“I’ll circle back to Gene. Gently see if he thinks he might have missed something.”
He pulled her closer. “Peg will have some ideas too. She’s more objective than I am. I’m worried about getting her involved though. She’s bringing my nephew with her. I know she can handle herself, but Keith’s just a kid.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck. “We’ll keep them safe. It’ll be okay, Tanner.”
He pulled back and stared into her eyes. “Do you really believe that or are you just blowing smoke up my ass?”
“I believe it’ll be okay if we stick together. They’re closing things down, hoping everything will blow over. They don’t want more action now.” She studied his dark frown. “This isn’t Afghanistan, Tanner.”
“And yet, two kids are dead.”
His head fell back against the sofa. She traced the stubble on his jaw, the texture prickling her fingers.
“I should shave.”
“I’ll do it,” she volunteered, ready to take his mind off his worry and guilt. When he lifted his head, she smiled to lighten the mood. “Unless you don’t trust me with a razor to your throat.”
He snorted and lifted her into his arms, heading for the stairs. Hugo stirred from his place by the fire and barked, racing after them.
“I thought for sure you’d protest.” His brown eyes gleamed.
She wiggled her ankles playfully as warmth spread across her body, heading right for her heart. “I’ve decided to enjoy it.” He was the first man to carry her, but she stayed silent about that.
“Glad you aren’t stubborn about everything.” He shut the bedroom door on Hugo.
He carried her into the massive master bathroom and set her on the counter. Opening the cabinet, he sifted through toiletries. “You’re lucky I went back to a razor and shaving cream when I returned from Afghanistan. I had a beard overseas. It made it easier to blend in.”
She let her feet dangle. “Oh yeah?”
He set the can and razor by her hip and leaned in, caging her. “Let’s make this interesting.”
“O-kay.”
He tugged her red shirt off. “I don’t mind you being my barber as long as you’re only wearing your hot lingerie.” The black lace ruffled against her skin when he feathered it with his fingers. He traced the DW stitched in the corner near her left ribcage.
“Are you ever going to tell me what it stands for?”
She unzipped his fleece, not taking her eyes from him. God, was there anything hotter than watching someone while you undressed them?
“It’s for Divorcée Woman.” She decided a little truth couldn’t hurt. “I bought a ton of La Perla lingerie with my alimony. It’s top-of-the-line.” She tugged at his belt. “Part of gaining my confidence back.”
He raised her hands to his lips. “He didn’t deserve you.”
“I know. Now kiss me.”
When their lips met, neither of them rushed. He kissed the corners of her mouth before increasing the pressure, sweeping his tongue in her mouth. She ran her hands inside his white shirt, tracing the muscles of his back. She moaned when he framed her breasts.
“I think the shave will have to wait,” he murmured.
“You’re not the one getting beard burn.” Reaching for the can, she shook it and slapped his hand away. “It won’t take long.”
The can coughed out shaving cream into her palm, and her fingers spread it lightly across his face and jaw. His eyes sparkled, but he kept his hands at his sides. When she ran the razor down his face, it was a slow caress, an achingly gentle slide across his smooth skin.
“You’re driving me crazy, Meredith.”
She angled the razor against his neck, anticipation electrifying her nerve endings. “I know.” She scraped her way across his face, washing the razor off with warm water after a few strokes.
“You have a pretty square jaw.” She dragged the razor down a centimeter at a time.
“Beats a rectangular one.”
He stared at her with such a hunger she had to lock her hand to stop the trembling.
“You want to hurry up?”
The razor removed the last of the shaving cream. “I need a washcloth.”
She wet the one he handed her, and then massaged his face with it. His hands tucked under her knees and drew her to him, his arousal pressing against her core.
“Okay, that’s enough.”
He pulled her forward on the counter. Their hands streaked over each other, finding weak spots designed to inflame passion and need. Their remaining clothes fell away. He undid her bustier more easily this time and sucked on her breasts until her head hit the mirror.