Damn, the man was stubborn. Heather pushed over on the worn leather, lifting her skirt to help her get past the stick shift in the middle. Scott scooted in behind her, slamming the door.
“I know you live in the same town as Jack and Callie, but you’ll have to give me directions since I’ve never been there.” Turning the key in the ignition, he started the car.
“We’re going to your place so I can tend to your wounds.”
“I told you I’m fine. I’ll take a shower and it’ll clean up all the dirt and germs. Unless you were planning on scrubbing my back for me?”
“I’m more concerned about your arm and shoulder. How do you plan to bandage that yourself? It looks like it’s still bleeding.”
His silence was like a win for her. As he drove, she studied him. Even covered in dust and debris he was still gorgeous. The loose waves of brown hair called out to her to push them off his forehead. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up, showcasing the muscles of his forearms. Muscles honed to perfection by real work, not some gym equipment. His hands clenched the wheel, indicating his stress level. Because she was here, or the incident at the site?
As he reached down to shift, his bruised and scraped knuckles stood out against his tanned skin. “Does this hurt?” She softly brushedthe torn flesh.
“Stings a little. I’ll let you kiss them better once we get to my place if youfeel the need.”
His knuckles weren’t all she’d like to kiss.Partners. You’re partners. Business and romance don’t always mix well.Remember that.
Keeping her thoughts to herself, she remained silent the rest of the way. They pulled into an apartment complex and he turnedoff the truck.
“I’ve got to warn you I’m not the neatest housekeeper in the world. I don’t even remember if I made my bedthis morning.”
“As I don’t plan on using your bed, it’snot a problem.”
His eyes glowed. “Then why’d you come back with me? Don’t tell me my injuries, because I don’t think they’re all that life threatening.”
Why had she insisted? They hadn’t seen each other or spoken since the wedding a few weeks ago. The wedding where she’d had way toomuch to drink.
Scott opened the door on her side then walked beside her up to the front entrance. Her mind couldn’t get rid of the images she had of them together. But what was from the wedding and what were her memories of Vermont? They definitely kissed at the reception, but after that it was fuzzy. Scott kissing her against a wall, skimming her dress down her body played vividly in her mind. His head between her legs. Yeah, that was one that kept her awake at night, trying to recall if it had happened, or if it was only her imagination.
But when she’d woken the next morning, he’d been up, showered and dressed already, and hadn’t said a word. There’d been no condom wrappers. She’d looked, and she hadn’t been sore down there. But shehad been naked.
“I usually take the stairs since I only live on the third floor, but we can take the elevator in considerationof your shoes.”
“I can do three flights of stairs in these, wise guy. I’ve been wearing heels practically my whole life. My mother trained me early how towalk in them.”
“By all means.” He steered her toward a door. At the bottom, he grinned at her and said,“Want to race?”
“Walk in them, funny boy, not run.” But by the top of the third flight it was apparent she should have taken the elevator. She’d do it on the way down. Which should be soon since watching his ass all the way up three flights of stairs had sent blood flowing to parts she shouldn’t think about right now.
As he unlocked his door, she took in the hallway, then the apartment. Nice. Not too fancy or upscale but certainly clean and homey. One large room housed several areas. Kitchen behind a half wall, dining area in front of it. The living area had a couch, a few comfy chairs, and a large screen television. Of course. If she recalled, Scott was a big sports fan. A few open doors near the furthest wall were most likely bedroom and bath.
“I’m going to jump in the shower and clean all this dust off. Feel free to check the fridge for a drink. I know I’ve got beer but there should be some juice or soda also.” He moved toward one of the doors then paused. “Unless you want to join me.”
Damn his cocky grin. And the adorable dimple in his chin that made her want to kiss it.
“As tempting as that is, I’ll pass. Come out when you’re done. I’ll patch you up. Where’s yourfirst aid kit?”
“In the bathroom. I’ll bring it outwhen I’m done.”
Slipping off her shoes and dropping them on the floor, she waited a few moments after the shower started up then peeked into the other room. His bed had actually been made, though it looked more like he’d simply thrown his comforter over the sheets and smoothed it out. No accessories or designer pillows like she had in her bedroom. A hamper in the corner was full, with several items hanging off the side, like they were trying to escape the smell. Although she hated to admit it, she kind of liked the way he smelled. Earthy and clean even when he’d been working. Unlike so many of the overly cologned men who existed in her circles. Well, her parents’ circle. She still got dragged into it often enough, but she’d been trying to slowly extricate herself for years.
The shower stopped so she hustled out of the bedroom and moved to the kitchen. His refrigerator was stocked with food that she never would have imagined for a single guy. Vegetables, meats, cheeses, some condiments she’d never used before. What was she expecting? Beer and pizza boxes?Yeah, kind of.
“Here’s my bandages and stuff. It’s not exactly hospital grade but it’ll have to do.”
Lord almighty. Standing there in front of her was a god risen from the sea. Scott, wrapped in only a black towel, as water dripped down his leanly muscled chest into the terry cloth. His hair had been rubbed so it was only damp but the waves stood up, begging to be smoothed down by her hands alone.
“Where do you want me?”
