Hot Zone Page 12

  Jessica and Jake drove away from the smoldering rubble of Azizi's den of horrors. Grappling with her emotions, Jessica prepared for what she expected at her forthcoming debriefing.

  She wavered close to tears once again, remembering their jump into the jungle, and constant running for their lives.

  Her vivid thoughts took her to the office of HSD Headquarters in Dallas. Already tense, waiting to be called in the Director's office, she tapped her pen on the logbook and spoke quietly.

  "I don't plan to take a lot of heat for the outcome of this mission."

  Jake apparently didn't hear the seriousness of her words. “You're tired and pissed off, Fontana. After a shower and meal, you'll be ready to roll again."

  Her gaze slipped to his profile and pangs of sympathy winged through her heart. He'd taken a horrible beating, yet he never lost sight of the fact he was a government agent.

  And to her amazement and relief, he'd affirmed he'd again go out in the field with her, if they were ever assigned to work together again.

  She clenched her teeth, trying to ward off the shiver of dread threading its way up her spine.

  There was a lot of truth to his words. She'd been in pain, filthy and hungry so long, the job description of the mission had gotten lost.

  Finding she had been too late to help the ambassador and seeing the horror of how he'd died wrung the last bit of hope from her.

  The warmth of Jake's arm was comforting and eased some of her worry.

  "You think too much, Fontana.” He handed her a folded paper. “I found this map in one of those fancy sport cars. Figure out which direction we should go."

  He pulled to a stop at the entry gate and lit a huge cigar. She shook her head, envying his ability to relax. “Where did you get that?” She caught the fragrant aroma of the obviously expensive cigar while spreading the map over her knees.

  "Same place I found the map. Want one?” He blew a huge smoke ring out the window.

  "No thanks.” His lopsided grin warmed her mood, bringing thoughts of laughter and the quiet of an evening on her deck in Seattle. “Take a left at the next road, go ten miles. We'll hit the highway and turn left again. Ten more and we're almost home free."

  "Fasten your seatbelt, Fontana.” He shoved the truck into gear, puffing on the cigar clenched in his teeth. He looked at her, and she could see in his gaze the lawman was back. He wouldn't really relax until they were back in Dallas.

  "Let's get out of here.” She tossed the map on the floor and buckled up.

  He crushed the fire of the cigar in the ashtray and put his arm around her again.

  "I'll get this thing rolling, babe.” He held her steady while the big truck shot down the road. She'd never complain about anything he did again.

  The scent of jungle flowers drifted through the open windows, reminding her of their brief, tumultuous lovemaking. Heady and far out of reach, yet the sweetness of the moment would be with her always.

  * * * *

  Jake hoped he was good enough behind the wheel to avoid hitting anything that crossed the narrow road. Fontana hadn't said anything about the excessive speed or his rotten driving yet. Just one more reason he liked being with her.

  She relaxed against him and he noticed once again how small she was. Sure, Fontana was tough, but she was an elegant woman that had been tromped on pretty hard. She'd taken it all with no complaints.

  "Let's grab a good meal and a soft bed tonight. We need to regroup before flying back."

  She inhaled and looked straight ahead. “One of us has to contact headquarters."

  "I'll do it while you shower."

  "I wouldn't mind a shower and clean clothes.” She touched her tangled, muddy hair. “Not to mention food and a real night's sleep."

  "You've got it, lady.” Jake didn't have to check under his arm. He stank. She had to be sick of his stench.

  They ran into some real traffic on the outskirts of Managua. A crazy mix of ancient wrecks and gleaming sports cars clogged the roadway. Most of the drivers had little regard for regulation or stop signs. For his tired partner's sake, he slowed his speed and held his temper until he saw a sign touting the desirability of a nearby hotel.

  He spotted the newer looking building and turned off the road into the parking lot. Fontana swiped at her hair and fussed with the buttons on her tattered shirt.

  He held out his hand. “You're stunning."

  "Where were you while I made a fool of myself all these years?” Her smile was soft and teasing.

  "You didn't need me, babe.” She gripped his fingers and slid across the seat. He opened the door and helped her out.

  A burst of cool air hit him in the face as he opened the door to the hotel lobby. The hotel wasn't the Ritz Carlton, but it was new and clean. Plus the place had a certain air of dignity. It was kind of dark, but who cared? It was free of thugs and humidity.

  The desk clerk eyed them with some curiosity and superiority, asking the usual questions. “May I help you?"

  He eyeballed their filthy condition, probably trying to decide between calling the law and giving them a room.

  Jake pulled out his wallet and handed the clerk his credit card. “You sure can. One double with the biggest bed and sauna you've got. We want good sheets and lots of soap. Bring up coffee and wine and any good hors d'oeuvres you recommend. We'll eat in the dining room this evening."

  "Of course, Mister Claypool.” The clerk now stared with some amusement. “Will there be anything else"

  "Hell, yes.” Jake took Jessica's hand. “Have your nearest and best dress shop proprietor and men's clothier come to our suite, and if you make it pronto, I'll tip handsomely."

  It was amazing how quickly people move once motivated by the smell of cash.

  Things swung into action. They were on the way to their comfortable suite in a matter of minutes. The bellhop stood grinning like a Cheshire cat, waiting for his handout. Jake shook his head. “Not until we have everything I ordered, my man."

  Before they closed the door, the house detective blocked their doorway. “You have had trouble? Were you attacked?” He gestured to Jakes wound's. “Did you fall or something?"

  Jessica laughed and held her hand up as if she found his comments amusing. “Oh, my no.” She jerked her thumb in Jake's direction. “He crashed our jeep back in the forest where we had been working on a water conservation project. We're returning home on the first flight out."

  The hotel dick studied her for a minute, shrugging. “Okay. Come to Nicaragua again."

  Jake blinked at the word she'd said so sweetly. Home.

  He'd be going back to his humdrum life, going from one miserable mission to another. He had to admit his life was so empty he never turned down any job, always volunteered no matter what it entailed, and kept a running schedule of missions just so he wouldn't feel the hole in his heart.

  Now, because of Fontana, he wanted to make plans, and damn it, maybe fall in love.

  Listen to your feminine side yakking up a storm, Claypool. She won't have you.

  Okay, change her mind.

  "Want me to run a bath for you, Fontana?” He stripped off his filthy shirt. “On the other hand, I can't think of anything I'd rather do than share the soap with you."

  Oh hell, he'd gone too far with his barnyard style. She hadn't answered, simply threw her grubby duds out the bathroom door.

  "Jake?"

  His head jerked up, and his ears roared. “Yeah, babe?"

  "I'm all alone."

  You won't be for long, gorgeous.

  He yanked off his jeans and threw them across the room. She had to be the perfect woman to let an animal like him in her shower. God, he could really go for Fontana.

  He almost tripped over his own feet after opening the door to find her waiting, sleek and inviting in the shower spray. The water fell on an exquisite beauty by the name of Jessica.

  Should he jump right in or wait for her invitation?

  Man, you're a changed hound.
You're more like a spaniel now.

  "Jess?"

  She held her hand out and waited for him to join her under the spray. “Wash my hair, and I'll wash yours."

  He wanted to please her, but first he had to taste her soft mouth. Their lips touched tenderly before his closed over hers in a demanding kiss that couldn't possibly leave any doubt in her mind as to what he was thinking.

  He pulled away to gaze into her eyes. “You're so damned sweet."

  It was hard as hell to hold off on just plain trying to screw her, but this was Jessica. She'd know he was ready just by the pressure of his blue steel kissing her fine body.

  He gave into the foreplay she seemed to need, taking the tube of shampoo and squeezing a glob out in his palm. Turning her away from him, he almost bucked against her lean ass, the hard globes of woman muscle, long and lean. Her hair was a tangled nest, but the soap seemed to release the knots as his fingers slipped through them.

  He couldn't get her back to facing him fast enough but was careful not to throw her down. She stroked his belly, and he almost fell from the jolt of being gripped in her soapy, slick fingers. “You're a well built man, Jake. Thick and hard."

  The woman knew what to say and do. He played dumb and rinsed the shampoo from her long hair before rubbing the fragrant bar of soap over her beautiful shoulders. He wanted to yell like a wild animal while she grasped his balls in her hand, gently squeezing until his cock jumped to attention against his belly.

  Enough was enough, his control at a minimum now. Bubbles of soap ran down her breasts, and he had to cup them in his palms, lifting their nice weight and leaning in to suck their rosy nipples.

  She gasped, working his cock with a firm, long stroke that would have him climax too quickly.

  "I want to please you, Jessica."

  "Yes.” Her soft agreement spurred him on, sending him on a search for her favorite things. His fingers coaxed and teased until her folds were swollen around his fingers, her wetness oiling them when they went deep inside to tantalize the spot she offered freely.

  "Yes ... yes. Hold me tighter, Jake.” Her breathing was quick and the tightening of her muscles around his fingers meant he'd been successful in pleasing her. “I want you to fuck me, Jake."

  It was too fast for him. He'd gotten his hormones to simmer a bit and wanted to explore the beauty in his arms.

  "Want me to wash you all over, baby?” He took the pink sponge and soaped it, touching it to her neck and shoulders before sliding it down her back. He moved it around to caress her ass before soaping up her belly.

  "You're evil, Jake."

  "You're beautiful, Jessica.” He pressed against her then, kissing her mouth with the hunger he could no longer hold at bay. He wanted her and pushed his knee between her thighs. She gripped him in her fingers guiding him to her warm center, standing on tiptoe to take him in.

  She met his thrusts with power to match, her leg lifting to grip him in a tight lock just before she came, her nails digging into his back as she released her passion. He gave in and pumped into her, letting the heavy weight in his sac burst free in a rush of blinding climax.

  He was rubber-legged after that, holding her on his leg while she finished a second climax.

  Jake knew he wasn't much at thinking or saying pretty stuff, but Jessica filled his need and his life to the full. Her way of kissing aroused and assured him he was a desirable man in her eyes. Her touch excited him like being hit by a charge of lightening.

  She'd come twice and used her luscious body to pleasure him again after washing his hair and body. She was tender, passionate, and sexy as hell, just what he needed to make breathing worth the effort.

  They dried each other, stopping to kiss and touch before they finished. Jake carried her to the bed and laid down beside her.

  "I hope I didn't hurt your leg in there."

  "And I was worried about hurting you.” She laughed and kissed him, working her hand down his belly to the thick hair around his cock.

  He groaned, and she frowned when someone knocked on the door.

  "Who is it?” Jake tried to sound civil, something he didn't feel at the moment.

  "The shop keepers, sir. You requested them."

  "Oh hell.” He got up and slipped the hotel robe on, tossing one to Jessica. “Okay. I'm coming.” He winked at her and whispered. “Don't forget where we left off."

  Chapter Twenty

  Jessica had chosen carefully, selecting clothing that was simple sophistication. She'd settled on navy silk slacks and a relaxed jacket to match. Several white blouses completed the outfit, the items sufficient to get her home.

  The very shrewd salesman had brought along shoes. She chose smart black pumps and a pair of soft leather flats.

  The undergarments were unbelievably feminine and soft, the feel of them against her cheek like heaven after being in filthy pants for so long. Jake settled on a spiffy sport coat of soft gray and several pairs of comfortable slacks in black and navy. He'd frowned, but taken the loafers the men's clothier had brought.

  She stayed on the bed while he made the call to HSD. He kept his voice low, but his hand gestures clearly spoke of his anger.

  After he hung up, Jake fell back into a playful mood.

  "I'll call for our pass at the airport, and then we can have dinner.” He was already taking his credit card out again. “What'll it be, babe? Shrimp, filet mignon, or chicken kabob?"

  She licked her lips. “All of that, plus I want chocolate cake with chocolate ice cream and a gallon of good coffee."

  She loved the way he never questioned what she'd said or her reason for saying it. His soft drawl as he ordered their meal tickled her inner thighs. The way his hair spiked and parted haphazardly was nothing but seductive.

  "Jake."

  "We have plenty of time."

  The man was the smartest she'd ever known, insightful and generous. He hung up the phone and went back to the bed, stripping before leaning over to kiss her.

  He released her hair from the neat coil at her nape, pushing her down to the soft comforter.

  "Jake, you make me feel so good, so ... woman."

  He wedged in between her thighs, groaning with pleasure. “Jess, if I'd known all this when we first met, I'd have had a heart attack on the spot. You're perfect."

  Oh yes, she loved hearing all the fancy new things he said, but in her heart she knew he was just being complimentary out of gentleman training.

  As much as she cared for, longed for him, she'd not risk having her heart handed back to her after he grew weary of her. Losing Jake would be too hard. She wouldn't survive.

  He was hot for her now, but Jake was a no strings man. That wasn't what she wanted. She'd been a fool to give in to her desires. Jake was what she wanted full time. Since that was never going to happen, it had to end.

  But, tonight was tonight. Another world. “I found some massage lube in the bathroom."

  "I'll do you first."

  He jumped off the bed and returned seconds later. She heard the cap of the lubricant hit the dresser, could smell the almond oil as he warmed it in his palms.

  His hands covered her back, and the warmth and pressure as he spread the gel was the most sensuous thing she'd felt in a while. Well, ever.

  "My god, Jake. You're creating a hot blooded, dirty girl here.” She stretched her legs and arms in the luxury of being pampered.

  "I'm not finished.” He traced her shoulders and her spine, hands drifting over her ribcage and down to cup her breasts. Her nipples were peaked like hard buds, ready to burst under his touch. “Have anything else needing attention, beautiful?"

  She reached back to slap his thigh. “Keep hunting, Mister."

  Her breath caught and quivered in her throat after his hand slid under her to cup between her legs, her folds pulsing with hot desire. Without fumbling, or juvenile searching, his fingers slid into her tensed center, pushing in and withdrawing until she yelled at him.

  "Claypool! You've found it
."

  He lifted her, turning her onto her back.

  "I take it you want sex."

  "You'd be so right."

  * * * *

  Jake was not his usual talkative self, and she'd taken on a worried expression. He didn't question her, but he didn't like it. Admitting to him self he had no skill at fixing the things women worried about, he kept quiet.

  They walked away from the special ticket line where they were issued passes to carry on their weapons after being grilled for half an hour. Maybe she was worried about the Departments take on their botched assignment.

  "Fontana.” She looked up with a start. “You going straight back to Seattle or hanging out at Dallas for a while?"

  Her shoulders lifted a little. “I'd really like to get home to see about the delivery service. My employee's are great, but I need to be there as much as possible."

  "I understand.” She took the outside seat when they boarded. “I guess I'll be going out on another mission pretty quick."

  "They told you that last night?” She lowered her gaze and looked away. “I hope you get a much safer one next time."

  Jake wasn't worried about the next assignment. The more dangerous, the faster time passed. Hell, that's the way he used to feel. Not now. He wanted to spend time with her. Okay, wait until you get home, and she's over the fear of what the freaking department throws at them.

  "Hey.” He put his arm around her shoulders. “It's almost Christmas. Why don't we paint the town before you head for home?"

  "I don't think so.” She made that short and clear. “The sooner I leave, the sooner I get things in order at home."

  "You're talking about the punk?” He couldn't stop the jolt of resentment in his gut.

  "I'm being sensible."

  "Oh, nice. That's what they call ‘get lost’ now?"

  She'd closed him out, drinking the scotch the attendant had given her. He didn't know she drank. The scowl on her face said she didn't.

  Hell, there were a thousand things he didn't know about Fontana.

  Leaning back in his seat, he closed his eyes, trying to stop the little scenes of their lovemaking from drifting through his mind.

  Lord, Fontana. I can't just let you go without a fight.