“Bubbles, huh?”
“Yeah, I’m never getting that visual out of my head.”
My cheeks heat thinking about that, especially since I was completely naked in that tub. And he—he had no issue stripping buck naked in front of me and taking that shower. Which reminds me…
“Your tattoo?”
“What about it?”
“It’s incredible.”
“Thanks?”
“No, I really mean it. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“I’m glad you like it. Is that all you liked?”
“What do you mean?”
“That’s not all your eager little eyes latched onto if I remember things right.”
“I did not…”
“Luv, no shame in staring. I certainly got my eyeful of you. It’s only fair that you got a look at me.”
I swallow thickly, a little uncomfortable talking about seeing each other naked.
“Um…”
Another low chuckle rumbles out from him. “Just teasing.” He pulls me close and kisses the top of my head. “Sleep well?”
I wipe the sleep from my eyes and peer out onto what I can only describe as the most magical place on earth.
Our lofty perch is nowhere near the top of the canopy. Still, sunlight filters down through the dense vegetation in hundreds of sunbeams. That light dapples the leaves as they gently flutter in the light breeze. Insects flit around in the columns of light, looking like tiny fairies dancing with joy.
As always, it’s hot, humid, and sweltering. A light sheen of perspiration covers every inch of my body. I don’t even want to think about what kind of funk I smell like. As for Max, his scent is heavenly.
How is that possible? I take in a long, slow inhale, trying not to look like I’m smelling him, but seriously, there’s something deeply arousing about his rugged scent. I turn my attention to the jungle and away from the aching between my legs. I’ve got a major lady boner for Max.
Like M-A-J-O-R.
“Wow, it’s really pretty here.” Maybe he won’t notice the way I curl against him? Maybe he won’t notice the way I obliterate any open space between us?
“The most gorgeous sight on earth.” Only Max isn’t looking at the jungle. His eyes are just for me. “You make me ache in the best possible way, bubbles.”
If he only knew I feel the same, not that I’m going to tell him. I’m not that bold.
“That really is a corny nickname.”
“So?” He leans his head back and his eyes drift closed.
“It’s weird.”
“It’s perfect.” A smile tugs at the corners of his lips.
“Perfectly weird.” I shake my head and move away from thoughts of climbing into Max’s lap, where I want to do very unladylike things to my stalwart rescuer. “Do you think Knox got a hold of your team?”
“There’s really no way to know, but Knox is unstoppable.”
“Unstoppable?”
“Yeah, he’s got the stamina of a horse, the agility of a gazelle, and the stubbornness of an ox.”
“That’s funny.”
“Yeah, we tease him about it, but it’s the truth. Knox doesn’t know how to quit. He can run any man down, and if he’s being chased, he’ll outrun whoever dares to pursue him.”
“The two of you seem close.”
“We’re teammates, so yeah, close.”
“Teammates?”
“We were in the Navy together.”
“Tell me about that.” I place my hand over Max’s chest. To my delight, he places his hand over mine. He absently runs his thumb up and down my fingers and across my wrist.
“We enlisted at the same time. Were in the same class at BUDS.”
“Oh, I’ve heard about that. Is it really the way they show it on TV and in the movies?”
“That and more.”
Max takes a moment before continuing. It feels as if he’s judging me, determining if I can be brought into the fold. I’m not sure what test I pass, but I make it through those defensive walls.
“It’s brutal. It takes a stubborn man to make it through. People always think it’s about physical strength, but that’s not it at all. They break you down in BUDS, mentally as well as physically. Those who can’t handle the stress ring out. Knox was there when I was at my weakest. He helped me, and I helped him.”
“Sounds intense.”
“We then went on to serve the next few years on the same team. Did some stuff. Saw some stuff. Our re-enlistment contracts came up the same year, and CJ reached out to us.”
“CJ?”
“He’s the lead for the Guardians. At least, for the pointy tip of the spear.”
“Huh?”
Max laughs. “That’s what we call the actual Guardians. We’re the muscle that gets shit done. We have an awesome tech crew and intelligence group who back us up.”
“The pointy tip?” I can’t help but giggle. “A little phallic symbolism there?”
“You have no idea.” His grin stretches across his entire face. Max is beautiful when he smiles. Fearsome when he doesn’t. I love seeing both parts of him.
“I’d like to know more about the Guardians.” I want to know everything about Max, and I’m thrilled he’s talking. If I can just keep him talking, then I don’t have to address what’s going on inside of me.
I want Max.
Like I want-want him in the most depraved, carnal way a woman can want a man. I want him over me, demanding my surrender, taking what he wants, giving that to him. Yeah, that’s what I want.
Instead, I’m here. Sitting beside my rescuer. Biting my tongue. Swallowing my desire. Wishing the impossible was true.
Hoping we share some connection.
Once his mission is over, I fear it’ll be the last I see of him. So, I’m hoarding memories. I want to look back on all of this; me and Max, sitting in a tree…
K-I-S-S-I-N-G.
Oh wow, where did that come from?
Eve and Max, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G.
“What just went through your head, bubbles?”
“That really is a weird nickname.”
“It fits.” He’s not giving up on it, so I let him have his fun. “Answer my question.”
“Bossy much?”
“Depends on what you like…” He tugs me tight and brushes his lips over my forehead. I still in his hold. “Eve?”
“Sorry.” That sudden flash of heat is unexpected. Not heat. That was pure, unadulterated lust. Holy hotness. “What did you say?”
“I asked you what went through your mind just now, and you…” He shifts in his seat and coughs. Max clears his throat. “Anyway, tell me what you were thinking.”
“I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“It’s embarrassing.”
“Bubbles, there’s nothing you need to be embarrassed about with me.”
“Easy for you to say.”
“Doesn’t mean it’s not the truth.” He gives me the eye. “Now, spill.”
“Fine.” I sniff and press my lips together, mortified that I’m really going to tell him, but he says not to worry. “I was just singing a little thing in my head.”