Dangerous Abduction (O'Connor Brothers Book 2) (16 page)

She hadn’t seen Sandy since that first night of the break-in but Keith said something about her needing to get out of town for a couple of weeks. It was strange, because Ian had been in the room when Keith told everyone and there was some obvious tension in both brothers at the mention of Sandy. Marina wasn’t sure what was going on, but she was sure Sandy would fill her in when she got back home.

Then there was Nanny Betty, the comic relief in her otherwise tense life. The woman showed up every day with some sort of baked goods demanding Hulk and Trunk to come inside and eat. Marina could almost tell the time when the older woman breezed through. It was always after lunch when Hulk and Trunk would be switching out. The minute she walked in, James jumped at her commands. He wasn’t the only one. Marina found herself jumping for the woman’s orders as well as anyone else who was there. Nanny Betty definitely knew how to crack the whip. Marina had grown to adore her and looked forward to her visits.

It had been a pretty quiet day, and she answered the last of her emails. She’d also sent off the last of her editing to David with an email telling him she was hoping to be back in the office soon. She glanced up from her laptop to see James’ tall, muscular frame propped against the doorjamb with his arms folded across his chest. Her stomach fluttered, and it was everything she could do not to sigh at the sight of him. Then he had to go and smile.
Oh dear God!

“I think it’s time to leave the office, Ms. Kelly.” He was yummy in his white dress shirt, sleeves rolled up to expose his strong forearms and the top three buttons open, revealing the light dusting of dark hair on his chest. The worn blue jeans hung low on his hips and fit him so right. She finally knew what it meant for someone to take her breath away, because every time she saw him, James did that.

She smiled and stretched her arms over her head to work out the kinks. His eyes moved to her exposed midsection where her shirt slipped over her stomach, and his blue eyes sparkled. His intense stare sent a shiver of desire through her body, and that craving for him to touch her hit her like a freight train. She wanted him and she wasn’t going to be able to hold back much longer.

“I guess you’re right. It’s almost bath time for the boys anyway.” She stood up and walked around the desk.

“Already done.” He looked proud of himself. “They’re waiting for a story from you.” She could really get used to this, but she was worried Danny was getting way to comfortable. He hadn’t even asked when they were going back home and he loved sharing a room with Mason so much they had ceased calling it Mason’s room. Both boys now said ‘their room.’

Then there was all the pent-up sexual feelings she had. She wanted James so damn bad and he seemed intent on letting her set the pace. She didn’t know what to do because she’d never been the one to make the first move on anyone and she was too embarrassed to tell him she was going to combust. She walked by him and he grabbed her hand.

“Are you okay?” She wasn’t keeping her emotions hidden as well as she thought, because he’d obviously seen the frustration on her face and what was she supposed to say—‘I’m so damn horny I need you to do me now?’ That wouldn’t be awkward at all.

“I’m fine, but do you know what would make me feel a whole lot better?” She knew he was probably going to hate her for it, but she couldn’t help it.

“What?” His hand tightened on hers.

“To hear you sing the tough boys song to Mason and Danny.” She burst out laughing at the look of mortification on his face.

“That’s not fair.” He narrowed his eyes.

“Sorry, but it’s the only thing that will help.” She exaggerated a sigh, turned, and ran upstairs. She knew he’d be behind her any second because Mason would not sleep without the song, but she always seemed to miss him singing it. Why he tried to hide it was beyond her. His voice was amazing. She grinned when he walked into the room while she was sitting on Danny’s bed reading to both boys.

“Marina said it’s time for the tough guy song,” James said as he met her gaze.

She felt guilty, because he seemed to be so uncomfortable, but not to the point that she was going to miss him singing. She wondered why he was so intent on not singing in front of anyone. His brothers didn’t seem to have an issue with it or at least most of them.

“Yay!” The boys cheered and scrambled into their separate beds. Marina walked to the door, and James glanced at her. She smiled as he shook his head just before his soft, soothing voice filled the room. She closed her eyes and let the sound flow over her. She’d always loved the song, but the way he sang it made her love it even more.

Mason and Danny were asleep before the song ended, and instead of waiting until he finished she went to her room and showered. Once she’d dried herself and changed into some comfortable yoga pants and a tank top, she headed downstairs.

James was on the back deck sitting on the railing. She grabbed a sweater she’d hung up earlier in the foyer and then hurried to the kitchen. With a beer for James and a glass of wine for herself, she headed outside to join him.

“Thought you might want this.” She held out the bottle.

“Thanks.” His voice seemed strange, but she didn’t say anything because she was distracted by the view of the ocean. It really was relaxing to watch the waves rolling, but it didn’t distract her from the feeling of James’ gaze.

“Is something wrong?” She couldn’t read his expression.

“I’m fine.” He didn’t sound okay, but she didn’t push it.

“Marina, how long has it been since you’ve seen Marc?” He didn’t look at her and she’d answered this question already.

“I told you the last time was when he was beating on John’s door.” Did he not believe her?

“I don’t mean to pry, but it seems strange that he’d come back after all this time. He’s wants something. Think about it. He didn’t take anything from your house, except that picture of Danny, but the way your house looked, it was as if he was tearing everything apart to find something.” James turned towards her.

“I don’t know what it could be. I don’t have anything at my house that belongs to him.” She’d made sure there was nothing left of Marc, and what he didn’t take, her father kept stored in his shed in case Marc wanted it. She wasn’t even sure if the stuff was still there.

“Maybe I’m just overthinking things. How about we watch a movie or something. It’s still early and I’m not tired.” He pushed a lock of her hair behind her ear. “Unless you’re tired, I understand if you want to call it a night.” Marina stood on her toes and kissed his cheek.

“A movie sounds great.” She was tired, but there was no way she was saying no to spending an evening with James.

“Great! I need to run to the store and pick up some milk for the morning.” James walked into the house. “You can make some popcorn while I’m gone. I won’t be long and Bull is outside keeping an eye on things.”

“Doesn’t he get cold out there?” Marina felt safer with Keith’s guys outside but the weather was starting to get cold.

“I’ve told him to come inside and stay but he insists on staying in his truck.” James pulled on his coat.

Marina watched through the window as James walked up to the truck at the end of the driveway and stood there for a moment talking to Bull. As James walked away Bull exited his vehicle and headed up the driveway. Both he and Truck did that when James was out of the house. They would stand on the front deck until he returned even if someone else was inside with her. Although it seemed a little excessive to have the security, she was relieved they were there. Not that she’d let Marc get close to Danny because she’d die first.

Marina had popcorn ready as she flicked through the on demand movies. There were a few she wanted to see, but it had to be something James would want to watch. She glanced at her watch and realized he’d been gone a while. Hopedale wasn’t really big and the store wasn’t that far. She walked to the window and looked up and down the street. There was no sign of James’ truck and she began to feel a wave of panic. What if something happened to him? She grabbed her phone off the coffee table and was about to push his cell number when the lights of a vehicle lit up the living room. She ran back to the window to see him heading up the driveway. Now she felt like a complete idiot.

He stood outside talking to Bull for quite a while and it made her tense when Bull jogged back to his truck with his phone to his ear. James walked into the house and headed to the kitchen.

“I thought you got lost.” Marina tried to keep the comment light though her heart was pounding. She had panic attacks but it was the first time she had one in a long time. Now she knew why James had been making sure she always had company. He probably knew she’d feel anxious when she was alone for the first time after the break-in.

“Wishful thinking.” He sauntered into the living room. The last thing she wanted was for him to get lost. Her wishes for him required him to be in full attendance, minus the clothes. He plopped down on the couch next to her, and he turned towards her.

“I had a little trouble at the store. My tire was flat when I came out, and it looked like it was slashed. I had to change it,” James said.

“Slashed?” The word sent a shiver down her spine.

“I can’t be sure until I get a better look at it.” He didn’t seem overly concerned but she was.

“You think it was Marc, don’t you?” Marina didn’t need him to answer.

“I’m not worrying about it tonight because I’m looking forward to having a nice night watching a movie with you.” He smiled at her. Nothing could be done until morning and he was home safe but if Marc did this, it meant he was in Hopedale and that was way too close, but James was right. They needed to forget about Marc for the night and just enjoy each other’s company.

After a serious discussion on the romance and heartbreak of love stories, Marina using the romance argument, and James arguing the heartbreak part. They agreed to watch only one so each of them could prove their argument. Plus, she loved them.

She enjoyed the movie, but she was hyperaware of him sitting so close. James teased her about crying over one part, and she swatted him on the leg. He grabbed her hand and laced his fingers with hers. That was the way they sat for the rest of the movie. She was relaxed and content as the movie credits rolled up on the screen and hadn’t even noticed she’d had her head resting on James shoulder. A sudden crack from outside made her bolt upright and practically jump into James lap.

“What the hell was that?” she almost screamed.

“I think it’s the beginning of a thunderstorm.”

She turned towards him when she felt his body shake. He was laughing, and she wanted to smack him again. A bright flash of light and the heavy rain began to beat against the window. She was doing her best to stay calm, but she was nervous of thunderstorms. James’ grin told her she wasn’t doing a great job of hiding that fear.

“I won’t let the big bad storm get you.” He was teasing her and she wanted to slap him.

Marina pushed him playfully, and he let out a full belly laugh. She did snuggle into his side, but mostly because she wanted to be close to him. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly. She’d never been so glad for a thunderstorm in her life.

James picked another movie, but she really didn’t care what he picked. She was so content sitting next to him and having his warmth envelope her. The movie was about four guys who went on a trip for a bachelor party and ended up in all kinds of trouble. It was funny, and she laughed so hard her stomach hurt. She’d adjusted her position so that she was lying against James’ chest, and every time he laughed the vibration rumbled through her. When the credits started to roll, she was disappointed. It meant she’d have to move.

When she tried to sit up he held her tightly, and she glanced at him. His eyes were hooded and his lips slightly parted. James ran his finger down her jawline and his eyes locked with hers. She couldn’t look away.

“Marina, I want to kiss you so bad.” His voice seemed strained, and her heart begin to flutter. They’d kissed before, but something about the way he was gazing into her eyes told her this kiss was going to be different.

He leaned in slowly, and keeping his gaze locked with hers. He slipped his hand around the back of her neck, and he grasped her hair in his hand as he tilted her head and brushed his lips against hers. His lips were soft and gentle at first, but he increased the pressure and she moaned. It was intoxicating and she couldn’t get enough of his taste. When his tongue entered her mouth, she met it with her own. He groaned into her mouth as he lowered her back on the sofa. James hovered above her, never breaking the kiss, but she could feel his growing arousal against her leg, and moisture pooled between her legs. Things were getting out of control quickly and even though she really wanted this, with everything going on in her life, maybe starting something before Marc was locked away and Danny was safe would only put a strain on their relationship. She pulled her lips from his.

“James, wait... this is... oh God.” Marina panted as he started to move his hand under her shirt. James was breathing so heavy she wasn’t sure if he’d heard her, but when she pressed her hand against his chest, she could feel his heart thudding.

“Damn, that kiss kind of got away from me. I didn’t mean to get carried away, but when I kiss you it’s hard to think.” He stared into her eyes.

“I think we both got a little lost there for a minute.” She touched his cheek, and he closed his eyes.

“So what are we gonna do about this?” he asked, and she cupped his cheeks in her hands.

“What do you want to do about it?” She needed to know where he stood. “I mean this is going somewhere? Right?”

“I kinda liked where it was going a few seconds ago.” He grinned.

“I could tell.” She pressed her thigh against his erection, and he groaned as he sat up and pulled her with him.

“He invited himself to the party.” James chuckled.

“Maybe we should call it a night.” Marina smiled when he held her hand as he led her upstairs, stopping in front of what he now called her room. “Sleep well, sweetheart,” he whispered as he kissed her softly.