Delta Recon (SEAL Team Phantom Series, Book 2) (22 page)

After he was sure he had nothing left to give, he buried his face in her neck and breathed deeply, then rolled taking her with him. Even now, he could feel tiny ripples along his dick from her orgasm, and continued to rock into her.

****

J
aqui shivered and held onto Tay like a lifeline in a storm. A completely contented grin crossed her face. “Damn, that was off the charts awesome.” She kissed his chin.

“I’m glad you think so. I think you broke me.” He nuzzled the top of her head.

“How did I break you?” She asked, hating when he slipped out of her.

He canted his head to the side. “My dick. I think you broke it.”

Laughing she tried to pinch his side. “No fair. You have no fat to pinch.”

Tay grinned. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Yawning they both settled down into the bed until Jaqui felt goosebumps from the air-conditioning.

“You cold?” He didn’t wait for her to respond, instead hopped up and went into the bathroom. A minute later he returned with a warm wash cloth. Jaqui squealed as he put it between her thighs. “Tay, I can do that.”

“Yep, so can I.” He held her down easily. When he was finished, he tossed the rag toward the open bathroom door, then walked over to the big windows and shut the curtains, making the room go dark. He didn’t seem to have a problem navigating the room, and then the bed dipped as he maneuvered her under the blankets, then climbed in beside her.”

“Get some rest, sunshine. When the sun rises I’m taking you to the first chapel you agree to after we buy rings. I’m sure we can get Kai and Nettie to stand up for us.” He ran his hand up her smooth back.

She thought about it and nodded. “Sounds good. Should I text her now. You never know about her, she could hop the first flight back to Shep. There’s something about that man, but I promised not to check into him. You however, did not make that promise.”

Tay groaned. “I can see how your mind is working, and I like it.”

“I’ll show you how much I appreciate your cooperation as soon as I get some sleep.” She yawned so hard her jaw hurt.

“Get some sleep, baby. I’ll hold you to your promise later.”

Jaqui woke up before Tay and felt like she had someone banging around in her skull. She crawled out of bed, trying not to wake him.

“Where you going?”

“Why are you being so loud? Loud is rude. Loud when someone has had too much to drink the night before is a killing offense. However, you were sober right?” She squinted at his delicious looking body barely covered by the sheet.

He nodded, but didn’t answer.

“Good, so then you can’t take back the proposal. I’m going to shower, while you go procure something for this thing kicking my head. Then, we are going on our first mission.” She went back over and gave him a kiss on his cheek. “Morning breath, so no kiss on the mouth for you.”

She shuffled into the bathroom and heard him laugh. “Love you too,” she called from inside the too bright room. “Why the fuck do they make these rooms so damn neon for crying out loud.”

The door opened, and a naked Tay came in. “Come on, let’s conserve water and I’ll help you wash your hair. It’ll make you feel better.” He held two tablets in his palm. “I also had these in my pocket. I’m a former boy scout.”

“Oh, bless you.” She grabbed a glass from next to the sink and rinsed it out then filled it with water.

“Is it bad?” He rubbed her shoulders, then massaged her neck.

“Not like I want to stab my eyes out. No. I have had worse.”

Tay reached in and turned the water on. By the time they showered, and he was true to his word, and helped her wash and condition her hair, she felt much better.

“We will have shower sex next time,” she swore.

He nearly fell off the bed at her announcement. “Do you just spout this shit out to make me hard?”

Jaqui finished doing a side braid. “Uh, why would you think that? I was just thinking it was a lost opportunity, and really wanted to experience that with you.”

He stood up and wrapped his arms around her. “I am the luckiest son-of-a-bitch.”

Jaqui patted his back. “Remember that when I mess up, or don’t cook very well.”

––––––––

“W
hat do you mean you are getting married? You can’t. I mean...don’t you want the big church and all that hoopla shit?” Nettie asked.

“Nope, I just want to marry Tay. Once everyone is out of the hospital and cleared for travel we’ll do a big party in Hawaii.”

A stunned silence met her announcement.

“What about Mo? You know she feels awful for hitting you. I think you should ask her to come too. She’s been released from the hospital and is a hot mess thinking you hate her,” Nettie’s voice became a whisper.

Jaqui looked over at Tay as he held his cell to his ear. “I don’t hate her, I thought she hated me.”

“Good gawd, sugar. I will take a switch to both your hides. Alright, you tell me when and where and Mo and I’ll be there. Please tell me you aren’t wearing camo. I mean I’m all for country-chic, but I draw the line at that. You best find a nice dress, or I’ll bring you something slutty and Mo and I will hold you down and dress you.”

“I plan to go in ten minutes. We are going ring shopping and then getting proper attire at the shops in Caesars.” She pulled the phone away at the loud screech.

“Ten minutes? Girl, who’s helping you? Seriously, I’ve seen how you dress. How about Mo and I meet you there in say like thirty, that way you and Tay can pick out a ring, and then we’ll help you pick out a dress while he gets a nice suit or something?” Her cousin’s tone was serious.

Damn, do they think I look that bad?
She mouthed to Tay. He shook his head and pulled her onto his lap.

“I’ll text you when we finish shopping for a ring.” Jaqui disconnected, hearing the words Cartier and Tiffany’s being shouted before she hit the end button.

“Sorry about that. Don’t think for a minute I expect a huge diamond. Matching bands are fine with me.” She looked Tay in the eyes.

He grinned. “Sunshine, I already knew that. Now, up with you or I’ll have us both nekkid and then your cousins will be banging on the door, while I’m banging you.”

Jaqui stood and looked at her outfit. Maybe Nettie had it right. She definitely didn’t want to get married in anything resembling military or boyish. “Come on big guy, let’s get to shopping.”

A while later they walked through glass doors leading to an exclusive boutique where two identical faces were waiting for her. Her heart began to race as she looked at Mo.

Her cousin broke away from Nettie. “I’m such a bitch. Like a bitch of the first order and don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I’m asking anyway. Please, Jaq, forgive me and know that I will never raise my hand to you again. Well, I might, but only because I’m an idiot and know you can kick my ass six ways to Sunday.”

Jaqui wrinkled up her nose. “I’m pretty sure I can kick your ass in more ways than that, but I already forgave you.” Mo wrapped her arms around Jaqui. All the stress and worry evaporated.

“I’m going to leave you ladies here and meet up with the guys to get something decent to wear.” Tay looked scared to step into the pricey shop.

She leaned up and kissed the tip of his chin, which he quickly bent and picked her up, covering her mouth with his. She blushed and he laughed when they pulled away. “Go away before you make me jump your bones inside Valentino. I’m sure they’ve seen lots of scandalous things, but I refuse to add to that list. Besides, I want to find the perfect dress since this is the one and only time I’ll ever be getting married.”

Tay bent and brushed the tip of his nose against hers, then ran it across her cheek to her neck. At her ear, he stopped. “You’ll look gorgeous in anything, but I prefer you in nothing,” he whispered stepping back and cupping her face in his big palms. “I promise to be waiting, and I’ll even try to keep my hands to myself until the minister pronounces us husband and wife.” He kissed her one last time.

“You realize you make me melt right? Like I’m a total puddle of goo right now. How am I supposed to shop, let alone make coherent choices?”

“Baby, you made me a puddle of goo the first time I saw you. The best choice, the only smart thing I’ve ever done was ask you to be mine forever. When you get tired, I’ll be there to carry you. If you’re hurt, I’ll do everything in my power to fix you and make damn sure whoever was responsible for hurting you pays dearly. You and I are like a puzzle. People may not think we match because I’m all jagged and rough around the edges, but put us together, and we match, making the most beautiful picture. Without you, I’m a jumbled mess is what I’m saying. You make me a better man, and I’ll do my best to deserve you for the rest of my life.”

A chorus of awe’s were echoed behind her. “See? You did it again,” she sniffed.

Tay wiped away her tears with his thumbs, smiling down at her. She realized it was moments like these that made all the bad worth it. Her heart and soul belonged to one Navy SEAL. Each moment with him she’d cherish, but the ones where he laid his heart out for her and all to see were precious.

“Now you know how you make me feel each time you smile. Now, go see if you can find anything as beautiful as you. I’ll see you in a few hours.” He gave her one more kiss, then turned and left.

Mo and Nettie watched him leave.

“Hey, quit ogling my man’s ass.” Jaqui smiled as her cousins pretended to wipe drool off their chins.

“Not our fault your man has a damn fine bum,” Nettie said.

Mo nodded. “Let’s do this. We ain’t got all day.”

Nettie chucked at her obvious discomfort. She flipped them both the bird.

Two hours later she had a dress, shoes and the most delicate lingerie she’d ever owned. Her hair and nails were done, and her nerves were frazzled. “Are you sure I look okay?” She asked for the tenth or twentieth time.

“Honestly, you are gorgeous. Tay will probably have a hard time keeping his hands to himself while you say your vows.” Mo carried the bag with her dress in it.

All three of them had new dresses and had their hair done. As they entered the Little White Chapel, Jaqui swore butterflies churned in her stomach. They quickly dressed, then Nettie volunteered to check on the men.

“Oh my God. Wait till you see your man. Holy shit! His friends, too.” She fanned her face. “I want a SEAL.”

Jaqui gulped, wondering what the guys had gotten up to. She knew they couldn’t be dressed in their Navy uniforms. “I’m ready.”

Mo waved her forward. “Yeah you are. Our parents are going to be pissed, but I’m blaming you and Nettie.”

Nettie elbowed Mo. “What’s new there.”

Jaqui stood outside the closed door to the chapel with her two best friends and cousins in front of her. As the doors opened the wedding march began. Her eyes took in the scene, and she completely forgot all about her nerves as she got her first glimpse of Tay, Oz, Coyle, Kai and Sully. Holy crap! All five of the guys were dressed in white pants, with white button down shirts and jackets and white shoes. Tay had an orchid pinned to the lapel of his jacket, the only thing that made him stand out, other than he was the most handsome man in her opinion. What stunned her most was seeing the twins friend Traci sitting in the front.

“Oh, forgot to tell you Traci was coming. When she’d heard about Nettie being kidnapped, and me being drugged last night, she insisted on coming to make sure we were okay.” Mo smiled over her shoulder.

Jaqui patted her on the arm with her free hand, seeing the gorgeous ring she and Tay picked out glint under the lights. “No problem. I don’t mind at all. You can introduce me after. Now move it ladies. I have a man to marry.”

Nettie and Mo began the slowest march known to mankind, making Jaqui want to rip their strawberry blonde hair out. By the time she reached the spot next to Tay, the butterflies had calmed. His eyes on her the entire time gave her the resolve she needed, and seeing the absolute love shining back at her, she knew this was a forever kind of thing.

The minister cleared his throat, and then they were repeating after him. When they were announced as husband and wife, she felt complete, as if she had everything she could ever want in the world. She knew without a doubt, no matter what, Tay would be there for her, or make sure someone was when he was unable.

“I will love you for all the days and nights for the rest of my life, Jaqui Rouland.” Tay bent and kissed her.

She melted into his embrace, conveying without words her love for him. They were both breathing hard as they pulled away. “I’m going to hold you to that, Taylor Rouland.” She covered her mouth with one hand. “I’m Mrs. Rouland. I love you so fucking much.”

Kai and the rest of the team laughed.

Oz clapped Tay on the back. “Thank god one of you still cusses like a sailor.”

Tay raised his middle finger, making the minister shake his head.

“So, we ready to blow this place and get some grub? I’m starving.” Coyle rubbed his belly.

Jaqui noticed Sully watching Traci and her cousins chatting by the front pew. She leaned close to him. “You got a thing for one of my cousins, Sully?”

The gorgeous man blushed. “Um, no, but I do have some disturbing news for your cousin Mo about her boyfriend Alan. Wasn’t sure if this was the right time to break it to her.” He looked at Kai.

Kai shook his head then stopped. She remembered the only time the team ever held off on saying anything was when they wanted to keep from upsetting the women in their lives. She was torn. She knew keeping secrets could hurt. But knowledge was power, and Mo wasn’t alone. “Tell me, and then I’ll tell her.”

Sully licked his full lips. “Alan Mancini is gay. I don’t mean bisexual. I mean straight up, he likes men only.”

“Damn! Do you think he’s been trying to swim in the lady pool, or is he using my cousin as a beard?”

All four men shrugged.

Mo and Nettie pulled Traci up to meet them. Once introductions were made, they all decided to head out for a celebratory dinner.

“I’m going to ride with Tay and the guys. Do you ladies want to ride with us?” Jaqui looked at the stretch Hummer parked outside with the driver waiting next to the back door.