“It’s not that she doesn’t approve,” Rocket said. “I mean, she was happy I went into the Navy, but I think she was hoping I’d be a literal rocket scientist or astronaut or something more prestigious. She loves me, we just aren’t close.”
“I think what you do is amazing. Sure, rockets are impressive, but someone has to design it. Someone has to keep it running. Someone has to fill it with fuel and make sure provisions are all loaded up so the astronauts are kept safe. Not to mention the people who stay on the ground and monitor the technology as that rocket is flying toward space. I think people are too impressed by those at the top, when they should be worshiping the little guys, the people who keep our economy going. The fast food workers, the people who work at gas stations, those at the big convenience stores and markets who work long hours stocking the shelves. Us little people are the ones who really keep the world going, not the head honchos at the top of the pile.”
Jayme was a little embarrassed when she got done with her impassioned speech, but she couldn’t stand to see Rocket feel any doubt about himself or what he did for a living.
Rocket divided his attention between her and the road for a long moment before bringing her hand up to his mouth and kissing the palm. His ever-present five o’clock shadow was scratchy against her hand.
“Besides,” she said, her tone lighter, “I’m thankful that you’re good at engines, because I’m hopeless when it comes to anything mechanical. I can change a tire, if I have to, but anything else with a car and I’m totally out of my depth.”
“You’ve got me to change your tires now,” Rocket said with no hesitation whatsoever.
“Awesome,” Jayme said softly. She loved the thought that he’d be around if and when she ever had car trouble. The one time she’d broken down on Interstate 5 in Seattle had been extremely stressful. She’d had to wait almost two hours for the car service to show up and she’d been scared one of the cars whizzing by was going to hit her the entire time.
“This is my driveway,” Rocket said as he pulled off the main road.
Jayme looked forward—and inhaled sharply when she saw Rocket’s house.
It was gorgeous. And if she was in the market to buy a house, it was exactly what she’d want for herself. The wraparound porch made her want to pull up a rocking chair and hang out. Each window had adorable shutters and everything about the property was welcoming and peaceful.
“Oh, man, Rocket, I love it!”
“Good,” he said as he drove around to the side of the house, pushing a button on the garage door remote. He pulled his truck into the bay and said, “I’ve got a large outbuilding on the other side where I restore vehicles and do the construction work for the house. The cellar is out back, I’ll show both to you later, if you want.”
“I want,” Jayme said with a smile.
They both climbed out of the truck, and he held open the door to the house for her. “I’m not a good cook by any stretch, which you already know, but I do grill a good steak, or chicken if you prefer. That’s…if you want to stay for dinner.”
“I’d love to stay,” Jayme told him. She turned around to face him before entering the house. She was a step above him and he was still taller than her. Feeling brave, Jayme wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his chest. She could feel his heart beating under her cheek. “Thank you for an amazing date, Rocket,” she told him. “But we could’ve sat in your truck in a Walmart parking lot and it still would’ve been awesome. I just like spending time with you. I know you’re really busy, and I appreciate you spending your day off with me.”
“Wasn’t a hard choice,” Rocket replied as his arms closed around her.
“I know you probably had stuff to get done.”
“Nope. Nothing important,” he countered.
They stayed like that for a long moment before Jayme pulled back. She didn’t let go of him though. Instead, she looked up at him briefly before rising up on her tiptoes.
She pressed her lips to his and closed her eyes.
If she was afraid she was being too bold or overstepping, her fears were immediately put to rest when Rocket groaned and pulled her closer. He took over the kiss, tilting his head and licking her bottom lip, as if asking permission to enter. Jayme immediately granted him access, tightening her grip on him as he lifted her off her feet and entered his house. He towered over her, but it made her feel protected and cherished instead of overwhelmed.
Rocket pushed her back against the wall just inside the house and they kissed as if this was going to be the first and only kiss they’d ever share. It turned carnal quickly, which only made Jayme want him more. Their tongues intertwined and played, learning what each other liked. But throughout it all, Rocket didn’t take advantage; his hands stayed locked around her body and didn’t roam. Jayme desperately wanted to feel the calluses on his palms against her sensitive skin, but was enjoying their first kiss too much to want any distractions right that second.
When he finally pulled back, they were both breathing hard. Jayme saw his gaze flick to her chest and knew she should probably be embarrassed, because he had to see how hard her nipples were. But nothing about this felt awkward.
“I like your house,” she whispered.
He grinned. “You haven’t even seen it.”
“Doesn’t matter. I know it’s perfect.”
“You okay?” he asked, his brows furrowing a bit. “I don’t want you to feel any pressure here. You’re safe.”
“I know I am,” Jayme told him. Was two weeks enough to fall head over heels in love with someone? She had no idea, but had a feeling she was already a goner.
He lifted a hand and brushed his thumb over her lips. They felt a bit swollen, and she couldn’t help but smile and flick her tongue out to lick over his skin.
“Fuck,” Rocket muttered. “You’re gonna be the death of me.”
“But what a way to go,” she sassed back.
“True. Come on. Let me show you my house.”
Jayme nodded, ignoring the pang of disappointment when his arms dropped from around her and he stepped away. But he only went as far as the garage door they’d just entered through. After shutting it, he took her hand in his once more and held on firmly as he led her further into his beautiful home.
Chapter Five
Rocket let out a small breath of air and stilled when Jayme shifted against him. She was fast asleep, and had been for at least an hour. After dinner, when she’d insisted on helping by whipping up some homemade rolls—and chocolate chip cookies for dessert—they’d sat on his couch and he’d turned on the television. He had no idea what was on, as his complete attention was devoted to the woman in his arms. She’d snuggled against him, resting her head on his shoulder, and promptly fell asleep.
Rocket couldn’t help but grin at remembering her reaction to his kitchen. Her eyes had gotten wide and she’d been speechless for a full minute. He’d told her that he’d gone all out with the kitchen and bathrooms, but apparently she hadn’t quite realized what that meant.
He had a restaurant-grade forty-eight-inch gas range with a huge double-sided refrigerator. Marble countertops and every kitchen gadget known to man. He’d gone overboard, and he knew it—especially for a man who didn’t cook—but he’d hoped at some point to find a woman who might love the space.