Read Meant To Be for Free Online

whispered, losing the battle. He took her mouth with fierce possession.
    Jessica melted into him without hesitation. She wrapped her arms around his neck and slanted her mouth across his, meeting the thrust of his tongue with a sexy little moan.
    Garrett had to use every bit of his self-control to keep from stripping her naked and taking her right there on the floor. He wanted to taste every inch of her, make her burn for him, hunger for him. She could deny it till the cows came home, but the way she responded to him was all the proof he needed.
    Jessica wanted him just as much.
    Breaking off the kiss, Garrett untwined her arms from around his neck and gently set her away from him. He was rock hard and throbbing, but he'd just made a decision. He wouldn't take her to bed until she admitted she wanted him. Call it stupid, or plain old male pride, but Garrett wasn't giving it up without some reciprocation of feelings.
    Reciprocation of feelings? What the fuck had gotten into him?
    His voice gruff, he said, “I'd better let you get to bed. To sleep. "
    Jessica cleared her throat and stepped back, arms crossed over her chest. Garrett wasn't sure if the gesture was self-protective, or to hide her nipples, which were hard and straining against the front of her halter-top. “Well, goodnight then."
    With her lips red and swollen from his kisses and her honey-blonde hair loose and tumbling around her shoulders, she was the sexiest sight he'd ever seen. “Sweet dreams, Jess.” He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead, then turned and strode out the door.
    * * * *
    "Jamison, if you're sure this is what you want, I'll okay the leave. But I have to say, I think you're making a mistake."
    Garrett stood over Captain Weinert's desk, hands on hips, heart in his stomach. As of immediately, he was officially on a three-month leave from the force. “I appreciate your concern, Captain, but ... I really need some time to get my head on straight."
    Captain Weinert nodded his understanding. He rose to his feet and held out his hand. “You'll be missed. Give me a call when you ‘get your head on straight,’ understand?"
    "You bet. Thank you, sir."
    Garrett strode out of the office, down the corridor, and through the swinging front doors of the police station.
    Heavy, gray rain clouds hung low in the sky, and by the time Garrett reached his truck, a light drizzle had started. He climbed in, but before he got his key in the ignition, a surge of panic hit him. Jesus, he felt nauseous. He laid his head against the steering wheel and blew out a hard breath. Leaving the force, even for a short time, was one of the hardest things he'd ever done. But he couldn't risk someone else getting hurt due to his carelessness. If he made the wrong call again...
    He sat up, put the truck in gear, and headed home.
    By the time Garrett pulled up in front of the house, it was nearly four-thirty and the light drizzle had turned into a steady rain. He killed the engine and swung the door open in time to see Jessica dash barefoot across the front lawn to her own truck. She yanked open the door, hopped inside, and rolled up the driver's side window so fast her head bobbed up and down with the motion. The first genuine smile of the day tugged at Garrett's lips.
    He slammed his own door and ran through the rain straight for her truck. Before she could utter a protest, he swept her up in his arms and sprinted to her front porch.
    "Now that's car side service!” Jessica grinned up at him, her arms wrapped around his neck.
    Garrett held her easily with one arm while opening the door with the other. “Someone's in a good mood today.” He set her on her feet just inside the door.
    Jessica dried her feet on the carpet, then held onto his arm while slipping into a pair of fuzzy blue slippers. “I made over sixty dollars in tips today. Want some tea? I just put on a pot.” She disappeared into the kitchen.
    He wiped off his boots before following after her, his sullen