing her father, hating Nicky for leaving when she wasn’t sure if she needed him, hating her sisters for having to bring them up instead of being a kid herself—everything hit at full force. And here she was, telling her shit to a guy she’d only started seeing. She wasn’t even sure if they were a couple!

  Maya sat up and grabbed a blanket from the end of the bed to cover her nudity. “I’m sorry.” She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “I hate losing control like this.”

  Levi climbed out of bed and crossed the room. No blanket, no yanking on his underwear, just his nude body against hers as he held her. He petted her hair and swayed with her, allowing her to cry and deal with her pain.

  “Even the most controlled people need to crumble once in a while.” Levi guided her to the bed and placed her on his lap. He rubbed her back. “Whatever this thing is between us is strong, and I don’t want to fuck with it. I’m yours. I want to see you in the morning, take you for coffee or burgers or whatever, help you when the baby comes and be that guy you need.” He chuckled. “I kind of like it when you get all stern on me. It’s a turn-on.”

  “I put in an application for a job at the bridal shop. I don’t want to be a waitress for the rest of my life. I’ve got dreams I want to follow.”