“I know you are.” He hesitates, then his voice gets quieter as he snaps off the light. “I just can’t stop thinking about that kiss. I can’t even blame the wine.” He chuckles ruefully. “It was the most unprofessional moment of my life, and by far the sexiest.”
Can he hear my shaky exhale in the dark?
“But don’t worry. I desperately want to kiss you goodnight, but I’m going to wait for you to come to me.”
“Um…”
“If you don’t, that’s fine too. I just want you to be happy and comfortable, okay?”
“Uh…” So much for my iron will. “You know how if food falls on the floor for less than five seconds, it doesn’t count?”
He laughs. “Yeah…?”
There’s just enough light peeking in around the curtains for me to find Mack’s lips. The second I do, he pulls me against him, holding me so tightly that the kiss steals my breath and makes me squirm. Just as I realize I’m holding back a moan, he releases me.
“Best. Five seconds. Ever,” he murmurs.
I don’t even know what to say. I roll until my back is to him, still picturing those shoulders. That jawline. Those eyes burning into mine. For another five delicious seconds, I feel his hand stroking the back of my hair, then he pulls his hand away.
“Sweet dreams, Layne.”
“Sweet dreams.”
Right. Like I’ll be sleeping tonight.
6
MACK
One of the things I've learned in both security and business in general is to listen. Read body language. Hear those words between the lines that people aren't saying.
For example: something’s definitely up with Layne. I need to put a finger on what it is, so I can sort it out.
I wake up early to find her sleeping curled right into my chest. Instinctively I stroke her back, the soft hum of her breath adding some extra oomph to my morning wood. I want to kiss her awake and caress her sensual body as she stretches. Want to start showing this precious woman how much I need to care for her.
But she’s in a strange place, trapped here with me. She’ll be nervous.
It takes ten full minutes to roll her away, inch by inch, so I don’t wake her. I shower and get ready and am across the room on my phone when she wakes up. Once she's in the bathroom, I order us some coffee, fruit, and croissants.
A few minutes later, the bathroom door cracks open. "Mmm. Do I smell coffee?"
"Yes. Shall I hand you some around the door?"
I don't want to open the door too much or she'll think I'm sneaking a look. The thought of her showering, naked and glistening, and me in there with her, rinsing off her back… This woman makes me burn and gives me chills at the same time.
She pops out her head, a dazzling grin on her face. Her hair is damp, and her freshly scrubbed cheeks are glowing. "Sure. Thank you."
I hand her a mug while staying to the side so I can't look in. I do, however, get a glimpse of her bare shoulder and her towel-draped hip.
I want this woman so much it's becoming a distraction. I retreat to the small desk, flipping through emails on my laptop and getting lost in work while the coffee kicks in.
When Layne steps into the room, she sniffs the air. "What gives? Your coffee smells different than mine."
“I drink the caffeinated stuff until noon—" I start, swiveling my chair toward her. Suddenly I lose the power of speech for a full minute.
Layne is ravishing, wearing a casual dress and strappy sandals. Her hair is tussled and waved, and she's looks to be wearing almost no makeup. Just a smudge of brown on her eyes, and liner on those incredible full lips.
She steps back, blinking in alarm. "What's wrong? The stylist said this was a great brunch outfit."
