Run the Risk

by Lori Foster

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  FEELING DARING AND HOT and far too needy, Pepper held her breath as Logan hesitated, his expression both confused and concerned. She knew he wanted her. Already he was semierect, dark eyes glittering, cheekbones flushed.

  “Go on.” She stepped away from the door—and peeled off her own shirt to bare her breasts. She dropped it on the wooden floor and turned to him.

  He looked at her body in minute detail, then back to her face. He’d grown so rigid, he looked ready to break. In contrast, he kept his tone gentle. “What are we doing here, honey?”

  “Not your honey,” she reminded him again—and she opened the snap on her jeans. “But I like having sex with you, so why should I do without? Now that we’re both out in the open, well, no more need for restraint, right?” Teasing him, she eased down the zipper.

  Logan’s breathing deepened, but still, he didn’t lose the shorts.

  Pepper considered him, then gave a shrug. “Feeling shy?” She knew that wasn’t his problem. “I can go first. Modesty isn’t one of my virtues.”

  And with that, she pushed the jeans down her hips, stepped out, and dropped them with the shirt. She wore only tiny panties.

  “Pepper…” His sharpened gaze moved over her body.

  “What? You’re sorry that you hurt me? You don’t want to hurt me anymore?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then give me what I need.” She sat on the bed, scooted back until she could recline in the middle, and smiled at him. “I need to shake off some tension. That means I need you.”

  Seeking self-discipline, he worked his jaw, finally got his attention on her face and came to sit on the side of the bed. “I’m not sure—”

  She sat up. “You want me to go to Reese or Dash, instead? Is that it? I don’t know if either of them would be interested, but, hey, if you’re not willing—”

  “No.” With anger overshadowing other emotions, he turned to her and caught her shoulders. “You’re not going to any other man.”

  She trailed her fingertips over his chest. “No, I won’t.” Enunciating carefully, she said, “Not if you. Get. Naked.”

  While he struggled to figure her out, he contracted his fingers on her shoulders, caressing her. “You want…sex?”

  “Oh, yeah.” Done waiting, she pushed him to his back—and he let her. God, he looked good. Even while almost hating him, she wanted him.

  So damn much.

  She opened the fastening to his shorts. “What we did before, Logan? That was pleasant, you know? Discreet. Naughty.” She pulled his shorts down, taking his boxers off at the same time. “It satisfied me.”

  He lifted his hips to help her. “It was special to me.”

  “Baloney.” Not wanting to hear his explanations, to maybe be fooled again, she wrapped her fingers around his erection, stopping him in midprotest. He made a halfhearted effort to stop her, but when his hand covered hers, it was to squeeze. “Like it firm, huh? I can do that.”

  Sensation closed his eyes, stiffened his shoulders. He growled her name.

  “Shh. No talking, okay?” If he tried to reason with her, to do more lame apologizing, she’d get off track. “Let me enjoy you.”

  He hesitated, but in the end, they both knew he would agree. “You think I used you, so using me will make you feel better?”

  “You did use me.” She stood in a rush and finished stripping off his shorts, then looked at his body while removing her panties. He had powerful thighs, hairy calves and big feet. “No reason to overanalyze it.”

  “No, I won’t.” He relaxed back on the bed, offering himself to her, for whatever she wanted.

  And she wanted a lot.

  He wasn’t an overmuscled brute like Reese, and while tall, he didn’t have the extraordinary height of Rowdy or Dash. But he was so incredibly sexy, the perfect combination of muscle, bone and body hair. She couldn’t imagine a man being more masculine, or more…perfect.

  Shaking off that thought, she crawled up over his thighs and stared down at his cock.

  Logan watched her through heavy eyes, breathing deep, expression severe with expectation. Slowly, he cupped her breast.

  Ah, God, that was so wonderful. His hands were big and hot and strong… For only a moment, Pepper tipped back her head and closed her eyes.

  That must’ve encouraged him, because he cupped both breasts, stroked her, brought his thumbs into play over her now tight nipples.

  “I don’t know the rules here, honey, but I’d love to kiss you.”

  She didn’t have any rules, not for this.

  “Yeah.” She got herself under control. “I’d enjoy that, too.” Sprawling out over him, her legs open over his hips, she took his mouth.

  In her mind, she’d wanted to stay in charge, to show him her strength.

  To prove that he hadn’t hurt her.

  But now that she had him naked and in bed, now with his mouth on hers… He so easily took over, leading while she followed, and she didn’t care.

  It shocked her, how devastating a kiss could be. Wet and deep and somehow so right that she knew she’d been starved for him. How had she not known the potency of his kiss?

  Had he been holding back before this?

  Or was it that she now felt free?

  Keeping her involved with the play of his tongue, he moved his hands over her back, down to her bottom, then to the backs of her thighs.

  He urged her legs open more, spreading them until she lay flat against him. His arms came around her, keeping her that close.

  Right where she wanted to be.

  Pepper lifted her head and breathed urgently, “Do you have a rubber?”

  “Just one.” More kisses, each hotter than the one before. “In my wallet.”

  “Tomorrow,” she murmured, “get more.”

  As if that pushed him over the edge, he turned and pinned her under him. His mouth was at her neck, and she just knew he would mark her.

  That turned her on, too, so she wrapped her legs around him.

  He sucked and licked his way to the upper swells of her breasts—and then down to her left nipple. He sucked her in, his rough tongue laving, his mouth hot.

  “Logan.” Holding his head to her, she arched up.

  He groaned. “You are so sweet.”

  No, sweet was not a word that applied to her. “I need you, Logan. Right now.”

  “Not yet.” He kissed his way to her other breast, drew on that nipple, too.

  “Logan.” Voice high and thin, she said, “It’s too much.”

  “Let me help.” He insinuated his hand between their bodies, cupped over her mound with his fingers softly playing, searching. He parted her swollen lips, then paused. “You’re already wet.”

  “I need you inside me.”

  He worked two fingers deep. “Better?” he asked while kissing the corner of her mouth, her jaw, her throat.

  “Yes, but not good enough.” She caught his face to end his teasing. “I need this, Logan. Right now. No seduction. No reservations. Definitely no apologies.”

  His fingers still deep inside her, his chest hair tickling her nipples, his weight a warm comfort, he said, “God, I need you, too, Pepper. But—”

  “Shh.” She kissed his mouth. “I’ve thought about this ever since you first moved in next door to me. So, please. Put on the condom and let’s both take what we need.”

  After a searching look, he kissed her long and hard—and rolled away. In seconds, he had the condom out of his wallet and rolled on.

  Throbbing with need, Pepper reached out to him. He settled back between her legs, kissed her again and kept on kissing her while opening her with his fingers, pressing in a little.

  She freed her mouth to groan.

  He captured it again—and thrust deep.

  Ah, now this was what she wanted. His taste, his warmth, the press of his body over hers, his breath on her face, his scent all around her.

  He tangled one hand in her long hair, and wi
th the other he held her breast, a little rough, a lot amazing.

  The bed bounced against the wall, but neither of them made a move to readjust. She didn’t care, and she wasn’t sure Logan even noticed. In minutes, pleasure began to coil, growing tighter and tighter. Her groans turned into throaty moans. Her heels pressed into his back. Her fingers dug into his shoulders.

  She strained against him, reaching for release, needing the oblivion so badly…

  Logan put his head back, his jaw tight, his teeth locked. She knew he fought off his own release to wait for her—and that did it.

  Pleasure rolled over her, a giant, pulsing tide of sensation. She arched hard, crying out, holding tight to Logan until she heard his vibrating groans fading.

  Slowly, he settled his weight back down over her, then rolled to his back while keeping her close. It was dangerous, but she allowed herself a single minute of luxuriating in what they’d shared. Her heart continued to pound—and Logan continued to idly stroke her.

  There were no words. What could she say? You owed me that? Well done? Thanks? Hell, no.

  Not only didn’t he deserve that from her, but…it would cheapen it all. Even hurt and angry, she couldn’t do that.

  But she could get herself together and protect her heart from further damage.

  She stroked his damp chest, touched his whisker-rough jaw and sat up.

  His hand trailed from her shoulder down to her wrist to catch her fingers. When she looked at his face, she found his gaze wary but relaxed, possessive and yet watchful.

  Don’t do it, don’t do it, don’t—she leaned down and kissed him, a complete wimp when it came to resisting him. Thankfully, she summoned the wit to keep it light. “Sleep well.”

  She stood and reached for her shirt.

  Logan came up to one elbow. No longer so mellow, he asked sharply, “What are you doing?”

  No way would she look at him again. Already the hurt in his voice knotted her stomach. She pulled on her shirt and tried to sound cavalier when she said, “Heading back to my own room.”

  Finally catching on, his expression hardened. He sat up on the side of the bed. “You could stay here with me.”

  “Thanks, but no.” She pulled on her panties.

  “Pepper—”

  Please don’t let me crack until I’m alone. “’Night, Logan.” She opened the door, slipped out and pulled it closed behind her. Both Reese and Dash remained at the table, cards spread out in front of them. They tried not to look at her, but they failed.

  Chin up, feigning as much attitude as she could muster, Pepper went to the room assigned her. She closed her door with a soft click, then pushed in the lock.

  Awful pain squeezed her heart, and emotion choked her until she couldn’t breathe right. Slowly, she slid down the door to sit on the cold wooden floor, her knees drawn up, her eyes burning. She hugged herself and did her best to swallow back the tears.

  She’d always known that a normal life wasn’t in the cards for her.

  But then, she’d never figured on meeting a guy like Logan Riske.

  *

  LOGAN WAS THE FIRST UP the next morning. Then again, he hadn’t gone to sleep. On the couch, Reese stirred, grumbled at Logan and rolled to his side.

  Reese overflowed the couch by a good foot. He had to be miserably uncomfortable. Today he’d go back into town armed with a story for the lieutenant and a cover that would allow Logan to stay with Pepper.

  He carried the cell with him, but so far, Rowdy hadn’t called.

  Standing in the kitchen, he waited for the coffee to finish. He’d made a big pot, so it was taking longer.

  A door opened, and, stiff, Logan walked to the end of the kitchen to see. But it was Dash. He had on jeans but hadn’t fastened them. After a quick look at Reese, Dash asked quietly, “Coffee?”

  “Should be done soon.”

  “Thanks.” Dash went on into the bathroom, then joined Logan a minute later. He leaned back on the counter, crossed his arms and waited.

  Now that he wasn’t caught up in the hottest lust imaginable, Logan knew that Dash and Reese had to be well aware of what had transpired last night. Hell, he could still remember how Pepper had tightened all around him, how wet she’d gotten, how hot.

  Her raw, broken cries as she came.

  How she’d held him as close as she could.

  And then she’d left him.

  The second the coffee finished brewing, Dash was on it. As he poured two cups, he said, “Okay, I know I’m up with the sun because that’s how it is in construction, and I’m a creature of habit. Work or not, I’m awake. What’s your excuse?”

  Logan took his mug and went to the table to sit. “A shitload to do today.”

  “Yeah, about that.” Dash pulled out a chair. “I wouldn’t mind a clue or two. Am I playing watchdog? Errand boy? What?”

  “Probably all of the above.”

  Another door creaked, and Pepper stepped out of her room. She looked first at Reese on the couch, then toward Logan and Dash. With no inflection whatsoever, she asked, “Coffee?”

  Logan took in her disheveled hair, her heavy, sleepy eyes and her “just tumbled” appearance. He burned for her all over again. She was back to wearing just a T-shirt, and she had beautiful legs.

  Legs that she’d wrapped around him while he rode her…

  Dash said, “Just got done. Cream and sugar?”

  “Please.” She yawned inelegantly and headed into the bathroom.

  Dash prepared her cup of coffee, set it on the table and cleared his throat.

  Logan was doing a good job of ignoring his brother when they both heard Reese get up. In his boxers, Reese started for the bathroom, but Dash said, “Occupied.”

  That stymied Reese for a moment until he shrugged and stepped outside.

  Pepper noticed the opened patio doors when she emerged. She looked at the couch again, found it empty and smirked.

  Still without jeans, she came to the table and dropped into a chair. Head propped on a fist, she indicated the extra coffee mug. “Mine?”

  Dash smiled at her. “Let me know if it’s okay.”

  She sipped, sighed dramatically and said, “Perfection. Thanks.”

  Even after Dash nudged him, Logan couldn’t stop staring at her. He hated it, the way she made him feel so fucking…lost. He was a man who liked to act, not wallow in indecision and confusion. He knew right from wrong, and he enforced it. He went after what he wanted, whether it was a woman or a criminal, physical or emotional.

  With Pepper, he didn’t have a clue what to do.

  Reese came in, saw her at the table, and sidetracked to the couch to get his pants. “Please tell me there’s coffee left.”

  “Logan made a whole pot. Mugs are over the stove.” Dash nodded toward the kitchen. “I can put on more after we go through it.”

  “Thanks.” Reese folded his blankets and put those with his pillow back in the closet before heading into the kitchen.

  Pepper stared at the couch he’d just vacated, then turned to Dash. “Make your bed already?”

  “Uh…” He shrugged. “Yeah.”

  She rolled her eyes at Logan. “I know you already did.”

  “Yes. But don’t worry about—”

  “Be right back.” She scraped back her chair and disappeared into her room.

  Reese came to the table with a cup of black coffee and a package of cookies. Minutes later when Pepper returned, he silently offered them to her.

  She took two.

  For some reason, even that turned him on. Shit. Logan turned to look out the window. Thick fog lifted off the lake, visible through the gray dawn. In another hour, the heat and humidity would be suffocating.

  The table squeaked, and he turned to see Pepper carrying her cookies and coffee out to the deck.

  “If Rowdy calls,” he said to Dash and Reese, “let me know.” He went after her.

  Watching the sun creep over the hills, she sat on a dew-wet bench and sipped h
er coffee. The sunrise cut through the fog with blinding force, reflecting off the lake like colored glass.

  Fuck it, Logan decided. He sat close beside her. “Did you get any sleep?”

  “Not really, no.” She sipped her coffee and, voice thick, said, “I might take a nap on the dock today.”

  “It’ll probably hit ninety.”

  “I know.” As if a thousand conflicts didn’t exist between them, she smiled. “I always loved being outside. Even when the heat would chase everyone into the air-conditioning, I’d stay out and swim. Rowdy would harp at me about too much sun. Every time I turned around, he was trying to drag me into the shade. But it usually ended with him joining me.”

  Not touching her cost Logan. It was like holding his breath or going hungry. “He loves you a lot.”

  Her gaze drifted off to the lake. “The sunrise on the river is something to see, too. It colored our old rusted trailer and the carcasses of abandoned cars until they almost looked pretty.” She closed her eyes and put her face up to the sun. “That was the best time to fish—before anyone else got up. Near shore, you could see to the bottom. I learned to clean and cook fish when I was about seven.”

  “That’s awfully young.”

  She opened her eyes. “Sometimes we even had fish for breakfast.”

  Because she had nothing else? He couldn’t bear imagining her in that type of poverty. The people he knew who lived on the river did so in extravagant condos or ostentatious homes. “Rowdy taught you?”

  “He taught me…everything.” She nibbled on a cookie. “He hasn’t called?”

  “Not yet, no. But it’s only seven.” How the hell had she disguised that body? How had she hidden that face? Seeing her now, with the morning sun in her eyes, she was the most beautiful woman he could imagine. “Try not to worry. It really hasn’t been that long.”

  “It’s weird,” she said. “But I think I’d know if he was hurt. Or maybe I just tell myself that, so I don’t go nuts worrying.”

  Almost on cue, the cell in the house rang. Pepper and Logan both turned as Dash stepped out to hand Logan the phone. “It’s Rowdy.” And then to Pepper, “He says he’s fine.”

  Pepper let out a breath and nodded. “Of course he is. Thank you.”