Simply Sinful

him any good. Kane had sat through Kayla’s shower. Listened to the pulsing, pounding rhythm of the water while his body throbbed to the same beat.

He’d envisioned the stream of water sluicing over her curves, the beads of water clinging to her skin. He braced his hands on the counter and exhaled a groan.

“Something wrong?”

His insides twisted even more at the sound of her husky voice. He turned. Kane didn’t know what he expected. A sexy siren, a vixen to match the arousing voice? He could have handled her and in an absurd way she would have been preferable to the down-to-earth woman facing him now. The old football jersey wasn’t sexy, but the garment had its own share of memories. The faded sweats were far from revealing, but the effect on him was the same.

She looked warm and welcoming.

He felt warm and welcomed. Two sensations he’d never experienced before, at least not in conjunction with a woman. “What are you doing here?” he asked.

“I live here,” she said wryly. “And I was cold after my shower. I figured something hot to drink would take care of that.”

She joined him by the counter. The lemony scent of her shampoo clung to her hair, bringing temptation to life. “Coffee?” he asked. “I saw some instant in the cabinet.”

She shook her head. Damp strands of blond hair clung to her cheek. God, he wanted her. “Tea?” he managed to say.

Her smile caused a tightening in his gut.

“Not what I had in mind,” she said.

“What then?”

Without answering, she reached for the handle on the cabinet behind him. Her arm brushed his shoulder. The heat struck hard and hot, where it counted most. Her touch was electric. He inhaled and counted to five until a semblance of control returned.

“Hot chocolate always seems to do the trick…when I’m cold.” Her voice had dropped an octave. The husky sound turned the knot in his stomach even tighter.

She met his gaze. In her eyes he saw a deadly combination of uncertainty and longing. Kane had been around long enough to know when he was being set up, that she was grasping to regain control. But Kayla’s seduction, or attempted seduction, wasn’t like any other. It was an endearing mixture of innocence and sensuality. One he couldn’t withstand no matter how much he needed to.

He’d already drawn the line and Kayla knew it. He was certain she’d respect his decision to keep his distance, if only because he’d accepted hers to participate with Reid on closing the case on her business. But she was playing a dangerous game with him now, tempting him, hoping he’d give in…wondering how far he’d let her go before backing off.

He wasn’t sure himself. Around Kayla, his self-control was minimal. His only choice was to turn the tables and hope she chose to retreat first, instead of advance.

He stepped toward the refrigerator to her left. “Would you like some whipped cream on top? I seem to remember you enjoy it.” Reaching for the handle, he brushed his forearm across her breasts. The barrier of her clothing might as well have been nonexistent as the hardened peaks of her nipples rasped across his bare skin.

She exhaled a slow moan. He gritted his teeth against the arousing sound and the pleasurable feel of her breasts against his arm. His jeans, already too snug, were now damned uncomfortable. He turned toward her, trapping her between the counter and the length of his body. Her body heat called to his, her scent beckoned to him. Kane wondered when he’d begun to enjoy torturing himself without mercy.

He glanced down. She gripped the sides of the cardboard box of instant cocoa mix, denting the box with her grip. At least she was affected, too.

He leaned forward. “Whipped cream, Kayla?” Her eyes darkened, remembrance and desire flickering in the depths.

“I…” She swallowed hard. “I don’t keep any around. It’s fattening, and I have to draw the line somewhere, I mean there’s only so much indulgence a person can take and…”

“Tell me about it,” he muttered. Kane reached out and eased the box from her hands. Her breathing now came in shallow, uneven gasps. He wasn’t doing too well himself, but damned if he’d let desire rule his head.

Time to end this game before it got out of control, Kane thought. “Relax, sweetheart.” He touched her reddened cheek with his palm. She tipped her head into the cradle of his hand. Such an innocent gesture. One that nearly sent him soaring out of control.

He inhaled hard and fast. “You look flushed. Is your head okay? Maybe your blood sugar dropped. Have a seat and I’ll make you something to drink.” He wrapped an arm around her waist and led her to the nearest chair. It had been too long since she’d taken any kind of break.

Having changed the subject, he exhaled. His breathing came easier, but not much, considering her soft curves now molded against him…and he was strung tighter than ever.

The next move was hers. Kane was counting on it. She had no choice but to take his cue and move on…unless she wanted to end up tangled between the sheets. And though they both wanted, they each had their own agenda as well. She’d let it go, he told himself again.

She stopped short of sitting down. “I’m not thirsty anymore. I think I’ll just go to bed, instead.” He released his next breath in a whoosh of air. She’d accepted his boundaries. He wouldn’t be getting any sleep tonight, but at least he was back in control.

She stepped backward, tilting her head until she looked him in the eye. “Ready?”

“For?” he asked warily.

“Bed. Aren’t you going to join me?”

He muttered a curse. Where this woman was concerned, control was a goddamn illusion. What made him think he had any power or control over a situation where Kayla Luck was involved?

Just one more reason he had to put this case, and her, behind him as fast as possible. But he had to get through the night first. “I’ll take the couch.” He crossed his arms and waited for her next shot.

Kayla shot him an amused glance, aware that Kane was edgy and uncomfortable. And it was thanks to her… and the idea of sleeping with her. Amazing.

When in her life had she had the ability to put a man like Kane on the spot? When had she ever made any man feel awkward? Maybe it was an ability she’d always had but never had the courage to explore before. With Kane, she felt secure enough. Comfortable enough. She liked that feeling.

Almost as much as she liked him. A smile formed on her lips. “Go ahead, sleep on the couch. But I should tell you, it’s lumpy and uncomfortable. You won’t get much sleep out there.”

“What makes you think I’ll get any sleep in there, with you?” He gestured toward the hallway and her bedroom.

“Because I’m tired, still injured, like you said.” She slicked her hair behind her ear. “And besides, I don’t recall inviting you to do anything else besides sleep.”

His eyes darkened under lowered lids. “You invite a man into your bed, sweetheart, you better be prepared for anything.” Need echoed in his voice.

Her knees went weak and her insides turned to jelly. Another second and her mind would follow. Then lust would take over and she’d lose everything. Reaching out, Kayla grasped his hand, intertwining their fingers together. His skin felt rough and warm against her palm, his hand felt right in hers.

She’d grown up feeling as if she had to fight for everything that mattered, from her mother’s attention to accepting the adult she’d become. Even a business she’d legitimately inherited had turned into a struggle she might not win. Nothing had come easily, some things not at all.

But Kane, her love for this man, mattered more than anything else ever had. She’d fight for it, so that when the end came, she’d have no regrets. None she’d have any control over, anyway. She tugged lightly on his hand.

“Don’t do this.” His voice held a ragged warning.

She refused to listen. “I’ve got used to sleeping in your arms, Kane. Is that so much to ask?”