Tactical Maneuver

TACTICAL MANEUVER
An Ellora’s Cave Publication, May 2005

Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.
1337 Commerce Drive, #13
Stow, OH 44224

ISBN MS Reader (LIT) ISBN # 1-4199-0205-9
Other available formats (no ISBNs are assigned):
Adobe (PDF), Rocketbook (RB), Mobipocket (PRC) & HTML

TACTICAL MANEUVER Copyright © 2005 J.C. WILDER

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book may not be reproduced in whole or in part without permission.

This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales
is purely coincidental. They are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously.

Edited by Sue-Ellen Gower.
Cover art by Syneca.

Warning:

The following material contains graphic sexual content meant for mature readers. Tactical Maneuver has
been rated S-ensuous by a minimum of three independent reviewers.

Ellora’s Cave Publishing offers three levels of Romantica™ reading entertainment: S (S-ensuous), E (E-
rotic), and X (X-treme).

S-ensuous love scenes are explicit and leave nothing to the imagination.

E-rotic love scenes are explicit, leave nothing to the imagination, and are high in volume per the overall
word count. In addition, some E-rated titles might contain fantasy material that some readers find
objectionable, such as bondage, submission, same sex encounters, forced seductions, and so forth. E-rated
titles are the most graphic titles we carry; it is common, for instance, for an author to use words such as
“fucking”, “cock”, “pussy”, and such within their work of literature.

X-treme titles differ from E-rated titles only in plot premise and storyline execution. Unlike E-rated titles,
stories designated with the letter X tend to contain controversial subject matter not for the faint of heart.

Dedication

For Niki

Acknowledgments

My heartfelt thanks go out to the Delaware Tactical Unit, one of the premier SWAT

teams in the United States. Thank you for letting me participate in your training and
pester you with nonstop questions, your patience is endless. Any mistakes contained
herein are entirely my own.

Trademarks Acknowledgement

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the

following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

Kevlar: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
Volvo: Aktiebolaget Volvo Corporation
MP5: Heckler & Koch, Inc.
Simunition: SNC Industrial Technologies Inc./Les Technologies Industrielles SNC

Inc.

Velcro: Velcro Industries B.V.
Ford: Ford Motor Company

Tactical Maneuver

Chapter One

Justin slid his hand along the curve of Madeline’s thigh, enjoying the feel of her

baby-soft skin. She writhed beneath his touch as his fingers moved to tease the curly

hair at the apex of her thighs.

“Do you want me to touch you, my slave?”

She made a noise of protest, her arms and legs strained against the velvet bonds

when his hand covered her. He would go no further until she acquiesced to his every

command.

“Please…” Her voice was faint. “Touch me.”

“Nay, my sweet.” He flexed his fingers against her curls with just enough pressure

to send her hips arching toward him. “You have to ask…properly.”

“Please touch me, M-m-master.”

Her stammer brought forth a primal rush of satisfaction as he parted her heated

core—

“He’s baaaacccckkkk.”

Emma Taylor jumped as her co-worker’s voice broke into the sensual spell woven

by the paperback lovers. Her cheeks burned as she fought the urge to squirm in her

chair in a half-hearted attempt to relieve the slight ache between her thighs.

“Who’s back?” Brenda, the office manager, asked, her gaze glued to her computer

screen.

“Who do you think?” Their other co-worker, Tiffany, stood with her nose almost

pressed to the window that overlooked the back lot of the fire station. “And he’s in

SWAT gear.”

Brenda looked up, her eyes rounded. “No, not—”

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“Oh, yeah…” Tiffany sighed. “I’d heard this morning he’d just gotten back from

training in Missouri. Get your backside over here, girl, and get an eyeful of Mr.

Wonderful.”

Brenda leapt out of her chair and hurried to the window. “Heavens.” She fanned

her face with her hand. “I do believe he picked up some muscles while he was gone.”

“Now, if I could just get him to pick me up,” Tiffany drawled. “Oh! He’s walking

into the smokehouse. Oh yeah, that is one grade-A butt. He can fill out a pair of fatigues

like nobody’s business.”

As both women laughed, Emma stashed her book, then slid out of her chair and

moved to stand behind them. Her height made it easy to see over their heads.

Behind the fire station was a three-story wooden structure everyone called the

smokehouse. Almost every weekend it was used for some type of fire training. Life-

sized rubber dummies would be placed in the structure that was populated with

furniture and common household appliances. The building would then be filled with

smoke and the firefighters, in full turnout gear, would have to enter and rescue their

victims.

But the group of men near the smokehouse weren’t dressed in familiar firefighting

turnout gear. Ten good-sized men were standing around a picnic table dressed in

military-style fatigues and bulletproof vests emblazoned with either POLICE or

SHERIFF. They had guns strapped to their waists and rifles casually slung over their

shoulders while they talked. This could mean only one thing.

Jay Barnes was back in town.

“Why are they out there again?” Emma asked. “They were here last week and

weren’t due until next month.”

“I heard something about a big operation going down in the next few weeks, so

they’re packing in all the training they can,” Brenda said. “I just love watching them

work, it’s fascinating.”

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“And the fact that they look good enough to eat doesn’t even enter your head,”

Tiffany teased. “Of course, the best part is when they need volunteer hostages for their

scenarios. There’s something about being crowded by a group of sweaty men in Kevlar

with really big…guns.”

Brenda gave Tiffany a playful nudge. “You’re so bad.”

“You don’t even know the half.” Tiffany gave a squeal. “Here he comes, Haven’s

most eligible bachelor, J-J-Jay Barnes in the flesh.”

Two men exited the smokehouse and Emma’s throat tightened. While both were

good-looking and built for sin, one stood out by his height alone.

His hair was black and fashioned in a near military buzz-cut and dark sunglasses

shadowed his eyes. His limbs were muscular and he moved with the easy, predatory

grace of a man at home in his own skin. A black T-shirt clung to his broad chest and

well-defined arms, and a gun belt accented his slim waist. A handgun strapped to his

right thigh looked lethal, almost as lethal as the man who wore them.

Now here was a man who could inspire steamy fantasies in any woman, and he

had in Emma. For the past six months, she’d been working at the fire department

helping to convert them to a paperless office. The very first week on the job she’d seen

Jay and he’d captivated her imagination with his heart-melting smile and muscular

body.

The second thing she’d noticed about him was that his teammates seemed to

respect him. On countless occasions she’d watched as Jay took command of the group

during their training sessions. When he spoke, everyone listened, even Lieutenant Brice,

the commander of the team. And he always seemed to have time for everyone. She’d

never seen him blow someone off when he was busy with something else. If someone

needed to speak with him, he made time for them, no matter who they were.

Not that she’d spoken to him, of course. What would an office efficiency consultant

have in common with a police officer? Nothing. Now she had only a little over a week

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to go before her job was completed and she’d leave this cozy little town and she still

hadn’t said a word to him.

“He is so hot,” Brenda said.

“You said it, girl.” Tiffany nodded toward the men. “I hear Jay’s a real stud in bed,

too.”

Emma cleared her throat. “Where did you hear that?”

“Anne, the head cashier at the Pick N’ Choose. They dated for several months last

winter. She said he likes nothing better on a cold evening than to settle in for a

marathon lovemaking session.” She grabbed an equipment catalog and began fanning

herself. “I guess he really knows how to pleasure a woman.”

“Well, that would be a first,” Brenda drawled. “A man who believes foreplay

means more than bellowing, ‘Brace yourself, baby, here I come’.”

Emma couldn’t help but laugh. Her last boyfriend had believed foreplay consisted

of a beer and pizza, then reaching for her breasts and twirling her nipples as if tuning a

radio. The worst part was when they’d broken up, he’d accused her of being cold in

bed.

She folded her arms across her chest. It wasn’t easy getting hot when her lover had

thought oral sex was an obligation like mowing the yard or paying taxes…unless he

was on the receiving end, of course. Then he’d expected her to spend the day.

She shuddered. Never again would she go through that. Her next lover would be

skilled, very skilled. He’d be attentive to her needs and show her the joys of that oh-so-

elusive phenomenon, having an orgasm with a partner. If nothing else, the earth should

move at least once in her lifetime with someone else as a witness.

Brenda’s squeal brought Emma out of her reverie.

“Eeew!” Brenda wrinkled her nose. “Jimmy-Joe Boyd actually tried to kiss you with

chew in his mouth? What did you do?”

Tactical Maneuver

“Kicked him in the shin right in the middle of the dance floor.” Tiffany fluffed her

bleached blonde hair. “Then, when I asked him to take me home, he tried to look up my

skirt while I climbed into that monster truck of his.” She rolled her eyes. “I swear that’s

why men have those lift kits installed on their trucks, for a cheap thrill.”

“Jay has one of those big trucks,” Brenda teased.

“He might be the exception.” Tiffany shrugged. “Why would he need a quick thrill

when every woman in town would love to get him between the sheets? I personally am

dying to find out about him myself. Think I should offer my services as a hostage for

their scenario today? This outfit would look good with handcuffs.”

“Oh no, you don’t.” Brenda shook her head. “When you started here, you made me

promise that I wouldn’t let you date any of the boys from Fire or Police. You said you

wanted to make a career here, remember?” She turned away from the window. “If you

ask me, Emma is the one who should make a play for Jay, not you, Tiff.”

“What?” Emma frowned at Brenda. “Why me?”

“Yeah, why her?” Tiffany protested.

“Because she isn’t from around here, she has no family in town and her job is

temporary.” Brenda sat at her desk. “It’s the perfect time for Emma to indulge in a wild

affair. There are no career ramifications and she walks away at the end of next week.”

She gave Emma a wicked glance as she rubbed her engagement ring. “What do you

think, Emma? Care to allow me to live vicariously through your love life?”

Emma laughed. “You have a point, Brenda. My last relationship was less than

fulfilling—”

“This isn’t fair.” A pout was forming on Tiffany’s glossed lips.

“Fair? Didn’t you just tell me that you had a date this evening with Brett Smiley, the

head of the school board?” Brenda turned back to her computer. “He’s the type of man

you should be dating, someone serious and stable. Let Emma play with the bullet-boys

and you just keep doing what you’re doing, Tiff. Before you know it, you’ll be married

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and driving a Volvo station wagon complete with a Baby on Board sign in the

window.”

A look of revulsion crossed Tiffany’s face and she gave a delicate shudder. “Not

me. I—” Tiffany gasped, then jumped backward and slammed into Emma. “Here he

comes. Jay’s headed for the office.”

Emma stepped aside to avoid being run over when Tiffany raced to her desk. As

she passed, the other woman knocked a stack of fire-related periodicals off the corner of

a low filing cabinet to scatter across the floor. Within seconds, she was seated at her

desk, touching up her lipstick.

“I don’t think she heard a thing I said,” Brenda mused.

Amused, Emma crouched and began gathering the glossy pamphlets and

magazines. Maybe she should touch up her makeup too. It couldn’t hurt. Not that she

was into recreational sex, but Brenda had a valid point. She was temporary here in

Haven. Once her job was done, she was gone. Taking the job here was just the break

she’d needed.

After her disastrous relationship had gone down the tubes, she’d felt the need for a

hiatus, a breathing space where no one knew anything about her. Living and working

in this sleepy little town had been exactly what she’d needed. And since she didn’t

foresee coming back in the future, anything she did here was strictly off the record, so

to speak. So maybe a steamy affair wasn’t out of the question.

“Afternoon, ladies.”

Emma froze, half of the brochures clutched in her hands. Jay had a voice that would

melt butter and the rest of his body would melt everything else. Low and deep with the

faintest tinge of southern heat. His drawl evoked images of humid nights, sweaty skin,

long, heated kisses and tangled sheets.

She blinked, forcing the erotic images away. That’s what she got for reading erotica

in the middle of a workday. She continued gathering the rest of the brochures, all too

aware of the man standing several feet away.

Tactical Maneuver

“Hi, Jay, glad to see you’re back.” Tiffany leapt to her feet and walked toward him,

a saucy sway to her step. With her short, hot pink dress and tottering heels, she was the

type of woman most men would look at twice. Emma scowled at Tiffany’s dainty foot

as the other woman almost stepped on her hand in her haste to get to Jay.

“I’m glad to be back,” he said. “How are you feeling, Brenda? How’s your back?”

“Much better, thanks, though I am stiff from time to time,” the other woman said.

“That’s what I get for trying to move too many boxes at once, I guess. But the doctor

said, with a few more physical therapy appointments, I should be good to go.”

As Emma leaned forward to reach one flyer that had slid almost all the way under

the cabinet, Tiffany stepped back and jarred her arm. The pamphlets slid out of her

grasp in a glossy waterfall.

“Drat,” she muttered. She lunged for the shiny pages, hoping to retrieve them

before someone stepped on them and they were only good for lining the trash can.

“Who do we have here?”

To her right, a pair of shiny lace-up military boots appeared. She froze when Jay

dropped into a crouch beside her and began gathering brochures. Her toes curled as she

caught the scent of warm male skin and healthy sweat. Her gut clenched. She’d never

been this close to him and she felt like jumping out of her skin.

“I’ve seen you around, but I don’t think we’ve been introduced. What’s your name,

beautiful?”

His tone was teasing, but Emma stiffened. She knew she was passably pretty,

definitely chubby, but beautiful? No way. Jay Barnes was obviously a shameless flirt

and if he thought she’d fall under his spell like Tiffany, he was sadly mistaken. She

raised her head, ready to set him straight when their gazes clashed and all coherent

thought escaped her.

He was even better-looking up close. His face was strong, his cheeks and jaw well-

sculpted and lightly bristled with a beard. Under dark brows, his heavily lashed eyes

were a beguiling shade of pale blue. His nose was long and neat, no bumps marring its

J.C. Wilder

perfection, and beneath it, he had the sexiest mouth she’d ever seen. His lower lip was

slightly larger than his upper and, with his beautiful eyes, combined to give him a sexy,

sleepy look.

Any woman, including her, would look at this man and automatically think sex.

Hot, sweaty, multi-orgasmic sex.

Jay cleared his throat and Emma flushed. She lurched to her feet and he followed,

his hands full of the brochures.

“Emma Taylor.” Her voice came out with an uncharacteristic huskiness. “And your

name is?”

His brow arched and his eyes glinted with amusement. “Jay Barnes. It’s a pleasure

to meet you, Emma. I’ve seen you around a few times. How long have you been

working here?”

“Emma’s temporary.” Tiffany slipped between the two of them, her gaze fastened

on Jay. “In fact, her last day is next Friday.”

“Temporary or not, I hope you’ve enjoyed your stay here.” Jay moved away from

Tiffany and effortlessly shuffled his load before stacking them on a file cabinet. “It’s a

beautiful town and who knows? You might decide to stay.” He crossed his arms over

an impossibly broad chest and leaned against the cabinet. “Well, ladies, I’m in need of a

volunteer for our exercise today. Are any of you free to assist the tactical unit?”

“I’d love to—” Tiffany started.

“But she has to go over to the municipal building to pick up some paperwork for

the Chief.” Brenda’s tone was firm and the look she gave the blonde brooked no

argument. “And I’m out thanks to my back.”

“That’s too bad, Tiff. Maybe next time.” He offered her a slight smile, then his gaze

landed on Emma. “I guess that leaves you. Are you up for some fun and games?”

Emma opened her mouth to refuse when she caught the flash of challenge in Jay’s

eyes. Her mouth slammed shut. He expected her to refuse, which was exactly what

Tactical Maneuver

she’d been about to do. In reality, she wasn’t terribly busy. Her afternoon was booked

with endless filing and assisting Brenda with the department newsletter. Nothing that

couldn’t wait. But that didn’t mean she wanted to play games with a group of trained

killers. Then again, it would be her last, her only chance to get close to Jay.

“Chicken?” he asked.

“You wish.” She propped her hands on her hips and tilted her chin upward.

“Sounds like fun to me.” Inwardly Emma cringed even as she spoke.

“Great. Let’s get moving.” Jay straightened. “We have a few things to cover before

we get started.”

“Now don’t you break Emma, Jay, or I’ll come after you with a broom,” Brenda

called.

“Don’t worry, we haven’t broken anyone yet,” he said. “She’ll be safe in my hands.”

Emma grabbed her sunglasses and headed for the door. A treacherous longing

unfurled in her gut as Emma stepped out into the wall of humidity that was an August

day in Ohio.

With her gaze glued to his trim backside, she wondered what would it be like to be

in Jay’s arms. Would he be a considerate lover as Tiffany had heard? Or was he a

playboy, more interested in bedding women than seeing to their satisfaction?

To some men, like her ex whom she affectionately called The Jerk, it was all about

quantity, not quality. He’d said on several occasions that even bad sex was better than

no sex. Little did he know…

She skidded to a stop, narrowly avoiding running into Jay when he stopped

unexpectedly. She peered around his broad shoulders and her heart sank at her first

close-up look at the tactical team.

They were even bigger and scarier than she’d thought. All were outfitted in body-

molding Kevlar body armor and armed to the teeth with guns strapped to their thighs.

Each wore tactical belts loaded with pouches of varying sizes and shapes. Some had

Tactical Maneuver

Chapter Two

Jay leaned against the picnic table while Lieutenant Brice handed out the

assignments for the exercise they were about to perform. Around him, the members of

the Tri-County Tactical Unit stood in full gear in the blazing sun listening to their

instructions along with one nervous woman he’d commandeered from the offices.

Emma stood on the far edge of the group, her arms wrapped about her waist and

her dark brown eyes were shadowed by sunglasses. She looked calm enough, but her

teeth chewing on her plump lower lip gave her away.

According to society’s unreasonable standards, she’d be considered overweight, not

that he would have called her that. He’d call her figure lush and pleasantly so. Ample

breasts filled out her oversized white button-down shirt and the brown plaid skirt

accentuated the flair of her hips. His gaze moved over her long, curvy legs. This one

was a little larger than he usually dated but she had the most mouthwatering curves

hidden beneath unimaginative clothing.

But it was her hair that had captivated his attention and vaulted her from being

passably pretty to lovely. In the office, he’d noticed her mousy brown hair pulled back

into a tidy roll on the back of her head. It was the type of hairstyle that was designed to

set a man’s fingers itching to pull it apart.

As they’d stepped into the sunshine, her hair was transformed into rich reddish-

brown with golden streaks that caught the sun. It should be a crime to pull all of that

glorious hair into such a confining style. She needed to let it fall free about her

shoulders. His gaze skimmed her bountiful curves and he wondered what color the hair

between her thighs was. A slow tingle began low in his abdomen.

J.C. Wilder

“Are we ready to roll?” Johnny Stevens, one of the team’s snipers, thumped Jay on

the back, jarring him from his lusty thoughts. “Come on back, Birdman, we’ve got bad

guys to deal with.”

“I’m here.” He picked up his gear bag and slung it over his shoulder. He needed a

few extra minutes to set up in the smokehouse before they could begin their scenario.

“Come on, Emma. Let’s get moving.”

As she walked toward him, he pulled his gun from the holster, checking to ensure

that it was unloaded before holstering it again. When she reached his side, he turned

and headed for the building they were going to use.

“Why did you do that?” She fell into step beside him and he caught a whiff of her

perfume. It was something flowery, summer-like, but he couldn’t put his finger on it.

Whatever it was, he liked it.

“Just double-checking that my gun is empty. I’d hate to shoot someone

accidentally.”

“Oh, yeah. I can see where that would be a bad thing.” Her voice was faint and he

stifled a grin.

“Then again, Johnny did steal one of the candy bars I’d stashed at the station. That

alone deserves a minor flesh wound.” When she gulped, he decided to take pity on her

and quit teasing. Most civilians didn’t understand a cop’s sense of humor.

“Don’t worry, darlin’, I haven’t lost a volunteer nor shot a team member…yet.”

He kicked the basement door open and stepped back to let her enter first. The scent

of her shampoo teased his senses as she passed, sending a rush of arousal to his groin.

He closed his eyes, enjoying the sensation for a moment. He’d been celibate for the past

few months while training in Missouri.

Now he was ready, more than ready, to end his streak of sleeping alone. He longed

for the feel of a woman beneath him, her soft thighs cushioning his ride. But first, there

was the chase. He loved the game, the first few moments of awareness—

Tactical Maneuver

“Are you coming?”

He opened his eyes and he could barely make out her white shirt in the windowless

room. “Not yet,” he muttered. He dumped his bag on the floor. “I need to nail this door

shut. It’s been kicked in one too many times.” Armed with a flashlight, he headed for a

small supply closet in the corner to retrieve the materials he needed for the job.

“I’ve watched the firefighters train in here. They’re certainly hard on the doors,”

she said.

“You think?” He grinned. She hadn’t seen anything yet. The TCTU could rip a

house to shreds in less than fifteen seconds. All it took was a Hallagan, a battering ram

and several flash-bangs. Most bad guys gave up before he could spell the word “loser”.

Jay handed her the flashlight, then made quick work of securing the door before

leading her up the stairs to the first floor. The smokehouse consisted of three floors,

each one with an open floor plan complete with furniture. Wall partitions were stacked

on one side, allowing the users to reconfigure the floors as needed. This enabled the

users to provide multiple training environments in one building.

It was also filthy.

He eyed her white blouse. “I have a shirt you can wear. Working in here is hard on

white clothes.” He dropped his bag on a broken-down sofa and fished out a black T-

shirt. “Run upstairs and change into this. When you’re done, just wait up there and I’ll

be up.”

Emma nodded, took the shirt and moved around him, careful to avoid touching

him. When she scrambled up the open-backed steps, he caught a tantalizing glimpse of

a pale thigh and a thick lace cuff. Heat streaked to his groin. She was wearing thigh-

highs, his personal favorite.

Stifling a moan, he turned away and forced his attention to setting up the house for

the invasion.

Fresh, Jay’s partner in crime for this scenario, arrived a few minutes later with the

gear they’d devised to set as the booby-trap for the entry team. Armed with hammers, it

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took both of them almost twenty minutes of hammering doors shut, moving wall

partitions and setting up the booby-trap in the basement. When Jay finished securing

the last outside door, he heard a shout from the yard below.

“Birdman!”

Jay stuck his head out the windowless opening. “Yo.”

Johnny stood outside, an MP5 slung over his shoulder with negligent ease.

“Ready?”

“Hats and bats,” Jay replied.

Johnny held up his fist in a motion that let him know the message was received.

The scenario was about to begin and it was time to get into position.

Adrenaline surging, Jay left Fresh stationed on the first floor, then he grabbed his

bag and vaulted up the steps to the second floor.

“Ready to be rescued?” he asked as he rounded the stairs. His breath caught when

he spied Emma standing in the window, golden sunshine setting her hair ablaze.

She turned and smiled and he was startled by the transformation in her appearance.

No longer was she a plain, slightly overweight woman. With the pink tinge the heat

had brought to her cheeks and a wide smile curving her soft lips, she was lovely.

And she filled out his T-shirt to perfection. Her breasts strained against the thin

black cotton and he could see every inch neatly outlined, including her nipples. His

mouth watered at the thought of stripping the garment from her willing body and

taking one of those plump buds into his mouth. Would she coo when he touched her or

was his hostage a screamer?

His toe caught on the twisted limb of a firefighter dummy and he stumbled. He

scowled at the offending object and made a mental note to move it into the way of the

entry team.

“I think so.” She cocked her head. “What do I have to do besides scream a lot?”

Oh, how I would love to make you scream…

Tactical Maneuver

He cleared his throat. “That’s pretty much it. Scream and act afraid.” Jay dumped

his bag on the well-worn couch. “I have some water and granola bars if you decide

you’re hungry.”

“I’m fine for now, thanks.” She glanced around the room. “How long will this

take?”

“That’s up to you, darlin’. How long do you want it to take?” He crossed his arms

over his chest and gave her a lazy smile. “We can make this last as long as we want.”

A bright rush of color washed over her cheeks and he grinned. “It depends on how

good they are.” Jay unzipped his bag. “If they manage to talk us down, it could take

minutes or hours. Or they might decide to shoot us and that’ll be the end of it. It’s up to

Fresh and I to make their job as challenging as possible.”

She cocked her head. “You enjoy this, don’t you?”

“Oh yeah.” He retrieved a box of cartridges then zipped his bag shut before moving

it to the floor. “Come over here and sit by me. I need you close at hand.” Which he

didn’t really, he just wanted her near him. It would be at least a few minutes before the

team would be ready to enter the building.

Emma seated herself on the couch, taking care to tuck her skirt modestly around

her knees. “How did you become a police officer?”

“I’m third generation.” He pulled the spare clips from his tactical belt and checked

to see that they were empty. “Sometimes I think I never really had a choice.”

“But you love it.”

He grinned. “How can you tell?”

“Your face lights up when you talk about it.” Emma smoothed her palm over her

skirt and his gaze followed her movement, noting her soft, tempting curves. “I think it’s

great you love your job.”

He forced his attention away from her body and back to the clips. “Well, if I didn’t

love it, this would be a bad job to have. It isn’t for everyone.”

J.C. Wilder

“How did—”

Outside he heard a sound and motioned for her to be silent. A faint scratching

sound came from the basement. No doubt the team was trying to get the door open. The

scenario had begun.

“Under normal circumstances, we’d have the hostage negotiators here.” He kept his

voice barely above a whisper. It was important that he still be able to hear what was

going on in the house. “They’d be trying to talk Fresh and I into releasing you. Since the

negotiations team is in Columbus for training, we’ll be skipping that part.”

“Ah, I see.” She smoothed her palms over her thighs again and, almost against his

will, his gaze followed her movement. Did she have any idea how hot she was making

him? “So they’ll just come breaking in here?” she whispered.

“It’s not quite that easy.” Jay removed his H&K semiautomatic from the holster. “I

have a few tricks up my sleeve.”

Below, there was a mighty crack of breaking wood and then the sound of swearing.

“Abort!” sounded from the basement.

Jay leapt off the couch and moved to the window, careful to stay out of sight. He

chuckled when he saw half his team falling backwards, stumbling over each other,

trying to retreat from the canister of CO

gas he and Fresh had rigged to the basement

door.

“What happened?”

Emma appeared beside him and he grabbed her, hauling her into his side. “Careful,

stay away from the windows.”

“What happened?” she hissed.

“Just a little retribution.” Jay grinned, knowing they’d get back at him sooner or

later. Downstairs he heard Fresh yell an obscenity at the retreating team. “Come on,

let’s get comfortable. We have time before they’ll try and enter again.”

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He wrapped his fingers around her wrist and led her back to the couch, aware of

the heat of her skin, the scent of her hair. When was the last time a stranger had affected

him like this? Had it ever happened before? His groin tightened as her breasts moved

against his side when she stumbled over his gear bag. He watched the intriguing blush

color her cheeks and she pulled away, seating herself on the edge of the couch.

As he sat, his knee brushed hers. He retrieved the box of simunition cartridges he’d

pulled out earlier. These particular cartridges were stuffed with cotton and they were

used for training so they could simulate live fire without harming each other.

He shot a sideways glance at his hostage. She was as aware of him as he was of

her—her ripening blush gave her away. He loved women who blushed. Granted, for

the most part, they were few and far between in his estimation. Did she blush all over?

Because he was seated close to her, he could feel her heat and smell her scent. Just being

around her was beginning to get under his skin.

“Did you grow up here?” she whispered.

“Yes I did, born and bred.” He slid the first clip into place. “And you? Are you from

around here?”

“Ah, no. No, I’m not.” She shifted away, tugging her skirt into place as she did so.

“I’m from Columbus.”

“Now don’t go too far.” He caught her arm and urged her close again. “If they

come up the steps, I need to have you near me. Remember, I’m a cowardly kidnapper

who’s dragged you into my lair to have my wicked way with you.”

“I don’t remember them saying anything like that.” She looked up at him and

licked her lips. They were plump and pink, shiny from the caress of her tongue and he

wanted to touch her, taste her.

He cleared his throat and averted his gaze. “They said it earlier, before you’d joined

us.”

“Oh, okay.”

J.C. Wilder

He finished loading his gun and slid it into his holster. The couch faced the steps

and the window and he’d have no problem seeing someone coming. Right now, the

team would be regrouping, but he knew they’d come for him again. The tactical unit

always won, fair or foul. He had a few minutes, though, time he could use to his

advantage to get to know his hostage better.

“Columbus is only about an hour away. How did you end up here in Haven?” He

propped his arm along the back of the couch, just barely touching her shoulders.

“My great-aunt Lurlene is a close friend of Chief Lakeland’s mother. She heard their

office was in serious need of updating, which is my specialty.” She shrugged. “One

thing led to another, I guess.”

He could feel her trembling. Was he making her nervous? She sure was making him

hot, in more ways than one. A trickle of sweat snaked its way down his back. There was

nothing like training in the heat of summer. Luckily for him, playing the part of a bad

guy didn’t require him to be in full gear. No matter how hot he was the team would be

in worse shape.

“What kind of updating do you do?”

“Paperless reporting for the most part. For the past six months I’ve worked to rid

the department of seventy-five percent of their paper forms.” She gave him a pleased

smile. “After the initial training period, I’ve increased their efficiency by sixty-four

percent.”

He was impressed. He knew well the burden paperwork placed on both the fire

and police departments. There were times when he felt like a glorified secretary.

“You sound like a handy woman to have around,” he said. “Maybe the police

department should hire you to give us a hand.”

“Maybe.” She grinned.

“Is there anyone special in your life back in Columbus?” he asked.

Tactical Maneuver

“No, not really.” She plucked at a loose thread in the hem of her skirt. “How about

you? Anyone special in yours?”

“No, not really,” he parroted. His gaze strayed to the soft globes of her breasts. Her

breathing was elevated and her nipples thrust proudly against the black cotton. He

couldn’t wait to take one into his mouth, to taste and suckle.

He leaned in close and his lips brushed her ear. “When was the last time anyone

told you you’re beautiful?”

Emma jerked, her back went ramrod straight and she moved out of his reach.

“You’re a flirt.”

He frowned. “I do not flirt.”

“Ha.” She got to her feet and faced him, her fists on her hips. “I know exactly what I

am, Officer Barnes.” She leaned over him. “A dumpy, brown-haired woman who most

men would never look at twice—”

She gave a shriek when he grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his arms. Her nails

dug into his shoulders and her breasts pressed into his chest as his hands landed on her

ample hips. Her soft thighs nestled his aroused groin and he stifled a moan. Emma was

one sweet armload of a woman and he didn’t want to let go of her too soon.

“Oh yeah?” His gaze impaled her startled, chocolate brown one. “Would a flirt do

this?”

Before she could draw a breath, his mouth claimed hers. Her mouth not only

looked good, it tasted sweet. Her hands clenched and released as he plundered her

mouth. Overwhelmed by the sensation of her soft body pressing into his, he wanted

nothing more than to reverse their positions and lay her down on this dusty couch and

sink into her.

Enveloped in the heat of the moment, his hand cupped her generous backside. She

sighed into his mouth and gave an excited wiggle, her legs parted to bracket his lap. He

pulled her closer until the apex of her thighs nudged at his burgeoning arousal. His

J.C. Wilder

hands greedily skimmed her curves while their mouths sought to devour each other.

Emma was a sexy handful and he had to make her his, soon—

A faint sound brought his head up, forcing him to break their contact.

“What—” she gasped.

With the ease of long hours of training, he swung her onto the couch next to him.

Grabbing his H&K, he raised his arm and fired.

Emma screamed as his gun went off, deafening in the narrow confines of the room.

She landed facedown on the lumpy couch with the report ringing in her ears. Raising

her head, she saw Jay crouched on the floor next to her, his gun still pointed toward the

stairs.

“Get up. We need to move.” Without looking behind him, he grabbed her arm and

pulled her to her feet. Steering her toward a narrow closet, he hustled her to it.

She stumbled over a lopsided end table before he shoved her into the tiny, airless

space. With her back pressed against the wall and Jay’s broad back against her front,

she was pinned in the darkness with one very sexy police officer.

Her breath caught in her throat when he left the door open by only the narrowest of

margins. If he shut it all the way, she was in serious danger of coming out of her skin.

The violence of the past few moments had thrown her for a loop. Did all SWAT officers

live like this? How awful for them.

“What are we doing?” Her nails dug into his back.

“Hiding,” he grunted.

“Why are we hiding?”

“Because they shot at me?” Jay sounded exasperated. “Damn it, they weren’t

supposed to do that. A SWAT team never fires unless the hostage is in eminent danger

and you weren’t.”

“Then why did they?

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“They’re probably trying to get back at me for that present in the basement.”

Emma frowned. “What present?”

“I rigged a CO

gas cartridge to the basement door. When they opened it, the

cartridge went off in their faces. That stuff will suck the air right out of your lungs.”

She thumped him on the back with her fist. “You gassed your teammates?”

“Every chance I get.” She heard the note of pleasure in his tone.

“I’d shoot you too, then.” Emma would have crossed her arms over her chest if

there’d been enough room.

As they waited, the house grew still around them. From time to time, she could

hear the scrape of something being dragged across the floor downstairs, the squeak of a

floorboard, then nothing. If they didn’t get out of here soon, she was going to faint from

the tension.

“I can’t breathe,” she hissed.

“Come to the front.” Jay opened the door wider. “But you have to stay out of my

way. I need to be able to maneuver around you.”

Emma sucked in her breath and squeezed past, shimmying this way and that to get

around him. She was painfully aware of the tall male clad in black and armed to the

teeth. When she neared the partially open door, she could feel the slightest of air

currents and the panic receded a bit. Now she’d be able to breathe.

Just when she thought she’d make it out of the closet in one piece, Jay slid his arm

around her waist and her heart almost stopped. Her hands landed on his broad chest

and she tipped her head back, looking past his shadowed chin and firm sculpted lips

and into his blue eyes.

“We may as well get comfortable.” His voice was husky.

She licked her lips. Who’d have believed Emma Taylor would end up in the arms of

bad-boy Jay Barnes in a stifling closet during a SWAT training exercise?

Not her…

J.C. Wilder

She inhaled his scent, a mixture of heated male flesh and healthy sweat. A quiver of

awareness shot through her system when his hand pressed the small of her back,

pulling her tight against his lean frame.

He’d already kissed her once. What would he do if she tried to kiss him this time?

Would he object? What did she have to lose? She was leaving in a week and this was

her last chance…

Her gaze dropped to his mouth. His taste still resonated on her tongue but she

wanted more, much more. She licked her lips again and his hold tightened. Her gaze

swung up to meet his heated one.

“You’re making me crazy,” he said.

“H-h-how’s that?”

“Licking your lips. Don’t you realize what signals that sends to a man?”

“What if I wanted to send that signal?”

A look of surprise moved across his face. Clearly Jay wasn’t used to women telling

him what they wanted. Then a slow, sexy smile touched his lips. “And what if I told

you to leave your bedroom window open this evening and I’ll take you up on that

invitation?”

Emma licked her lips again. Was he being serious? A rush of feminine warmth

invaded her at the thought of this man taking control and sneaking into her home to

make love to her under the cover of darkness.

“I’d say,” her voice dropped and her gaze fastened on his mouth, “bring a ladder.”

Before she could think twice, Emma rose on her tiptoes and touched her mouth to

his. She felt his jolt of surprise but it didn’t deter her from her mission. Keeping her

mouth pressed to his, she nipped at his lower lip, then held her breath. Would he

refuse? Push her away?

Then his lips parted, his taste intoxicating her and she sank into his warmth.

Oh yes…

Tactical Maneuver

She sucked at his tongue, eliciting a sound of need from him. Heat spiraled through

her body as his grip on her waist tightened. Her shirt felt too tight and her skin was

overheated. She couldn’t think straight. She wanted this man like none she’d ever met.

He touched something dark, something carnal in her that no man had breached before.

With a low groan, her tongue slid deep and she possessed his mouth the way she’d

wanted from the first time she’d seen him. With each teasing stroke, her need flared hot

and heavy…then she lost control of the kiss.

His other arm captured her waist and his mouth consumed hers. Jay’s hand slipped

beneath the hem of her T-shirt and caressed her overheated skin. She pressed him

against the wall as his fingers skimmed her side. She felt as if she couldn’t get enough of

him, his taste, his texture. She wanted him under her skin and she couldn’t quite figure

out how to get close enough to appease that need. She wrapped her arms around his

neck and stretched to bring them just a little bit closer.

With his hand under her shirt, he cupped her breast and she nipped at his lower lip.

She shivered when his thumb stroked her sensitive curve before palming her full breast.

His fingers teased the cotton-covered mound, she made a noise in the back of her throat

as he zeroed in on her erect nipple, giving it a firm stroke.

Finally, yes, oh my god, yes…

His confident touch sent spasms of joy through her nervous system. Here, finally,

was a man who knew how to handle a woman’s breasts. With broad strokes and gentle

tugs, she was almost on the verge of delirium and all he’d done was touch her breasts

and kiss her. Here was the man she needed to take as her temporary lover. The man

who would remove all thoughts of The Jerk from her brain—

Without warning, the door flew open and light flooded the tiny space. Strong hands

wrenched her from Jay’s arms and gunfire filled the air.

J.C. Wilder

Chapter Three

No doubt about it. He was crazy.

Jay pulled his truck up to the curb and turned off the ignition. A quick stop at the

police station had heralded Emma’s address from the city employee files. Her

apartment was the one on the end with the white plastic chair next to the back door.

With the old wood frame windows her building sported, entering her apartment would

take only a few seconds, especially if she’d left the window unlocked. Thanks to a few

drug busts several years ago, Jay was very familiar with her apartment building so

getting in and moving around would be a snap.

He stared at her darkened windows. Imagine, one of Haven’s finest setting out to

break into the apartment of one of its newest citizens.

But he had to see her, taste her. Touch her again. Ever since they’d parted this

afternoon, he couldn’t get her off his mind. After leaving the fire station, he’d joined

some members of the tactical team for a grueling workout in the police station weight

room, but even that hadn’t lessoned the sexual tension that had him strung tighter than

a guitar string.

Even after a cold shower and two hours of accident paperwork, he was still

sporting a perpetual hard-on.

The need to have her beat like a mantra in his brain and infected his blood. It was

that persistent thought which had driven him to this extreme. He would have her

tonight.

Emma had struck him as being a little shy and unsure of herself. In his estimation,

the way to handle a woman like her was to take charge, to remove her options in the

matter. Which didn’t mean he was going to override her objections, he wasn’t. It was

simply a case of taking things into his hands, thus removing the decision from her. If all

Tactical Maneuver

went well, she’d agree to a hot, deeply satisfying sexual relationship like what he had in

mind.

Now all he had to do was convince her.

The lights came on her apartment and, through a gap in the curtains, he saw Emma

pass through her kitchen. It was time to move.

Jay exited his truck and carefully tucked his keys into his pocket where he was sure

they wouldn’t rattle. Glancing around, he noted her neighborhood was quiet. Most

people would be settled in front of their televisions in their air-conditioned living

rooms, trying to avoid the humid August evening. Reassured that no one was watching,

he entered her backyard, taking great care with the gate, not allowing it to clang in the

stillness.

Her backyard was small and the turf bone-dry from the lack of rain. With the brittle

grass crunching underfoot, he moved easily through the yard toward the building.

When he rounded the corner, he caught sight of Emma in her bedroom. She’d just

dropped some packages on the bed before turning to enter what he assumed was the

bathroom.

Pressing his ear to the window frame, he could barely make out the sound of

running water. She would undoubtedly be tied up in there for a few minutes, which left

him free to make his move.

Moving forward, he kept to the shadows of the building while he moved to the next

window. Glancing in, he could see through the thin drapes and the room appeared to

be devoid of any furnishings save a few cardboard boxes. This would be the perfect

entry point.

Removing a utility knife from his pocket, he slid the narrow blade into the frame of

the window and, within seconds, he’d popped the rickety lock. He replaced the knife in

his pocket and made a mental note to call the landlord. These locks needed to be

upgraded. Why, anyone could break in here, even a horny police officer.

J.C. Wilder

Well aware he was putting his entire career at stake, Jay slid the window open and

prepared to make entry.

* * * * *

Emma poured a liberal amount of lavender bubble bath into the filling tub. She

loved the scent of lavender. It was so relaxing—

Wow, that man could really kiss.

Her toes curled into the soft cotton of her rug as the errant thought popped into her

head for the hundredth time in the past hour. Damn, she was never going to get Jay off

her brain, not even for a minute.

She placed the bottle on the side of the tub then walked into the adjoining bedroom.

In the middle of her bed was a pile of glossy shopping bags. After leaving the station,

she’d decided to pay a visit to the local shopping mall. Two hours and several hundred

dollars later, she was the proud owner of a new outfit and a pile of lingerie guaranteed

to make any man feverish.

Now she just had to find the man…

She began unbuttoning her blouse. Brenda was right. If she was ever going to

indulge in a wild no-strings-attached affair, now was the time to do it. She’d be leaving

Haven and these people would never see her again.

Jay was the perfect man to engage in a short-term passionate liaison. He was

handsome, could kiss like nobody’s business and he knew his way around a woman’s

breast. Of course, the best part was that he made her heart race like no man had ever

done. It also helped that he seemed to be well-respected by his co-workers though his

job did bother her. What kind of a woman would willingly fall in love with a man who

took his life into his own hands every time he walked out the door?

She shook her head and dropped her blouse into the clothes hamper. Ignoring that

fact, the most obvious question was would he be interested? She shimmied out of her

skirt. Yeah, he’d kissed her, but would he have kissed any woman in that situation?

Tactical Maneuver

She pushed that disturbing thought away. Did she really care? After all, it was sex

she was looking for, not a long-term relationship. It should have meant something that

he’d asked her to leave her bedroom window unlocked.

She glanced at one of the windows in question. He had to have been kidding. A

police officer wouldn’t enter someone’s house via the window. He’d knock like any

other normal human being.

Lifting her foot, she placed it on the edge of the bed and began rolling the stocking

down her leg. She loved thigh-high stockings. They made her feel sexy even on her

worst hair days. Enjoying the feel of her hands against her skin and the slow slide of the

nylon, her breasts felt heavy, the cotton of her bra constricting.

She tossed the stockings on the bed. She’d felt this way ever since her tryst in the

closet. She walked to the dresser, pulling out her hairpins as she moved. She groaned in

relief when they were out and she shook her head, allowing her hair to fall in a thick,

silken wave to below her shoulders. She hated pulling her hair back, but it was too thick

to leave untamed.

Emma knew she was average-looking, nothing spectacular. She was big-chested, a

fact that always drew the attention of men, and she could stand to lose a few pounds,

quite a few actually, but she was determined not to beat herself up over them. There

were much worse things in life to deal with than being a size twenty. Besides, she really

loved food and it should be a sin to give up something she enjoyed so much.

Twisting her hair back with a big plastic clip, she walked back into the bathroom.

Lavender-scented steam filled the air and clouded the mirror. Since it was so hot

outside, she didn’t want to take too hot of a bath. She wanted one just warm enough to

calm her mind and body.

Especially her body.

She stripped off her bra and panties and dropped them by the tub. Dipping her foot

into the water, she smiled. This was going to be lovely.

J.C. Wilder

Turning off the faucet, she sank into the tub with a sigh. This was the best way to

relax after a long day at the office. She soaped a washcloth, then drew it over her throat,

acutely aware of the sensuality of the movement. As she moved, the water and fragrant

bubbles teased her erect nipples. The sound of saturated cotton moving over her skin,

the soft bubbles and the fragrance of the bath oil soothed her in a way she desperately

needed.

She ran the cloth down her throat to her chest before slipping it beneath the water.

Lightly she brushed the cloth over the tip of her breast, aware as never before of her

body and its reactions.

She cupped her breast, feeling its weight buoyed by the water. Her thumb moved

over the burgeoning tip and her breath hissed through her teeth. She gave her nipple an

experimental tug, enjoying the sensations that zinged through her abdomen. She felt so

needy, so ready. She’d felt this way ever since they’d kissed.

She allowed her washcloth-covered hand to drift lower. Soft curls gave way and she

cupped her mound. A thrill of naughtiness flowed through her limbs. Spreading her

thighs, she breached her tender folds and brushed a finger over her delicate inner lips,

parting them. A quiver of delight rushed through her body as her fingertip grazed her

sensitive nub. She’d experienced orgasms before, many of them, but never with a

partner. In her experience, an orgasm was a lovely, though lonely, physical release.

Emma drew her knees higher and parted her thighs further. Waves of sensation

rippled through her nervous system when she settled into a slow, rhythmic caress. Her

hips rocked with each stroke, her breathing deepening as she imagined Jay’s mouth on

hers, his hands on her body, caressing her to fulfillment.

Images of him slipping into her bed crowded her mind and she mentally replaced

her touch with his. A sigh slipped from her lips and she arched her back, trying to make

each caress last as long as possible—

Yes…yes…

Tactical Maneuver

Her body was balanced on the edge of release when an unfamiliar sound jolted her

back to awareness. She sat up.

What was that noise? A window opening? A door? Was someone in her apartment?

She straightened. She’d locked the front door, hadn’t she? Yes, she was sure of it. But it

wouldn’t hurt to check anyway.

Emma got to her feet, the warm bathwater and suds running down her limbs as she

struggled into her robe. Haven was a small town and the locals had assured her that it

was quite safe here. But being raised in a big city had bred a natural wariness in her,

one she couldn’t overcome in the space of a few months. She wouldn’t be able to relax

until she’d checked the apartment.

She moved through the bedroom and into the living room and tiny kitchen. All was

quiet. The windows were locked tight and the front door was bolted shut. She frowned

and headed back to the bathroom.

The scent of hot, humid air brought her to a halt in the doorway to her empty spare

room. She stared in disbelief at the white lace curtains fluttering in the faint breeze. Had

she left the window open this morning?

Before leaving for work, she’d opened all of the windows for a few minutes to air

out the place. There was nothing more unappealing than stale, processed air twenty-

four hours a day. But she was sure she’d locked every window afterward, this one

included. If she remembered correctly, she’d even double-checked.

Then again, she’d been in a hurry this morning. That’s what she got for hitting the

snooze button one too many times.

Smiling at her folly, Emma shook her head and moved to secure the window.

Outside, her miniscule backyard was dark, the shrubs and trees throwing shifting, alien

shadows.

Beyond the fence, she saw a dark pickup truck parked in the alley. It was big and

masculine with round lights on the roof and shiny chrome side rails. She frowned. It

J.C. Wilder

looked familiar. Where had she seen that truck before? She let the curtain slide shut and

turned to exit the room.

Casting another glance about her tiny apartment, reassured that all was secure, she

skidded to a halt when she caught sight of a dark, masculine figure filling the doorway

of her bedroom.

“Hello, Emma.”

For a few seconds she wondered if her overactive hormones had produced the tall,

broad figure leaning against the doorframe. Clad in black, he looked massive,

threatening. Then he shoved away from the door and approached her. The light from

the kitchen moved across his face and she left out a huff of air.

It was Jay.

She blinked, her relief turning to panic.

It was Jay.

“What are you doing here?” she blurted.

His sharp blue gaze moved over her body, making Emma painfully aware of the

cotton robe now stuck to her damp skin. Her fingers knotted in the lapels and she drew

them over her generous breasts. He smiled at the gesture and that one look was filled

with the promise of sex, sin and danger.

“I came for you.”

She gaped at him. He’d come…for her?

“This afternoon I’d told you to leave your bedroom window open. You had to

know I’d come for you.” He stopped before her, his big arms loose at his sides, his

expression arrogant, assured.

Emma opened her mouth to object then closed it again. No, she hadn’t known he’d

come for her, but she’d certainly dreamt of it while she’d finished her endless filing and,

most recently, when she’d been relaxing in her tub.

Tactical Maneuver

He gave her a controlled smile as if he’d read her chaotic thoughts. Then he crooked

his finger at her before he turned and walked into her bedroom as if he owned the

place. Oddly enough, the pale lavender trappings of her room only served to make him

look bigger, more masculine.

She stopped in the doorway. “H-how did you get in?”

“The window in the spare room.” He picked up the gold- and white-striped bag

from a local lingerie shop. “These locks wouldn’t keep my granny out.”

“B-b-but you’re a cop,” she spluttered. “That’s illegal.”

“I brought my cuffs if you’d like to make a citizen’s arrest.” He gave her a heated

glance. “Or should I use them on you first?”

Her eyes widened. He wanted to handcuff her? Her gaze darted to the wrought

iron of her headboard, then away again. His amused chuckle told her that he’d seen her

look.

“Don’t worry, Emma. We won’t do anything you don’t want.”

She swallowed hard. “How do you know what I want? We’ve only just met today.”

Her fingers tightened on her lapels and her voice came out a little higher than normal.

“Time alone does not ensure intimacy. Some people could live together for a

lifetime and still not know each other.” His bold gaze moved over her body and she

quivered as if he’d touched her. “I think our bodies got to know each other very well

today, don’t you?” He pulled a rose-colored silk teddy from the bag. “Very nice, Emma.

You have excellent taste in lingerie.”

She blanched at the sight of her scanty purchase dangling from his big, meaty hand.

“I’m so glad you approve.” Her tone was dry.

“I’ll approve even more when you model it for me.” His gaze slid down her bare

legs, leaving her feeling exposed yet aware of her body like never before.

“I’m not really the modeling type.”

J.C. Wilder

He dropped the garment on the bed and moved closer. “Don’t fool yourself. You’re

beautiful, curvy like a woman should be.” He stopped before her and she could smell

him, his heat, his strength. “You’re afraid of me, aren’t you? Of what I might do to

you?” He raised his hand and ran his finger down the side of her throat. “You’re pretty

sure I won’t hurt you, but you’re not sure of why I’m here, are you?”

Mute, she nodded.

“I want you, Emma. And I think…no, I know you want me too.”

She wanted to object but why bother? There was no point in denying the obvious.

She wasn’t the sort of woman to lie to herself and she wasn’t going to lie to Jay either.

She wanted him as she’d never wanted a man before. Their gazes clashed and she

forced her chin higher and nodded ever so slightly.

“Good. I think we understand one another.” He backed away. “What I’m about to

propose is a liaison of sorts.” He leaned against the edge of her dresser. “We already

know we’re attracted to one another, so the next logical step would be to explore that

attraction and see where it takes us. I think it’s safe to say this experience could be

mutually satisfying to both of us.”

Her throat grew dry when his implication hit her. Jay was offering her exactly what

she wanted, fulfilling sex without complications. Her gaze moved over his body, strong,

muscular and fit. All six-foot-plus of this man as her personal playground, to act out

whatever fantasies they desired. To say she was tempted would be an understatement.

“All you have to do is say one word, Emma, and I’ll give you everything you need.”

“And you.” Her gaze met his. “What do you get from this arrangement?”

“You, at my beck and call. Any time I want you, any way I need you, you’re to

make yourself available for our mutual satisfaction.” His eyes gleamed with arousal. “I

have quite a few fantasies I’d like to try out with you.”

She shivered at the image of being at this powerful man’s command. “You realize

I’m leaving in a week.”

Tactical Maneuver

“To go back to Columbus.” He shrugged. “If we decide to take it beyond the week,

we’ll do so. It’s an easy drive back and forth.”

Emma shook her head. That she could not do. Her life in Columbus was sedate,

boring and unorgasmic. It was also familiar and comfortable and she couldn’t allow this

bigger-than-life man to invade the sanctuary she’d created there.

“No. That I won’t do. If we go forward with this relationship, it lasts only for as

long as I remain in Haven.”

His eyes narrowed and she could tell he wanted to object but, in the end, he didn’t.

“Fine,” he said.

“And will we be seeing other people?”

“No.” He pushed away from the dresser, his face hard, predatory. “No going out

with other people while we’re together.”

Emma breathed a sigh of relief. The last thing she wanted was an affair with a man

who might be coming to her from the bed of another woman. With Jay’s reputation, this

was a likely scenario.

She nodded. “I have one more question. You said you want me at your beck and

call—”

“I like to be in control in the bedroom.” He towered over her. “Do you have a

problem with this?”

She bit her lip against the rush of arousal his words sent through her. Problem? No,

not at all. It would be a novelty to have a relationship with a man who took charge,

really took charge, in the bedroom.

“No, no problem. But do I get to be in command once in a while?”

His gaze darkened and his breathing changed ever so slightly. So, he liked that

idea, did he?

J.C. Wilder

“Sure, just not this time.” He crossed his arms over his chest and flexed, his black T-

shirt strained to contain him. “I don’t think I can stand it right now.” He nodded his

head toward the bathroom. “I interrupted your bath, didn’t I?”

“Yes.”

“Go on and get back in the tub while I find something to drink.”

Emma gaped at him. “You want me to take a bath?”

He stepped close, crowding her with his big body. He dipped his head, his lips

caressing her ear when he spoke. “I want you to prepare yourself for me.”

She shivered when Jay placed his hands on her shoulders and gave her a gentle

push toward the bathroom. As she passed, his hand cupped her butt cheek and he gave

her a friendly squeeze before administering a gentle spank. Startled, she made a little

skip and moved faster toward the doorway, her cheeks scalding.

Emma shivered when she shut the bathroom door. Leaning against the white wood,

she let her chin drop to her chest. Her fantasies, even her wildest ones, couldn’t have

prepared her for the scene that had just occurred in her bedroom.

Her bedroom.

In the close confines of the room, Jay had seemed bigger and more masculine than

he had during the exercise, if that was possible. He was a definite, take-charge kind of

man. Would she be able to handle him?

A laugh bubbled up in her throat. She wasn’t sure that Jay had ever allowed a

woman to “handle” him. That alone was ninety percent of the attraction for her. The air

of unrestrained sexuality with just a touch of danger was enough to bring her running.

She pushed away from the door to dip her fingers in the bathwater. Noting its

temperature, she turned on the hot water tap to warm it up a bit before adding a liberal

amount of bubble bath to revive her wilted suds.

Would he be disappointed in her? She pulled the damp robe from her body and

dropped it over the sink. Her breasts weren’t as pert as most women her age due to

Tactical Maneuver

their size. She slid her hands beneath the soft globes and pushed them up an inch or so.

There was no helping that.

She turned to the side and eyed her generous backside with some misgiving. It

looked big to her, but Jay seemed to like her butt. He’d certainly touched it enough. She

twisted around to give her butt cheeks a slight boost. Maybe if they had sex on their

heads then gravity could give her a hand—

A soft knock at the door had her diving for the tub. With a noisy splash, she sank

down into the now almost too hot water until it touched her chin.

“Yes?” she said.

“Can I come in?”

“S-sure.” With her heart in her throat, she swallowed hard as the doorknob turned.

J.C. Wilder

Chapter Four

Jay grinned when he heard Emma’s timid response. Judging from the noisy splash

he’d just heard, he’d taken her off-guard, which was what he’d planned. Off-guard and

unsure of him was exactly how he wanted to keep his soon-to-be lover.

He pushed open the door and a cloud of floral-scented steam escaped. The

bathroom was small and everything was white with the exception of the pale purple

rugs and pinkish-colored towels. It was neat and orderly, just like the woman he

sought.

His gaze strayed toward the tub. Seated in the old-fashioned clawfooted fixture was

his prey. Frothy bubbles covered her from toes to chin and when he entered the room,

she slid lower until the bubbles threatened to cover her mouth.

He couldn’t wait to delve into those bubbles to see what lay beneath.

“Wine?” he asked.

“Yes, please.”

He handed her the glass, his fingers brushed hers and a resulting zing of heat shot

up his arm. He smiled when she took a big gulp of merlot.

“Hot enough for you?” He put his glass on the sink and pulled off his shirt,

dropping it over the closed toilet lid.

“Uh-huh,” she gulped. Her gaze was glued to his stomach.

“Seems a little too hot to me.” He crouched by the tub and dipped his fingers into

the water. Beneath the bubbles, his finger brushed against her leg. Emma jolted but

didn’t move away. “I think we need some cold water, but not too much if you know

what I mean.” He gave her a heated look then turned on the cold tap and began

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swirling the cooler water into the tub, taking great care to allow his fingers to touch her

at every turn.

She clutched her wineglass and tried to maintain control of the swirling bubbles as

he disturbed them. Strategic bubble placement seemed to be important so he took pity

and stopped after a few seconds. He turned off the tap.

He rose and unbuckled his belt. “Better?”

“Uh-huh.”

He unzipped his pants, taking his time to ease the metal teeth around his hardened

cock. He didn’t want to damage anything he’d need later.

“What are you doing?”

“Getting ready to join you.”

Emma sat bolt upright and water sloshed over the side of the tub to lick at his bare

toes. Luckily he’d removed his shoes and socks before pouring their wine.

“T-t-there’s no room.”

“Sure there is.” He removed his jeans and tossed them over his shirt. “This is a

good, old-fashioned bathtub with loads of room. Of course, some water is going to end

up on the floor but that can’t be helped. That’s why man invented mops.”

Clad only in cotton boxer-briefs, he noticed Emma’s gaze was now glued to his

crotch where his cock strained against the placket of his shorts. Judging from the

expression on her flushed face, as much as Emma wanted him, she had misgivings.

“Emma, look at me.” Slowly her gaze moved to meet his. “We aren’t going to have

sex in the tub. We’re just going to get to know each other better.”

He leaned over and her eyes fluttered closed. His head dipped toward hers and the

first touch of her lips was soft, liquid. With a gentle brush of his tongue, she opened for

him with a soft moan. She tasted of wine and woman, a potent combination if ever there

was one. He gently sucked on her tongue, wrenching a moan from her before breaking

J.C. Wilder

the kiss. He didn’t want it to get too hot too fast. Her accelerated breathing told him

everything he needed to know.

He gestured toward his briefs. “I’ll leave these on for now, okay?”

Not giving her time to object, he climbed into the water. She gave a squeak when

his hands landed at her waist and he neatly flipped her over him. An avalanche of

water flowed over the top of the tub when his weight settled to the bottom.

With his arms full of wet, warm woman, Jay took possession of Emma’s mouth. Her

hands clutched his shoulders as their kiss all too quickly turned hot. Her nails dug into

him and their tongues tangled in a sensual dance of pleasure. He felt every heated inch

of her body as their legs slid against each other. He ran his hands down over her

buttocks, then her thighs to part them so she cradled his hips.

His fingers caressed the soft crease below her buttocks and she sighed and leaned

into him, giving him much-needed pressure against his cock. He groaned when she

sucked at his tongue. Much more of that and he’d lose control of himself like a pimply-

faced freshman.

He broke the kiss and she moaned a soft protest. Her lashes fluttered and his gaze

met hers.

“Are you ready to play, Emma?” He licked her lower lip.

“I thought we were,” she breathed.

“We haven’t even begun.” He gave her buttock another caress before releasing her.

“We have all night. There’s no hurry.”

He pushed up and forced her to sit back. Soft tendrils of hair had escaped her clip

and they stuck her to damp skin. Her beautiful breasts were dappled with smears of

soap bubbles and they swayed with her movements.

He picked up the bar of soap and lathered his hands. “First we need to get you

clean.” He ran his hands over her shoulders, caressing every inch of her with the slick

soap.

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“Don’t you need a washcloth?” she asked.

“Oh no, this is much better.” He ran his hands over her breasts, coating them in

flower-scented suds. She sighed and squirmed as he stroked her nipples. “You have

such beautiful breasts.”

“They’re too big—”

“Why do women always say that?” He tweaked her left nipple, causing her thighs

to tighten on his hips. “They’re either too big, too little, too droopy, too fat.” He

smoothed more of the creamy soap over her breasts. “Don’t you get tired of making

excuses?”

“All the time.” She picked up the bar of soap and lathered her hands. “Don’t men

worry about their penis size?”

“Maybe some do.” His hands moved to her waist and he gave her a gentle nudge

with his hips. “I’ve never had to worry.”

She gave him a sleepy, sexy smile and leaned forward, pressing her soapy breasts

against his chest. “So I see.”

“See?” He leaned back and raised his hips ever so slightly, enjoying the way her

eyes widened when she felt the jut of his cock against the apex of her thighs.

She smiled and slid against him, using her breasts to wash his chest. “Now, feel.”

After only a few strokes, he forced her to stop.

“I told you once.” He guided her into a sitting position. “I’m in charge here. Now be

a good little girl and let me pet you all over.”

Her cheeks colored and he soaped his hands again and ran them down the gentle

curve of her back. When his hands dipped below the water and the bubbles dispersed,

he didn’t mind. It wasn’t about the washing as much as it was about getting her used to

his touch.

J.C. Wilder

He worked his way over her hips and thighs, then down to her calves and finally

her feet. Once he’d finished with the back of her, he urged her to turn over, pressing her

back to his front.

Cupping his hands, he rinsed her breasts by washing warm water over her. He

teased her nipples and that sent her to squirming in his arms. Their play was

punctuated by laughter and splashing when he discovered what areas of her body

elicited a giggle versus a sigh.

He lathered up for the final time then he asked her to part her thighs. She hesitated

before opening them a few inches. Shifting his knees between hers, he used them to part

her even farther.

With her knees pinned against the sides of the tub, she was completely open and

vulnerable to him. Thanks to their wild splashing, her lush mound of brown curls were

just barely covered by soapy water.

He lowered his hand to her womanly mound and soaped her curls. “Do you need

me to touch you, Emma?” He splayed his other hand across her abdomen. He could feel

her quiver beneath his touch.

“Yes.” She let her head drop back against his shoulder. “More than anything.”

He smiled as he parted her sensitive flesh to zero in on her sensitive bundle of

nerves. Her breathing grew harsh and her hips followed the movement of his fingers.

She was so responsive to him, so open about her needs and what she was feeling. His

cock surged against her buttocks as she gave a particularly lusty moan. Her hands

gripped his arms when her moans turned to keening cries and he lightly bit her

shoulder.

That was all it took to send her over the edge. She bowed into him, her screams

echoing off the tiles as she convulsed against his hand. With gentle aftershocks still

rocking her body, Emma collapsed into him, soft and limp.

When she grew still, Jay slid his arms around her before placing a noisy kiss on her

neck.

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“Wow.” She stirred. “That was fun.”

Jay laughed and nipped at her ear. “We aren’t done yet, not by a long shot.”

* * * * *

Emma lay in a boneless heap on the bed. Her body hummed with satisfaction while

she watched Jay remove his sodden drawers. Her eyes widened as his cock sprang free

from the wet cotton. Not only could the man kiss and use his hands like a virtuoso, but

he was also well-hung.

Extremely well-hung.

She fought the urge to shout with joy as she gathered the sheets around her. Their

relationship might only be temporary, but she’d certainly found the lover of her

dreams.

“Don’t bother covering yourself.” Jay caught the end of the sheet and tugged. “I’ll

just have to unwrap you again.”

“Isn’t that half the fun?” She ran her foot playfully over his hairy thigh.

He gave her a heated glance, causing her body to flush. “I don’t think I can last that

long…not this time.”

Emma glanced at the light burning by her bed. “Are you going to turn the light

off?” It was one thing to play in the bathtub with thousands of bubbles to hide behind

and another to be flat on her back on the bed at the mercy of gravity.

“Not on your life, babe.” He tugged the sheet from her grasp. “To the victor, the

spoils. I caught you, I can do with you what I want.”

He stretched out beside her and she longed to purr when his warm body came in

contact with hers. “I need to see you come for me.”

Jay nuzzled the soft curve of her breast, licking and nipping while he slowly

worked his way toward her nipple. She cupped his head in her hands, trying to direct

him, but he maintained a slow, steady path. His short, soft hair tickled her palms as he

concentrated on her needy flesh, making her heart pound.

J.C. Wilder

Teasing first one nipple, then the other, he blazed a path of sensation down her

abdomen, pausing only to nuzzle her belly button, which made her giggle. Her laughter

stopped when he slid off the bed to his knees.

“Open for me,” he commanded. His palms covered her knees.

She hesitated for a moment, then spread her legs ever so slightly.

“More.”

Emma gulped and spread wider. Her heart leapt into her throat when he braced her

heels on the bed frame before lowering his head and running his tongue along her most

intimate flesh.

She moaned, her breath coming in audible gasps as he set to work, arousing her

beyond her wildest imagination. She’d never known it could be like this. She stared at

his dark head between her thighs. His eyes were closed while he concentrated on

bringing her pleasure. His big hands held her open and vulnerable as he worked his

magic.

His tongue fluttered along the swollen kernel of her clitoris before journeying along

the folds of her labia. He slid one long finger inside her and she arched against his

invasion, her aroused flesh parting easily for him.

“You’re so tight.” He opened his eyes, his pale blue gaze had gone smoky with

arousal. He withdrew his finger, then thrust again, this time adding a second. His

thumb caressed her clitoris. “I won’t last long inside you, babe.”

Sparks ignited and raced across her skin as he moved his hand on her. Need rode

low and hard in her belly and her entire being focused on his magic hands and hot

tongue. His finger-thrusts increased, then he spread them slightly, stretching her. He

lowered his head and suckled her clit as he splayed his fingers to stroke more of her

aroused, swollen flesh. With a flick of his thumb, release stormed over her like a tidal

wave.

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She tipped her head back and thrashed against the bed, her hands fisting in the

sheets as wave after wave of ecstasy burned through her system. Heat flushed her body

from the top of her head to the tips of her toes and she reveled in the sensations.

After a few moments, she calmed and opened her eyes. Jay stood between her

splayed legs, his impressive condom-covered cock jutted proudly from a thatch of black

hair. The best part was, judging from what had already occurred so far, he knew exactly

what to do with that beautiful cock.

He leaned over and covered her with his big body. For a split second, his size

disconcerted her. She wasn’t a petite woman by any stretch of the imagination, but,

standing, he was only a few inches taller than she. Lying on top of her, he covered her

from head to toe and it suddenly occurred to her that he could easily hurt her.

He nuzzled her breast and her fears faded as he teased one nipple then the other.

After rolling it against the roof of his mouth, he released her with a noisy pop.

“You’re ready for me.” He nestled his hips against hers and she felt the head of his

cock against her swollen entrance.

She slid her arms around his neck. “I’ve been ready for you.” She knew with a

certainty that she’d never been more ready for a man. She drew up her knees, edging

the head of his cock just barely inside.

“Mother of—” He bit off his words with a moan and threw his head back, his neck

muscles corded with strain as he fought not to thrust inside of her.

She cupped his tight buttocks, stroking his taut muscles before giving him a firm

squeeze. He made a strangled sound and thrust, impaling her. Her breath left in a rush.

He was huge, stretching her and filling her in the way she’d never been before. She

gave an experimental wiggle, reveling in the feel of him.

He gave a strangled moan and thrust again. He dropped his head and their gazes

clashed. With each thrust, his eyes turned darker, stormier. Sweat formed on his brow

as their limbs tangled and his movements grew more frantic. A soft wail escaped her

when his cock ground against her sweet spot, tossing a rush of sensation through her.

J.C. Wilder

“Yeah, baby, come for me again.” He readjusted his angle and pulled back, drawing

another cry from her.

She gripped his hips trying to prevent him from leaving her, not now, not like this.

Her sex felt overheated, filled, invaded while he slowly took her. It was almost as if she

couldn’t control herself. She twined her legs around his waist, urging him on. She’d

become a greedy vessel for his possession and her hips jerked to meet his every thrust.

“Jay,” she panted. “I can’t take any more.”

“Sure you can, just for me.” He adjusted his angle again and with a gentle side-to-

side motion, sent her over the edge.

Her body strained under his as release crashed inside her, more powerful than

before. Caught in the grip of her own orgasm, she was vaguely aware of him still

moving over her. Then his body stiffened as he took his pleasure, tossing her over the

edge one more time.

She closed her eyes, a smile playing about her mouth. It didn’t get much better than

this.

Tactical Maneuver

Chapter Five

“I know you said your father was a cop. Did you ever want to be something else?”

Emma stabbed at a chunk of savory almond chicken and popped it in her mouth.

Chinese food was one of her favorites and she was pleased to see that Jay liked it as

well. He was probably the first man she’d ever seen not pick out all the vegetables as he

ate.

This was getting dangerous—she could fall in love with a man who enjoyed

vegetables. She pushed the thought away. There was no way she was going to get

involved with a cop on an emotional level. Risking her heart on someone who courted

danger was too uncertain.

“Not really. In grade school, a house on our street caught fire. I remember sitting on

the porch, watching the firemen work, and I thought that’s what I’d like to do. Rush

into burning houses and save lives.” He stirred his Pad Thai noodles with chopsticks.

“Then I saw a car accident a few years later. An elderly gentleman had suffered a heart

attack and caused an accident on the square. School had just let out and, when I came

running, I saw Captain Mills—he was a patrol cop then—had the victim on the ground

and was giving him chest compressions. Mills was cursing under his breath, begging

the man to respond. I saw how much he cared, how much he was fighting for him to

live.” He shrugged. “It appealed to me more I guess.”

“So you changed your mind?”

“Yeah, well, Dad would’ve had a heart attack if I’d become a firefighter.” Jay shot

her an amused grin. “I also didn’t want to sit on my butt all day with nothing to do than

cook chili and watch soap operas.”

“Now wait a minute.” She poked him in the thigh with her toe. “They do more—”

“Uh-huh. Do you know why they call firefighters ticks?”

J.C. Wilder

Her eyes narrowed. “No, why?”

“They only move when they see fire.” He winked at her then turned his attention to

his food.

Emma prodded him with her foot. “You’re bad.”

“Yeah, well, you’ve enjoyed it so far.” He gave her a heated look and Emma curled

her toes against his jeans-clad thigh.

“As have you,” she pointed out.

“Indeed I have.” He stabbed his chopsticks into the carton before sliding his hand

up her calf.

“Don’t get too frisky there, stud. I’m more interested in food at the moment.” She

hoisted her carton of chicken in his direction.

“Spoilsport.” He released her and tucked back into his dinner. “So tell me

something about yourself, Emma. Any brothers or sisters?”

“Nope, just me. My parents live in Columbus where Mom is active on the Arts

Council and Dad spends his summer days on the range hitting little white balls.”

“Ah, a golfer. I’ve been known to hit a few from time to time.”

Emma shook her head. “Not me. I like my sand on a beach, not in the middle of a

fairway.”

“Spent a lot of time there, did you?” He nodded as if he could relate.

“You could say that.” She gave him a cheerful grin. “And you, any brothers or

sisters?”

“Oh yeah. I have enough for both of us.” He gave her a wide smile. “I’m the oldest

of four. My brother Daniel is attending the fire academy, much to my father’s dismay.

Since he’s the second-born, I think Dad will come around sooner or later.” He shook his

head with a rueful smile. “Never did have grand ambitions, that one. My sister

Evangeline just graduated from pastry school and she’s about to open a bakery here in

town and my youngest sister Rachel is leaving for college this September.”

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“And your parents?”

“Mom is a schoolteacher at the junior high and Dad just retired from the

department after thirty years. He’s working part-time as a carpenter, making furniture

and doing finish work.”

“Sounds like you have a busy family.”

“We are, but we manage to get together for dinner about once a week. If we dare to

miss it, Mom gives us The Treatment.” He gave her a wide grin. “Trust me, even at our

advanced ages, we’ll do anything to avoid that.”

Emma laughed. “Sounds fearful.”

“Oh yeah, Mom is a tyrant.” He twirled noodles with his chopsticks. “So, besides

Chinese, what is your favorite food?”

“Umm, chocolate, of course. Flourless chocolate cake is my absolute favorite

dessert.”

“Huh? How can cake not have flour in it?”

“You’ve never had it? You’re really missing out. Your sister probably knows what it

is. It’s a fudge-like cake similar to cheesecake, but it’s much richer. One piece and you

won’t want chocolate for a month.”

“Women.” He shook his head. “I should’ve guessed it would be chocolate.”

“Chocolate is more than just a food, it’s a lifestyle.” She gave him a lofty smile.

“What’s your favorite food?”

“My sister says my favorite vegetable is bacon.”

Emma rubbed his thigh with her toes. “I have a newsflash for you. Bacon is not a

vegetable.”

“It’s not far off. Have you ever talked to a pig lately? They’re not very bright.”

She rolled her eyes. “And if you think bacon is a vegetable, then you’re not very

bright either.”

J.C. Wilder

Jay shot her a look of mock outrage. “This from a woman who reads Love’s

Tempestuous Embrace.” He nudged the paperback on the coffee table with his toe. “Why

would an intelligent woman such as yourself, want to read something like this?”

“It’s all about the fantasy—”

Jay snorted. “The man on the cover has bigger breasts than the woman.”

Emma looked at the bright clinch cover. He had a point. The blond male model was

definitely well-endowed and with his long hair, he’d make a great drag queen. “Well, at

least I read.”

He gave her an affronted look. “I read.”

“Yeah, like what?” Emma sat her almost-empty carton on the table next to the

offending paperback. “Guns and Ammo? Soldier of Fortune?”

“Oh, come on.” He laughed. “You have a very warped image of me.”

“Am I right?”

“No.”

“Then what was the last book you read?”

He set down his container of food and she curled beside him, snuggling into the

crook of his arm.

“Mmm.” He nuzzled her ear. “Let’s see. I think it might have been Edged Weapon

Tactics.” He nipped her earlobe. “Maybe Street Survival.” He cupped her breast, his

thumb moving directly to her nipple.

“Sounds…titillating.” Emma sighed as his touch sent shivers of pleasure down her

spine.

“I have a good idea.” He licked a sensitive spot at the base of her throat. “How

about you pick up that novel and read me one of the dirty parts?”

She couldn’t prevent a snicker of laughter. Men, they were all the same, lucky for

her. She ran her fingers over the straining denim covering his groin. “I don’t think you

need any assistance in that area.”

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“I could always use a few new ideas—”

“Well, if that’s the case I have one we can try.” She pushed out of his arms and

moved into his lap. She splayed her hands across the muscled terrain of his chest,

reveling in the warmth of his skin against her palms. “You have a great chest.” She

dipped her head and teased a flat male nipple with her tongue.

Air hissed between his teeth. “So do you.” His hands landed on her hips.

“Uh uh uh.” She wiggled her finger at him and removed his hands from her waist.

“I don’t remember asking you to touch me.” She slid off his lap.

“Oh yeah?” He slouched on the couch, every inch of him an aroused male, enough

to make her mouth water. “I don’t remember giving you the right to order me around.

Remember? I’m in charge.”

“In the bedroom.” She slid to her knees and moved between his legs. “We’re not in

the bedroom. We’re in the living room and I’m in charge here.”

His brow arched. “Is that so?”

“Mmm. The living room is all mine. The couch is mine. The remote is mine, and

you’re mine…” She ran her palms down his thighs, enjoying the feel of muscles

bunching beneath his jeans. “Don’t worry, you’ll enjoy it.”

She unzipped his jeans, then urged him to raise his hips so she could pull down the

material. Due to his lack of underwear, his hardened cock sprang free. She slid her

fingers around the thick base, luxuriating in the silk over steel feel of him. His breath

hissed through his teeth and his hips jerked as she ran her thumb along the base of his

shaft.

“Take your shirt off.” His voice was heavy with arousal. “I want to see your

breasts.”

She hesitated before removing the garment and casting it aside. Her breasts swung

free as she reclaimed his cock. With her gaze fixed on his, she lowered her mouth to lick

the broad head.

J.C. Wilder

He tasted of the sea and warm potent male. She dragged her tongue over the tip,

relishing his unique flavor. His hips involuntarily twitched when she rubbed her thumb

along the sensitive underside of his shaft near the head.

“You have the most beautiful breasts I’ve ever seen.” His voice was strained. “You

have no idea what the sight of you between my knees with my cock buried in your

mouth does to me.”

Oh, but she did.

A rush of feminine power surged through her body. He might command her to do

what he wished in the bedroom, but she could—no, would—bring him to his knees

elsewhere.

She wrapped her hand around his thick length and began moving up and down in

long, bold strokes as she worked his hardened flesh with her mouth. With each

movement, his hips thrust and his breathing grew more strained.

“Emma, my god.”

His fingers tangled in her hair, loosening the soft twist at the back of her head and

she closed her eyes, concentrating her entire being on taking more of him with her

mouth. He tried to control her movements, but she resisted, wanting to keep him at her

mercy. Against her ribs, she felt the tension in his thighs. He was close now, very close.

She swirled her tongue around his sensitive head, tasting the salty-sweetness him.

She increased her movements, her hand stroking his thick root as she took him deep

into her throat.

“Emma, please. I’m going to—”

She resisted his attempt to warn her and continued her sensual assault. Within

moments, his body tensed and his hips jerked as he climaxed into her mouth with an

anguished groan.

Emma continued stroking him for a few moments, feeling him relax before she

released him. She let his cock slip from her lips and rested her cheek against his thigh,

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her gaze glued on his handsome face. His eyes were closed and his breathing was rough

as if he’d just run a marathon. For someone who liked to be in control, he’d certainly

lost it willingly enough.

It looked like her take-charge man had a few soft spots. She smiled.

Who was the boss now?

* * * * *

With Jay safely installed in the shower, Emma took the chance to straighten up the

bedroom. Usually she spent Saturday mornings cleaning the apartment but that plan

had been kicked to the curb with Jay’s arrival.

Not that she minded a hiccup in her schedule. She grinned to herself as she picked

up their dirty clothes that were scattered across the floor. She reached over the back of a

floral print chair in the corner of the room to get the few remaining garments. As she

picked up a skirt, she froze when she saw what lay beneath.

It was a large black bag with POLICE stenciled in tall white letters, the same bag

he’d carried on the day of their training. Draped across the bag was his tactical belt

complete with additional clips, handcuffs and pepper spray. His gun was nowhere to

be seen.

Hesitant, she ran her fingertips over the white lettering. While intellectually she

knew and understood that his job was dangerous, coming face to face with this bag had

injected a dose of unwanted reality into her fantasy weekend.

During their time in the smokehouse, she’d experienced a small taste of his training

and she’d seen firsthand an example of the violence he faced in his job. She shivered.

Just wearing the uniform would make him a target for any madman on the street. Then,

with the additional duties of a SWAT officer, he knowingly put himself into even more

danger time after time. In fact, he admitted he enjoyed it.

J.C. Wilder

She moved away from the black bag and everything it represented. She should

thank her lucky stars that they were only physically involved rather than emotionally.

She’d leave that heartbreak to another woman.

Ignoring the small twinge of unease that sounded from her gut, she dropped the

bundle of dirty clothing into the bin. When she closed the lid, she heard the shower turn

off.

Pasting a smile on her face, she entered the bathroom in time to see Jay push the

curtain back.

Picking up a clean towel, she gave him a saucy smile.

“May I assist you, sir?”

Tactical Maneuver

Chapter Six

The next couple of days were a blur of sensual play. They barely left her bed and

the world beyond the walls of her apartment ceased to exist. The hours ticked by while

they explored their mutual attraction and discovered what turned each other on.

Emma finally roused herself enough to get dressed late Sunday morning. They’d

talked about making dinner that evening and her cupboards were woefully bare.

Luckily for them, the town of Haven boasted had a small selection of restaurants that

delivered or they might have starved.

She grinned. So much for living on love alone.

Leaving Jay sleeping face down on the bed, his naked body sprawled across her

lavender sheets, she ventured out to the grocery store.

Eager to get back, she hurried, grabbing only what they absolutely needed to avoid

starvation for the day. She could always stop again on the way home after work

tomorrow if she needed something else.

She was humming when she unlocked the front door. With her mind already on the

myriad of things she could do with the pint of fresh whipping cream and strawberries

she’d purchased, it took a few seconds to realize the apartment felt…empty. Had he left

while she was shopping?

As she placed the grocery bags on the table, she spied a piece of paper leaning

against the empty fruit basket. In his bold scrawl, it read:

Look in the bedroom.

Slightly relieved and very curious, Emma made quick work of putting away with

groceries that needed refrigeration before hurrying into the bedroom.

J.C. Wilder

Bright sunshine poured through the windows, bathing her room in golden light.

The room had been tidied and fresh sheets had been put on the bed along with a few

creative additions. Her eyes widened when she realized what Jay had planned for them

this afternoon.

Attached to the headboard and footboard were black elastic cords with thick Velcro

cuffs at the ends, neatly positioned for her arms and legs. In the center of the bed was a

black scarf and another handwritten note.

Prepare yourself for me.

—J

The apex of her thighs clenched at the sight of the black scarf and the bold

handwriting. She knew what he wanted, what they’d both wanted. What they’d spent

the weekend working toward.

He wanted her bound when he took her.

Arousal rushed through her vagina and her nether parts swelled, preparing for his

entry, his domination. She licked her lips.

Was she ready for this?

Yes… Oh yes…

With shaky hands, she flung open the bathroom door and made quick work of

cleaning up. After slathering on the body lotion she knew he enjoyed, she brushed out

her hair before donning one of her new lingerie purchases, a button-front raspberry

chemise.

Heart pounding and mouth dry, she lowered the blinds, then approached the bed.

The black cuffs looked shockingly erotic against her lace-trimmed cream-colored sheets.

Hesitant, she lowered herself to the bed and attached the ankle cuffs. When they were

in place, she gave an experimental tug. They were spaced to leave her legs spread, but

with enough give that she could move just a bit.

Tactical Maneuver

After her legs were secure, she eyed the makeshift blindfold. It was one of her black

silk scarves. The material was cool against her skin when she tied it lightly around her

forehead. Once she had her arms bound, she’d be able to slide it into place by rubbing

against the bed. But how could she bind her own arms?

She picked up one of the cuffs and noticed the cord that attached it to the bed had a

great deal more give in it than the leg cuffs. She opened the cuff, then slipped it around

her left wrist and secured it. As she pulled the cord taut, she bound her right wrist,

pleased to see that the cords had enough give so she could easily release them again.

Heart pounding, she lay back and pushed the blindfold into place, settling into the

pillows to await her lover.

* * * * *

Jay entered the apartment as silently as he could. He could hardly wait to see if

Emma had taken his challenge or if she’d refused him. Holding his breath, he moved

through the quiet rooms until he reached the bedroom. Through the doorway, he saw

the foot of the bed and her bound feet. His breath left in a rush.

She trusted him enough to bind herself to bed. Finally, he was making some real

progress with her.

The room was dim and he noticed she’d closed the blinds. Still shy it would seem.

Enough light filtered around the edges that he could see her clearly enough. When he

softly approached the bed, his eager gaze took in her lush figure.

She was…perfection.

“I see you’ve followed my commands.” He forced his voice to be matter-of-fact

when, in reality, he felt like he’d just climbed into the backseat of his father’s Ford with

Kelly Lee Jenkins, a high-school cheerleader and the object of his sexual fantasies for

months during his freshman year of high school.

“Yes.” Her voice was faint.

J.C. Wilder

“Are you comfortable?” He nudged the bed with his knee to let her know where he

was.

“Yes.”

“Good.” He ran his hand possessively down the inside of her calf and felt her

shiver. “I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.”

He moved to the window and opened the blinds further, allowing more of the

afternoon sunshine to come in and dance across the skin of the woman tied to the bed.

“Jay—”

He heard the uncertainty in her voice. Worried, no doubt, about how she’d look in

the bright light of midday. He leaned over her and brushed his lips across hers, a

fleeting, reassuring touch. “I’m in charge here,” he whispered. “I need to be able to see

you.”

He noted her erect nipples and the way she kept trying to press her thighs together.

Being bound and awaiting his arrival had aroused her. Stripes of sunlight illuminated

her pale skin against the rich berry color of her garment. Her breathing grew shallow

when he sat on the edge of the bed and removed his shoes.

“Are you warm enough?”

She nodded.

“Are you afraid?” He scooted closer, coming to settle by her side. He didn’t miss

how she automatically moved as close as her restraints would allow.

“No, not afraid.”

“Apprehensive?”

She licked her lips and gave a hesitant nod.

“Because you can’t see?” He ran his finger along her jaw, then down the side of her

neck. “Or is it because you’re bound?”

“I’ve never…”

Tactical Maneuver

He pressed his finger to her lips. He’d guessed as much. He was both surprised and

pleased that she’d agreed to his setup. Now he could show her the pleasure she was

truly capable of.

“Making love is a full-body experience.” He ran his fingers over the soft curve of

her shoulder to follow the line of her arm all the way to her wrist. “With all of our

senses involved, we rush through the process of arousal and we forget that half of the

journey is the climb to the peak rather than the peak itself.

“With your sight removed, you can concentrate on what I’m doing to your body,

what you’re feeling when I touch you.” He slid his hand over her abdomen to gently

nudging the soft curve of her breast. “Women are visual to a certain extent, but when it

comes to arousal, you’re more aroused by what you hear than what you see. Do you

agree?”

She bit her lip and nodded.

“Okay. This time we’re going to concentrate on the art of arousal. It’s all about you

and how I make you feel.” He brushed a kiss across her inner elbow and felt her

shudder. “Are you ready to begin?”

Begin? He hadn’t even begun yet?

Emma slumped when he left her side. Where was he going? He wasn’t going to

leave her like this, was he? If it weren’t for the fact that she could remove the bonds

herself, she might’ve found herself on the verge of panic. Instead, she was incredibly

aroused, more so than ever in her life.

The other side of the bed sagged when he rejoined her. Even if she couldn’t see him,

she could tell it was Jay. His familiar scent surrounded her, almost as if it were

embedded in her skin.

“You’re so beautiful, Emma.”

J.C. Wilder

His lips touched hers and she opened for him. The kiss started out slow and sensual

before turning darker, more carnal. Their tongues played, stroking, sucking and, after a

few moments, she wanted more, much more. But he wouldn’t touch her with his hands.

It was the tease of just his mouth against hers.

Satisfaction rose in her as she noted his heavy breathing when he broke the kiss. He

might have sounded matter-of-fact when he’d spoken, but he was just as aroused as

she.

Something soft feathered her jaw, causing her to shiver. “What is that?” The object

moved lightly across her face, along her cheek and over her lips.

“A paintbrush.” He moved the brush in a featherlight stroke along her bottom lip.

“One of my team members is a painter and, right at this moment, I envy him. If I could,

I’d paint you just like you are right now.” He moved the brush along her jaw.

“Beautiful.” Then down her throat. “Your skin is turning pink with arousal, your lips

wet with my kisses.”

His voice was soft, melodic, and she found herself floating on a haze of desire as he

continued his leisurely journey describing her. Through his eyes, his words, she felt

more beautiful and desired than she ever had before. Under his magic brush and

coupled with his words, every inch of her skin came alive.

She tensed as he opened the buttons on her chemise, but his words continued to

flow gently with silken reassurance. He swirled the brush around the birthmark below

one of her breasts before teasing her nipples. She strained against her bonds when he

lapped at her belly button with his tongue before following the natural curve of her

body to the thatch of hair between of her thighs.

She was on edge when she felt something brush her soft curls and he continued his

lazy path with the brush. His hand stroked her mound and she stirred, wanting him to

touch her where she needed it the most, but he made no move to do so.

Tactical Maneuver

He nuzzled the inside of her knees, causing her fists to knot as every inch of her

legs received the same meticulous attention he’d paid her abdomen. All the while he

lavished praise over her.

She sighed with relief, her body incredibly relaxed as he finished with a stimulating

foot rub. His big hands easily cradled her foot while he centered on the ball of her foot.

“How do you feel?” He rubbed the tender pad below her big toe.

Her limbs felt heavy with arousal and relaxation at the same time. Between her

thighs, she felt needy, restless, her body prepared to receive a lover who had yet to

really touch her.

“Like I’m ready to explode.” Her voice came out thick and it almost felt like too

much effort to form the words.

“Good.”

His mouth settled over hers. This kiss was different from before. It was slow,

sensual and it stayed that way. Each nuance arousing nerves she’d never known

existed. He settled beside her, his skin hot and deliciously bare against hers. His

erection prodded her hip.

He worked his way down her body, this time with his lips, teeth and hands. Every

inch of her was stroked, petted and teased. He licked her nipples, then blew air over

them to make them tighter, fuller.

As he reached her ankles, he released them from their cuffs. Her body clenched as

she felt him part her, dipping his finger into her damp flesh.

“You’re so wet for me,” he whispered, his breath warm on her flesh. “I never last

long once I’m inside you.”

She strained against her bonds, wanting more than anything for him to touch her,

yet not wanting this exquisite torment to end. “Yes.”

“I want you to come for me.” His voice was hoarse. “I want to feel you shatter

against my tongue.”

J.C. Wilder

Before she could draw breath against the rush of heat his raw words evoked, he

draped her thighs over his shoulders and his mouth descended. Warm and soft, his

tongue stroked in long, heated swipes as he lapped at her heat.

She arched her back, pressing more fully against his talented tongue. “Y-yes,” she

moaned as the rush of release moved within her. Slow, deep spasms from the inside out

rocked her body. Dimly, she was aware of his voice, encouraging her, cloaking her in a

sense of security and well-being.

He unbound her arms, giving her shoulders a slow rub before releasing her.

Moving over her, she felt the broad head of his cock against her vagina. She drew up

her knees, cradling his hips when he entered her. Blindfold still in place, she

concentrated on the feel of his skin, his scent, the low murmur of his voice as he thrust

within her.

Release beckoned again and she took her pleasure, her body moving like liquid silk

beneath his. She tightened around him, urging him to join her in the heady sensual

experience they’d created together.

Tactical Maneuver

Chapter Seven

Emma couldn’t keep the silly grin off her face as she prepared dinner. Stirring the

ground beef and mushroom mixture, she glanced at her lover.

Jay stood at the sink clad only in jeans while he washed a pile of salad greens. His

big hands moved over the leaves with ease. Contrary to their conversation yesterday,

she had a feeling he was more at home in the kitchen than he’d admitted.

“You keep looking at me like that, woman, and you’ll find yourself flat on your

back again.” He gave her a lecherous glance.

“Oh yeah?” She put the lid back on the frying pan and turned it down to a simmer.

Just a few minutes more and she could add her red sauce to the mixture. “I’m not

scared of you, tough guy.”

“Oh, but you should be.” Without warning, Jay grabbed her about the waist and

pulled her into his arms. His wet hands landed on her buttocks and he gave her a

friendly squeeze. “I’m a man of big appetites, little girl.” He placed a noisy kiss on her

neck while he lifted her loose cotton skirt. “Think you can keep up with me?”

Emma laughed and twined her arms around his neck when he nuzzled the base of

her throat. “I’ve kept up so far.” He backed her against the kitchen door and she was

amazed by the rush of heat that swamped her. She was becoming sore, but every time

he touched her, she wanted nothing more than to explode in flames with him.

“So you have.”

His hand slid along her thigh. She shivered as he stroked her through her panties

and his lips descended for a bone-melting kiss. Their tongues tangled and she gave

herself up to the effortless sensuality he spawned with a single touch.

J.C. Wilder

A sharp beeping sound destroyed their sensual haze. Jay raised his head, then

released her abruptly. She swayed, grabbing the door for support as he vanished into

the bedroom and, a few seconds later, the beeping stopped.

She pushed her hair out of her face and walked to the door in time to see him

grabbing his clothes.

“I need to go, we have a call-out.” He pulled his gear bag from behind the chair.

Suddenly chilled, she leaned against the doorjamb for support and wrapped her

arms around her waist. “What does that mean?”

“It means the tactical team has to respond to a call.” He tugged on a black T-shirt

and followed it with a long-sleeved camouflage shirt emblazoned with tactical team

patches on the sleeves.

“What kind of call is it?”

He changed his jeans for camouflage pants and lace-up military style boots. “I can’t

tell you that. It’s police business.”

She nodded and watched while he secured his pager on his belt and stuffed his

clothing into the bag. He slung it over his shoulder before his alert gaze scanned the

room for anything he’d missed. Gone was the lover who’d touched her so sweetly and,

in his place, was the highly trained police officer who was about to walk into danger.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He moved past her. “Sorry about dinner.”

She gave him a tight smile. “That’s okay, it’s only pasta.”

He stopped by the back door, his gaze sharp, knowing. “You aren’t going to get all

funny about this, are you? Most women I have a relationship with do.”

Stung, she straightened. “We don’t have a relationship, Jay, just sex. Have you

forgotten our deal?” She crossed her arms over her chest, ignoring the irritated look that

crossed his face. “I don’t have a right to get ‘funny’, as you put it.”

He dropped his bag with a growl and stalked across the kitchen. Her heart leapt

into her throat when he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. What started out as a

Tactical Maneuver

harsh kiss quickly turned gentle, coaxing. Her fingers dug into his shirt and their

mouths spoke a language they both understood. He nipped at her lower lip before he

released her.

“We’ll talk about that when I get back.” He patted her on the bottom then turned

away and grabbed his bag, exiting through the back door with a slam.

Knees trembling, Emma stumbled to the table and sank into a chair. She’d known

Jay was a police officer and that he faced danger everyday. But somehow seeing him

move from lover to SWAT team member in the matter of a few minutes was a little

harder to accept.

She allowed her head to drop into her hands. Jay was the most fantastic lover she’d

ever encountered in her life and she’d never forget him. But maybe it was better that the

affair end with reality staring her in the face. She was leaving next Saturday, six days

from now, and the last thing she needed was leave her heart in Haven.

But their last few couplings had been more than simple sex. Even he had to see that.

Just a few days ago, she’d thought Jay was a pretty face with a devastating body. Now

she knew there was so much more to him.

So much more that would be bad for her.

She didn’t want to fall in love a cop, not now, not ever. His job was too dangerous,

too uncertain. The reality for her was she couldn’t live with not knowing if, when he

left, he might not come home to her again. With every moment that passed, her

emotions were getting more tangled and the line between like and love was becoming

blurred. She was beginning to care too much.

No, it was better like this.

She pushed away from the table. She had a lot to accomplish today and her

interlude with Jay had thrown her seriously off schedule. Turning off the stove, she

shoved the pan onto a cold burner. She wasn’t hungry now and she didn’t think she’d

be hungry any time soon.

J.C. Wilder

Entering the spare bedroom, she picked up a few boxes she’d stashed there earlier

in the week. She needed to start packing and there was no reason to put it off any

longer.

* * * * *

Jay was bone-tired when he climbed through the window of the spare room,

berating himself for not reminding Emma to leave the door unlocked. It was a little after

two in the morning and he was ready to crash.

He left his gear bag in the living room next to a half-packed box of books. A small

smile curved his mouth. Little did she know she wouldn’t need them soon. He had high

hopes of convincing her to stay in Haven…with him.

It was more than just sex, though that was reason enough to want her by his side.

Never had he met a woman who was so open about her sexuality and her responses as

Emma was. Once she’d gotten over her initial nervousness, she responded to him like

no other woman had.

But it was much more than that. It was her intelligence and sense of humor that

brought him back. The more time he spent with her, the more he wanted to learn about

her, her life and her dreams. Things that had annoyed him in other women didn’t faze

him in the slightest with Emma. Everything about her turned him on, even the way she

ate oatmeal with brown sugar, no milk, in the mornings.

He shook his head. He was in bad, bad shape. Wouldn’t the guys love to see him

now?

The bathroom light was on and the door was open a crack, spilling a beam of light

into the bedroom. He paused in the doorway, allowing his sight to adjust, until he

could see better.

A gentle snore sounded from the bed, bringing a grin to his face. Okay, so she

wasn’t waiting up for him, but she was here and that was the important part. He

unbuttoned his shirt before he approached the bed.

Tactical Maneuver

She lay on her stomach, her backside as bare as the day she was born. Her pink T-

shirt was wound around her waist and she’d kicked off the covers. They were half

wadded beneath her torso, canting her backside upward, one knee bent toward her

waist. Her pillows were scattered, one was even on the floor. Judging from the

condition of the bed, her sleep hadn’t been restful.

She made a soft sound like that of a sigh and turned her face away when he sat

beside her. She had the most beautiful bottom he’d ever seen. He ran his hand over her

soft roundness, stroking and squeezing her flesh with a gentle touch. Beneath his hand,

her breathing hitched and she stirred ever so slightly.

He stopped, waiting for her breath to resume its normal rhythm before he kissed

the indentation at the base of her spine. Her skin was fragrant with the body lotion he

so appreciated and he nuzzled the generous curve of her buttock.

Already aroused, his cock strained against the fly of his pants, bringing him just

short of the point of pain. Seeing her here, naked, her beautiful body his for the taking,

brought a powerful rush of lust that threatened to bend him double. He wanted to take

her from behind, to feel the slap of her soft bottom against his stomach when he

brought her to fulfillment.

But first he had something else to do.

He stretched, bracing his arm near her waist, and kissed his way up her spine.

“Wake up, sleepyhead.”

Emma shifted when he nipped the indentation of her waistline before nibbling a

path over the curve of her butt. He lightly bit the tender flesh between her buttock and

thigh.

“Mmm…” She stirred, her thighs opened further.

“Yeah, baby. Just like that.” She shifted and he slid one of the pillows beneath her

hips, canting her backside even further to just the right angle.

J.C. Wilder

She arched as he slid his hand between her thighs, parting her flesh to expose her

glistening dusky pink core with his fingers. Her sigh was muffled by pillows when his

finger brushed her clitoris, still hidden by soft curls.

“So beautiful,” he whispered.

He parted her further, exposing her. He slid his fingers deep into her damp flesh

and his thumb caressed her. Her hips lifted and she gave a loud moan before pressing

her face deeper into the bed. Her thighs tightened and her hands knotted the sheets as

he continued his sensual assault on her body. Her hips rose with each stroke.

“Jay?” Her voice was faint, strained.

“Yeah, babe?”

“Please.”

He smiled at her tone of arousal. His fingers increased their gentle assault, stroking

and teasing, and her body shook with each movement. He wanted to make her cry with

ecstasy. No, he wanted her to scream and he’d accept nothing less.

“Jay!”

She reached for his free hand and their fingers twined as she twisted beneath his

touch. She cried, a long and hoarse sob of release, as she tightened around his fingers.

He rose and quickly removed his clothes before joining her on the bed. He stroked

the sensitive skin of her lower back and she quieted. Her body was limp against the

sheets, her skin damp with sweat. He took her hand once more, pleased when her

fingers entwined with his. He stretched over her, nudging her thighs wider with his

knees, then slid into her from behind in one smooth movement.

“Oh.” She arched her back, taking him deeper.

He raised her arms so her hands were near her head and he could balance his

weight on his elbows. He brushed his lips over her cheek, her hair tickling his skin

when he nuzzled her ear. Buried deep within her, with her soft buttocks cushioning his

belly, was the closest a man could get to heaven.

Tactical Maneuver

He fought the urge to simply drive mindlessly into her body. His movements were

slow, sensual, keeping them both aroused, doing nothing to bring them release. But her

soft wiggling motions and the rhythmic clenching of her flesh around his frayed what

little self-control he possessed.

He gritted his teeth as he felt her shatter beneath him. Hearing her low cries of

completion destroyed what little restraint he had left. Her body bracing his, he drove

into her, hard, deep. The slap of her buttocks and the squeak of the springs resounded

in the room. Once, twice, three times… His head reared back and he shouted his

satisfaction.

Trembling, he collapsed over her, lacking the desire or the energy to move away.

He let his head drop onto her shoulder.

“Jay?” Her voice was soft.

“Mmm. Yeah, baby?”

“We need to talk.”

“Yeah, we do.” He smothered a grin against her shoulder, disguising it with a kiss.

“But not right now. I don’t think I can form a coherent sentence.”

He roused himself long enough to roll them both to the side. Lying spoon fashion,

he gave a huge, face-splitting yawn and settled to sleep, his woman snug in his arms.

Tomorrow they would talk.

* * * * *

Jay slammed the door of his cruiser and headed toward the administrative offices of

the fire station. He pushed the talk button on his shoulder mike.

“597.”

“597, go ahead,” the radio bleated.

“Tie me up on a 10-27 at the fire station.”

“Copy that, twelve thirty-four.”

J.C. Wilder

He waved at the group of medics who were restocking the ambulance in the far

bay. Not stopping to chat, he headed directly into the offices at the back of the building.

As he stepped into the blissful comfort of air conditioning, silence greeted him. All

three desks were empty and he pushed away a slight sense of panic. He’d been

unnerved that morning when he’d awoken at seven to find her gone, her side of the bed

cool to his touch.

Something didn’t feel right and he had the sneaking suspicion that Emma was the

cause.

He backed out of the offices and headed for the firefighter’s living quarters in the

middle of the building. Most of the staff had their lunches and breaks in the spacious

dining area of the living quarters.

Firefighters, they got all the perks.

The scent of grilling burgers assailed his nose when he opened the door and heard

voices coming from the direction of the kitchen. As he came around the corner, he saw

the ladies from the office seated at the long table. His gaze centered on Emma. She

hadn’t noticed his arrival and she was smiling at a probationary firefighter, Ray or Ron

something was his name. And the probie was eating it up.

“Jay!” Tiffany jumped up from her seat and clattered toward him on three-inch

spiked heels. He noticed that her dress was about four inches too short.

“Ladies.” He nodded at them, but kept his gaze on Emma. Her eyes rounded when

she saw him and she looked away.

“Officer Barnes.” Battalion Chief Woods stood over the grill, a spatula in hand.

“Just in time for lunch. I’m making my world-famous burgers.”

Jay shook his head. “Thanks, Chief, but I’m here on a mission.” He looked at Emma.

“Can I speak to you a moment?”

“Sure.” She rose and tossed her napkin on the table. She gave Ray/Ron a light

smile. “Keep it hot for me.”

Tactical Maneuver

Jay’s eyes narrowed as the probie blushed from his neck to the roots of his bright

red hair. Emma walked toward him and his gaze automatically dropped to the easy

swing of her hips. She looked good enough to eat in her pale pink shirt and gray pants.

“This way, Officer Barnes.” She led him through the doorway and back into the

offices.

“Aren’t we a little past the formality?” He let the door slide shut before he reached

for her. He was surprised when she moved away, her hand up as if to stop him.

“Let’s talk, Jay.”

He gave her a measuring look. Emma didn’t look like she was playing, not this

time.

“Okay.” He propped his arms on his gun belt. “You first.”

She leaned against her desk and ran her hands down her thighs in a nervous

gesture. “Jay, I really like you—”

“And I like you a—”

“No.” She held up her hand again. “I need you to let me finish.” She cleared her

throat and he noticed that her gaze moved everywhere but toward him. “I think we

need to end this here and now before one of us gets hurt.” She rushed on, unaware that

she’d just knocked the wind from his lungs. “You’re a fantastic lover and I’m afraid that

when it comes time for me to leave, I won’t want to go.”

“You don’t have to go,” he pointed out. “Columbus isn’t that far away, we can

commute. Or you can get another job here.”

“No, Jay. I need to go back.” Her gaze met his and he was struck by the sadness in

her eyes. Sadness and a touch of fear.

“Why? Why do you have to go back?” he asked. “You said you don’t have anyone

special waiting for you.”

“But my life is in Columbus.”

J.C. Wilder

“With your skills, you can get a job anywhere. Hell, the Council is already talking

about the fabulous work you’ve accomplished here. Chief Lakeland won’t shut up

about it. They’d hire you for the police department in a heartbeat.” He gave her what he

hoped was an encouraging grin. “Have you seen the paperwork we’re saddled with?

Hell, we need you worse than the fire department does.”

She gave him a sad smile.

“What are you afraid of, Emma?” He moved until he was close enough to smell the

warmth of her skin and the scent of flowers he’d always associate with her.

“You,” she whispered.

“Me?” Now he was really confused. Why would she be afraid of him? “I don’t

understand.”

She straightened and he moved to avoid getting hit in the nose with her head. “I

don’t want to get involved with a cop.”

Jay reeled as if he’d been struck. She’d known from the beginning what he did for a

living. Hell, it was how they’d met. He stared at her, dumbfounded. She trusted him,

why else would she have allowed herself to be tied up? He knew she liked him and

he’d been hoping she’d grown to love him, if just a little bit.

“What does my being a cop have to do with anything?”

“It has everything to do with it. It’s part of who you are.” She shook her head, her

expression miserable.

“Well, it’s not like I dropped this on you, Emma. You knew what I did.” He crossed

his arms over his chest. “Why didn’t you think about this before we got involved?”

“I don’t know. It all happened so fast and—” She sank onto the edge of her desk.

“Jay, you knew I was leaving on Saturday.” She flung up her hands, her frustration

apparent. “Why are you making such a big deal out of this?”

“Because I fell in love with you, damn it.” She flinched and he stalked to the

window. His gaze centered on the smokehouse where he’d first kissed her. “I didn’t

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mean to do it, but I have.” He turned in time to see the shocked look on her face. “I

don’t want you to leave.”

“And I feel I have to.” Her voice was soft.

“But you don’t have to, that’s my point. You want to leave because I’m a cop.

Right?”

His words lashed at her and she cringed. “I just don’t think I could stay with you,

knowing that at any time you can be called away and might not come back—”

“Emma, life is a crapshoot.” Frustration laced his words. “I could sell insurance for

a living and get run over by a bus while walking home for lunch.”

“Being a cop is a lot different than selling insurance.”

“Yes, it is, but I’ve got thousands of hours of training and other officers to back me

up. That’s where the difference lies.” He held out his hands. “Insurance salesmen don’t

have that.”

She kept her gaze fixed on the floor and he could tell from her posture that she

wasn’t hearing him. He fought the urge to get in her face and force her to look at him, to

really see him for a change.

“I’ve got news for you, Emma. This isn’t the first time I’ve been dumped over my

profession. Being a cop does one of two things to women. They either chase because

they love the uniform or they run away because they’re afraid of the uniform. I may

have a reputation around town of a ladies’ man, but I’ll say that none of them—not

one—has seen the man who wears the badge. I’d hoped you would’ve been the first.”

“Jay—”

“No, let me finish this time. I’ve sworn my life to uphold what this badge

represents and I won’t toss that aside for anyone. You and I both knew what we were

and what we wanted before we got into this relationship and I’ll make no excuses for

how I feel about you. I’ve put my cards on the table while you still hold yours close.”

He walked toward the door. “If you let your fears rule your life, you’ll have no life at

J.C. Wilder

all. I’m asking you not to go, Emma. Stay here and give me—the cop and the man—a

chance.”

His fingers closed around the doorknob and their gazes clashed. Her eyes were

filled with tears, but she made no move toward him.

“You know where to find me.” He walked out the door and didn’t allow himself

the chance to look back.

Tactical Maneuver

Chapter Eight

Why had she let herself get talked into this?

The Founders’ Day celebration heralded the end of summer and it seemed to be

attended by every resident of Haven. There were at least several thousand people

surrounding Emma, most stretched out on blankets as they settled to watch the

fireworks that would begin shortly.

Her last night in Haven and she was going out with a bang at least.

Her clothing felt stuck to her skin, thanks to the relentless humidity. She brushed

her hair off her forehead, then grimaced when it slapped back in place again. What she

needed was something icy cold to drink.

“I’ll be back in a few minutes.” She rose to her feet. “Do you guys want anything to

drink?”

Brenda and Tiff both declined. Sliding her purse strap over her head, Emma hiked

through the crowds toward the minimart on College Street, two blocks away. She

should be able to get back before the first blastoff.

Haven was an all-American town. Kids ran with sparklers in hand, their faces

sticky from cotton candy and flavored ices. Their parents gathered in small groups,

talking and laughing, knowing their kids were safe here. It wasn’t like that in

Columbus.

Every few yards, it seemed like there was a police officer or firefighter working to

help someone. She’d seen Jay directing traffic at State and College earlier. Her heart had

given a queer little jerk and she’d forced her gaze away.

She was leaving in sixteen hours.

Not that she was counting.

J.C. Wilder

As she crossed the street, a child came out of nowhere and jostled her. Emma

laughed and caught the girl, making sure she didn’t fall on her red-, white- and blue-

clad butt. The dark-haired beauty gave her a stained orange smile before tearing after

her friends toward the field for the fireworks display.

With a bemused smile, she continued across the street. The lights of the

convenience store were bright and she hurried, sighing with delight when she entered

the air-conditioned store to the tune of tiny bells. She pulled her shirt away from her

chest and fanned it in an attempt to cool off.

A young pregnant woman behind the counter reading a confessions magazine

looked up and grinned at her. “It’s just terrible out there, isn’t it?”

Emma nodded. “If I could only figure out how to air condition the outside, I’d be

good to go.” The other woman chuckled and Emma opened the cooler to select a drink.

As she pulled out the bottle of water, she heard the door open again. Not paying

any attention to the new arrival, she moved to the candy aisle for a snack. Out of the

corner of her eye, she saw a figure in dark clothing approach the counter and a few

seconds later, she heard the cashier stifle a scream.

Emma turned, water in hand, to see the young man holding a gun on the cashier.

“I said give me all your money.”

Emma stood frozen, not sure what to do. Did the store have an alarm? If so, where

was it? The cashier was deathly pale, her gaze fixed on the gun. She curled her arm

protectively over her swollen belly. Her other hand was shaking so hard, she couldn’t

get the register open.

“Move it, bitch.” The man snarled and gestured at the register with the gun. “Open

it or I’ll shoot you and your baby dead.”

The cashier swayed on her feet, her complexion a sickly shade of gray, and Emma

thought for sure she’d faint. She hurried to the counter to give her assistance. “Let me

help you.”

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“Who the fuck are you?” The man’s gaze darted around the store as if looking for

others lurking behind the stand of cheese doodles and snack cakes.

“Just a customer.” Emma held out her hands to show that she carried only the

bottle of water. “I just want to help.” She glanced at the cashier. “You’ve really scared

her.”

“Yeah,” he muttered. “She better be scared.” He hitched up his drooping pants with

his free hand.

Emma gently pushed the woman back onto a stool. Placing herself between the gun

and the cashier, she asked how to open the register.

“P-push the No Sale button.”

Emma pressed the blue button and the machine made a churning noise and the

drawer popped open.

“Put it in this bag.” The gunman shoved a wrinkled, drawstring bag at her.

With shaking hands, Emma kept one eye on the dark gun and the other on the cash

drawer. She emptied the drawer, all the while praying he’d take what he wanted and

leave. When she was done, she shoved the full bag at him.

“Gimme your money, too.” He gestured at her purse.

“Okay.” She began to remove the strap from over her head when the bells sounded

again.

“What the—”

The cashier began to wail when two high-school-aged girls entered the store. They

took one look at the scene and fled, their screams carrying into the night air.

“Damn it, you bitch,” he snarled and grabbed Emma’s purse strap and hauled her

closer, the counter bit into her upper belly and he jabbed the gun into her temple.

“Gimme your purse. With their big mouths, every cop in town will be here in a few

minutes.”

If they were lucky, that would be true.

J.C. Wilder

“Let go, I can’t get out of it with you holding it so tight.” He released her and she

wasted no time in pulling off the purse and shoving it at him. “Take it and go.”

He clutched both bags and his gaze darted outside. The darkness seemed denser,

more sinister now. He shifted from one to foot to the other, his expression uncertain.

Emma held her breath, waiting for him to rush for the door and leave them in peace.

“No.” He gestured toward Emma with the gun. “You’re coming with me.”

“Oh no, I’m not.” She shook her head, her gaze focused on the gun. She knew the

statistics were miniscule for women being taken to a secondary crime scene and living

to tell about it.

“Then you get to watch her bleed to death after I shoot her.” He waved his gun at

the cashier’s abdomen and set the woman to wailing again.

Emma tried to give the cashier what she hoped was a reassuring smile. She slowly

moved around the counter, easing a sigh of relief when he pointed the gun away from

the other woman. Right now this man held their lives in his shaky hands. If she made

one wrong move, she’d never see her family or her friends again.

Including Jay.

Her breathing gave a queer little hitch and panic threatened to overtake her. What a

fool she’d been. Cop or no cop, she was already in love with him. Yes, intellectually his

profession frightened her, but her heart didn’t care one bit. To think of the hours she’d

wasted this week on packing. Hours that she could’ve spent with him, where she

belonged. She swallowed hard.

One thing at a time, Emma.

Right now she had to concentrate on what was happening and how to best get out

of it alive. Now, if she could just stall long enough for the police to arrive—

The door jingled again and a man entered. At first, she was so surprised she didn’t

recognize the police officer they called Picasso. His head was down and he was

counting money in his hand. Not in uniform, he wore a black T-shirt and baggy, paint-

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splattered shorts. Around his waist, he wore an oversized fanny pack and the top was

unzipped.

“Hey, Martha, I need some smokes—”

“Hold it right there, asshole.”

Picasso looked up and the expression on his face was almost comical. “Dude, what

are you doing?”

“What does it look like?” the robber snapped.

“Like you’re robbing the place.” Picasso moved away from Emma. Since the gun

was now pointed at him, the newest threat, he was causing the gunman to turn away

from her as well. “Looks like you have what you want, man. Shouldn’t you be

leaving?”

The man’s hand shook even harder as he looked from Picasso to Emma and then

beyond her to the door. He swallowed audibly. “Not without her.” He nodded at

Emma. “I need her.”

“Well, I’m sure sorry to hear you say that.” Picasso shook his head. “I’m afraid I

can’t let you take her, friend. I can’t take a chance on her getting hurt. It would make me

look bad.”

The robber gave an odd, shuffling sidestep, first to the left then back to the right.

“What the hell are you talking about?” His gaze moved from Picasso to the door, then

back. “I’m the one with the gun here. I make the rules.”

“And if I let you make off with her, my co-workers will never let me live it down.”

Picasso’s hand moved toward his fanny pack.

Seconds later, the front door exploded inward. Emma screamed when something

hit her square in the side. She landed hard on the tile floor as a smothering weight

pinned her to the ground. Her breath left her in a rush as the unmistakable sound of

gunfire erupted over her head. Male shouts filled the store and the immovable object

J.C. Wilder

continued to pin her. Vaguely, over all the commotion, she could hear the cashier

wailing.

“All clear,” a voice announced.

The weight lifted and someone hauled her to her feet. She gripped the counter for

support, then turned to see Jay standing over her.

“Are you hurt?” He ran his hands over her face and she winced when he touched

the spot where the would-be robber had jabbed the barrel of the gun into her temple.

“You’re bleeding.”

“I-I’m fine,” she said. “Is everyone else okay?”

Jay gave her a crooked grin. “All except the bad guy.”

Emma turned to see the would-be robber, facedown in a pile of flattened snack

cakes, his hands bound behind his back. He was coated in chunks of cake and whipped

cream.

“Let him eat cake.” Her voice wobbled and she swallowed hard.

“Come on, babe. Sit down before you fall over.”

Jay took her arm and walked her to the center of the counter where there was an

open space. Lifting her, he sat her next to the register, facing away from the mess the

entry team had created.

Emma raised a trembling hand to her face. “He could’ve killed us.”

“Yes, he could have.” Jay’s voice was low. “But he didn’t and you have to focus on

that, not what could’ve happened.”

A uniformed officer called out, “Birdman, water for the lady?”

He nodded and one of the officers tossed him a bottle of water, which he opened

and handed to her.

“All I could think of was you.” Her hand shook so hard that several drops of water

splashed out of the bottle. His hand covered hers, steadying her.

“Is that so?” He helped her take a sip. “What did you think?”

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Now that the danger had passed and Jay was standing beside her, she was starting

to feel calmer. They were both healthy and alive. Now she simply had to take that

miracle with both hands and run with it.

She tilted her chin up and looked him in the eye. “I thought about how much I

loved you.”

A slow smile stole across his face and his pale blue eyes gleamed with satisfaction.

“Oh, you do, do you? So you think you might want to stay in Haven?”

She smiled. The feeling of rightness that moved over her was one she couldn’t

argue with. “Yes, I think I might.”

“And when did you come to that conclusion?”

“When I thought I might have just squandered my chance to spend one more hour

with you.” She set the bottle aside and took his hand in hers. “I spoke out of fear. I was

afraid to fall in love with you so I gave in to my fear only to realize it was too late. It

doesn’t matter what you do for a living as I’m already in love with you.”

“Oh, is that so?” His grin turned smug.

“Yeah, it is.”

“Well, that’s good news.”

Her smile matched his. “And why is that good news?”

“Because you already knew that I’m in love with you, so I guess that makes us a

matched set.” His head dipped closer. “I wish I could kiss you,” he whispered.

“Why can’t you?” she hissed back.

“I’m in uniform.”

“Ah, well then.” Emma slid off the counter and brought her body into full contact

with his for a moment. His eyes widened before he stepped back, just a bit. “I can’t wait

to get you out of your uniform then.”

“I could take care of that for you, Jay,” Picasso spoke.

Jay scowled at the other man. “If you value your life, back off.”

About the author

J.C. Wilder left the world of big business to carry on conversations with the people

who live in her mind, fictional characters that is. In her past she has worked as a

software tester, traveled with an alternative rock band and currently volunteers for her

local police department as a photographer. She lives in Central Ohio with 6,000 books

and an impressive collection of dust bunnies.

The award-winning author also writes as Dominique Adair.

J.C. welcomes mail from readers. You can write to her c/o Ellora’s Cave Publishing

at 1337 Commerce Drive, #13, Stow, OH 44224.

Also by J.C. Wilder:

Ellora’s Cavemen: Tales From the Temple II anthology

In Moonlight anthology

Men of SWAT: Tactical Pleasure

Tactical Pleasure

Things That Go Bump in the Night 2004 anthology

Writing as Dominique Adair:

Last Kiss

Party Favors anthology

R.S.V.P. anthology

Tied With a Bow anthology

Xanthra Chronicles: Blood Law

Discover for yourself why readers can’t get enough of the multiple award-winning

publisher Ellora’s Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC

on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you

breathless.

www.ellorascave.com