Samantha Hunter - Flirtation

Four years later

G OD , I LOVE A woman in uniform, Logan whispered to Sage and Charlotte. His eyes were glued to Sarah as she stood at the podium next to Ian and EJ, all impressive and proud in their formal dress uniforms.

Jenniewhod joined the team shortly after Ian and Sages daughters were bornstood with them, and Nathan Reilley, next to her, the most recent member of the team. The unit was receiving commendations as a team and individually for the excellent work theyd done for the previous five years.

The Virginia HotWires office was now the model for similar units being formed all over the country. Small, specialized units were being annexed onto police departments and existing computer crime units, blending federal technical expertise with local law enforcement. It was proving to be a winning combination.

I think Sarah looks a little misty, Sage commented with a broad grin. Her two dark-haired, blue-eyed daughters, Anna and Rose, were quietly fascinatedfor the momentwith the sight of their daddy, aunt and uncles up on the stage.

Its the hormones, but dont say anything. Logan grinned, looking forward to adding his own child to the growing HotWires family. She vehemently denies any mood changes.

Charlotte chuckled, keeping one finger hooked into the collar of Jared, who was two, and who badly wanted to go up on stage and see what all the fuss was about.

You did a magnificent job with the flowers, Charlottethose hydrangeas are unbelievable, and in November!

Thanks, Sagetheyre from my new collection in the greenhouse. Were so busy Im going to have to take on more help soon, especially with the new addition on the way.

Logan leaned down to Sage. You and Ian expanding the team, by any chance?

Weve been talking about adoption. One more would be nicea boy, maybe. And we both like the idea of giving a child in need a home.

Logan squeezed her shoulder in support, and returned his eyes to the stage. The ceremony was over, and congratulations were offered all around, flashes from cameras coming from every direction.

Im so glad that parts over, I could eat a moose. How long before the dinner? Sarah joined the group first, blushing as Logan pulled her into a deep hug, and missing the humorous looks exchanged by her friends and partners. A beeping sound had everyone checking their pockets, but Sage popped up.

Its mine. Sorry guys, keeping an eye on a contract were trying to get in D.C.

Kissing Ian apologetically, but with a sensual promise in her eyes, she turned away to take the call, and Ians two girls flew into his arms, nearly toppling him over.

Grace laughed, her eyes on Nathanthe sexy new team member and the youngest of the groupas he joined the group. Graces date, Jordan, stepped up possessively sliding his arm around her as he offered congratulations to Ian and the rest of the group.

Ians daughter, Rose, spoke at the top of her lungs, wanting to make sure she got her two cents in among all the adult conversation. Daddy! You look handsome and sexy!

Ian quirked an eyebrow, wondering where his daughter had come up with that particular description, and peered over at Sage, who winked at him and shrugged. Looking down at the giggling girls he shook his head.

EJ teased, You are so going to have your hands full when those two get older.

Ian looked up, more content than he ever imagined being. You look like your hands are pretty full now, my friend.

EJ held Jared, who wiggled and pulled at his dads police hat, and EJ set it on his sons head, obscuring his face completely. Everyone laughed, heading toward the round dinner tables set with pristine white linen cloths, crystal and gleaming silver. Cloth napkins were folded into roses, and expensive sprays of flowersarranged by Charlottes recently opened shopcompleted the festive decorations.

Jennie ran a finger along the edge of a lily blossom, smiling at Charlotte. Youve outdone yourself, cara.

Free of holding onto Jared, Charlotte basked in the praise and squeezed Jennies hand in thanks. Jennie had become such a close friend over the years, practically an aunt to Jared, as well as to Ian and Sages girls, but Charlotte wished Jennie could find happiness with children of her own.

For whatever reason, Jennie shied away from serious relationships, even though Charlotte was sure Nathan was interested. Charlotte knew Jennie had secrets she never spoke of, and Charlotte didnt push. She wondered absently if Nathan would be that polite, though, watching the young mans eyes turn hot as they took in Jennies sensual beauty. Time would tell.

Hows Ronny doing, Charlotte? Sarah asked as she picked hungrily from a tray of appetizers. Charlotte grinned and heeded Logans earlier warning. Sarah was only two months along and still getting used to the idea of her pregnancy. Even though she and Logan had been trying for over a year, the reality was still settling in.

Hes doing pretty well. Hes been working on his college degree in youth counseling, course by course, and should be eligible for parole next year.

Thats fabulous. Youve done so well standing by him like you have. Not everyone has that kind of family love around them. I cant imagine how he wouldnt make a go of it.

Well, I had EJs support. EJ and Ian used their clout to keep him close to home so I could visit, and I think that meant a lot. It hasnt been easy for Ronny, and he still has a way to go, but hes grown a lot.

Thats good to hear.

They all took their places at the head table, settling in as servers in white uniforms began to deliver the first courses, and Ian picked up a crystal flute of champagne, lifting it to his team and their families.

To new beginnings, he said, his eyes locked on Sages sparkling gaze.

To new beginnings, EJ and Sarah chimed in, echoed by all the others as glasses clinked and the celebration went forth.

EJ SLOWLY LIFTED from his sex-induced slumber, feeling a soft hand curl around his morning erection, stroking him into further wakefulness. He groaned and stretched, not opening his eyes, but moving into the hand that held him, fueling the caress. Finally, he spoke, his voice hoarse and good-humored.

Im dead, Jo. You did me in last night.

You dont feel dead to me.

There was an unmistakable smile in her voice, and a clear promise of more sensual adventures. But he really was exhausted.

Hed met Jo a little less than twenty-four hours ago; shed been the instructor for his sky-jumping lesson the day before. Hed never parachuted before, but hed decided to do something special for his thirty-fifth birthday. So first hed jumped out of the plane. Then, exhilarated by the adrenaline rush and ready to go out and celebrate, hed ended up jumping Jo, as well. Or maybe shed jumped him. The end result was the same.

Hed had to put the family celebration off until the weekend, which hadnt pleased his mother one bit. But all in all, it had been a good birthday, he thought with a grin, feeling the pleasure of Jos practiced touch course through him.

That feels wonderful, darlin, but I have to get to work.

Wont take long, darlin , Jo laughed. She loved making fun of his Southern accent, and he didnt mind one bit. He was the product of four generations of Virginian tradition and she was pure Connecticut Yankee. But when a woman was as warm and passionate in bed as Jo was, he could care less about geographical differences.

EJ loved all kinds of women. As evidence of the fact, hed dated as many as time and opportunity allowed in the past few years, since hed ended his romance with his childhood friend, Millie Stewart. EJ had broken their engagement, left his job with the family shipbuilding business, and basically thrown the seriousness and responsibility of his old life to the wind. He loved his freedom, he loved his job and he loved women. Life was good.