Flight Forward Read online

  “Shit baby.” I pull my hand out from behind my head and place it on her belly. My baby is packed in there so tight, that I can usually feel exactly where his or her little butt rests. “I must have zoned out a bit.”

  “Is this about your mom? You two barely spoke tonight.” She places a kiss over the tattoo on my left pec, the one with my mother’s name. Reminding me that she loves her too.

  “Yeah. She told me earlier that she’s ready to start dating.”

  She kisses my bicep now. Right where the ocean waves and cross were inked, Ryan Allen Slade, scripted - The memorial I carry on my skin every day to honor my dad.

  “I’m sure that was hard to hear.” Her long dark hair brushes over my stomach as she continues to place feather-like kisses all over. The strands tickle and ignite my blood at the same time.

  “It was brutal. Then, I acted like a complete dickhead and had her in tears.” I circle my hand around my growing baby, praying I’ll be half the parent my mother is once they come into this world.

  “Jonah…”

  She runs her fingers through my hair, massaging my scalp in comfort. It calms me, but at the same time reminds me that life can change in an instant. That I need to use every minute I have with this woman as if it could be our last. Taken away from me the way my father was taken from my mother.

  The need to be connected to Raven right now--in every way possible--has my pulse speeding up. Heat fills my veins, sending a rush of blood south. All I need to do is think about my girl and I’m ready. I reach under the hem of my t-shirt she’s wearing, and gently tug down the silky material that covers her amazing ass. Taking my time as I drag them down her legs before tossing them aside.

  She rolls to her back, allowing me to undress her, and then myself. I’ll never tire of being inside this woman, and with every single week that her body changes with my baby inside, it’s like getting to be with her in a new way. We’ve had to get creative. The rolling and flipping around, tearing up the sheets like we were used to, has more recently turned into the most intimate sex we’ve ever had. Loving my girl, while taking care of her growing body at the same time has become a religion to me.

  I kiss her lips softly, working my way to her ear. “Slide down to the end of the bed, baby.”

  She scoots her beautiful body down the bed. I help place her feet on the padded leather trunk that sits on the floor at the foot.

  “Jesus, you look perfect spread out in front of me.”

  “Jonah…” The plea is breathy, urgent. Her blue-green eyes reflecting in the moonlight.

  I don’t waste any time. Kissing up her soft skin until I reach her wet center. The first taste has me immediately going deeper. Wrapping my arms around her thighs so I can pull her closer.

  “That feels so good…” Her hands grip my hair, hips rocking against my face.

  I answer with a growl, loving the evidence of her need for me. Working her body in a slow rhythm. Taking my time.

  “I need you in me now, Jonah.” She tugs at my hair, her patience shot. “I want you to come with me. In me.”

  My chest constricts at the sound of her voice. Desperate, needy.

  I’ll give this girl anything she wants. Anytime she asks.

  I give her clit one last flick with my tongue, and then place my knees on the trunk. She pulls her thighs wider. An invitation to take. Not wasting any time, I push in with the slowest of strokes, then stop when I can’t go any further.

  “I love you Raven.” I kiss her belly. “Never forget how much I love you.”

  Then, I pull my hips back before pushing all the way in again. Each stroke a little faster than the one before.

  Raven’s hands go to her full tits. Pregnancy making them more sensitive. I know she’s trying to keep them from bouncing.

  “You okay, baby?”

  “God, yes, keep going; I’m almost there.”

  She doesn’t have to tell me twice. I cradle her belly with my hands. Loving the way I can cover all of it. “Fuck, you feel perfect.” My hips surge forward, as her walls start to contract around my cock.

  “Jonah.” One hand leaves her breast and locks around my wrist, her nails digging in.

  Liquid heat coats my cock. Her body grips me like a vise and has my orgasm racing through me. I lock my body down against hers, my vision blurred as we come together.

  We stay locked as one in silence. Both catching our breath.

  “Oh, my gosh. That was awesome.” Ravens words come out in short pants. Every time she orgasms, she gets this punch-drunk expression and compliments me like I did her a favor. Her innocence and honesty, the unguarded words she always offers. It’s what makes me fall in love with her again every day.

  I give her thighs a squeeze. “I’m glad you liked it, baby.”

  “Don’t make me laugh, or I’ll pee.”

  That has me laughing. She officially pulled me out of my funk. “Stay right there, I’ll go get a washcloth.”

  She sighs, “No need. Just help me up. I really do need to pee.”

  God, I love this girl.

  Chapter Three

  Katherine

  I lace up my tennis shoes and quietly make my way to the front door. It’s only a little after six, but I want to get my walk in before the Vegas sun gets too high.

  “What the hell are you doing?”

  “Geeze, Joey.” My heart pounds against my chest. “You scared the crap out of me. What are you doing up?”

  “Looking to see who is walking through my house at the butt crack of dawn.”

  His ginormous arms cross over his chest in a fatherly fashion. Giving the impression I’ve done something wrong. It still amazes me that my beautiful little, baby boy, with huge dimples grew into a larger than life man.

  “I’m going for a walk.”

  “Where’s your cell phone?” He raises a questioning brow.

  “In the guestroom where I left it.”

  “Mom…”

  “Joey…” We can do this all day. I’m the actual parent here for crying out loud.

  “I’m pissed you tried to sneak out without letting me know where you were going, but don’t you dare leave without your phone.” There’s not a trace of humor in his voice.

  Knowing that time is wasting, I power walk back to the bedroom, grab my phone, then head for the front door. Not even stopping on the way past my overbearing son. “I’ll be back before curfew… Dad.”

  The second I pull the door open, the alarm sounds. Crap! I glance over my shoulder and see him headed for the control panel, the scowl on his face even deeper now. Point made, Son… I take off in a little jog down the driveway figuring I better get out of there before he stops me.

  I really need to teach my son how to chill.

  * * *

  Five miles in, I round the corner, making the final stretch back toward the house. The morning sky is breathtaking as the sun grows stronger over the mountains. Light bounces across the desert landscape, painting works of art across the sky.

  A barking dog pulls my attention from the scenery. I look around to see where it’s coming from, the sound of a deep timber hollering in the distance.

  “Roxy!”

  The little barking dog darts to where I’m walking, prancing around and jumping on my leg.

  “Roxy!”

  I snatch up who I’m guessing must be a runaway Roxy. The tiny black dog has little brown eyebrows and looks like a miniature version of one of those scary guard dogs you see in movies. She’s sporting a hot pink collar with black skulls. Her nub of a tail wags frantically as she tries to lick the side of my neck.

  “Aww… you sweet little thing, are you trying to escape? You’re going to be in trouble. Yes, you are. I hear your daddy calling you.” The baby talk just comes natural snuggling this little fur ball. Darn little sweetheart is so stinking cute, I’m contemplating running for the hills with her. I know she’ll fit in my carryon when I head for home next week.

  “Roxy, what the hell girl?
” The deep voice is close now.

  I turn to see a man heading my direction. His tall broad frame is covered in a white t-shirt and dark blue Dickies pants, bare feet exposed. His square cut jawline is set firm as he narrows his gaze on his fleeing pup. That hard look leaves her, and fixes on me, probably wondering why I haven’t surrendered his dog yet.

  “Sorry, she came out of nowhere. I didn’t want her to get away. I heard you calling for her.” Why am I selling this story so hard? Just because I thought it, doesn’t mean I would have actually stolen her.

  His eyes fix on mine. At close inspection, I can see that they’re so light, it’s hard to tell if they’re blue or gray from this distance. His hair, a perfect blend of salt and pepper. He’s ruggedly beautiful.

  “Thanks for grabbing her.” All the hard lines in his jaw soften, a look of appreciation taking their place. “She doesn’t normally run off like that.”

  I hold the little pup out in front of me, looking her right in those deep brown eyes. “Are you being a bad girl?” I twist her from side-to-side and her tongue keeps darting out, her body filled with excitement. I tuck her back in close, needing just one more squeeze before I return her. I can’t stop laughing as she frantically licks me. “Okay, sweet thing, you need to go to your dad now.”

  I pass Roxy back to her owner. His big calloused hands brush mine in exchange, sending a little zing up my arm. He cradles the tiny dog against his chest like an infant. Her nose going straight to his white shirt, rooting around as if she’s getting a good smell. A tiny voice in the back of my mind tells me I would like to smell him too.

  “You act like you’re abused.” He scratches her belly while cooing at his little lady. “Though, I can see why you were anxious to run her down Rox — no, you’re no dummy.”

  The view of this man cradling his little dog has warmth spreading all over my insides. Igniting places that have been dormant for a very long time.

  “I’m new to the neighborhood, so little miss thing here seems to want to explore and get to know the neighbors.” He continues to scratch his fur baby while he talks. His large hands as big as she is. “Have you lived here long?”

  His question startles me, pulling me from my private fit of jealousy over his dog. Heat creeps up my cheeks, and I pray he’s not a mind reader. How embarrassing.

  “No,” I shake my head, trying desperately to look anywhere but at the man in front of me. His brilliant eyes fixed right on me. “I’m just here for a week visiting my son.” I chuck my thumb over my shoulder, gesturing toward Jonah’s house.

  He does a little chin lift in the same direction. “That house right there? Fighter guy, built like a brick shithouse? Lots of cars?”

  “That would be the one.”

  “I didn’t realize he had a kid.”

  “Oh, well, technically not yet. One on the way.”

  “You just said you were visiting your son. In that house.” He points his finger directly at Jonah’s house.

  I’m starting to question the guy’s sanity. “Yes… my son.” I’m not sure what is so hard to follow here.

  “So, where’s the kid?”

  “The kid?”

  He cocks his head to one side. Studying me closely, as if he’s trying to work something out in his head. “Your son?”

  I furrow my brows, completely lost in what we’re talking about. I suppose I’d better spell it out clearly. “That house, right there.” I point again, just for good measure. “My son, Jonah, the—brick shithouse—you mentioned… I’m visiting him for a week. His wife, Raven, had her baby shower yesterday.”

  He stares at me for what feels like an eternity, his eyes darting back and forth between mine, sparkling a bit in the morning light. I see the moment this information sinks in. A huge smile exposes beautiful white teeth with just a slight gap between the front two. Full lips framing them perfectly. “You’re shitting me.” His laughter vibrates his chest, perking Roxy’s ears up from where she’s nestled in his nook.

  “Marcus Dean.” He extends his hand out for me to shake. “You’ve already met Roxy.” The dog looks back and forth like she’s completely following the conversation.

  I’m glad she is… because that was a little confusing.

  “Katherine Slade.” I take ahold of his large hand. It’s rough, but extremely warm and feels really good wrapped around mine.

  The thought has me pulling my hand back, not a hundred percent sure of his relationship status. For some reason, just that little handshake felt inappropriate if he has a significant other. At least for me it did.

  “Well, I better head back.” I smooth back the fly-aways that have escaped from my ponytail. “It was nice to meet you, Marcus.”

  “You too, Kat.”

  His smile is soft, causing a flutter in my chest. Kat. No one’s ever really called me that before. I definitely liked the way it sounded coming from Marcus Dean’s lips.

  Kat.

  With a little wave, I turn and head back to Jonah’s house.

  Trying to contain the smile on my face.

  * * *

  The next morning, I head out the door again, only this time I made sure to tell Jonah about my plan the night before. I really do appreciate his concern, and don’t want to add any stress to his life. I worry about him, and the fact that he tries to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. His protective nature over Raven and this baby has him acting almost irrational at times. His need to keep his family safe, controlling his every action and decision.

  A small wave of excitement hits my chest when I see that Marcus’ garage door is open. The idea that I may get to see him again causes me to walk just a bit faster. As I get closer to the house, I try not to look obvious, while at the same time hoping he’s out and about. I’m halfway past his driveway when Roxy darts straight out of the garage, repeating her performance from yesterday, and I in return, doing the same. Snatching her up and giving her little head a kiss this time, I whisper in her ear. “Thanks for hooking a girl up.”

  “Roxy! You little shit.” Marcus comes barreling out of the garage, this time wearing gym shorts, and another plain white tee. “I told you to wait for me.” He’s holding a leash in his hand, that matches her skull-embellished collar.

  “Good morning, Marcus.” I can’t hide my grin. I’m trying really hard, but my inner schoolgirl is seriously struggling here.

  “Hey, Kat.” His sneaker clad feet stop next to mine. “You out for another walk this morning?”

  “I am.”

  “Rox and I were just headed for a walk ourselves.” He holds up the leash, as if I needed proof. “Mind if we join you?”

  My heart is beating frantically, to the point that cardio isn’t even needed. I haven’t had the nervous jitters around a man in so long that it almost feels like the first time.

  “That sounds great.” I hold Roxy out so that he can hook on the leash, and then put her down. She bats at it, shaking her head.

  “She’s still adjusting to the leash a bit.” He tugs her lightly with it. “Come on, girl, let’s go.”

  We set off on a walk, the pace a little slower than I’m used to, but I can’t find a reason in the world to care right now.

  “So, are you new to Vegas, or just to the neighborhood?” I decide to dive right in with the third degree.

  “I’m new to Vegas. My son, Jarrett, and I just moved here from Indianapolis.”

  That answers the question of any women.

  “Does he live with you?” I glance in his direction and his beautiful bright eyes are already looking at me.

  “No, he moved into a loft on the strip. I guess he wanted to experience a little more excitement.” His tone is filled with fatherly concern. “I suppose I can’t blame him. He works his ass off, and with all the travel, doesn’t get a ton of time to himself. We’re always together, so him living away from me is probably exactly what he needs.”

  “You two work together?”

  “Yeah.” He looks back to s
ee that Roxy is trailing behind, struggling to keep up with our mild pace. He scoops her up, tucking her under one arm. “He’s one of my drivers.”

  “Drivers? Do you run a limo company or something?”

  Marcus laughs out loud, the sound rich and throaty. “No.” He glances sideways at me. “He’s an NHRA Funny Car driver, I’m his Crew Chief.”

  “Funny Car? That sounds like something a clown would drive.”

  He continues to laugh at my line of questioning. “There are a ton of theories on how the name got started, but basically, it’s a drag car run on nitro methane.” He shrugs his shoulder, like this makes sense.

  “Nitro methane? How fast does the car go?”

  “They need to hit at least 330 on the quarter mile to be a contender.”

  “330?”

  “Miles per hour, Kat.”

  My eyes have bugged out from my head. “Oh… that’s—fast.” I don’t even know what that would look like in person.

  That’s how our walk goes. We talk for the next forty-five minutes, Roxy riding under Marcus’ arm the entire time. I learned more about his job, son, and what brought them to Vegas. We talked about the mutual concerns parents have when their children have dangerous careers. Before I even realize it, we’re standing at the foot of Jonah’s driveway.

  “Thanks for the company.” I fix my eyes on his. In the morning sun, they look crystal gray, contrasting against his tan skin.

  “I—I have a little confession to make.” He takes a step closer to me, the toes of his sneakers almost touching mine. “Roxy and I may have been stalking you a little bit today.”

  “What do you mean?” I hold my breath, anticipating his next words.

  “We don’t normally walk in the morning. Well, technically, we don’t go for walks around the neighborhood at all. We were sort of hoping we’d see you out this morning and get a chance to spend some time with you.”

  A delicious heat spreads up my neck and to the tips of my ears. “We?”