Chapter 28
28
Noel pulled into her apartment building's parking lot, and a thrill ran through her as she watched Landon stop in one of the visitor spots. For the entire drive, she’d had to resist the constant urge to check her rearview mirror, ensuring he was still behind her. And now, here he was.
How has this become my life? she wondered. For a professional dedicated to children’s rights, her world had been full of courtroom battles and advocacy. But somehow, in the past few days, she’d been swept into an alternate reality—a world of security specialists, high-stakes danger, threats, and a one-night stand that, it seemed, wasn’t just for one night.
Now, she had no idea what to expect. Would he want to come in? Would he want to stay for a drink? She let out a soft laugh at herself, thinking of her “drink” options—just water, orange juice, diet soda, or a local pale ale.
Before she could overthink, he was there beside her door, smiling in that quiet, reassuring way. She fumbled for her purse, grabbing her phone as she stepped out.
“I'll get your bag,” he offered, reaching in the back seat to grab her small overnight case and lifting it with ease.
“Thank you.” She started to take it from him as soon as he had it in his hand but hesitated, still not wanting to say goodbye. Looking up into his face, she hoped for a sign of what he might want. He wasn’t making any moves to dump her case and leave, so she ventured, "Would you like to come up?" The words slipped out before she'd finished thinking them through, but he smiled, and she was instantly glad she'd offered.
“Yes. Absolutely, Noel.” His smile widened instantly.
With her bag in one hand, his other hand rested lightly against the small of her back as they walked, a simple touch that sent sparks through her, so subtle yet intentional. Something about the gesture—a blend of warmth and protection—had her heart racing in ways she hadn’t thought possible.
“Are you okay?” he asked gently as they climbed the stairs to the second floor.
A blush crept across her cheeks, and she managed a small laugh. “Yes, just… thinking too much,” she admitted, reaching for her key. She opened the door, stepping into the neat space she’d thankfully cleaned before the trip. “Would you like something to drink?”
“Water would be good,” he said, setting her bag by the door.
“I also have orange juice or pale ale from a local brewery.”
“Are you going to have anything?”
She walked over and placed her purse on the small table beside a window between the kitchen and living area. “You know, I think I could have the beer.”
His smile warmed, and he dipped his chin. “Make it two.”
He followed her as she walked into her tiny kitchen, grabbed the two beer bottles from the refrigerator, and popped the tops.
“I don't need a glass,” he said. “Straight from the bottle is fine and less for us to clean later.”
They stood together in her cozy living room, the quiet intimacy of the moment wrapping around them like a blanket. Lifting their bottles, they tapped them together, the soft clink mingling with their breathing and her pounding heartbeat. The room was bathed in the soft glow of early dusk, the sun dipping low in the sky, casting a warm, amber hue over everything.
She wanted to offer him a chance to spend the night and drive back to his place in the morning, but an awkwardness lingered. They were back in the real world now, far from the adrenaline-fueled days they’d shared. Was their connection just a fleeting spark from an intense, high-stakes experience?
She took a slow sip of her beer, her gaze drifting over him. “It’s strange,” she finally murmured, her voice soft. “Just… being here, with you, like this. I wasn’t sure if it would feel the same, you know?”
Landon bent over to set his beer bottle on the coffee table, then slid her bottle from her fingers and placed it next to his. She looked up in surprise as he stepped closer. His hands curled around her fingers to hold her tightly. Drawing their clenched hands up, he pressed them close to his heart. “If you're tired and want me to leave, just say so. My feelings won't be hurt.”
“I am tired, but I don't want you to leave. I want you to stay. I mean, if you'd like to?—”
“I absolutely want to stay,” he said, his gaze not wavering.
“You can stay as long as you want. If you spend the night here, you'd be more rested to drive back to your place tomorrow.” She winced, hoping she didn’t sound desperate.
His grin widened. “I like the way you think. But here’s the thing—this,” he said, gesturing between them, “this isn’t something I want to let go of. I don’t want this to just fade away because we’re back to our normal lives.”
With the smile staying firmly on his face, she relaxed. “You said I was in my head earlier, and you were right. The way you and I met and started a relationship was completely out of the ordinary for me. And once we got back here, I suddenly had no idea if we were simply together because of the bizarre situation we found ourselves in.”
He squeezed her hands, still holding them to his chest. “I promise that this is new for me too.”
She laughed and cocked her head. “So you don't usually pick up women during your intense assignments?”
“Never. I'll admit that I've had friends who found their significant other during assignments. But for me? This is new, too.”
“Then I’m glad you’re here in my home.”
His gaze drifted around her space. She tried to see her apartment through his eyes—colorful pillows on the dark blue sofa and matching chair. The TV was on a low console she’d found in a discount store, along with the coffee table. She’d sanded and repainted them in rustic cream. There were framed pictures on the wall, some of her family over the years—others, scenes that offered more splashes of warm color. She hefted her shoulders. “I like it. It’s home.” Her gaze moved back to him. “It’s not a forever place, but a perfect right-now place. I hope it’ll be comfortable for you tonight.”
“If you think I'm staying here just to have a restful layover, then I need to convince you that I'm staying here because I want to spend time with you.”
Her breath hitched as his words sank in. She could see the sincerity in his eyes, the way he looked at her as if he saw all of her, even the parts she hadn’t yet revealed. "Oh."
Landon laughed and wrapped his arm around her. “No pressure. No expectations of sex. Just a chance to spend some quiet downtime with you where we’re not racing through the jungle or hiding out from a storm. Although, I wouldn't object to another shower with you.”
"Yes,” she said, her voice breathy with anticipation. “In fact, we should take care of that now.” Hesitating, she crinkled her nose. "I should warn you that, unlike the resort house guest suite, my shower is over the bathtub. I'm not sure it's big enough for?—”
He stepped closer, his hand lifting to cup her cheek. “Noel, what we have is more than a one-night stand. As much as I love having sex with you, right now, that’s not what you need. And I'm not such a horndog that I can't take a shower without us having sex.” His lips quirked on one side. “I can't guarantee that biology won't kick in, and my cock will be good and ready as soon as I see you naked in the shower. But I have control over my actions. And we are not going to have sex now. When in the shower, we’ll take care of each other, pile up on your couch, finish our beer, watch a movie, and then head to bed and sleep. I know you need that, and I want to take care of you.”
His words moved through her, settling deeply inside, finally resting near her heart. She breathed in, then let it out slowly, her gaze never leaving his face. “You do realize that makes you almost perfect, don't you?”
He lifted a brow. “It doesn't make me absolutely perfect?”
“I like to leave room for improvement.” She laughed.
He chuckled and rolled his eyes. She grabbed his hand and started toward the hall, skidding to a stop. Looking over her shoulder, she scrunched her nose. “I just realized you don't have your bag. Go get whatever you need from your vehicle, and I'll start the shower.”
“Good thinking. I totally forgot about my bag after thinking about you naked in the shower.”
She playfully slapped him on the arm and watched as he darted out of her apartment. By the time she'd carried her bag to her bedroom, dumped the dirty clothes into her laundry basket, and grabbed a T-shirt, sleep shorts, and clean panties, he was already back.
She had not falsely claimed about the limited space bathtub shower. He didn't seem to mind as he helped wash her hair, and she sudsed his body. He also hadn't lied when his cock stirred and looked ready to play. Her gaze wandered over his entire body, marveling at the naked beauty presented in front of her. Lean muscles. Hard abs. And an impressive erection. “I can… um… take care of that, you know,” she offered.
He shook his head but grinned. “I can't believe I’m turning down the chance for a blow job from you. Any man with a gorgeous woman, especially one as sweet as you, would consider themselves lucky to have your lips wrapped around their cock. But the relationship we’re building will be one of trust.”
She considered protesting, feeling more refreshed after her shower and more than a little tempted to put intimacy back on their evening agenda. But as she combed through her damp hair, a yawn escaped. Landon was right—exhaustion clung to both of them. And the thought of a quiet, cozy evening, snuggled up with him, simply talking and unwinding in front of the TV, sounded unexpectedly perfect.
They settled into the living room, finishing their beers and adding a simple snack of cheese, crackers, deli meats, and crisp apple slices to share. Their conversation drifted to light, easy topics, both of them too tired to wade into anything deep. She was delighted to find out he loved not just action films but had a soft spot for old mysteries.
“When I really want to relax,” he admitted with a grin, “I put on animal documentaries.”
Her jaw dropped in mock surprise. “Oh my God, me too! I think I might’ve just fallen in love with you and decided we need to have all the babies!”
He laughed, tugging her close to brush his lips over hers. The kiss was warm and lazy, stealing her breath and making her consider a shift in the night’s plans. But he pulled back, his thumb tracing her cheek. “Let’s clean up and get some rest.”
They tidied up their snack, and he took a moment to check that the apartment was secure. When they finally climbed into bed, she flipped on the TV, finding an animal documentary on Caribbean wildlife. As soothing footage of crystalline waters and vibrant fish filled the screen, Landon turned toward her, his eyes thoughtful.
“Would you ever want to go back?” he asked softly.
She looked over at him, a little surprised. “Go back?”
He nodded toward the screen. “To the Caribbean? Maybe Jamaica or another island if that holds too many memories?”
She traced her lower lip with her tongue. “I’d like to,” she said at last. “It was breathtaking, and I only had a few minutes to soak it in—the white sand, the warm water on my feet. The color of the ocean…” She paused, remembering the perfect blue that had stretched endlessly before her. “It was like the Montana sky on the clearest day, that brilliant shade you can hardly believe is real. Looking out over the water, I felt… peace.” She let out a soft laugh. “So yes, I’d like to go back someday. But who knows when or if I could afford it.”
He watched her with a quiet intensity. “Would you go alone? Or would you want company?”
She met his gaze, holding it as she weighed her answer. The warmth in his eyes, the way he was looking at her—it was impossible to be coy. “If I had someone I cared about, then yes, absolutely. But if it were just a tour group… no. I prefer the company of someone I trust, someone special.” She let her words hang in the air, feeling them linger between them like a whispered promise. “But I’m not afraid of being alone, either.”
He didn’t say anything, just pulled her closer, his arms circling her as if to silently convey everything he felt. It was fine with her; she’d rather savor the moments they had now than dwell on a future that might not come.
They lay together, comfortably entwined, watching the soothing scenes of coral reefs and dolphins until her eyelids grew heavy. She barely registered him turning off the TV and switching off the bedside lamp before he curled around her, his arms holding her close. Her last memory was his soft, deep voice, murmuring, “Good night, sweet Noel. I’ll catch you in the morning.” She drifted off with a smile on her lips, feeling safe and cherished as sleep claimed her.
She woke, feeling cocooned in warmth. She smiled while still blinking her eyes open to the early morning light. Landon’s arms were wrapped around her, one holding her breast and the other pressed against her tummy. His erection was nestled against her ass, and she immediately felt her core clench.
She started to speak, but as his hand on her breast kneaded the flesh and his fingers rolled her nipple, no words came forth. Her brain had emptied with all the electricity firing along her nerves.
“Morning, baby.”
His deep greeting sounded next to her ear, and she felt the rumble from his chest as it pressed against her back.
She leaned her head back and twisted slightly, giving his lips access to her neck.
He accepted her silent invitation and began kissing from her jaw down over her neck, sucking gently at the fluttering pulse. His hand on her breast now moved between the two, still kneading, tugging, eliciting moans. “Morning,” she managed to mutter between groans.
The hand he had pressed on her tummy slid lower, and she was grateful she’d slept without panties. His thumb circled the swollen nub as his fingers glided through her wet folds. She lifted her leg, giving him easier access.
She reached behind her, her fingers trailing along his taut ass, then sliding between their bodies to cup his balls. Now, the groan that sounded out in the room came from him. Moving her hand slightly, she wrapped it around his engorged cock, feeling pre-cum already leaking from the tip.
“Oh God, I want you,” she gasped. She had an unopened box of condoms in her nightstand, always wanting to be prepared just in case. She had no idea if he would trust them. “I have protection in the drawer if you don't have any with you. Don't be surprised that the box hasn't been opened. I rarely need them, and I always keep an eye on the expiration date and buy a new box. Honestly, I haven't looked in a while and hope the expiration date hasn’t passed.”
“I'll check.” His hand left her sex, and she immediately missed the feelings his talented fingers elicited. He reached over her, pressing her body into the mattress as he pulled open the nightstand drawer and rummaged around. His hand must’ve landed on the correct box because he pulled it out, held it up, and she heard a sigh of relief.
“They're good, babe.”
“Oh, thank God!”
He chuckled again, and she loved the feel of his laughter against her back. He shifted enough to get his hands free, rolling the condom on. “You on top?”
She grinned widely and nodded. “Absolutely. I'd be fucking overjoyed to ride you!” She scrambled to her knees as he rolled on his back, his cock bobbing up. She took him in her hand as she straddled his lap. She now wished she'd wrapped her mouth around his erection before he sheathed himself, but seeing him ready had all neurons firing in her body. His hands were on her hips, his fingers digging into her ass as she lifted and then plunged. She used to read her mom's historical romances and had to fight a giggle at the idea of his sword being slid into the scabbard.
His hands reached for her breasts, but she should have known he would have been aware of everything when he asked, "What the hell are you laughing about?"
As she lifted and settled over his cock, finding a rhythm as his hands tweaked her nipples, she admitted, “Just comparing you to the old romances my mom used to read. I have to tell you, real life is a hell of a lot better.”
A grin spread over his face. “Good to know.”
By now, his erection stretched her, dragging against her inner core as his hands expertly played with her breasts in a way that had her almost weeping for joy. It didn't take long for her to know her orgasm was imminent, and she desperately wanted them to come together. “I'm close, so close. Please, please…”
Her plea was almost incoherent, and she wondered if he knew what she was begging for. But his intuition was spot-on as he continued helping her by sliding his hands back down to her hips and lifting her slightly. He worked his hips as he plunged upward.
She watched in fascination as his face grew red, the muscles in his neck corded, and the vein was prominent. But he didn’t close his eyes, and neither did she. With her hands firmly planted on his shoulders, her breasts dangling in front of his face, and her hair creating a curtain around them, their bodies moved together in unison until she shook as her release tightened her core, squeezing his cock.
He groaned at his release, and her eyes clenched shut as the tremors moved from her head to her toes. Unable to hold herself upright anymore, she flopped down on him, eliciting a grunt as her chest hit his. They lay, panting, her body slowly cooling until his cock slowly slipped from her sex.
“Jesus, babe. I've never come so hard. I saw fireworks. Lights flashing. Maybe even a glimpse of heaven when I came with you.”
She laughed, her body moving with his. “I think that's the sexiest thing anyone's ever said to me,” she admitted. She lifted and looked down at his face. “And for what it's worth, I’ve never had anyone like you.”
They kissed, languid and long, until he finally groaned, “I need to deal with the condom.”
She rolled to the side and watched as he pulled the condom off, tied it, then left the bed to walk his gorgeous ass into the bathroom. She stretched her arms over her head, feeling alive, sated, and happier than she could remember being in a long time. She hoped the feeling lasted.