By the Book

Chapter Eleven

Jonah’s patience was nearing the breaking point. He’d hated being away from Amanda this afternoon, but he’d a job to do. Mrs. Haskins had been a friend of his mother’s and there had been no way he could turn her down when she’d called.

Returning to Amanda’s place and finding a sheriff’s deputy parked out front hadn’t improved his mood. She’d had a threatening phone call and hadn’t bothered to contact him.

He tried not to be hurt by that fact. But coming so hard on the heels of their disagreement this morning, it was hard not to take it personally. She’d balked when he’d told her he wasn’t going to charge her for the work he’d done. He still had no intentions of doing so. All the supplies he’d needed for the job had been charged to her account at the hardware store. That was bad enough as far as he was concerned. There was no way he was going to charge her for labor as well.

He’d promised to send her a bill. He just hadn’t told her when. She’d be waiting a long time for that bill to come.

He supposed he should be happy about the fact that she wasn’t clinging to him, wasn’t asking for more than sex. That’s what he’d wanted when this whole thing started.

An affair, he’d told her. A no-strings affair was all he could offer.

He was an ass.

Somehow, this redheaded spitfire had accomplished something no other woman had been able to. She’d gotten under his skin. And she’d done it without even trying. All Amanda had done was be herself.

Unlike most women he’d known, she didn’t spend hours primping in the mirror. She had a natural beauty that shone from her no matter what hour of the day or night it was.

He’d wake up some nights and just lie next to her, watching her sleep.

Awake, she fascinated him. She was smart, courageous, had a keen sense of humor and a boundless amount of energy. They talked about everything and anything. No subject was off limits. She was passionate about what she did for a living and her enthusiasm for books made him smile.

Folks around town were starting to recognize her and they all smiled when they saw her coming. Well, everyone except Hector. He was still suspicious of Amanda and her business. Word around the coffee shop was that Hector was grumbling daily about Amanda and her new shop even though it wasn’t even open yet.

Some people were a bit too friendly. Jonah had noticed several of the single men in town, including his ex-brother-in-law, eyeing Amanda when they’d gone shopping on Main Street. He’d barely refrained from putting his arm around her and tucking her under his shoulder to keep her close. As it was, he’d had to settle for glaring at several of them.

Jim had just smirked at him and said hello to Amanda before sauntering down the street.

There was something about Amanda that reached out and twisted his guts into a knot. She belonged to him. Now, he had to figure out a way to make her see just how much she needed him.

“Amanda?” She was staring at him, her head tilted slightly upward and her stubborn jaw jutting out.

“I had a phone call. It was nothing.”

“Nothing.” Needing to do something with his hands so he didn’t wrap them around her shoulders and shake her, he stripped off his coat and hung it over one of the hooks by the front door. “So nothing had a deputy parked outside your door all afternoon?”

She shrugged, her shoulders hunching slightly inward. “There wasn’t anything anyone could do. I had a nasty call and I contacted the sheriff. That’s it.”

Unable to stand not touching her any longer, Jonah reached out and pulled her close.

He sighed in relief when her arms went around his waist, hugging him tight. “You should have called me, sugar.”

She leaned back, a bewildered look on her face. “But why? There wasn’t anything you could have done.”

He stomped down his rising irritation. “I could have come home.”

She shook her head. “I was perfectly safe. All the doors were locked. They were only words.”

He was grateful she hadn’t noticed that he’d slipped up and called her place home.

But that’s what it was starting to feel like. He’d moved back into the family home when he’d come back to Jamesville. Technically it was his home since he’d inherited it, but it had never been more than a place for him to eat and sleep. Later it became a haven for his sister and niece. But being with Amanda was as close to feeling at home as he had felt in his entire life.

“What did the caller say?”

Amanda ducked her head. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

He cupped her chin in his palm and lifted it. He didn’t want her holding back from him. “Tell me.”

She sighed and rocked back on her heels. He dropped his hand to his side, hating the separation he felt between them.

“He said that he knew you wouldn’t stay forever and he knew that I was alone.”

“Son of a bitch,” Jonah whispered. “He’s been watching the place.”

Amanda rubbed her hands up and down her arms as if she were cold. “That thought did occur to me.”

“Come here.” He eased her closer, running his palms over her shoulders and down her back. “Everything will be fine.”

She shrugged. “It’s not up to you, Jonah. All I can do is be cautious and hope the police catch him.” She sighed, her breath warm against his neck. “And besides, the caller was right. You can’t stay here forever.”

Jonah jerked back. “You asking me to leave, sugar?” He thought they’d settled this earlier today.

“No.” A fine blush settled on her cheeks, but she met his gaze straight on. “But our relationship is strange. We’re only supposed to be having an affair, but we’re practically living together.”

“Does it bother you that people might find out I’m staying with you?” It had occurred to him that a woman like Amanda might be upset by the situation. She wasn’t the type of woman to blithely have an affair. He was actually counting on that fact.

She’d been pulling away from him the past few days. Not in bed. No, there she was as passionate and giving as ever. But she was putting an emotional distance between them. Her not contacting him when this crank call occurred was just another example of her pulling away from him and he didn’t like it. Not one bit. Now that he’d decided he wanted more than an affair, he was afraid that she no longer did. At least not with him.

He might have done too good a job convincing her that a permanent relationship was something he would never want.

Still, she had allowed him to stay with her every night. That had to count for something. He shoved all those negative thoughts to the back of his mind. There would be plenty of time to straighten out the status of their relationship once the danger to her was over. His only priority right now was keeping her safe.

She shrugged and turned, heading to the kitchen. “I forgot all about supper. I was working until I heard your truck pull up out front.”

“Amanda?” She obviously wanted to change the subject, but he wasn’t about to let her. He followed her into the kitchen, waiting for her to answer his question.

She opened the refrigerator door and peeked inside. “Not too much here. I’ve got to make a grocery run again. I’m not used to buying for two.”

“If that’s a problem, I can chip in for food.” He hadn’t thought about her financial situation before. She’d just moved here, bought a house and had some major work done on the place. Her bank account had to be feeling the squeeze.

She whirled around, slamming the refrigerator door shut. “I don’t need your money.”

Jonah held up his hands in mock surrender. “Fine.”

Amanda gave a huff and rubbed her hands over her face. “I’m sorry. It’s just been a strange day.”

“Your life hasn’t been very normal since you moved here.”

She gave a small chuckle. “It hasn’t been normal in months.”

Reaching out his hand, he tucked a stray curl behind her ear. Her hair was always escaping from her ponytail. She’d told him about her childhood and how she’d met and worked with Seymour Morton. Jonah knew the death of the older man had been a blow to Amanda. But he was glad she’d decided to move here for a fresh start, although it was proving to be anything but easy. She’d had one problem after another since she’d landed in Jamesville, including having him practically move in with her. He knew Amanda was fiercely independent and used to living alone. He had no idea how she really felt about him being here. Sure, she let him stay because she needed protection. But what would happen when the threat was no longer there?

Jonah’s gut clenched at the thought of never spending another night with Amanda.

He didn’t particularly like how quickly she’d changed his life. She made him want things he’d never wanted before—a home of his own and a wife. Just the thought of it made him break out in a cold sweat.

“How do you feel about me staying here?”

She patted his chest with her hand. That small touch had his blood pumping swiftly through his veins. He tried to ignore his growing erection.

“Honestly, I don’t think too many people have noticed.”

Jonah noticed that she’d avoided answering his question, not giving him any indication of how she really felt about him or the situation. He ignored the shaft of pain that speared his heart. He had time and he was good at planning. Once the threat to her was past, he’d have plenty of time to lay siege to her heart.

He shook his head at her naiveté. “I wouldn’t count on that, sugar.” Obviously, she was used to living in a larger center. Jonah could guarantee that all her neighbors had noted that his truck was parked out front all night long.

“It doesn’t matter.” She pushed out of his arms and went to the cupboard, opened the door and looked inside.

“Of course it matters.”

Closing the door, she leaned against the cupboard. “What do you want me to say, Jonah? Do I like people knowing my business? No, I don’t. Do I like the fact that I’ll be talked about when our affair is over and we’ve both moved on? No, I don’t. But there’s nothing I can do about it. People are going to talk no matter what.”

“I can pretend to leave, take my truck somewhere else and walk back.” He didn’t know why he hadn’t thought of that before. He paused in mid-thought. He knew better, so why hadn’t he done it? The answer was simple. Instinct. In the beginning, he’d wanted people to know that she wasn’t alone at night, wanted her attacker to know she was no longer as vulnerable. Plus, the more primitive part of himself liked the idea of people knowing that Amanda belonged to him. He’d done it instinctually and without thought to her reputation.

“It’s too late for that now.” Leaning against the counter, she crossed her arms defensively over her chest. She tilted her chin up and got that stubborn look on her face he was beginning to recognize. “Folks will talk no matter what.”

“What about your store?” This was a small town after all and he didn’t want their relationship to affect her livelihood.

“What about it?” She lowered her arms and pushed away from the counter. “Most of my work is done through my online store and, truthfully, I expect most of my sales to come from tourists. I wasn’t lying to Hector when I told him that I wouldn’t cut into his business. Sure, some of the locals will shop my store, but they’re more likely to stop into the Buy and Sell if they want used books. Anyone who wants the latest best sellers is going to buy them new or check them out of the library.”

“You’re sure?” He walked over to stand in front of her. “I don’t want my being here to hurt you.”

She smiled at him then. It was a small, sad smile that made his heart ache. “You won’t hurt me by being here.”

Did that mean she would be hurt if he left? He knew she felt something for him, but he wasn’t certain how deep it went. He wasn’t about to push things either. He planned to spend all his time trying to insinuate his way deeper into her life and her heart so that when the problem with her unknown stalker was over, she wouldn’t want him to leave.

“Come here.” He needed to be closer to her, to reestablish the connection between them. And the quickest way to do that was with sex.

She came into his arms easily and once again, he marveled at how good she felt there and how well she fit. Her body molded against his, her breasts pillowed against his chest and her pelvis aligned with his. There is no way she could mistake his obvious erection.

“Amanda.” He cupped her behind in his hands and pulled her up tight against him.

“Yes?” Her eyes were glazing over with passion and her breath was coming faster.

She was always aroused so quickly by his touch. It was one hell of a turn-on.

“Promise me that if you get another phone call like that, or if you feel threatened at all, you’ll call me.”

“But there was nothing you could have done.”

Jonah realized that she honestly believed that and, furthermore, she was genuinely perplexed by his request. Had no one ever cared enough about her to look out for her? He knew her past had been barren of family. Sure, she’d had Seymour, but no close friends until she’d moved to Jamesville. But she had him now and it was time she came to understand that he wasn’t going anywhere. “I could have talked to you.” He ground his pelvis against hers and was rewarded when she gave a small moan of pleasure. “I could have come home.” He lowered his head to her neck and nipped her sensitive skin. She gasped and snuggled closer. “Promise me.” He couldn’t go on until he had her promise.

“Okay,” she half groaned.

He laved his tongue over the skin he’d just nipped and then raised his head. Her face was flushed, her green eyes dark with pleasure.

“Okay what?”

She smiled then, a real smile that brightened her entire face. “I promise I’ll call you if anything happens.” Grabbing the sides of his head, she tugged him closer. “Now can we get on with this?”

He felt his lips tilting upward. “Yes, ma’am.”

Lifting her off her feet, he turned and started to walk out of the kitchen. She curled her legs around him, locking her ankles together at the small of his back. Using her grip on his hair, she pulled him toward her and melded her mouth against his.

Jonah stopped in the hallway and pushed her back against the wall. Deepening the kiss, he tasted her wild heat, felt her fingernails digging into his scalp and heard her whimpers as she tilted her lower body toward him, trying to get closer.

He had to have her. Now.

Amanda was going to explode and she wanted Jonah inside her when it happened.

She was surprised at how angry Jonah had been about her not calling him. Truthfully, it hadn’t even occurred to her. She wasn’t used to leaning on anyone.

Seymour had been like family to her, but he’d always encouraged her to stand on her own two feet. He hadn’t done it because he hadn’t cared. Quite the opposite in fact.

Seymour was old when he met her and was constantly reminding her that he wouldn’t live for too many more years. By making her even more independent, he was trying to protect her, to strengthen her for when she would be alone again.

It was a strange feeling to have someone care about her personal safety and her well-being. But she kind of liked it. Not that she would allow herself to get too used to it. After all, Jonah would probably go back to living in his own home once the threat to her was over. Who knew how long after that before they’d drift apart and their affair would be over.

Amanda pushed that thought aside. He was with her now and she was determined to enjoy every single second of it. He obviously cared for her. He certainly didn’t hide the fact that he wanted her. For now, that was enough.

She’d been scared today. She wouldn’t admit it out loud, but she couldn’t hide it from herself. Even with the deputy out front, she’d felt nervous, waiting for the phone to ring again, wondering if each little sound the house made indicated an intruder. The second Jonah had stepped through the front door she’d felt safe.

Maybe that’s why she’d tried to push him away, at least emotionally. She knew he’d protect her physically, but she couldn’t depend on him to always be here. That wasn’t his responsibility. No one could put that kind of pressure on someone else.

But Jonah was here with her now and that was all that mattered. Everything else would work itself out one way or the other. Eventually her attacker would strike again. It seemed inevitable. A shiver went down her spine at the thought of how it could end up, but she pushed those negative thoughts aside and focused on how good it felt to be kissing Jonah.

The wall was hard against her back and Jonah was hard against her front. There was no give in the man. He was all solid muscle and bone. He held her easily as he devoured her mouth, his tongue thrusting against hers, building the heat that always seemed to be hovering just below the surface whenever they were together.

They were both gasping for breath when he pulled away. “I can’t wait.” Peppering hot kisses along her cheek and down her neck, he reached for the hem of her shirt and lifted it.

She helped him pull it off. By the time she had her shirt gone, he had her bra clasp unhooked and had pushed the cups aside. He started to lean down, but she grabbed the front of his T-shirt and pulled. “I want this off.” She wanted to touch him, to run her fingers over the hard planes of his chest and his thick shoulders.

Jonah used his lower body to keep her pinned against the wall as the two of them dragged his T-shirt over his head. It disappeared to the floor below. Amanda pressed her palms against his skin, feeling the heat enveloping her palms. He was always so hot.

“I love touching you,” she whispered as she allowed her fingers to tease his flat nipples.

He groaned. “I love it when you touch me.” Putting his hands under her butt, he lifted her until her breasts were almost level with his mouth. His breath was warm on her skin, making her nipples tighten.

“So sweet.” He captured one rosy nipple and suckled.

Even after a week of making love to the man, she couldn’t believe how quickly her body responded to Jonah. It was as if she’d been fashioned especially for him, and he for her. There had been none of the awkward moments that new lovers usually face. They came together like they’d been lovers forever.

She tilted her hips, rubbing her throbbing core against him. An ache was growing inside her and she knew the only way to sate it was to have Jonah’s hard length thrusting deep within her. “Jonah,” she gasped.

She didn’t have to say anything more. He pulled his mouth from her breast and pushed her legs down his hips. Her feet hit the floor with a thud.

His every move was swift as he undid her jeans and yanked them down her legs. He took her panties with them, leaving her bare from her ankles up. She thought he’d help her take off her shoes so she could remove her clothing completely. Instead, he stood, turning her to face the wall.

“Put your hands against the wall and lean forward.”

She did as he asked, feeling very exposed as she flattened her palms against the hard surface. Her breasts began to ache even harder as they hung at a downward angle.

“Spread your legs.”

It was difficult with the jeans and panties bunched around her ankles, but she widened her stance as much as she could. Jonah’s harsh breath filled the air behind her.

The familiar sound of a foil packet being opened reached her ears and she knew he was putting on a condom. Her entire body clenched in anticipation.

The air felt cool against her heated flesh as she waited for Jonah to touch her again.

Never in her life had she made herself this vulnerable. But deep in her heart she trusted Jonah. She loved him with all her heart and soul.

The head of his cock nudged at her opening and she tilted her butt slightly to give him a better angle. He pushed just inside and paused, allowing her to adjust to his invasion.

He planted his hands alongside hers on the wall. His hands were so much larger and darker than hers. They were clean, but she could see the several nicks and calluses. She loved his hands—so hard, yet so gentle when he touched her. His chest covered her back and his lips caressed the nape of her neck.

“Ready, sugar?” She’d barely started to nod before he drove all the way inside her in one swift stroke. Amanda sucked in a breath as his shaft stretched her wide. He was so deep she could feel his pulsing heat in her very center.

She tried to talk, but all that came out of her mouth was a low moan. Jonah flexed his hips, pulling almost all the way out before thrusting forward again. He set a fast, hard rhythm, pushing both of them to their limits.

His sac brushed against her with each inward stroke, bumping against her clit. The brief caress was maddening. She swung her behind, matching him thrust for thrust.

“Jonah,” she gasped. Her nails curled, digging into the wall. She needed more.

He dropped one of his hands low on her pelvis, his middle finger finding her swollen clit. His other hand curled over one of her breasts, surrounding it and holding it secure.

His thrusts got deeper and harder. He lifted her off her feet with each one.

Amanda could feel her inner muscles pulsing. Her body tensed and coiled. His hips hammered hard as his finger brushed her clit. Tilting back her head, she screamed.

“Jonah!”

Every muscle in her body convulsed as damp heat exploded from her core. Jonah yelled and gave one final thrust. His shaft rippled as her vaginal muscles gripped him tight.

Amanda moaned as his finger pressed against her clit, pushing her into another round of spasms. When it was over, she leaned her forehead against the wall. Jonah grunted as he eased out of her body. She tried to straighten up, but it wasn’t easy. Her legs felt like jelly.

“Just a second.” Jonah tugged her panties and jeans up around her hips and then picked her up. He staggered once and then righted himself.

“What about our clothes?” She looked over his shoulder. Their shirts were still on the floor. Jonah had hitched his jeans around his hips, but she could feel the brush of his semi-erect cock against her side.

“Later,” he answered as he carried her up the stairs. From the look in his eyes, Amanda knew it would be much later.