How men could look sexy and cute at the same time, she didn’t know, but the man sitting in her mudroom did it with ease. She turned away so she didn’t make a fool of herself.
“That’s how I feel after a long night of working at the bar. When I get home, I can’t wait to take offmy shoes, then my bra. It’s like freedom.” She sang the last word like a loon, tossing her arms out wide.
Jinx looked over her shoulder to see if he had finished, coming to a startled stop as he stood right behind her. “Wow, you move fast and quietly for such a big guy.”
Chapter Nine
Viking eyed Jinx, knowing he needed to back up and give her space. She wanted him; that was easy to see. Hell, he wanted her even more. If he pushed too hard, she’d run, and that wasn’t something he was willing to risk.
“Go get ready, Vakker. I’ll wait in your kitchen.” He placed his hands on her hips, giving her a little push.
“There are drinks in the fridge,” she stammered.
“Thank you. I’ll help myself. You want something?” he asked as she moved through the large open area, heading toward the stairs at the far side of the living room. He took in the space with its rustic elements mixed with modern ones. The large floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the backside of the home with the frozen lake in the distance as a backdrop. A massive stone fireplace took up another wall with built-in bookshelves on each side filled with books and items he’d like to inspect. The furniture looked large, yet comfortable and elegant. A mixture, he realized, she’d likely chosen to suit the house more than for partying. He glanced backtoward the stairs, which were a gorgeous mix of wood, stone, and iron, wondering what her bedroom looked like.
“None of your damn business, Bekkett,” he muttered.
The kitchen was no less a showcase of stainless steel and granite with lots of white and black touches, giving it a mix of rustic and modern. She’d added pops of yellow and turquoise throughout, making it less stark and homier. His mother would love it.
He pulled open the massive double doors on her refrigerator, smiling at the array of drinks he had to choose from. The woman called him an enigma, but it was she who was a puzzle. She had a big, beautiful home, more creature comforts than most, and she acted like it was nothing.
As he grabbed a can of Mountain Dew out of the fridge, he shook his head. “She’d be the one it would be hard not to fall in love with if he were the falling-in-love kind. Too bad I don’t have a heart.”
He shut the door with a little more force than necessary. He settled on one of the barstools at the island, staring out at the darkening landscape with nothing on his mind. It was quiet upstairs and down,giving him a respite from the usual turmoil when he returned home. Unlike at the clubhouse back in California, he wasn’t busy watching the door or breaking up a fight. As a lawyer who focused on land rights and tax law, he worked to untangle the shit they snagged when they broke up different underground things. Some people might call them lowlifes, but The Royal MC, led by King Royal as president, did a lot of good for many people. Sure, they might go about it differently than the law, but they got shit done that most agencies couldn’t or wouldn’t.
When a woman or child gets taken, it could take proper channels days, if not weeks, to move. If you have enough money, he and his MC brothers move faster and more efficiently. Whatever they took during their raids was their spoils to keep, kind of like modern-day Robin Hoods.
“You look awfully pensive. Penny for your thoughts.” Jinx walked into the kitchen, wearing a pair of tight black jeans and a figure-hugging, red sweater that looked soft to the touch. Her hair, which had been down her back, was now up in a messy bun with a few loose tendrils around her face. She’dapplied some makeup around her eyes, giving her a sexier look than before.
He’d thought she’d been beautiful, but now he realized she was stunning. Shit, he wanted to spin her around and tell her to change into something else. Like what? A fucking pair of sweats and an oversized sweatshirt. Even those she’d more than likely turn heads in.
“Damn, you’re fucking gorgeous.” He took a huge swallow of his Mountain Dew, finishing the last of his drink before he did or said anything else.
She held her arms out to her sides. “This is pretty much my standard work clothes, except the red sweater. Usually, I wear a T-shirt or tank with a flannel over top. I thought I’d dress up slightly for the holiday.”
He grunted. “If that’s you not trying, I’d probably have a heart attack if you tried.”
She chuckled. “Are you hungry? I can whip up a sandwich before we head into town.”
Viking didn’t trust himself or his self-control to be inside her house, alone with her, without making a move. “I’m good unless you want something.”
“I usually pop a pizza in at the bar while I’m getting things prepared.”
Why that hurt his heart, he wasn’t sure. This woman shouldn’t be eating bar food alone. Hell, she shouldn’t be working at a bar, but he knew better than to say shit like that to her. She’d give him the middle finger and stomp her sexy little ass away from him.
“Well, let’s hit the road then, Vakker. Do you need to grab anything or turn your lights off?” He could see that some were still on upstairs.
Jinx shook her head. “Nah, I like having them on when I return after a late night.”
He moved, caging her between him and the bar. “Do you like being out here all by yourself?”
She swallowed, licked her lips, and watched him through the screen of her impossibly long lashes. Viking gripped her by the hips and settled her onto the granite surface, stepping between her spread thighs.
“I asked you a question, Jinx.” He bent and placed a little kiss on the corner of her mouth.
“I like the quiet and the peace here. I feel safe.” Her lips rolled inside her mouth as if she wished she could call back her words.
“People usually find safety in crowds and in town with neighbors.” He didn’t ease back, liking the way they were close enough he could feel every quiver of her body against his.
