Free A Protector's Second Chance (Unit Matched #2) by Mary Smith, Rebecca Cartee Page B

trying to hold back my smile. I covered my mouth, lightly touching my lips, thinking of Oliver’s mouth on me. I wanted to kiss him this morning, but I didn’t want to do too much too fast.
    I put my bare feet into the hot, soothing water and RJ began to work on my feet. I’ve had pedicures in my life, but usually by women. Men don’t touch Unit girls, but I’m a Rule breaker anyway.
    I lay my head back in the soft leather chair, and took a deep breath, enjoying the tender touch of RJ’s massive hands. The music was better in this room that held ten pedicure chairs. I was the only one in here right now. I figured that it was because it was still early, and a weekday.
    After a pedicure, manicure, eyebrow waxing, and a haircut, I felt like brand new woman again. I knew that Oliver had to be bored to death in the lobby, but RJ said that he was still out there.
    I thanked RJ for an amazing job, and he guided me back out to the lobby. There was Oliver, studying his phone, with his serious expression.
    “Mr. Thomas,” RJ grabbed his attention.
    Oliver’s serious face was replaced with his smile, as he looked me up and down.
    “Your wife is done.”
    “Thank you.” Oliver stood up and walked over to RJ, shaking his hand. RJ patted my shoulder as he walked away. “You’re beautiful as ever.” Oliver leaned down and whispered in my ear. He kissed my cheek, and I felt my heart race faster.
    Oliver released me and went over to the blonde behind the desk.
    “Mr. Thomas,” she greeted him again as he handed her his credit card. After Oliver paid, we walked outside into the brisk cold snowy air.
    “Did you enjoy yourself?”
    “I did, a lot. Thank you, Oliver. I mean it; that was amazing.” I squeezed his hand.
    “I’m glad.”
    He opened my door, and I jumped in the Escalade. Oliver hopped in and was about to drive away.
    “Stop.”
    “What is it?” He looked confused.
    I unbuckled my seatbelt and practically climbed into his lap.
    “Thank you.”
    I cupped his face in my hands and kissed him deeply. I pushed my tongue into his mouth, and he moaned at our contact. He had one hand on my thigh and the other around my neck. His hand grasped my thigh tighter, and I knew that I was letting my emotions take over as I released his face and ran my hands down his chest.
    “Amaya.” He pulled away. “Not in a parking lot.” His voice was ragged.
    “I just wanted to thank you.” I pressed my forehead to his.
    “You’re welcome. Let’s go grab some groceries.”
    I crawled off his lap and back into my seat, securing myself with the seat belt. Oliver drove us out of the plaza and headed down the road to a large supermarket.
    We hold hands as we walked in, shopped, and even checked out. It was comfortable. Oliver even laughed a few times, and I did, too.
    This was what being Matched meant.

Chapter 23
    Day 52 of 90
     
    “Chris Pine. Need I say more?” I was curled up with Oliver on the couch, watching the newest Star Trek movie that had been recently released.
    “Spock is cooler.” Oliver ran his hand up and down my back.
    The past several days have been the best I’ve ever had. We’ve been a real Matched couple. We’ve joked, teased, and kissed. Oliver had never gone farther than my lips, but I was okay with that. Thaddeus and I had gone too far, too fast so I wanted to enjoy every moment with Oliver.
    “I guess Spock has his moments.” I shrugged.
    “Do you have a thing for pointed ears?” Oliver’s humorous tone made me giggle.
    “Not especially, but I like yours.” I reached up and traced his outer ear.
    “My ears?”
    “I mean, they’re okay.” I teased.
    “I think that I have special ears.” He narrowed his eyes down at me.
    “Hhmm…,” I continued to trace them. “They’re nothing like Chris Pine’s, but they’ll do.”
    He chuckled, capturing my lips against his. Kissing him was easy. It felt right. It was where I belonged. I wanted to be here with Oliver. I rose up, and was about to