“I love you too, Jackson,” she said softly. He nodded once and continued up the stairs.

  Nathan sighed and slung his arm around her shoulder. “I worry about that boy.”

  “Me too.” Erin squeezed his arm before sliding out from under it. “I have to get going, but the chicken is warming in the oven and there’s some fresh biscuits in there too.”

  Nathan patted her on the behind. “Get going. I’ll make sure Jackson gets fed.”

  Giving him a grateful smile, she grabbed her knapsack with her change of clothes and hurried out the back door. All of a sudden she was very hungry, and it wasn’t just for food.

  Chapter Eight

  Abel glanced at his watch for the fifth time in the last five minutes. It was almost six and he expected Erin any minute. It was the first time in years that he found himself looking forward to something so much, and although the feeling was strange, he liked it.

  Being home, and especially being around Erin, reminded him of the young man he’d once been. The years of investigating and writing about the most gruesome parts of human nature had changed him. He’d lost faith in the goodness in humanity and seen only the pain and the horror. Erin was changing all of that.

  She was exactly what she seemed to be— a hardworking, loyal, kind, compassionate, sexy woman. Just being around her was better than any medicine could be for curing the pain in his heart and the sorrow in his soul. In the couple of days he’d been home, he felt better than he had any time in the last year.

  It was only when that thought went through his mind that he realized what he’d thought. Home. No matter where else in the country he’d roamed, he always considered the farm to be home. He was already reconsidering his career, so perhaps it was time to think about where he wanted to live. And more especially, who he wanted to be with.

  Pacing back and forth on the deck did him no good, so he threw himself onto the oversized deck chair, spread his legs in front of him, and rested his hands on his stomach. There was nothing left to do but wait. The tossed salad was chilling in the fridge and the potatoes were baking in the oven. He had two steaks marinating on the counter just waiting to be thrown onto the barbecue.

  Glancing over to the side, he checked the pile of charcoal that he’d piled in the center of the barbecue. He’d light it as soon as Erin arrived and while they were waiting for the coals to turn white, he’d offer her a glass of the nice crisp white wine he’d bought especially for tonight. If he decided to move back home, he’d have to invest in a gas barbecue, but for now the old charcoal one would serve the purpose.

  He tapped one of his fingers on his stomach before sighing and closing his eyes. The heat of the summer sun felt good on his skin, and he finally felt some of the tension leach from his body. The longer he sat there, the more the sounds of a late summer afternoon seeped into his consciousness. Birds sang in the distance, a slight breeze rustled the leaves in the trees, and the scent of freshly cut hay wafted on air.

  Patience was a virtue he usually had in spades, but tonight, it had all but deserted him. He told himself that it was only because he hadn’t cooked a meal for a woman in over eight months, but deep down he knew it was because he couldn’t wait to see Erin.

  Abel patted his jeans pocket to make sure the little present he’d bought for her was still there. He’d driven several hours today to find a store that carried what he’d wanted, but it had been well worth the effort. Especially if she liked what he’d purchased. His cock shifted and began to swell at the mere thought.

  The sound of a vehicle approaching had him out of his chair in a moment, striding across the deck, and down over the porch stairs. He shaded his eyes, smiling when he recognized Erin’s truck. By the time she pulled to a complete stop, he was already standing by her door and opening it.

  “Hi.” She smiled shyly at him as she slid her long, jeans-clad legs out of her truck.

  He didn’t give her a chance to move away from him, but hauled her up against his chest and enfolded her in his arms. She responded immediately by scooting as close to him as she could, twining her strong, supple arms around his neck. He lowered his head slowly until their mouths touched. Her lips were firm and soft against his. He felt her hands wrap around his skull, tugging him closer.

  Giving into her unspoken request, he deepened the kiss. His tongue teased the seam of her lips until they parted, and then he slowly forged his way inside. Her mouth was warm and her tongue met his, stroking it sensually. Cupping her chin with his hand, he angled her head as he deepened the kiss. She melted against him, silently offering herself to him. Reluctantly, he dragged himself from her sweet lips.

  “I’ve been wanting to do that all day.” His voice was husky with need as he caressed the side of her neck for a moment before allowing his hand to drop back to his side.

  A slight tinge of a blush covered her face as he continued to stare at her. “Me too,” she responded almost shyly before reaching behind her and pulling out a battered, canvas knapsack. Abel took it from her and waited while she rummaged under the front seat and pulled out a plastic bag. He started to take that from her too, but she clasped it to her chest.

  Wondering what she would be hiding from him, he stared at the outline of the item in the bag. It was about the size of a magazine. That’s when it hit him. Of course, this was the famous magazine that she’d spoke of yesterday morning. He couldn’t stop the wicked grin that spread across his face. “You’re going to have to show it to me at some point if I’m going to know what you want me to do.”

  “Later,” she mumbled, not quite meeting his gaze.

  Abel stopped teasing her immediately. Cupping her chin with his hand, he tilted her head until her large blue eyes were fixed on him. “Whenever you’re ready, and whatever you want. Those are the only rules.” He kissed her lightly on the lips before moving her away from the truck, and closing the door. “But supper first.”

  She nodded and allowed him to tuck her under his shoulder and lead her up onto the back porch. “I’ll put your stuff inside,” he told her. “Do you want a glass of wine while I’m in there?”

  “Sure.” She sent him a grateful smile and laid the bag with the magazine on top of the patio table.

  Standing in front of him, with her hands clasped in front of her and a wisp of hair in her eyes, she looked so young and innocent. She was wearing faded blue jeans, a soft t-shirt of pale green, and a pair of white sneakers. Ordinary clothing, but somehow on her, they were more seductive than the most skimpy lingerie. The jeans hugged every curve of her ass and her strong thighs, while the soft shirt cupped her breasts and outlined their shape to perfection. Abel felt his mouth begin to water and his cock begin to lengthen and thicken.

  “I’ll be right back.” He turned and went into the house before she noticed the large bulge pushing against the zipper of his jeans. The last thing he wanted to do was rush her straight into bed. He’d promised her supper so he’d feed her first. Even if it killed him. And it just might.

  Erin gulped in a huge lungful of air the second that Abel was out of sight. Her head was still spinning from his greeting. She fanned her hand in front of her face, hoping to ease the flush she could feel on her cheeks. The man was lethal. His kiss alone was enough to drive all her senses into overdrive. Easing herself down into one of the chairs scattered around the patio table, she tried to calm her racing heart.

  She was embarrassed by the fact that her nipples were hard nubs against the cups of her bra and were visible through the fabric of her shirt. Then there was the wetness in her panties. Erin squirmed in her seat trying to get more comfortable, but only succeeded in making it worse. The friction of her clitoris against the crotch of her panties and jeans almost made her moan. She felt like flinging her head back and screaming, she wanted him so badly. It was all she’d thought about since he’d left her kitchen last night.

  More than anything, she would have loved it if he’d scooped her up in his arms and carted her straight to bed. She would have been much happier eating later, after they’d satisfied their other appetites. Dropping her forehead to rest on the top of the table, she counted to twenty.

  She could hear Abel rummaging around in the kitchen, so she knew she didn’t have much time to get herself under control. He’d gone to the trouble of preparing her supper. No man, other than her brothers, had ever cooked for her, and they had only done it the few times she was too sick to do it herself. This was special and she was determined to enjoy every moment of it and not ruin the evening he had planned.

  Raising her head, she sat back in her chair, and crossed her legs. She hoped she appeared cool and relaxed. It was the look she was going for. The screened door opened behind her and Abel placed one glass on the table and handed her the other.

  “I didn’t know if you drank, but I figured I couldn’t go wrong with white wine.” He sauntered towards the barbecue on the corner of the back deck.

  Erin watched his butt as he walked. The jeans he was wearing fit him like a second skin, leaving little to the imagination. And since she’d already seen all of him, her mind filled in all the details. The black tank top he was wearing stretched tight across his chest, outlining all the muscles in his torso and back. His wide shoulders and thick arms were bare, and the muscles rippled as he started the barbecue.

  Catching herself before she sighed out loud, she glanced around the deck to distract herself from Abel’s scrumptious body. The covered back porch actually ran the entire length of the house and Abel’s parents had added a twelve foot square patio area off one end. The patio table, where she was seated, was tucked closer to the house, so that it was partially shaded by the porch roof. The barbecue was located in the far corner of the patio, and a large metal deck chair that was covered with a soft cushion was situated right next to it. Erin picked up her wineglass and moseyed over, leaving the partial shade of the house behind her.

  Abel glanced her way, but said nothing as she settled herself into the chair. There was plenty of room for two. It crossed her mind that maybe she could entice him to share it with her while they waited for the coals to burn down. She sipped her wine to ease her parched mouth. The crisp fruity flavor was soothing on her dry lips. Licking them, she peeked over at Abel, unable to help herself.

  His eyes were a blaze of green fire as he watched her. Erin could feel the heat rising inside her. Feeling wanton and powerful, she slid her tongue across her lower lip again, slowly and deliberately. Abel’s face tightened and his entire body seemed to clench. She could see the outline of his cock, straining against the zipper of his jeans.

  “You’re playing with fire,” he warned her. He never moved a muscle, but his gaze still devoured her.

  “Maybe I want to,” she taunted, taking another sip of the wine before placing the glass on the deck next to the chair.

  He moved suddenly, all fluid motion, as he plucked her out of the chair and into his arms. She could barely breathe as his mouth slammed down on top of hers. It seemed as if he wanted to eat her alive. For a moment, she wondered if she’d bitten off more than she could handle, but her own arousal continued to grow, and suddenly what was almost too much a moment ago was no longer enough. She needed more. Wanted more.

  A picture flashed in her mind. It wasn’t one of the positions in the article, but it was something else she’d read about that she was dying to try. It was hard to think as Abel had left her mouth and was licking a heated path down her throat. She tilted her head to the side, wanting to give him whatever he wanted. However, the erotic picture continued to fill her mind, and she knew she wanted to do it. Here. Now. Tonight. She had no guarantee how long their affair would last and she didn’t want to lose her chance.

  “Abel.” Her voice was low and hoarse at first. Abel’s lips were feasting on her neck making it hard for her to think, let alone speak. Desperately, she tried again. “Abel.” This time it was more forceful and got his attention. He raised his head slowly and shuddered.

  Gripping her upper arms tight, he steadied them both. “Sorry. That got out of hand.”

  She couldn’t bear to have him apologize for something so wonderful. “I didn’t mind.”

  “Then why did you stop me?” His voice wasn’t sharp at all, but merely questioning.

  “I want to do something.”

  A slow smile spread across his face as he stepped back and spread his arms wide. “I’m all yours, baby.”

  Now that it was time to state what she wanted from him, it was a little more difficult than she’d anticipated. She cleared her throat. “I want to try something I read about.”

  “In the magazine?” He looked intrigued and his eyes were still hot as they continued to skim her body. She could tell he was imagining all kinds of things, and just the thought of what he might want to do to her made her shiver.

  “Yes, but a different article.” Grabbing hold of her courage, she nodded at the chair. “You have to sit down for this to work.”

  He dropped into the chair and waited.

  “Umm. You have to take off your shirt.” Before she could blink, he’d crossed his arms over his back, grabbed the fabric of the black tank shirt, and pulled it over his head. Tossing it onto the deck beside him, he waited.

  He looked absolutely gorgeous sitting there. His body was tanned and hard as stone. He resembled a pagan god come to life. Even the tufts of hair under his armpits looked sexy. Abel reached out a hand to her, but she backed away.

  “Don’t be afraid,” he coaxed. “We’ll do whatever you want.”

  “Just sit there and let me do everything. Okay?” Abel lowered his hand and nodded.

  She could feel herself relax the moment he agreed to let her do what she wanted. Erin trusted him not to break his word to her. This was her show and she was going to run it exactly the way she wanted. She only hoped she could come up with enough nerve to strip in front of him. Tugging her shirt from the waistband of her jeans, she jerked it over her head and let it drop beside her. Abel’s breathing caught and his fists clenched at his sides. That was all the encouragement she needed. She reached for the opening of her bra, skimming her hands over her breasts as she did so.

  Abel couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Erin had stripped off her top and her hands were now covering her breasts. His cock throbbed and his hands clenched at the thought of tearing the rest of her clothes from her body. He wanted to stroke her breasts and suck on her nipples until they became as red as ripe berries.

  Her fingers moved to the front clasp between her breasts and hesitated for a moment. Mentally, he ordered her to open it. For one second she looked uncertain and he almost howled in frustration.

  He never took his eyes off her hands, willing her to move them, and a moment later, she popped open the clasp. The cotton cups pulled away from her breasts, leaving them bare. She shimmied her shoulders slightly, making the straps slip down her arms. The bra fell behind her. Her breathing was rapid, causing her breasts to jiggle slightly. Closing his eyes against the potent sight of her standing naked from the waist up, he searched for control, knowing he’d need it to get through whatever she had planned.

  The sound of a zipper had his eyes wide open before she finished pulling it down. Licking his lips in anticipation, he waited as she toed off her sneakers and then peeled the tight jeans down over her hips and thighs, letting them drop to her ankles. She bent over and stepped out of her jeans, pulling off her socks as she did so. Her breasts swayed seductively as she leaned forward, and before he could stop himself, his hand reached out to fondle one of them.

  She jerked back, almost stumbling before a slow, seductive smile crossed her face. It was a soft smile, full of promise. He could see the reddish curls of her pubic hair through the light fabric of her cotton white bikini pants. His fingers itched to slide through them, through her slick folds, and straight into her waiting warmth. As he watched, her nipples tightened and she quivered slightly before hooking her fingers into the waistband of her panties and skimming them quickly down her legs.

  As she kicked them away, she spread her legs slightly and stood there, bathed in the hot evening sun, allowing him to look his fill. The sunlight made the red strands of her hair glitter, and the blue of her eyes looked even lighter against her tanned face. Her full lips were parted as her tongue darted out to moisten them.

  He was in total agony, but he knew that this moment was etched indelibly on his mind forever. There would never be another second of time more perfect than this one. Swallowing hard against the unexpected emotion welling up inside him, he held his hand out to her once more and waited.

  Erin walked slowly towards him, but avoided his hand and dropped gracefully to her knees in front of him. He almost swallowed his tongue when she reached for the zipper of his jeans and slowly eased it down over his engorged cock. It sprang free immediately, as he wasn’t wearing any underwear.

  “Oh, commando. I’ve heard about this.” She was staring at his cock as if it was the greatest thing she’d ever beheld in her life. Abel was supremely glad that he’d only hauled on his jeans after he showered.