Training the SECRET (Corrigan & Co #6) Page 5

  “I could replace that foot with my tongue, but then we couldn’t talk.”

  I lean over and kiss her lightly, but then pull back. “While I’ll never turn down a kiss from you, we need to eat. And talk.”

  “Always so sensible, aren’t you Soldier?”

  “I think I was pretty wild and reckless earlier.”

  “Yes you were, and it was so, so good.”

  “I’ve redeemed myself after the disaster then?”

  “You know you have,” she says, standing up to jump on the island in front of me and spread her legs wide. “Now, what do you want to eat?”

  I didn’t get a good look at her outfit while she was sitting down, but now I can see it all. And I’m seriously fucked—not that I’m complaining. She’s wearing a mesh camisole with Wonder Woman graphics all over it, paired with matching little blue boy shorts that I saw only covered half her ass before she turned around.

  “Where did you get that outfit?”

  “The store.”

  “You’re killing me smalls.”

  She reaches forward and runs her hands over my shoulders and down to my chest. “Yeah, well, you’ve been killing me for two years now, so I think we’re even.”

  “Not even close, Angel. Not even close.”

  “You never did tell me what you’re hungry for.”

  “Oh, I think you know.” I gently push her back to lie flat onto the island and remove those damn little shorts. Then I hand her cell phone to her. “Call us in a pizza while I have my appetizer.”

  “You want me to call in while you…?” she asks, her eyes going wide.

  “You can’t do it?” I challenge her.

  “The fuck I can’t.”

  She places the call while I take my first lick. She knows what I like, so I can concentrate on what I’m doing while she tells them the order. By the time her call is done, she’s bucking against my mouth and holding me in place with her free hand. She manages to sound coherent with the restaurant, but once she hangs up, the curse words and the pleas begin. I held her on the edge because I didn’t want anyone but me to hear her come, but now I take her over.

  “Nate,” she says quietly as she comes hard. My eyes are the ones that are wide right now.

  “I can’t believe you were so quiet.”

  “Two can play the torture game. You shouldn’t forget that I’m not some random girl.”

  “I’ve never seen you as that, and it kills me that you think I did.”

  She shrugs, and grabs her panties. “I figured I could one day get you into bed if I kept trying. I just didn’t expect anything more.”

  “You can have anything you want with me, Jade. You already own me. My heart, my mind, my body—they all belong to you.”

  “I want everything.”

  “It’s yours.”

  “Really? So you’d marry me today if I said I wanted to be your wife.”

  “Fuck yeah. Let’s go.”

  “I’m not quite ready for that, but it’s good to know that this is more than just earth shattering orgasms.”

  “I thought I felt the earth moving a little just now,” I tell her with a smirk. “Oh, and thanks for ordering me ‘hot, really hot’ wings.”

  “Bastard.”

  “If I thought you meant that, I’d be mortally wounded.”

  “I can’t believe this…us…is really finally happening. I guess I should’ve put myself in the line of fire a long time ago.”

  “No, you shouldn’t have. What should’ve happened is that I should’ve taken my head out of my ass and made the moves I wanted to make.”

  “Have you made them all, or should we play some more before the pizza gets here?”

  “I’m nowhere close to doing everything I’ve fantasized about with you, but I’ve gotta eat something more than you if we’re going to play the day away. Which is something I really want.”

  “Me too, but we’ll have to go out for a little bit later.”

  “To see your dad?” She bites her lip, and looks a little nervous. Which has me nervous. “Jade?”

  “I talked to my dad a little while ago, and he’s having a good day. So good, in fact, that he put together a party at the gym for me tonight.”

  “I’m guessing the party’s going to be pretty big, huh?”

  “Yeah. All my of dad’s fighters, their families, customers of the gym, friends, and probably a bunch of scantily clad women since he said you’ll be there.”

  “You’re going to hold my hand the whole time, right? To save me from the scantily clad women who are supposedly coming there for me.”

  “If you want me to. I don’t have anything cute to wear, though, so it might be kind of embarrassing. I mean, I guess I could go shopping.”

  “I really don’t care what you wear—I’d never be embarrassed to have you with me, no matter what you have on. But if you want to glam it up, there’s a couple of suitcases in my trunk with your name on them, courtesy of Stella.”

  “Stella sent me my clothes? Really?”

  “Why are you so shocked? This is Stella we’re talking about here. She was practically in tears, saying you’d just gone shopping recently and left it all behind.”

  “Poor girl. I’ll call her to thank her. I hope she packed a certain dress for me. I’m sorry, but I can’t really be too revealing at a party my dad’s throwing, but I still look pretty good in one that’s covered up a little more.”

  “Angel, I know what you’ve got, and believe me when I say that I am the last person who would ask you to display it for everyone. I’m not that guy who feels more masculine if my girl’s showing it all off for the world. I prefer to have it all for myself, but if you need to show off at any time, I’ll be right there keeping the assholes at bay.”

  “The girls you picked up at the clubs showed everything.”

  “Which should tell you something.”

  “Are you saying I’m different?”

  “Don’t act like you don’t know that I never called one of them my girl. I haven’t called anyone that since I was like fifteen.”

  “I want to be your girl.”

  “Good, because you are. I mean, since you want to be. I wouldn’t assume…shit. There I go again.”

  “Being romantic? Why, yes you are.”

  Really? “You think that’s romantic?”

  “You getting all sweet and tongue tied when talking about wanting to go steady with me? Oh yeah, that’s pure romance.”

  “Huh. Maybe I do know how to do this shit.”

  “You know what would also be very romantic?” she asks, licking her lips.

  “What?” I ask, thinking I’m going to like whatever she has planned for me.

  “If you get those suitcases and then take care of the pizza delivery while I go through them.”

  “That is so not what I was expecting.”

  She pretends to look innocent. “No?”

  “You know exactly what you made me think was going to happen, you little vixen.”

  “After the party, Nate. Exactly what you thought I meant will happen then.”

  I can deal with that. And honestly, we both probably need a little more rest from the new Olympic category we’ve created. “I’m going to get those suitcases now. You just go do your girly things, and let me take care of everything else.”

  “Girly things?”

  “You know what I mean.”

  “Yeah, I do. And thanks, Nate. For everything.”

  I’ve got one more surprise up my sleeve, but that will have to wait for later. “Anytime Angel. Any fucking time.”

  Chapter 5

  Jade

  I hear the doorbell ring as I get out of the shower. When I walk into my bedroom, I see my suitcases on the bed. I stop to look for my dress—which is thankfully there—and then throw on some comfy clothes before going downstairs for some food. I’m not expecting to see what I find at my front door.

  Nate is standing over the delivery guy, who is curled int
o a ball and begging for his life. The pizza and wings are on the hall table. “What the fuck is going on?”

  “When I opened the door, this little shit tried to punch me. He thought you were going to be the one who answered.”

  “Did you pay him?”

  “Hell no.”

  “Pay him, and let him go. He won’t try this again.”

  Nate lets loose with a string of curses, but takes out his wallet and throws some money on the kid. “You let everyone know that she’s not alone, and she never will be. I will end anyone who tries to hurt her. Understand?”

  The guy nods, and gets to his feet. “I-I’m sorry.”

  “I know,” I tell him. “Just go.”

  “This is bullshit,” Nate says as the guy drives off through my gates.

  “Yeah, well, welcome to my life.”

  “There’s no place I’d rather be. You know that, right? None of this is going to scare me away.”

  “I wouldn’t blame you if it did.”

  He pulls me into his arms and holds me tight. “I already told you that the only way I’m leaving you is if you tell me to go.”

  “After chasing you for two years, I’m not giving you up for anything. Let’s go eat,” I tell him as I pull back to smile at him.

  He looks conflicted for a moment, and then he smiles back at me. It doesn’t quite reach his eyes, and that scares me a little. Something’s really wrong, and I wish he would tell me what it is. I can wait, though. I’ve finally got him, so letting him take some time to bare his soul to me is easier than it should be.

  “I can look into who might be good as a manager, if you want,” Nate tells me once we’re almost done eating.

  “Really?”

  “Yes, and you really need to stop acting surprised by me helping you. Even if we weren’t together, I’d help you. You should know that by now.”

  “I do. I know it. It’s just hard to accept that we are together. It’s messing with my mind a little. This all seems too easy.”

  “Easy? Two years of wanting you and denying myself were not easy. Stupid, yes, but not easy.”

  “I’m glad you decided to start being smart.”

  “Me too. Now, go take a nap, or just relax for a couple of hours while I work.”

  “You don’t want to relax with me?”

  “Oh, I do. But I know you want to go to the party later.”

  “Just once?”

  “You are seriously insatiable, woman.”

  “And you’re not?”

  “I totally am. But I’m also trying to be a gentleman.”

  “What fun is that?”

  “None. But I want you to know this is more than sex for me. I want it all with you.”

  My heart melts a little more when he tells me that. “I do know that. It’s a little deep down, which is why I feel a little insecure sometimes, but I know.”

  “Then let me try and be honorable sometimes.”

  “You’re always honorable, Nate.”

  “No, Jade. I’m really not.”

  Now I’m just getting mad. I stand up and place my hands on my hips. “Do not talk about my boyfriend that way.”

  “Boyfriend, huh?”

  “Oh. Umm…I thought…you said I was your girl…I mean…just forget I said that, okay?”

  “Nope,” he says, coming to stand in front of me. “I’m not going to forget that the most amazing woman I’ve ever met just called me her boyfriend. I’ll remember this moment forever.”

  “There you go with that romance again.”

  “It’s becoming a gift. You’re a gift. Am I allowed to tell everyone you’re my girlfriend tonight?”

  “You really want to?”

  “More than you’ll ever know.”

  I know I’m still standing, but I feel like I’ve melted into a puddle on the floor. Who knew Mr. Tall, Dark, and Deadly could be so fucking sweet? I know I look like an idiot as I smile at him, and nod.

  “You’re too damn cute, Jade Garrett. Completely gorgeous, and totally fuckable, but so cute, too.”

  “Right back at ya, Nate Anderson.”

  He leans over and kisses me, not touching me anywhere but my lips. “Go rest, and I’ll see you in a few hours. I’ll be the guy knocking at your door to pick you up for our date.”

  “You’re going to kill me with this romance stuff.”

  “You asked for it.”

  “Don’t get me wrong, I’m totally loving it, but I didn’t realize how good you’d be at it. I can barely stand, I’m so weak in the knees at the moment. I probably shouldn’t admit that, but it’s true.”

  I’m cradled in his arms within seconds. “I’ll carry you any time you can’t walk. Unless it’s one of the many times you make me weak. Because I’m man enough to admit that it happens. Frequently.”

  I curl into him as he carries me upstairs and places me on my bed. He kisses my forehead and tells me to have sweet dreams about him. Like it would even be possible to not dream about that sexy hunk of a man.

  I wake up to my alarm going off. Just another thing Nate did for me. I smile, thinking about being on his arm tonight. It’s petty, but I can’t wait for him to call me his girlfriend in front of all the women who are going to the gym tonight. They’re hoping for a piece of him, but I’ve never played nice in the sandbox—I don’t share.

  I put on my dress, which really does cover everything that should be covered, but still looks sexy. It’s black with a high neck and short sleeves. The middle is exposed, with a few pieces of fabric crossing over my ribs, and the skirt is short, but not scandalous. It fits me like a glove, showing off my curves without being obvious. A pair of high heeled, blacksandals with gold stars, and some gold earrings complete the look. I put my hair in a high ponytail and curl the strands into big waves that graze my shoulders. I go a little more glam with my make-up, but it looks good, and not too overdone. At least I think it does.

  The knock on my door comes just as I’m closing the small gold purse I’ve managed to fit everything I need into. “Come in,” I say, turning around.

  The door opens, and there’s Nate. And damn if I don’t get weak in the knees all over again. He’s got on a black suit jacket with a light blue button down underneath it, and dark wash jeans covering those big and sexy legs of his. Boots are on his feet, and a wicked smile is on his face. His short black hair is spiky, he’s trimmed his scruff and mustache, and his chocolate brown eyes are twinkling, while looking hungry at the same time. I didn’t know that was possible, but I should’ve known that anything’s possible with him.

  “Angel, you are seriously trying to kill me.”

  “I’m covered up.”

  “Nothing can hide your rack.”

  I burst out laughing. “Thank you for that.”

  “You have to know how much I love them.”

  “I do. I was thanking you for not saying something romantic that would make it even more difficult to walk. Especially after seeing you.”

  “You like my outfit?”

  “Maybe.”

  “Well maybe I’m a little weak right now, seeing how beautiful and sexy you look, too. Actually, it’s not a maybe. You are always beautiful, but when you doll up, damn girl.”

  I blush a little and bite my lip. “You’ve seen me in a ball gown.”

  “I have, and I could barely control myself.”

  “But you did.”

  “Yeah, because I was an idiot. Now that I’m smarter, you should know it’s going down once we get back here tonight.”

  “Oh, I know, Nate. I’m getting on my knees the second we get in the door.”

  “Jade,” he growls as he pulls me to him. “Stop. We have to go to the party.”

  I reluctantly push him away. “Yes, we do. And we should do just that while we still can. My dad will kill us both if we’re not there.”

  “And I need to stay on his good side since I’m planning to spend the rest of my life with his daughter.”

  Damn him and his
romance. “That’s a really good plan.”

  “I know.”

  I swat him on the ass as I walk past him out the door. “You’re lucky that ‘cocky’ looks so good on you.”

  “Well, it does include the word ‘cock’ so why wouldn’t it?”

  “There’s the Nate I’ve known for the past two years.”

  He grabs my arm and turns me to him at the bottom of the stairs. “There’s only one of me. I’m not always going to be a nice, romantic guy. You bring it out in me, but I can’t—won’t—change who I am. Not even for you.”

  “I didn’t ask you to. I love all the different sides of you. Well, except when you’re pretending that you don’t want me. I kind of hate that part.”

  “That’s one thing you don’t have to worry about ever again.”

  “Then bring on the ego. I can handle it.”

  “I don’t deserve you.”

  “Well, too bad, because you’re stuck with me now that you’ve said romantic things, and fucked me like no one else ever has.”

  I pull him to me and kiss him, pouring everything I feel into it. He does the same, and I feel his love wash over me, protecting me. Just like I’ll protect him from anyone and anything that tries to hurt him. I know he has secrets, and if they come back to haunt him, like mine are haunting me, I’ll defend him. To my death if I have to.

  * * *

  Nate

  Jade is going to be the death of me. All the important bits may be covered up, but she’s filling out that dress like her life depends on it. I’m going to be fighting off the men at this party; although, I’m not worried about her being interested in any of them. She’s all mine, and neither one of us are into sharing. I will have to share her a little bit tonight, but I can handle that. She needs the surprise I have planned for her.

  When we get to the gym, the parking lot is almost full. Hunt had a spot up front saved for us, so I pull in when Heath moves the cones blocking it. He opens Jade’s door before I can, and then stumbles back a little.

  “Damn girl, you clean up real nice.”