A Hero to Dance With Me (6 page)

*****

Somewhere deep in Steve’s mind, he knew he shouldn’t have taken that kiss any farther. Now that she clung to him trying to catch her breath, he couldn’t bring himself to be sorry. Oh, she’d come to herself and give him hell in a few minutes, but it was worth it. Steve knew he was no closer to winning her than he’d been before, but giving her pleasure just seemed…right.

He stroked her hair, her cheek, praising her for her body’s responsiveness the way he could never do with words. Jezelle blinked several times, obviously trying her best to focus on him. She even shook her head slightly before meeting his gaze with clear eyes.

“That was a dirty trick, Steve.” Her voice held no rancor though, her face soft instead of hard with fury. Or hurt.

“I honestly didn’t mean for that to happen,” he said around a grin. “But I’d be lying if I said I was sorry.”

“I meant what I said. Nothing’s changed. I still need time to think, to figure out what I want.” She sighed then, smiling. Her hand found his cheek and she brushed it tenderly with shaking fingers. “But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy it.”

“I can live with that.” Steve kissed her again, lingering for long moments before he sat up, pulling her with him. “Besides, I’ve come up with a new plan of attack to win you back.”

“Steve--”

“Don’t worry. I’m not expecting anything from you. Not yet. I was just thinking about something my mother told me.” He shifted in his seat, unsure how to approach this with her. Jezelle had made it abundantly clear she wanted time, time that didn’t include him being in her life. “I know you have doubts. Given everything I put you through, I completely understand. All I’m asking for is a chance to make things right with you. Not for me. For us.” He took her hand because he couldn’t help himself. Kissing her palm, he closed his eyes, momentarily losing his train of thought. When he looked at her again, he saw hesitation in her gaze, but definitely interest as well. “My mother told me she and Dad didn’t exactly hit it off great at the beginning. But they had the same connection we have, the same…attraction. I have to believe this only happens once in a lifetime. I know I’ve never felt anything like what I feel for you. I can’t control it and I’m not even sure I want to anymore. All I know is if we don’t explore this further, we’ll both regret it. I can see it in your eyes when you look at me. You want it as badly as I do.”

There was a hesitation on her part before Jezelle sighed heavily, her eyes tearing up. When one fell silently down her cheek, Steve felt as if someone had gutted him. Was he forever destined to make her cry?

“Yes,” she whispered. “God help me, I need it, Steve.” He reached out to brush the tear from her cheek. She let him, but took his hand in hers once his thumb had swiped the offending moisture away. “But I want one thing perfectly clear. If you break my heart again, I’m going straight to your mother.”

The next several weeks were a blur for Elle. Surprisingly, Steve had settled in with her easier than she’d expected. He hadn’t pushed his way into her home or been all overbearing like she’d expected him to be, though. Whenever he was around and she got nauseated or sick, he would hold her hair back or get her ice water or a cold towel. A time or two, she noticed that wide-eyed look men get around pregnant women, but he always breathed his way through it, only breaking a sweat every now and then. Elle thought about trying to get him to talk about it, but figured he’d say something when he was ready. Without fail, he made sure she got home from work okay, that she had everything she needed. If she’d had a particularly bad day, he stayed. But he never slept in the same bed with her unless she invited him, and never did more than give her a lingering kiss, though there were plenty of times they both wanted more. She wasn’t ready for it, and he was doing his best to abide by her wishes. All in all, she was encouraged by his actions.

Up until the first of March, Elle had been wearing pretty much normal clothing. She bought a few things a couple sizes larger than normal and, though they didn’t fit exactly right, she wasn’t uncomfortable. After the holidays and a couple more months of the baby growing, however, she knew it was time to make the move to maternity clothing for the spring.

Not wanting to go all-out on her fixed budget, she opted for two pairs of pants and five different tops. Work clothing was a bit harder. Naturally, the Daisy Dukes were out. Instead, she was able to find some nice-fitting maternity jeans to go with her T-shirts. While she had to leave the shirts down instead of knotting them at her waist, the look wasn’t unflattering. She knew it was only a matter of time before she’d have to forgo the T-shirts altogether, though. They might technically fit her if she kept getting them larger and larger, but even the new ones she'd purchased didn't feel right. They were too big in the arms and shoulders while still stretched over her ever expanding belly. Oh, well. She’d cross that bridge when she came to it.

For the first time since she found out about the child she was carrying, Jezelle actually looked pregnant. It was now the middle of April. She was now twenty-six weeks along...and getting nervous. Steve hadn’t yet seen the cute maternity tops she’d bought, so when he unlocked the door with an overly loud, “Honey, I’m home,” he got what Elle was certain was the second worst shock of his life.

Elle stood in the living room next to the bar that doubled as both eating surface and counter space, her profile to him. She’d stood in front of the mirror for hours, so she knew what she looked like. The view was the stark reality of what Steve had signed up for. When his voice trailed off, his gaze riveted on her middle, Elle went still. Was this the moment he bolted like a scared rabbit again?

He was silent for so long, Elle was sure he would turn around and walk back out the door without a word. Instead, he dropped the two sacks he carried and approached her slowly. Hands out in front of him, Steve slowly sank to his knees, his palms settling over her rounded belly. Big all over, Steve always seemed to dwarf her in size, but seeing his large hands over her stomach made it look like he was trying to cocoon their child in one more layer of protection.

As if in response to his touch, the baby kicked twice, then stilled once more. Talk about a wake-up call. There was no better proof of what he was in for other than what he was getting at that moment.

Steve hitched in a breath, his whole body tensing. His eyes never wavered from her stomach, everything forgotten. The door to her apartment stood wide open--whatever he’d brought in the bags lay in the floor of her living room, and Steve was on his knees before her, his expression unreadable. When he opened his mouth, Elle wanted to close her eyes, dreading whatever he said. His next actions weren’t what she was expecting at all.

He put his mouth at the top of her rounded bulge and said, “Hello in there… Can you hear me?” The baby kicked again. “You know, your mom would really like to know if you’re a boy or a girl, so next time she goes to the doctor, would you mind spreading your legs for the ultrasound machine?” He paused, frowned, then added. “If you’re a girl, consider that the only time in your life you’re allowed to.”

“What’s this?”

Elle looked up to see Rick Carver standing in her doorway, arms crossed and grinning like an ape. Behind him were Mike and Leland.

“Oh, man…” Steve winced, but didn’t get up from his knees. Or remove his hands. “Congratulations on your Bad Timing Award, Rick.”

“Quick, Mike! Hand me your phone. I need a picture of this!”

Leland covered his mouth with his hand, his eyes watering, his whole body shaking as he tried unsuccessfully to stifle a laugh. Obviously, Steve was getting no help there. Still he didn’t move. He even turned his head and gave a bright smile.

And he still didn’t get up or move his hands.

“I think it’s a boy,” he announced to everyone, sounding like an excited kid saying, “I think Mom got me a puppy.”

“Why would you think that?” Rick tilted his head even as he continued to snap pictures of Steve looking all adoring and cute while cradling his unborn child in his hands.

“Because he kicked me.”

“That doesn’t mean anything,” Chase said as he appeared from outside, toting a big box that boasted “Baby’s Beautiful Bassinet” on the side in bold, light yellow lettering. “Megan kicked the shit outta Melanie, and she wasn’t a boy.”

“Hmm,” Steve said, getting to his feet, seeming to think it over. “If she has my temperament, then I suppose it’s possible.”

“Oh, come on,” Elle said, feeling a little weak in the knees. Was this really happening? Steve hadn’t panicked. He had gotten that shell-shocked look, but hadn’t run. Not even before his family showed up. And he had actually posed for a picture that was sure to end up on social media outlets everywhere! Was she actually going to get the fairy tale? “Every baby kicks. That doesn’t mean it’s a boy.”

“Well, it better not be a girl,” Steve said. “Chase already has two girls and I see what they do to a man. I’m a SEAL, dammit! I will not dress up as a fairy for her tea party!”

“Riiiiight,” Chase drawled. “Don’t think I didn’t see your pink fingernails a couple weeks ago. You thought you got it all off, but you missed a few spots.”

Steve looked at Elle and grinned sheepishly. “You’re not going to put me through that on a regular basis, are you? You’re having a boy. Right?”

Grinning, Elle said, “I told you. The child had its legs crossed the last two times we tried to check. But I’m quite partial to having a little girl. I think it would suit us both.”

“Ah, come on, Elle,” he moaned. This playful side of Steve was so charming, Elle was hard-pressed not to fall head over heels in love with him. She was still edgy sometimes, still not completely sure he was all in, but he’d definitely passed this test. It was only a matter of time before she gave in completely. “With Abigail and Megan, there are already more girls than I can handle. They need strong, male cousins to keep the boys away from them.”

“Oh, I’m sure their daddy has that covered.” Elle laughed. “I doubt any boy in the entire state would dare try to date those girls.”

“Damn straight,” Chase said proudly.

There was a moment, then, when Steve looked into her eyes as he stood. He smiled that devastating smile of his, the dimple in his cheek making him look almost boyish. Elle’s breath caught and the world seemed to drop away, leaving only the two of them. Steve’s hands settled on her waist and he dropped his head to kiss her tenderly.

“And, I think that’s our cue to leave,” Rick said. “Just so you know, I’m sending those pictures to your entire team,” he added as he moved the big box out of the way so he could close the door. “You kids have fun,” he said. Even though she didn’t see it, Elle heard Leland’s hand smack the back of Rick’s head. “Ow! Daaaad!”

When everyone was gone, Steve lifted her gently to sit on the bar. He lowered his head to tenderly kiss her rounded tummy as he stepped between her legs, wedging his hips between them.

“What a fucking miracle,” he whispered. “Just...a fucking miracle.” He nuzzled her with his face, brushing kisses over her belly through the maternity top she wore.

In the months they’d gotten to know each other, Steve hadn’t seen her naked since that first night they were together. There had been many times Elle knew he’d wanted to take a kiss farther, but had never acted on it. He’d growled and had seemed to have to physically pull himself together, but he’d been the perfect gentleman. On more than one occasion she’d caught him staring at her growing breasts. How did her body look to him? Sure, she hadn’t really looked pregnant, but she knew her body was changing every day. Now, his fingers hesitated at the hem of her blouse, asking silent permission even though Elle knew it was his nature to take what he wanted.

Elle smiled, nodding her consent. Taking a deep breath, Steve removed her top, his gaze rapt on her breasts. She’d had to stuff them into her bra, as the garment was rapidly getting too small His breath caught, his hands shaking as he cupped them through the lace. His thumbs brushed the peaks lightly, sending shivers through Elle. Her nipples pebbled under his touch, aching for more.

“Can I take off your bra?” Steve’s voice was husky, gravelly. His jaw clenched as he looked at her. Taking the time to ask her permission was obviously weighing on him.

“Yes,” she breathed, needing this as much as he did.

He cupped the sides of her chest, his big hands caressing her skin in the most delicious way as he slid them around to the back clasp. With deft movements of his fingers, he unfastened the lacy garment and removed it from her body.

Over the past couple of months, her breasts had started to change. Not only were they bigger, but the dusky pink nipples were darker, more prominent. And vastly more sensitive. How would he react to the change? Then his lips closed over one peak and her mind blanked.

His tongue laved over the sensitive peak while he suckled her softly, gently. It was so unlike their first encounter when they’d both been so frenzied. She’d welcomed his rough treatment, reveled in it, even. All the dirty talk, every time he’d taken her where he needed her to go, Elle had loved every second of it and gone with him willingly. He’d always given her pleasure. Never did he take her without ensuring she followed him into bliss.

Now, he showed her a slow seduction. His hands lightly kneaded her breasts, but he made no move to do anything else, taking his time as he relearned her body. Steve moved from one breast to the other, lavishing the same attention. Had it felt this good before? Elle couldn’t seem to remember much, unable to think of anything other than the present pleasure he was bringing to her.

His hands slid from her breasts around her torso, his arms holding her so tightly the feeling was delicious. God, she loved how he could completely surround her with that magnificent body of his! It just felt right. Comfortable. This man had been made just for her, whether or not he was willing to admit it--she knew it in her heart, just as she knew she’d been made for him. They just fit in every way.

Soft kisses made their way up her neck to her ear where Steve sucked her earlobe between his lips and nipped gently. “Have I told you how very irresistible you look, Jezelle?”

“I’m getting fat,” she said on an airy breath. “It hasn’t been too noticeable, but I’m not the skinny girl you met several months ago.”

“No. You’re not. You’re growing with my child, transforming into a beautifully tempting woman with a mother’s curves. You were beautiful before, but now I can’t seem to keep my eyes off you. Until now, I’ve managed to keep my hands—and everything else—to myself, but seeing you like this…” He trailed off as a shudder went through him. “Ah, God, you’re sexy!”

“I was afraid it would make you panic, seeing me growing.” She pushed him away, but he only retreated enough to be able to look into her eyes, his arms staying firmly around her. “I’m going to say this just once, Steve. If you want out, do it now before you make me lose my heart again.”

Even as she said the words, a stab of pain went through her chest. There was no way she’d come out of this the same lighthearted person if he left her again. Her whole outlook had changed when he’d left the first time, and she hated the cynical person she’d become. Gone was the fun-loving, carefree girl who’d only wanted to dance. In her place was a bitter, broken-hearted woman wandering around lost with no direction to her life. When Steve showed up again, it made her realize how different everything was after that one night, and she’d been determined not to give him that power over her again. Yet here he was. And dammit, she wanted everything he represented. Love. A family. A place she belonged. She wanted the goddamned fairytale.

He let her go then, but only so he could slide his hands up to cup her face. Tilting her head so she had to look at him, he kissed her gently. “I’m not going anywhere ever again,” he said with conviction. “My enlistment with the Navy is up in six months. I’m not reenlisting. I’ve already spoken with my CO and the paperwork is in the works. My place is here with you,” he said, the conviction on his face so strong Elle knew this was real. “My running days are over. I intend to use all that training as a SEAL to protect you and our child with a ruthlessness never before seen in a husband and father.” He grinned. “That is, if you’ll marry me.” With that, he reached into his jeans pocket and pulled out a small white box. Jezelle couldn’t have been more shocked if he’d told her he was an alien from Mars. She’d known he was making progress, but this?

“Steve, I...are you sure? I mean, if this is because of the baby--”

“No, sweetheart. It’s not about that baby. I knew I wanted you long before I knew about our child. Yeah, I fucked up from the beginning, but I knew even then you were the woman for me. I just had difficulty actually admitting it to myself.” The look on his face turned fierce. “Not anymore. I’m yours, baby. All yours, and I don’t care who knows or what my team thinks. I lost this battle and I couldn’t be happier.”

A tear spilled from Elle’s eye as she opened the little box. A simple gold band with a diamond setting sat inside. Taking it from the box, Elle slipped it on her finger, looking up at him with emotion clogging her throat. “I love you so much, Steve!”

With a groan, he pulled her close once again, burying his face in her hair as he spoke. “I love you, too, baby. God, I love you so fucking much!”

“Then take me to bed,” she whispered. “Make love to me.”

“Will it be all right to? I don’t want to hurt you or the baby.”

She smiled. “Yes. Just be gentle with me and everything will be fine.”

Instead of scooping her up in his arms, Steve urged her legs around his waist and lifted her from the bar, her body wrapped around his. His lips found hers as he walked them to the bed, their tongues twining softly, teasingly. Elle’s desire wound tight as he mastered her mouth, taking what he wanted, giving what she needed. By the time he laid her down and removed the rest of her clothing, she was panting for him, needing to feel him inside her once again.

Steve didn’t seem to be in much of a hurry, though. Once they were both naked, he took his time, still exploring her new body. Her nipples seemed to fascinate him because no matter where his hands stroked and petted, he always came back to her breasts, his fingers plucking and flicking the taut peaks gently. Again, when his hands settled over her stomach, the baby kicked right underneath his palm.

Steve chuckled. “Oh, no, little guy. Tonight, Mommy’s mine. You’re just going to have to go to sleep.” The child gave one more half-hearted kick before settling down.

Elle giggled, reaching for Steve to pull him back to her for a kiss. “Get used to it, Dad. I have a feeling we’ll have to get inventive after this child arrives.”

His grin was radiant. “Daddy,” he chuckled. “I really like the sound of that. Rick is never going to let me live any of this down after what I told him when he was courting Laura, but I do not give a damn,” he said, emphasizing each word of the expletive.

Then he moved between her legs, kissing down her belly until he reached her sex. “I’ve dreamt about tasting you again, Jezelle.” His words were quiet, reverent even. “Can I taste you now?”

Before she could answer, his tongue swiped slowly at her folds, taking her breath. Anything she might have said was lost on a breathy moan as his tongue flicked and laved her clit. Elle fisted her hands in his hair, holding him to her just where she needed him. Steve grunted his approval and set in to feast. The sucking sounds and the masculine growls were the sexiest music she’d ever heard, their dance the most erotic she’d ever experienced. She spread her legs wide, needing him to have access to all of her. Hands skimming up her sides, Steve skimmed her tummy before finding both her breasts with his hands. Kneading the fleshy globes, he groaned as he pleasured her, seeming to receive just as much enjoyment from the act as she did.

“So fucking good,” he whispered against her slick flesh. “Delicious…” His words triggered her orgasm, her pussy contracting in a swift rush. “Oh, yeah, baby. Come for me just like that. I want to hear you scream.”

She did.

Before the spasms had completely died down, Steve levered himself above her, not settling his weight on her but holding himself on straightened arms as he found her mouth with his. Elle clutched his shoulders, trying to pull him down on top of her, but he simply rolled to the side, taking her with him.

“Oh, no, my little wildcat.” He grinned. “It’s your turn. Ride me like a stud horse.” Again, his words sent a spike of heat through her. This man knew exactly how to get to her, exactly what buttons to push to get her wet and needy for him.

With a trembling body, she mounted him, straddling his hips, opening herself up to his seeking cock. He steadied himself for her so she could lower her body around him with ease. The slick glide was heaven as he stretched her, the sensation burning even as it pleased. She loved the burn, loved that he was so big, so perfect for her.

“Oh, God. Steve!” she cried out as she settled over him, adjusting herself so that she rested comfortably on her knees above him. His big hands skimmed her skin from waist to breasts and back.

“That’s it. Do it, baby. Ride me. I want to watch those perfect breasts bouncing as you do.”

When she started to move, he clenched his teeth, a hiss escaping as his hands settled on her hips, tightening as he gripped her flesh. With ease, he guided her movements until they were both panting hard. He rose to meet her downward thrusts, driving into her with dizzying intensity. Elle could do nothing but throw her head back and let it happen.

She was close. So very close, yet riding that rail of pleasure, unable to fall. “Steve.” She didn’t have to say more. He knew exactly what she needed. With a growl, he sat up, swinging his legs off the bed to better brace himself. He urged her to slide over him, rocking her hips, grinding against him. Immediately she felt the difference. The pressure and friction on her clit were exactly what she needed, and the new positioning allowed her to move faster and faster until her orgasm exploded through her with the force of a lightning bolt to the chest. Steve’s own shout soon followed and Elle collapsed against him, clinging to his hard strength.

This was real. As she looked at her ring when it caught the sunlight, glinting to get her attention, the thought that she would actually marry Steve Carver swept through her with a giddy sense of anticipation.

“You’re going to marry me,” she said absently, sounding dazed even to herself.

“Damned straight,” he answered, nuzzling her cheek.

Pulling back to look at him she asked, “When?”

He shrugged, looking as content as any male could be. “Whenever you want. Might take a day or so to get the marriage certificate, but I think I can pull a few strings. Up to you, though be warned that Mom will not be happy if we elope.”

Elle laughed, hugging him to her, his body still tenaciously joined with hers. “There’s no rush. We can wait until after the baby is born if it will make her happy, though I can’t imagine a true Southern woman wanting that.”