Liberty’s gaze sweeps the vast concrete cavern as we descend the ramp. “It would have been spooky to be here alone. Would you have felt that way?”
“In the Teams, you learn to trust your ears, your instincts, your gut. Darkness and solitude don’t bother me. People do.Mostpeople.”
Something flickers across her face—curiosity, but she holds any questions that come to mind behind her pressed lips.
I pull into the garage’s premier parking space and kill the engine. The truck gives a soft shudder, wipers pushing the last of the snow aside before they stop moving.
Down here, in the heated underground hush, it feels like the rest of the world has disappeared.
“That’s the last time we deal with the weather for a few days,” I say. “Totally sealed off.”
Totally alone.
She unbuckles, and moves to climb out.
“Hold on.” I’m out of the driver’s side almost before the words finish leaving my mouth.
Liberty’s smile and the humor in her eyes are a one-two punch as I open her door.
“You didn’t have to do that.”
“We’re not going to debate this.”
She slips her hand into mine, letting me help her down. The moment her boots hit the ground, she tilts her face up at me.
“Why do I feel like you’re hard to persuade?” A hint of a smile plays over her lips as she asks.
“Because you know my kind.”
Her smile grows devious, dangerous. “Do I, ever.”
Then she wrinkles her nose at me. “Doesn’t mean I won’t push back.”
“Good to know.”
For a heartbeat, neither of us moves. I shouldn’t be standing this close to her. I damn sure shouldn’t be looking at her the way I am.
It’s like she tilts my whole world. The woman is five-feet-five inches of temptation.
Her boots put the top of her head right at my chin. Perfect for wrapping up in my arms. Which I’m determined not to do.
Too bad other parts of me aren’t listening.
If she took a half step closer, she’d feel exactly what she’s doing to me.
Her scent—deeply feminine, is sweet, warm, and completely intoxicating.
“I can get my bag,” she says, brushing past me, her jacket grazing my chest like a match strike. That simple touch glues my boots to the concrete.
It feels like we’re climbing too close to a dangerous rock ledge. One wrong move and all hell will break loose.
She pops open the back door of my truck and reaches for her overnight bag.
“Liberty.”
She glances back, hair sliding teasingly over her shoulder. “What? I can manage.”
I take one slow step toward her. Everything within me sharpens. The way she’s leaning over is driving me crazy.
