“I think we’re gonna have a really good time together,” I told him, my voice husky with want.
If he was already this much of a firecracker when we kissed, he’d be an absolute beast in bed, and I couldn’t wait to bury myself in that gorgeous ass. His bubble butt would bounce perfectly when I fucked him and I’d?—
SMACK!
Stunned, my hand flew to my left cheek, more out of shock than because his slap had actually hurt. “What the bloody hell was that for?”
He shoved me back and put his hands on his hips, eyes blazing. “For assuming I’d jump into bed with you.”
“But you kissed me back, and you were…” I gestured. “Hard?”
“So? That doesn’t give you the right to assume I’d let you fuck me. What kind of cop are you, taking advantage of your protectee like that?”
Cop.
Protectee.
Fuck me sideways. I’d completely forgotten about that, about who I was supposed to be. Detective O’Rourke, NYPD, not Eamon the horny guardian angel who wanted to bend his protectee over the nearest available surface. My mind raced like a hamster on a wheel. Was there a way to salvage this clusterfuck? What could I say or do to preventhim from telling me to piss off and find someone else to protect him?
Not only would Gabriel be absolutely livid—and I’d probably end up with desk duty for the next century—but Charles would be in actual danger because the threat to him was real. Carlo wasn’t going to magically disappear just because I’d fucked up my cover story. The man still wanted to kill a cop, and Charles was still the only witness who could identify him.
I could lie to him again, spin some bullshite story. The words were right there, ready to roll off my tongue like they always did. But the thought left a nasty taste in my mouth, like I’d been chewing on pennies. If I did that, would I be able to face myself in the mirror? I doubted it, judging by the heavy sensation sitting in my stomach. Christ, when had I developed a conscience?
“I forgot,” I said quietly, opting for the truth for once. “I got caught up in the kiss and forgot who I was.”
Charles’s eyes widened. “Forgot?”
I nodded. “You kissed me like…like you were into me, and I felt the same way, and I responded with my…” I sighed at myself. “With my dick instead of my head. I’m sorry.”
The last two words came easier than I had expected. I hated having to apologize, like it was a hit to my pride or something. But this time, I meant it.
“Oh.” Charles’s posture sagged a little, as if the fight had left him.
“You’re a really good kisser,” I offered, risking a half-smile.
He inhaled deeply, then sighed. “So are you. And you’re clearly into men.”
“I am. And for the record, I am single.” I didn’t wanthim to think I would ever cheat on a partner. His lips curled up in a smile, and I breathed with relief. I’d somehow managed to get back into his good graces, thank fuck. “So you forgive me?” I asked to be sure.
He hesitated for a moment. “Yes, but don’t do it again.”
“I can’t guarantee that. Stupid to say, maybe, but in the name of truth and honesty and all that…”
“Why not?”
“Because if we kiss again, I’m just as likely to get caught up in it again, so I’m not making any promises.”
He slowly shook his head. “That should not be as charming as you somehow manage to make it.”
I flashed a grin. “Sorry?”
“No, you’re not. Not even a little bit. And what’s worse is that neither am I. Now let’s go inside before Edna has a heart attack. And keep your hands and your tongue to yourself.”
Oh, wasn’t he delicious when he went all bossy? Made me want to kiss him even more, but I was at least smart enough to keep that part to myself.
For now.
FIVE
