NO STRINGS Page 2

  "But...but what if I'm no good?"

  Allison couldn't help it. She laughed. "Judging from the ladies who've beat a path to your door since I've known you, I doubt that's a problem."

  She squeezed his hard-muscled thigh. The man worked out, took good care of himself. But the one thought edging to the forefront of her mind was--how hard is he elsewhere? She longed to look. It seemed too bold an act.

  "I promise you, Cruz. There are no strings attached."

  "When?"

  "Tonight. This weekend if tonight works out."

  He nodded, those eyes still locked on hers. "Where?"

  Allison fumbled for her purse. The brochure was tucked down the side within easy reach. She pulled it out and handed it to him. "Here. If a room's available, and if not..." She shrugged.

  Cruz's eyes scanned the trifold. Allison had it memorized by heart. Diversions. An Exclusive Resort. It promised to indulge the visitor in every luxury. No request would be denied.

  "I've heard it's a wonderful place." He tugged his cell phone from his trouser pocket.

  She placed her hand on his. "I'll take care of the reservations...privately." Allison wanted this, but it had to be on her terms. She had to ensure her complete safety...just in case.

  "Of course. I'll just go on inside. I..." He swallowed hard. "If not Diversions..."

  "I'm crossing my fingers." She offered a weak smile.

  Cruz nodded again and left.

  Allison waited until he ducked inside, then placed her call.

  * * * *

  Cruz stumbled blindly into the building. The military blouse that had constricted him all morning was now his saving grace--it hid the hard-on throbbing against his zipper. He couldn't believe this. His fondest wish was about to come true and he couldn't string together two coherent thoughts. All he'd wanted after she'd asked him was to yank her close and kiss her--softly, sweetly, thoroughly. Instead, he wandered away like an idiot.

  Somehow he made it to Zach's office in Installation Law. The military attorney glanced up from the pile of paperwork on his desk when Cruz's shadow clouded the door.

  "Major?" Puzzlement drifted over Zach's face.

  "Captain," Cruz replied and shut the door behind him.

  Zach was on his feet in seconds. "Cruz, what the hell's wrong?"

  Behind closed doors, all military pretense faded. Cruz sagged onto the small blue sofa in front of Zach's desk.

  "Allison...wants me to have sex with her."

  Relief pushed Zach back into his chair. His soft laughter drifted around the room. "And here I thought something was wrong." He leaned forward. "This is what you've always wanted. Now she can know how much you really love her."

  "If I don't screw it up." He'd wanted her for so long. One touch from her and he'd be coming all over himself. Certainly not a good first impression.

  "What's in your hand?" Zach pointed.

  He looked down. The brochure was crumpled in his fingers. "It's where she wants to go. Diversions. Tonight. This weekend if tonight works out. She's calling now. She wanted to handle the arrangements."

  Zach leaned back. "I can understand why she'd want the control after all she's been through."

  "Yeah, me, too."

  "Nice place. Claudia and I went there shortly after Thanksgiving. Had the staff prepare us a picnic basket. We took it up into the oasis itself." He smiled. "That's where our little girl was conceived. Our fondest wish fulfilled. I tell you, the place is truly magic."

  Still in shock, Cruz fell against the cushion behind him. "It's going to have to be to get me through this. She's been through so much. When I think of how that bastard treated her..."

  "And I can't think of a better person than you to help her take this next step. You love her. You always have. Do yourself a favor and tell her."

  He shook her head. "She said she wanted this to be no strings."

  "Are you sure she wasn't saying that for your benefit?"

  Cruz glanced at the other man. He wasn't sure of anything anymore, except that tonight, if the saints allowed, he was going to get to make love to the woman of his dreams.

  "Judging from the way you look right now, I'd be willing to bet your response was less than enthusiastic," Zach told him.

  "True." He had to admit that. "But I couldn't very well grab her right then and there."

  He smiled. "Why not?"

  "For one, I don't want to scare the hell out of her. I want her to trust me. For another, there are too many eyes around. The last thing she needs right now is Sinclair up her..." He shook the thought away.

  "Well, you're right about all of that."

  There was a tap on the door. Zach called the person to come in.

  "Court-martial's starting, sir," his clerk called out.

  "Thanks."

  The men stood together. Zach clapped his hand on Cruz's shoulder. "Trust your instincts. They haven't let you down yet."

  No, they'd only been blinded by love to her true circumstances. He'd gone nearly insane once he realized the hell her life was. No more. This was for her and he'd do whatever he had to, take whatever time she'd give, and be thankful for it.

  They stepped into the bright afternoon sun, momentarily blinded. Cruz caught a whiff of Allison's perfume--gardenias--and smiled. Her low heels clicked on the sidewalk as she and Claudia walked their way.

  Zach swung open the door. Just as they had that morning, they sat along the wall to await their turn to testify.

  Cruz glanced at Allison, questioning her success with a tilt of his head.

  "All set," she said. A hesitant smile lifted the corners of her mouth.

  With any luck, he'd make sure her smile was more confident by the end of the weekend. He took a dare and leaned close to her ear.

  "Do you know how much I want to kiss you right now?" he whispered.

  A pink blush colored her cheeks. This time her smile was genuine.

  "Okay, here's the deal."

  Cruz jumped at the sound of the trial counsel's voice. The brochure still clutched in his fingers fluttered to the floor under the chairs.

  The attorney clapped his hands together. "Looks like we're not going to need you today. The judge wants to start fresh with the testimony on Monday so we can try to speed through this thing next week. So, zero-eight-hundred on Monday. And we're switching to Summer Service Charlies, too."

  Cruz would have preferred the camouflage uniform, but the short-sleeve khaki shirt and olive-drab trousers were still a hell of a lot more comfortable than the full uniform.

  "Next Monday morning then." Cruz stood with the rest of his group as the trial counsel walked away.

  Claudia returned to her shopping excursion. Zach returned to the pile of work on his desk, which was where Cruz should go, too.

  He walked with Allison to her Dodge van. He'd asked her once why she'd bought such a big vehicle. Her response tugged at his heart. She wanted a vehicle large enough to hold everything important to her if she had to suddenly leave.

  "Want me to pick you up and we'll drive to Palm Springs together?"

  Allison opened her door and hopped into the seat. "I'm going to leave now, I think. I'd like to do a few things first. Six o'clock tonight? We are in the Oasis Suite. The desk clerk knows to expect you. I've arranged a dinner for us--baked mesquite chicken with grilled sweet potatoes and squashes."

  Cruz smiled. "Sounds wonderful. I'll be there. There's just one thing."

  A frown tugged her eyebrows together. "What's that?"

  He lifted her chin on the pads of his fingers. Her lips parted ever so slightly. Cruz didn't resist. He slipped his lips onto them in a simple kiss that sent shockwaves through his body. When he pulled back, her face glowed.

  "I'll see you later." He gave her a wink and shut the door.

  Her smile never faded as she pulled from the parking lot. He watched until she hit the main road, then turned to his own car...and a full-on glare from Martin Sinclair. The Diversions brochure trembled in the man
's fist. Hate blasting from his eyes, Sinclair wadded the paper in his hand and tossed it to the ground. A sharp about-face took him back inside.

  Cruz released the breath he'd been holding. Base restriction had kept the man in line so far. He just prayed it was enough. He smiled to himself. Looked like a call to Vic Brownell and Kurt Duncan was in order. The NCIS sgents would see Sinclair stayed put.

  Chapter 3

  * * *

  Allison had always been intrigued with Diversions. Seeing the place first-hand didn't disappoint her. She loved how the mission-style resort was tucked away in one of the higher canyons in Palm Springs. If you didn't know to look for it, you'd miss it. Talk about exclusive. And they seemed to put a great emphasis on customer service. She'd barely parked the van when Charles, of Butler Services, was at her side.

  With quiet efficiency, Charles saw her suitcase was delivered to her room. Check-in was a breeze. All she'd asked for was available and more. Statues of lovers caught forever in coital embraces were scattered throughout courtyards heavy with foliage and hidden niches for discreet liaisons. Rumor had it the statues represented actual people. Allison didn't know how true that might be, but they were very life-like and very well done.

  The Oasis Suite couldn't have been more perfect if she'd picked it herself. The fact that this was the only room available, yet fit her needs, seemed a blessing to what she'd planned. Shades of blues and greens decorated the plush décor. A king-size, canopied bed actually had forest green curtains that could be pulled around it. The bed itself was tucked into its own alcove. Adjacent to this was the bathroom, all done up in white marble as if plucked from the desert itself. The shower was big enough for six people. Allison wondered if it had ever held more than two. That naughty thought intrigued her more than she'd ever admit to another soul.

  A sitting room held a sofa covered with huge ocean blue and grass green pillows. The low coffee table before it was black slate that matched a small table with seating for two near the sliding glass doors at the rear. A flagstone pathway disappeared into the lush landscape beyond, swallowed by palms of different sizes, mesquite trees, cottonwoods, and a host of other plants Allison couldn't identify. Most impressive was the Jacuzzi in the corner of the room, built right into the floor. Potted palms surrounded it, just like a real oasis.

  And, tucked discreetly whenever she looked, were "panic" buttons. It was the only room that had them. Designed to protect its occupants, all Allison had to do was hit the nearest one and the hotel staff would be there in seconds. Too bad she didn't have that feature nearby when she was married to Marty. She doubted she'd need a panic button with Cruz, but experience had taught her to be careful. This first time out, she needed that extra assurance.

  Allison dusted a nonexistent chill from her arms as she wandered around the table set for two. Hot dishes on canned heat sat on the buffet behind it. The food smelled wonderful. A server stood just outside, ready when Allison gave the word. All she had to do was open the sliding glass door and the young woman would be there. Allison traced her finger around the bottle of wine in the ice bucket. She'd chosen her favorite--white zinfandel. Friends who claimed themselves connoisseurs teased her about drinking Kool-Aid. Screw them all. Tonight was about her, what she wanted...needed.

  He'd been here any minute. Her hands were actually sweating, yet her nipples were like BBs poking through the halter-top of the blue silk dress she'd purchased earlier. It was an expensive acquisition, but she loved how the silk felt against her skin. Even more daring was her decision to go without any underwear whatsoever. That thought alone made her horny as hell. She was half tempted to make herself come just to calm down a bit. Now that would be a sight Cruz would love to see--her sprawled over the bed with her hand in her crotch.

  Allison pulled in a ragged breath. How many times lately had she masturbated while wishing it was Cruz's long, thick fingers pleasuring her and not her own? A lot. She couldn't remember exactly when she was able to look at him as a man rather than as a friend. It had taken a couple of months for the shock of her abusive marriage to lessen. During those months, her body healed; her psyche was slower to follow. One night she'd forced herself to masturbate, knowing doing so would retrieve a little piece of her soul. Since that time, she'd done so every night, sometimes a couple of times. At some point, images of Cruz always snuck in. Now she'd get the real deal. She prayed reality lived up to fantasy.

  There was a tap on the door. Seconds later, the bellman opened it. Cruz was right behind him. Her breath caught. He wore the khaki trousers that hugged his round bottom so nicely. The sky blue pullover skimmed his broad shoulders. And his smile? As bright as those deep brown eyes of his. She'd secretly loved him for months. Was it safe to let him know that?

  No strings, remember? she sternly reminded herself. Yes, she'd promised him that. It was the least she could do after all he'd done for her.

  Cruz pressed a tip into the bellman's hand after his small suitcase had been placed in the closet next to hers. Then they were alone. He looked around as he walked to her.

  "This place is magnificent! And this room!"

  She darted her gaze to his crotch. Now that was magnificent to look at. The man walked with a hard-on like he didn't have a care in the world. She wondered if he was as nervous as she was, then laughed at herself. How could he be nervous and sport an erection like that?

  "I understand there's a place near the oasis where a couple can..." He cupped her chin and lifted it. "I do have a face, sweetheart."

  Allison blinked and laughed out loud. "I am so, so sorry." Giggles kept her from saying anything more. She fanned the heat from her face.

  "I'm not." He slipped his hand around her waist. His fingers were hot against her bare back. "I'm glad I have something to show for myself."

  She tucked up close to him. His body was hard everywhere she touched. His scent swirled about her--a heady combination of Brut and male. Mesmerized, she pressed her palms into his chest and glanced up. She loved his eyes, how they always seemed to have laughter just beyond their depths, how they crinkled in the corners. They held his emotions for all the world to see. Looking into them now, she knew he wanted this moment as much as she did.

  "How long, Cruz?"

  "How long what? How long have I wanted you? Or how long have I been in love with you?"

  Allison stared up at him in open-mouthed shock. She'd suspected, of course, but to hear him say it.

  He brushed the backs of his fingers over her cheek. She shivered beneath the touch.

  "Cruz...I..."

  "Shhh." He gently placed one finger on her lips. "I know...no strings. I don't blame you one bit for feeling that way. You don't need to worry that I'll force you into anything you don't want. Tonight is on your terms, sweetheart. You lead and I'll follow. What do you most want right now?"

  She thought of the food waiting to be served behind them. Of the woman on the patio prepared to do so. Of the lump jammed in her throat. Of the pulsing in her clit and the answering throb in the hard-on wedged between them.

  "You."

  Keeping her gaze locked onto his, she skidded her hands to his cock. Cruz sucked in a sharp breath. Why couldn't she stop shaking? He pulsed beneath her touch. Allison dared a long stroke. Closing his eyes, he pressed his lips together tightly.

  Drawing in a shaky breath of his own, he slid his hand to her breast. He weighed it gently, then caressed her nipple with his thumb through the silky material. Allison gasped as jolts of pleasure shot through her.

  Hot lips dropped kisses along the curve of her neck. She absorbed the feeling, letting it rock her timidity away. She tugged his shirt up, anxious to explore the planes and angles of his chest and stomach. Cruz hauled the shirt over his head and tossed it aside.

  Allison stared, mesmerized by the smooth, brown surface. His pecs felt like mesas, flat and hard. Dark brown nipples dotted each peak. She rubbed her palms into them, smiling when they hardened against her touch. His stomach rippled with washb
oard perfection created by lengthy workouts. A sprinkling of black hair around his navel disappeared into his trousers, tempting her to take a peek at what lay below. She tucked her finger inside the waistband and slowly ran it from one side to the other, one side to the other.

  A muffled sound rasped from Cruz's throat. Now his hand was shaking. He reached behind her neck. Nimble fingers shoved the buttons free on the halter-top strap. He pulled it down, baring her breasts to his hungry eyes.

  She was pale where he was dark. Her dusky rose nipples perked up as if begging for his lips. He stared so long she craved to know what he was thinking. Gentle thumbs drew agonizingly slow circles around her aureoles.

  "Bed," she choked out.

  When he nodded mutely, she took his hand and led him to the alcove. Once there, she faced him, unzipped the dress and let it fall. Cruz's jaw dropped. She hoped that was a good sign. She'd always tried to take care of herself. Still watching him, she crawled back onto the big bed.

  "Now you," she told him. "I want to see you."

  His gaze continued to caress her body, making love to her all by itself while he took off shoes and socks. She'd never felt more cherished. He reached for his zipper and stopped. Drawing strength to hold on? Having a change of heart? Afraid of her seeing him?

  "Here...let me." She crawled to the edge of the bed as she reached for him, pushing his hands aside.

  He wore no belt. Only a fly button and a zipper stood as guardians. They fell under her touch. Wiggling her fingers behind the waistband of trousers and boxers, Allison breached the final barrier. Heat greeted her as she tugged the clothing down. His cock sprang free from a nest of black curls, standing at full attention. A drop of moisture glistened in the slit at the tip. Allison darted her tongue forward.

  "No." Cruz pushed her back. "Sweetheart, you're killing me as it is. If your mouth touches me..."

  Allison grinned and lay back, tugging the bedcovers down as she did so. Never in her life had she ever felt such power. To think a seductress had been hidden all this time. She lightly ran her hands over her breasts, down her stomach, then hovered on her inner thighs.