He smirked at her and rubbed her soles, and she couldn’t help the moan that escaped. “Your shoes are sexy as hell, but obviously they hurt.”
“The price of beauty.” She moaned again. Under shuttered lids, she watched him.
He sat on the ottoman next to the one she’d claimed, his gaze fixed intently on her feet. His calloused hands were warm, firm and sent bolts of pleasure from her heels and arches to every cell in her body.
Though she’d tried to resist, she could feel herself growing wet.
She shifted on the seat and tried to scoot back, but he wouldn’t let her.
“Uh-uh. I’m still apologizing. Let me.”
Now feeling a little silly that she’d blamed him for Brittney’s bad behavior, she tugged again.
“Be still.”
The gravelly command eased a groan out of her. “Then stop being so sexy.”
He paused.
Her cheeks blazed with heat. God, what a moron. Had she said that out loud? No more wine for her tonight.
His low chuckle eased her nerves. “Good to know you don’t see me as a jerk anymore.”
“Who said?” She tried to shrug off her gaff. “Jerks can be sexy.”
“Now, Sydney. Let’s not be mean.” To her shock, his hands left her foot and continued up her calf.
The touch felt better than good. Nothing about the caress was sexual, yet her nipples were harder than nails and her panties would need a good washing.
“I swear, I’m not going any higher than this.”
Not even if I beg you?She cleared her throat. “Good to know.” Damn. That sounded a lot huskier than she’d meant it to.
He smiled again but said nothing more.
He treated her other leg to the same gentle pressure, turning her into a pile of meltedyesin minutes.
“That good?”
“Oh, you have no idea.”
“I think I do.” He suddenly stood, and she stared at the evidence of his erection through his jeans.
Would he make his move? Pressure her to have sex? She wasn’t sure she’d say no, and she didn’t know how to handle him. Should she be nice and say yes to reward him for good behavior? He had cooked her a terrific meal—or, at least, someone had, since it had been waiting for them when they’d arrived. He’d been an actual entertaining date. Apologetic, charming, polite. She had to check herself to keep from drooling.
And then to touch her like that… He’d drained the day’s tension out of her with his hands, while arousing her at the same time.
“Now let’s get you home, Syd.”
She blinked and let him help her stand. Like Prince Charming, he crouched down and eased her feet into her heels one at a time.
Staring down at his thick hair, she had the urge to run her fingers through it. But she didn’t. She didn’t know what to think, how to feel.What the hell?
Derrick, as good as his word, walked her out and back to Gage’s truck. He drove her to her house without needing directions. Then he walked her to the door.
He handed her a key. “Hailey made sure I had this to give to you. And she’s hoping you’re not too mad to call her tomorrow and tell her if I acted like a complete ass or not.”
She couldn’t help laughing. “At least I can get in, and my car’s here.” The silver vehicle sat in her driveway, good as new.
