When he hesitated, she cursed her own big mouth. She could see her mom wagging her finger, telling her that asking a man something so personal wasn’t good.
He wrapped his arms behind his head. “You know, I’ve never thought about it in those terms before, but it certainly made me appreciate my older siblings and parents more. Chandler’s death bonded us like never before.”
She leaned forward. “Maybe that’s why you like to protect people. You don’t want to see anyone you love die.” Figuring out a person’s motive excited her.
He reached out and stroked her face. His touch surprised and thrilled her. “You’re a wise one.”
No, she wasn’t. “Only when it comes to solving computer problems.”
He chuckled. “I don’t know. From what I see, you know how to make good friends. That counts for a lot. Lydia came running to see if you were okay, and Connie seemed highly concerned for your well-being.”
“I do have great girlfriends.”
He lowered his arms. “Justin told me the whole community thinks highly of you.”
“That’s nice to hear.”
“You don’t sound all that happy.”
Since Gavin had bared his soul, she guessed it wouldn’t hurt to do the same. She drew her knees close to her chest, wrapped her arms around her legs, and dropped her chin. Gavin focused on her face. She should feel uncomfortable under his scrutiny, but he’d proved he was a complex man who wanted to see deeper into a person.
“I am happy in a lot of ways, but of late, I think I’m missing out on life. I work all the time, and when I am free, I usually spend my time with my parents and sister.”
“No men in your life?” He cocked a brow.
“No.”
“Why not, baby?” She loved her nickname.
As if her body was some kind of trip wire attached to a bomb, and he feared one of them would explode if he pressed too hard, Gavin sat up, reached out, and lightly dragged his fingers down her arm. At first, she held her breath, wondering what he was doing. His long, even strokes bounced between her wrist and her shoulder. The seductive slowness helped lull her. Only when he curled his fingers and the tips touched her breast did her body shoot to high alert.
Was he aware what he was doing to her? Answer him.
She moved out of his reach. “Most men are scared of my accomplishments. They think if a woman has technical expertise that she can’t relate to them.”
“I don’t think that. I think smart women are sexy.”
She looked up at him and his smile took her breath away. “Do you now?”
“Absolutely. I also like a woman who isn’t afraid to be herself. Take you, for example. You were right to be afraid when that ass attacked you, but you didn’t freak out. Rather, you rationally assessed the situation and very wisely agreed to do what Riley and I suggested.”
She laughed. “You mean, I was so stunned that I allowed myself to be led into your den of safety.”
He sat up and tugged her toward him so that her back was to his chest. “Lean against me.”
Without questioning if it was wise or not, she blanked her mind to all objections why this wasn’t right, and did as he commanded. Gavin had listened to her concerns and had been there for her in her darkest hour. For that she’d be eternally grateful.
When the pressure on her the side of her breast increased, she let a small groan escape. He lifted his hand, pulled back her hair, and exposed her neck.
“I like your hair.”
Had his tone not sounded sincere, she might have shot back a self-deprecating response. Her unruly mop was the bane of her existence. All through high school she’d tried to tame it but to no avail. Once she opened her store, she gave up on ever attracting a man and let it go natural.
Gavin’s warm breath made her body tense with pleasure. A man as handsome, experienced, and charming as Gavin could have any woman in Pleasure. In fact, just last week when she was in the Mountain View Bar & Grill, she’d overheard two women swooning over both of them. She didn’t listen for long, but the few comments she caught suggested they were trying to think of how they could use a detective agency.
Once more his fingers brushed her breast, and her pulse shot skyward. Tingles traveled down her body and her pussy took notice. Was he merely trying to relax her because of what had happened, or did he want to connect with her on a more intimate level? As she twisted around to ask him, his palm cupped her breast. A need stronger than she’d ever experienced before filled her. She was in totally unchartered territory.
“Gavin?” Her throat turned dry.
“Yes, baby?”
She had to know. “What are you doing?”
“This.” He turned her on her side and kissed her.
The incredible contact accompanied a groan and then a tug until his cock was nestled between her legs.
Her body and mind exploded. Decision time.
Chapter Five
Brooke’s heart pounded and moisture pooled between her legs. This virile man couldn’t want her. There had to be a mistake. Yet when his tongue edged across her lips, she was powerless to keep them sealed. She told herself that after being chased and almost killed, she deserved a few minutes of bliss. Besides, Gavin really seemed to understand what she’d been through, both recently and in her past.
To feel wanted and cherished, even if it only lasted a few moments, would help soothe her soul. She desired him. Plain and simple. The moment their tongues touched, it was as if they’d known each other forever. Gavin dove in and twisted his around hers. His moan made her even wetter.
The chance to feel his hard body urged her to press her chest against his.
He broke the kiss. “Brooke. God.” He charged once more. His tongue explored the roof of her mouth, her teeth, her whole being. His fingers tightened their hold on her shoulders, and when he slipped a hand down her back, his large cock jammed against her belly.
The enormity of what he wanted washed over her, and she leaned back. “I can’t.”
He stilled. “Oh, baby. I want you, but I totally get if you don’t feel the same.”
She didn’t need to hear any excuses about why he got carried away. “I’m sorry, too. I should go back to my room.”
You’re an idiot.
No, you couldn’t handle the rejection, especially tonight.
But Gavin’s different.
She wished for once she didn’t war with herself.
He released her. “Sure. I never want to make you do anything you don’t want.”
She did want him. That was the problem.
She scooted off the other side of the bed, and as quickly as she could, ran into her room and shut the door, making sure to depress the lock. “You’re a fool.”
Her heart pounded and she faced the door wondering if he’d come after her. If he did, she wasn’t sure if she turned him down again.
When there were no sounds in the hallway, she crawled into bed and pulled the blanket tight against her neck. She never let her emotions get the best of her. Why now? Was it the precarious situation she was in, or Gavin’s warm sensual nature?
Her heart had ached when he told her about Chandler, and she loved the pride he had for his older brother. Gavin put family first, and he’d proven he would sacrifice his life for his country and those he loved.
So what had stopped her? She knew. Making love with Gavin would only lead to disappointment, and there had been enough of that in her life. Especially with all that was going on, she didn’t need to be distracted by either man. Her pussy was pissed she’d stopped, but her good sense rejoiced.
He’d been brave when she’d cleaned his wound and stood still when she wrapped his arm. He didn’t give her the chance to check out all of his body, but three bullet holes was more than any man should have to endure. He seemed to wear them like a badge of honor.
When he’d pulled her to him, he’d been gentle. It was her fault for asking if she could stay, and it had been her fault to turn around when he brus
hed her breast. She should have known he’d kiss her. Asking for his touch then denying him might have been wrong, but she wanted a clear mind before she made such a big decision to sleep with him.
You need to sleep.
She punched the pillow to get comfortable, but the heavy blanket was too hot. She pushed it off only to get chilled a few minutes later. Once she rearranged her bedding to her liking, she dozed. Like an infinite movie loop, she saw that man step on Chris Culver’s chest then stab him. When he knelt beside the man and stuck his hand in his gut, the horror returned.
She bolted upright with sweat beading her face. This wasn’t good. She had to get control of herself. She turned on the bedside lamp and rolled over, hoping the light would chase away the evil spirits.
Nope.
She refocused to when she’d walked out of the shower naked. If only she’d been wearing her glasses, she could have seen Riley’s reaction. He might have sounded cheery, but only by seeing his eyes could she have detected his true intention.
Realizing she wasn’t going to get much sleep, she rolled onto her back and dreamed about a fantasy life with two men. Many of her friends, like Lydia and Chelsea, were in a ménage relationship and raved about it. Brooke struggled to find one man to go out with, let alone two who liked to share.
Somehow she fell asleep thinking happy thoughts, but when she awoke, she was anything but rested. The aroma of coffee seeped under her door, urging her to get out of bed. There was a lot to do. Maybe the men would let her grab her computer from the store. One way she earned extra money was to do database work for clients, but for that she needed her equipment.
After she dressed for the warmth, she headed to the kitchen. Darn. Only Gavin was there. Here, she’d hoped he’d have left to do some chore.
He was scrambling eggs and looked up at her. “Hey. Sleep well?”
He couldn’t think the answer was yes. “So-so.” She walked next to him and placed a hand on his arm. “How’s the war wound?”
His brows pinched for a moment. “Ah, the graze I got. Good.”
This was awkward, but she wanted to clear the air before Riley came out. “I want to apologize.”
He set the pancake turner down. “There’s nothing to apologize for, baby. You were traumatized and needed a little comfort. I stepped over the line. You were right to tell me to go to hell.”
Did he think that? “I didn’t tell you that.”
Gavin grinned. He leaned over and kissed her forehead. His heavenly male scent, a combination of fresh air and pine, jacked up her hormones.
“I was only trying to lighten the mood.”
Once more she’d misread his social cue. She shouldn’t be so quick to take things at face value. Gavin was a wonderful man, and she knew better than to insist she sit by his bed and play nurse.
He picked up the spatula and placed the eggs on a big platter. “Have a seat.”
“You don’t have to serve me.”
“I’m serving me, too.”
He did have a point. “Where’s Riley?”
“In Bozeman to see what the cops there know.”
She waited for him to add more information, but he didn’t. If he wanted her to be more informed, he would have told her. Maybe not knowing everything that about the case might be better. “When you’re able, could you drop me off at my store?” She looked up at the clock on the stove. She opened in two hours.
“No can do.”
She stilled not sure how to interpret his answer. “Why not?” A rush of anger bubbled up.
“You can’t go to the store until the guy is caught.”
He was being unreasonable. “You don’t understand. I have customers.”
The toaster dinged. As casual as could be, he pried out the toast with a fork and placed the cooked bread on a plate. He set it on the table along with butter and jelly. “Coffee?”
He was hiding something. “What aren’t you telling me?”
“A little testy without your caffeine?”
That might be true in general, but not in this case. “Do you think that evil man will charge into the store and shoot me?” He raised a brow. “Holy shit.”
“We have to be careful, that’s all.”
The man, or one of his accomplices, could stake out her store then follow her back to Gavin’s house. That wouldn’t be fair to him. “Then can I pick up my computer from my house?”
“No.”
This was just plain wrong. Oh, no. “Are you pissed because I didn’t have sex with you?”
His hand clenched, and his jaw turned to steel. “Is that what you think of me? That I would exact some kind of revenge if a woman didn’t have sex with me? Jesus, Brooke.”
She’d royally messed this up, and she needed these men. She sat on the stool at the counter and willed her heart to calm. “Look, I’m not good at being with a guy, okay? I overanalyze everything. I’m sorry if I—”
Gavin rushed over to her and drew her into a hug. “It’s okay, baby. I’m the one who needs to apologize.” He lifted her chin. “I know staying here can’t be easy for you. How about if we take a trip to town? I have to speak with Justin anyway. Maybe you can call your sister and have her meet us at the Mountain View for lunch, and we can tell her what we know. Then we can pick up your computer.”
Fairy tales were only for little girls, but if she did believe in them, Gavin would be her white night and Prince Charming all rolled into one. How he managed to satisfy her wishes and live within his rules of conduct, she didn’t know, but the man was good at making her happy. His sad, hazel eyes made her want to strip him naked and offer herself to him. “That would be wonderful.”
Satisfying her urges could come later. Much later.
He stepped back, strode over to the refrigerator, and pulled out a container of orange juice. He poured two glasses and set one in front of her. “Drink up.”
The man had a way with commands. While he sounded a bit like her stern dad, Gavin always seemed to have her best interest in mind. “Yes, Master.”
His eyes widened as he opened his mouth. She thought he’d say something, but he slightly shook his head and then pressed his lips together.
For the most part, they ate in silence, probably because he was planning for every contingency in case the killer showed up. As soon as she finished, she placed her dishes in the sink, then turned on the water to wash them.
He slid behind her and stayed her hand. “Leave them.”
She turned to face him. His lips were inches from hers and all she could think of was to kiss him. Her breath caught and she held his gaze. His slightly prominent brows framed a face with a strong jaw, full lips, and wide-set eyes that appeared mysterious one minute and fun-loving the next.
“Aw, baby.”
He cupped her face and kissed her with more passion than she thought possible. His thumbs rubbed circles on her cheeks, and his lips hardened then softened. Thrills, lust, and happiness slammed into her. His kiss was what dreams were made of. She didn’t wait for him to ask permission for their tongues to explore each other. She opened her mouth, and he did the same. Their tongues met in the middle, jousting for position, and her wet hands slid up his back. When his muscles rippled, her pussy dampened with intense desire. Her brain soared as electric charges rippled up her body. Gavin was good. Gavin was kind. And she wanted him.
He jerked back. “I don’t know what comes over me when I get near you. I’m here to protect you, not take advantage of you.”
“I wanted you to kiss me,” she said without giving any thought as to whether that sounded desperate or not.
His smile reached his eyes. “Me, too.” He tapped her nose. “But I promised Justin I’d stop by the office, and if I don’t stop now, there’s no telling where it could lead.”
To the bedroom perhaps?
Brooke Marie Armstrong. She could hear her mother chastising her for such illicit thoughts. Her mom would only be trying to protect her, but with Gavin she truly didn’t thin
k he’d ever hurt her.
“I know.” Damn. She so loved kissing him. He never faltered. He kissed her with the experience of a man who could take her to the highest peak. Stop dreaming and move. “I’ll get my coat.” She hustled into the bedroom. When she returned, Gavin was strapping on a holster. “Gavin? Is that necessary?”
He blew out a breath. “I’ll feel better if I wear it. It’s like a second skin.”
She supposed if he’d been a sniper, having a gun in his hands or nearby would bring him some sense of normalcy. “I get it. It’s like if I went to troubleshoot without having my computer and external hard drives and cords.”
“I love a smart woman.” He winked and slipped his jacket over his weapon. “Ready?”
Her heart soared. “Very.”
He held open the kitchen door that led to the garage. She slid into the passenger seat and clicked on her seatbelt. Gavin walked behind the car but didn’t get in. She turned around and watched him disappear through a side door. He returned in a few seconds later and jumped in the driver’s side.
“Just checking to make sure that man hadn’t somehow figured out you’re staying here.”
She slumped in her seat. Only then did she think about her car, which was parked down the street from her store. “Do you think my car is safe in town?”
He opened the garage door, started the engine, and backed out. “Most likely, but I’d feel better if we kept it in my garage.”
Once more, Gavin took her concerns into consideration. If she wasn’t careful, she’d start thinking about a happily every after with him. “I would, too.”
The image of Riley appeared. While she didn’t know him as well, she really liked the way he organized his thoughts and his room. His sense of humor appealed to her, too. Between the two, only he’d seen her naked. If he found her unappealing, she would have sensed it by now. The bizarre part was that he seemed to genuinely like her. Having two men treat her well still boggled her mind.
“Maybe you can drive it back this afternoon, but you’ll have to be willing to take a few detours.” Gavin’s comment jerked her back to the present.
She could only imagine what that would entail. “I’ll be happy to. I don’t need that jerk to tamper with my car.” She imagined putting the key in the ignition and the car blowing up. She shivered.
Monroe, Melody Snow - Bodyguards of Pleasure [Pleasure, Montana 8] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 6