Before the Mission Begins (When The Mission Ends) by Christi Snow Read Free Book Online

his chest.
    They lay there watching the fire, with only the crackle of the flames breaking the silence. It was nice, relaxing. Julie would never have guessed that things could be so comfortable with Chris. He gently rubbed his fingertips along the band of exposed skin at the side of her waist, sending chills up her spine. The sensation held the promise of something more. Julie trembled with need. She wanted more, more of his hands on her, more touching, more skin. That was surprising. Craving a man’s touch wasn’t a normal thing for her. It gave her hope and that scared her. She’d learned over the years that hope just led to heartbreak and disappointment.
    “So tell me, why all the changes?” His voice was hushed the tone one would use with a scared animal.
    A bolt of annoyance shot through Julie. She wasn’t weak or vulnerable, but how could she explain her compulsive need to control things to him without sounding crazy either?
    He would never understand about the never-ending lists, the sleepless nights, the stress, this horrible consuming need to please. She mentally stopped herself. This was quickly becoming a list. None of those. She wasn’t that person anymore. She gave herself a shake and turned to lie against Chris’s muscular chest, focusing on the soothing rhythm of his heartbeat. “Actually, it was something my sister, Rachel, suggested. She knew I was having some issues getting past some things that have happened, so she suggested that it might help to step out of my normal persona for a while. She thought it might help me to adjust my coping mechanisms if I took on a completely different attitude toward things.”
    He slowly rubbed one hand up and down her arm. “And is it helping?”
    “It must. I’m here with you and enjoying things so far. Believe me, that isn’t the norm.”
    He rubbed his hand along her arm. “Good. I’m glad you’re having fun. So what’s the plan for dinner? I think we should find something to eat to go with our wine and make up a picnic in front of the fire for tonight. Does that sound good?”
    She nodded and reluctantly pulled herself from the comfort of his body. As she did so, she placed a lingering kiss along his neck that had his breath quickening, but he continued along their planned path anyway.
    He gently brushed his lips against her temple. “Food first, then…”
    * * *
    Chris followed Julie into the kitchen, mesmerized by the very feminine sway of her hips. Down boy , he chided his erection. He needed to take this slow. He still wasn’t even sure this was the best idea. Yes, absolutely he wanted her, but he didn’t want her to get hurt. But if what she said was true, she needed his help. Could he honestly turn his back on her, knowing she would just find someone else to help her work through this? The thought of her with another guy literally made him feel sick. Either way he was screwed. She’d work through her problems with someone else or he’d help her now and then she’d be free to enjoy someone else later. Fuck. There was no-win to this situation, except for this single night.
    His throat tightened as he realized her nipples were hard and poking through the layers of her t-shirt. He could have this. He could have her for one night. God help him, but he just couldn’t turn his back on this opportunity. He was a selfish bastard, but there it was. He was doing this.
    “Chris!”
    “What?” His eyes flashed up to hers. He’d gotten caught up in his ruminations. His gut clenched again.
    She gave him a soft smile. “I asked you what are you in the mood to eat?”
    “Oh, I’m sorry.” He shook his head to clear it. “Let’s do something light. After pizza for lunch, I don’t need a whole lot more.” Besides he was feeling more than a little anxious. Where was his wine? He looked around the kitchen counter tops, but didn’t see it. He must have left it in the living room. “I’m gonna go grab my wine while you look in the fridge. And