Another awkward moment filled the cab. I’d never been unable to find words to say, including when I’d all but tossed a woman from my bed.
“Um. Thank you for a nice evening. You certainly were a… welcome surprise.” Fleur looked away as if embarrassed to admit that what we’d shared had been incredible.
The bastard inside of me couldn’t allow the moment to go without cupping her chin and pulling her face toward me. Her lips were positioned in a perfect O, highlighting her heart-shaped mouth.
“I thoroughly enjoyed your company.” The taste of coffee and a hint of vanilla assaulted my senses in the best way possible. I took my time tugging her close, keeping our lips apart while she wrapped her fingers around my shirt. Now she was pulling me closer. There was a moment where I almost reneged again, asking her to stay. But what good would come of it?
I needed to work, spending time searching the internet and making contact to those owing me a favor. When my lips touched hers, she stiffened at first and I was certain she planned on pushing me away.
Instead, she shifted even closer, arching her back. Even the scent of her freshly washed hair infused my senses with the same dark hunger from the night before. Soft and luscious, her lips were a stark reminder of her vulnerability around me. But I couldn’t help myself, savoring the sweetness and her limited surrender.
As I swept my tongue inside her hot mouth, I captured her moan, holding the sound in my throat. She twisted her hand around my shirt, the tips of her fingers finding my chest. The touch not only sizzled my skin but created another series of filthy images.
I continued to wonder if she had any idea of the thoughts running through my mind.
When the kiss was finally over, she sighed, the sound almost resentful but the moment was soon lost and she scooted from my grasp.
With a polite nod that she’d offer any of her customers, she shifted further away.
She stepped out and I’d be damned if I wasn’t twisting my hand around the steering wheel in frustration. Why the hell didn’t I ask her to dinner? One last evening spent together.
Because she was right.
Ending it now was best for both of us.
When she stuck her head back into the SUV, it took every ounce of control not to grab her by the hair. “By the way. If you get bored or hungry, Tilly’s diner has excellent food and the best milkshakes this side of Colorado.”
“In the snow and ice?”
“The best time to have one.” She winked and closed the door.
And another pang of desire tore through me.
I waited until she was safely inside before pulling away, still chastising myself that for the first time, I’d allowed some crazy sense of moral compass to interfere with my savage desires. What in the hell was that all about?
A laugh formed and continued to make its presence known as I headed back to the house, enjoying the scenery as much as the drive. Maybe the fresh air really was doing me some good.
As soon as I pulled into the driveway, I felt a strange, even unwanted sense of loss. And loneliness. After climbing out, I spent a few seconds enjoying the scenery. Who knew. Maybe at some point I’d take up skiing again.
With that thought still rumbling around in my brain, I headed inside. Using my cane. Hobbling the entire time and why? Because I’d put undue stress on the injury.
Fuck me if the living room didn’t smell like her, fresh and soft, floral yet tinged with just a hint of musk. Enough to create another series of evil thoughts. The empty fireplace immediately commanded my attention.
What the hell? Why not finish a goddamn task using her advice? With a roaring fire going, I’d concentrate on the necessary business. After flinging the jacket onto the stump, I grabbed the maul, more determined than ever not to allow the hunks of wood to win.
After standing just so, I swung the maul, catching the piece of wood in the right place. Well, hell. The feisty woman was right. Something else I’d never admit.
Just before taking another swing, something caught my attention. Instantly bristling, I replaced the maul with my gun, scanning the entire perimeter as I walked to the line of trees flanking the back of the property. Bending down, I took a deep breath.
Footprints.
CHAPTER 13
Fleur
Missing him.
Missing a man I had no clue about was ridiculous. However, the fact that I’d stood at the front window, hiding in the corner to keep from being seen, until Montgomery had driven away was proof of how much he’d affected me. Not just sexually.
