Part 5

Sated.

John slowly awakened to the feeling of complete satisfaction. He also felt a nice warm body draped seductively over him. His fingers flexed. Ooh, a round, firm behind. Silky, soft hair covered his chest, caressing him with his every breath. Careful, so as not to wake her, he shifted onto his side.

Watching her sleep realized every fantasy he had about Evangeline. She was so beautiful. Her flesh, flawless and smooth, reminded him of café mocha. Her personality was similar to the drink, too. Warm, sweet and surprising. Her walls disappeared in slumber. Despite the jaded profession of the law, this lawyer radiated pure innocence, as she lay there unaware of his scrutiny. John focused on every nuance, every sigh. He memorized her. Because despite his bravado the night before, he wasn't bold enough to believe that this was more than a fluke.

He extricated himself from her and stood. Bright yellow rays of light filtered through the break in the curtains. He frowned, wondering about the time. How long had they slept?

A glance at his watch told him they overslept. Hell, that was an understatement. Noon. Shit. He grabbed his jacket and shook out his cellphone. Last night, he put it on vibrate so as not to disturb her. Today, he had a shit load of messages to pilfer through. Many of them were from the Commander. John rubbed a hand over his face and groaned.

The slight noise proved to be enough to awaken sleeping beauty.

Like a voyeur, he silently watched her yawn and stretch. Then, a puzzled frown creased her brow. She looked around. When her eyes connected with his, her mouth parted and she covered herself with the sheet.

"John."

"Good morning," he said in a hoarse voice. "Or should I say, good afternoon."

Her eyes widened. "It can't be that late!"

"It can." He nodded. "It is."

"I'm late for a meeting," she stammered as she stumbled to her feet. "You're late for work."

"I am."

"Can you say more than two words?" She looked around the room as if she didn't know where she was. "Geez!"

"You're upset," he said, grabbing his pants and boxers from the floor. "It's understandable."

"Oh, yeah?" She hoisted the sheet around her toga-style and moved to stand inches from his face. "Do you realize we failed to use protection? Again!"

"I--I…" He ran a hand over his face. Shit! How could he have been so stupid? "Evangeline, I didn't think. I should have. No wonder you're mad at me."

"Mad at you?" She released a short laugh. Her hair brushed her cheeks as she shook her head. "I'm not mad at you. I can't believe I was such a moron. I swear in all my life I've never been so irresponsible. Believe me, John, I did not plan this."

He smiled to put her at ease. Himself, too. "I know you didn't."

Grudgingly, she returned his smile. "How can you…? How can you smile at a time like this?"

"Maybe it's not as bad as it seems and maybe I like seeing you shaken up."

Her eyes narrowed. "You should be a little shaken, too."

"I am, but losing it won't change what happened." He cupped his hand against her cheek. Her skin was so hot, so soft. "We lost control. Again. That's shaking me more than not protecting you."

"I'm a grown woman who's well versed in contraceptives." Shadows crossed her face. She looked down at the floor. "I should have protected both of us. And then, the way I responded…without thinking. Wow, what you must think of me."

"I think you're beautiful." He lowered his hand to her shoulder and squeezed.

The fear and the self-recrimination faded from her eyes. She placed her hand over his.

Silence lingered. John searched his mind for something to say, but no words seemed to fit. Besides, the quiet felt right.

"I'd better get ready for my meeting and then, I have to talk to RJ."

"I'll have a few words with him," he said.

"I'd rather you didn't. He already has his suspicions… Maybe he's justified. I don't know. Let me see where his head is. Okay?"

He shrugged. "If that's how you want to play it, but if anything seems off, do not hesitate to let me know."

She saluted. "Yes, sir."

He laughed and she ducked out of the room.

Man, he could get used to her.