Free Temporary Home by Aliyah Burke

didn’t believe her, she could see that. Still, he didn’t press the issue. Which was good, because Eric soon returned. They ate, with Eric telling them about school.
    Throughout the meal, she felt Sam’s intense gaze upon her. After dessert, Eric went to play a video game while she cleaned up. Sam stayed with her. She kept waiting for him to ask her again what was wrong, but he didn’t. She huffed and Sam glanced at her.
    “Just ask already.”
    One black eyebrow arched in silent question.
    “About me and Laila and what happened.”
    “Not my business, but if you want to tell me”—a shrug—“I’ll listen.”
    She wanted to shake him. His gaze never wavered from hers. The epitome of patience. So unlike her.
    “Never mind.”
    He blinked and went back to wrapping up the leftover breadsticks. She watched him for a few moments. He was wearing a nondescript black T-shirt and jeans, and they affected her in so many ways. The way the sleeve cuffs hugged his muscles only emphasised the strength in his arms. She knew how delicious it was to be held by him. The flat abdominals with the ridges that she loved tracing with both her fingers and tongue. Powerful legs and lean hips she loved having between her…
    “Roxi?”
    “Huh?” Shit. Got caught staring and fantasising. Damn near drooling, and I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to be standing in a puddle. Or lake.
    Those damnable evening-blue eyes darkened with understanding and more than a hint of desire. Lord help her, she wanted to touch him.
    “Are you okay?”
    She forced a smile. Was she? Most assuredly not . She was horny as hell and pissed off that she’d fought with Laila. “Fine.” Even to her ears the word sounded like it had been pushed through gritted teeth.
    He came closer and crowded her back ’til the edge of a counter met her spine. “You’re lying.” His hard cock pressed definitely and defiantly against her and he moved until there was no light between them. His warm, masculine scent surrounded her in a blanket of security.
    Yes, she was. Instead of responding, she merely shrugged. Another flex of his hips had her swallowing hard as her clit pulsed and nipples pebbled. Sam dragged two knuckles down her cheek before he stepped away. She missed his closeness immediately but held her tongue, for Eric walked in.
    “Mr Sam, will you play a video game with me?”
    Blue eyes met hers with a question in them. She gave a brief nod and basically held her breath until Sam and Eric left. Once she’d completed the last bit of clean up, she propped her shoulder against the archway between the kitchen and living room.
    The guys were on the couch, faces intent on the game. She shoved her hands in her pockets and just watched their interaction. Eric looked up and gave her a heart-melting smile.
    “Ready, Aunt Roxi?”
    “Whenever you two finish.”
    “We’re done now. Are you coming on our walk, Mr Sam?”
    Again those blue eyes found her.
    “Come if you like, Sam.”
    “Please, Mr Sam. I would love to hear more about being in the Marines. Aunt Roxi doesn’t talk about it much.”
    “Okay,” he said, still holding her gaze.
    The television was shut off and they grabbed coats before walking out the front door. Night had fallen and so the street and porch lights lit their way. They walked with Eric between them.
    “So what’s it like being a Marine for you, Mr Sam?”
    She watched from her periphery for his reaction to Eric’s question.

Chapter Five
     
     
     
    Sam stared at the boy who walked with him and the lovely Roxi. Her nephew was an inquisitive lad. Smart too.
    “It is an honour for me,” he replied honestly. “With the Marine Corps you have a family.” He paused. “Or another family.”
    He sliced his gaze to Roxi. She wore her hair loose and it fluttered with the breeze. The overwhelming urge to grab her and kiss her hit him. Hard. It wasn’t like the feeling ever truly left him, though. She seemed a bit more relaxed now