He squinted as the bright beams reached his eyes. Blinking his gaze into focus, he glared at the woman standing before him. Jesus, he hadn’t expected this.
“Deanne, what the hell are you doing?”
She stepped forward, crowding him. Inching herself onto her toes, she pressed her body against his and slowly, seductively twined her hands around his shoulders. “I thought we could finish what we started at the reception,” she cooed, flashing him a bright, toothy smile.
Kale slid his hands up her arms until he found her fingers. He pulled them apart and pressed her arms into her sides. “I don’t remember starting anything at the reception.”
Ignoring the blatant coolness in his voice, she arched a brow. “Come on now, Kale. We both felt the chemistry between us when we shared a dance.”
For a long moment he said nothing, just stared at her. The woman had casual written all over her, out to get what she wanted without regard for anyone else.
He gazed the length of her. Long blond hair cascaded over her delicate shoulders. Green eyes opened wide as she stared up at him with seductive prowess. She moistened her lips and arched forward, just enough to afford him a view of her ample cleavage. She was beautiful. Breathtaking, really. With a body that would rock any man’s world. But he felt nothing. Absolutely nothing.
There was a time he’d have jumped at her offer. But that time was long gone.
He cocked his head, giving her a confused look. “I’m sorry, Deanne. I think you might have read me wrong.” He backed up, but she only moved closer.
Her mouth turned down in a pout. She threw herself at him and clung to his shirt like lint. “I don’t think so, Kale. You know there is more between us.” Her lips closed over his and sent him stumbling backward, onto the mattress. It took great effort to peel all ninety-five pounds of her off him and stand.
After disentangling himself, he crossed the room and pulled open the lab door. Stepping into the hall, he reclaimed his personal space. “There is nothing between us,” he bit out. “And there never will be.”
Was it just his imagination, or did he see a wry smile curl her lips before he turned to leave?
Chapter 7
High overhead the crescent moon glistened in the dark sky as Erin made her way up the cobblestone walkway leading to Laura and Jay’s two-story Victorian home. The brisk night air felt cool against her exposed legs, not to mention the other parts of her body she’d left bare. Her warm breath turned to fog as she exhaled. Lord, it was cold.
As she drew closer to the door, part of her couldn’t believe she was doing this, yet another part of her couldn’t wait to feel Kale’s callused hands stroking her naked flesh, his sensuous lips moving over her mouth, her breasts, and other, more intimate parts of her body.
Shivering, which suddenly had nothing to do with the cold wind and more to do with knowing Kale was waiting for her, Erin tightened her coat around her waist and raised her hand to buzz the doorbell. Before she had the chance to press the button, the front door swung open.
“Oh.” She stepped back, momentarily startled.
She stood there, face-to-face with Kale, neither one moving, neither one breathing. Dressed in a pair of jeans and a tight-fitting sweater, he looked as sexy as hell as he leaned against the doorjamb. He was so gorgeous, so hot she was sure he could liquefy metal. His bedroom blues dropped to examine her bare legs.
Her heart settled in her throat, and a prickle of awareness rushed through her as she in turn appraised him. He reached for her.
Without hesitation she accepted the offered hand and tangled her fingers though his, allowing him to pull her inside. He drew her close, close enough that she could smell the soapy clean scent of his skin as well as his spicy aftershave. The connection of body touching body was thrilling.
She immediately warmed as her breasts crushed against a wall of thick muscle. His midnight hair was slicked off his forehead and combed to the side, his face freshly shaven. He looked good enough to lick all over—like candy that had been coated with rich chocolate and dipped in spun sugar.
Warmth and familiarity rushed through her as she nestled against him. She didn’t even try to curb the impulse to touch his smooth skin. With lust driving her actions, she ran her hand over his cheek, feathered her fingers over his jaw, and rested her head against his neck. She couldn’t believe how much her body ached for him.
Thick muscles shifted as he pulled in a sharp breath. Her heart slammed against her chest as his gentle fingers moved to her cheeks. Boldly, she planted her pelvis against his and could feel his mounting desire.
He cupped her chin and lifted her eyes to his. His gaze was full of lust, but underneath that she detected tenderness and warmth. Some deeper emotion stirred inside her and tightened her chest. Feelings long ago restrained swam to the surface. She bit back the tug of emotions and pinched her eyes shut. It was disconcerting the way he engaged her emotionally.
She could understand the physical attraction between them, but it was the closeness she felt toward him that caused her great alarm.
God, what was she getting herself into? If she wasn’t careful she could fall in love with him. Since he’d invited her over only for a night of wild, casual sex and nothing more, she had to get hold of her emotions. If she stuck around any longer, she’d surely lose her heart.
Kale took a small step back and eased open her coat. The smoldering look in his eyes as his gaze swept over her fiery red, body-molding dress excited her. Obviously, draining her checking account to purchase something so elaborate, something she’d likely never wear again, had been worth it.
“Hi.” His
