Between the pages…between the sheets…something’s smokin’!
By the Book
© 2008 N.J. Walters
Amanda Barrington hopes Jamesville is the right place for her rare-book business—and her new life. The moving truck barely pulls away before both are off to a rousing start. It’s not her new customer that’s caught her attention, though. It’s the customer’s brother, Jonah Sutter.
From the moment cynical, ex-military Jonah sets eyes on Amanda, he burns for her like a house afire—which is what she’s going to have if she doesn’t get her house’s electrical system overhauled. He knows he’s not a forever kind of guy, but he’s more than willing to be her fix-it man. In more ways than one.
When unexpected danger threatens, Jonah finds himself dealing with more than just the desire to get Amanda into bed.
Protecting her means moving in, which exposes them both to a new danger—losing their hearts.
Enjoy the following excerpt for By the Book:
Jonah couldn’t stop staring at Amanda. Her hair was once again caught at her nape in a ponytail. She wasn’t wearing any makeup and there was a smudge of dirt on her nose and another on her cheek. A pair of gold-rimmed glasses perched daintily on her nose, giving her a studious appearance. She hadn’t been wearing them the first time he’d met her so he assumed she must wear contact lenses at least part of the time. She looked good enough to eat and he hadn’t had any breakfast yet. He’d left home the second he’d gotten Shamus’s phone call.
“Can I come in?” His voice was rough with arousal, but he was hoping she wouldn’t notice. Thankfully, he’d left his shirt untucked and the tails covered most of the front of his jeans, hiding the hard ridge there. His fingers tightened around the handle of his toolbox.
She was wearing a pair of faded jeans that fit her like a glove. The material lovingly caressed her curvy thighs and waist. Her green V-neck T-shirt was modest enough, but it hinted at the firm, rounded breasts beneath it.
Amanda frowned at him and glanced back toward the road. Her eyes widened when she saw the truck he’d driven over here. “Sutter’s Electrical?”
“Family business.” He stepped forward and she fell back a pace. He kept going until he was firmly inside. “Shamus called me.” Jonah used his booted foot to shove the door closed.
“Oh.” He could sense she was still suspicious of him. “That was fast.”
He barely suppressed a smile. She had no idea just how fast he could be given the right motivation. He estimated it would take him about fifteen seconds, maybe less, to strip her clothing off her and burying his face between her curvy thighs. “I was just on my way out the door when he called.”
“Oh.”
“You already said that.”
She scowled at him and waved her hand toward the kitchen. “The electrical panel is downstairs. I have no idea what the problem is, but two of the outlets in the front room don’t work.”
When he didn’t move, she turned on her heel and headed toward the kitchen. Jonah took the opportunity to admire her firm, tight ass. No doubt about it, he’d love to have her on her hands and knees in front of him as he fucked her from behind.
His cock jerked in agreement. Jonah reached down and adjusted himself, but it didn’t help. There was no relief to be found. He’d already done quite a bit of research on Ms. Amanda Barrington and nothing in her past sent up a red flag. She seemed to be exactly what she presented herself as—a dealer of antiquarian and used books who’d moved to Jamesville for a fresh start.
Amanda had one hand on the handle of the basement door. It was more than obvious that she wasn’t comfortable with him. That had to change if he ever hoped to get her into bed with him. And he did.
“How about a cup of coffee?” He placed his toolbox on the floor.
She hesitated. “Okay. I guess that would be…okay.” She sucked her bottom lip into her mouth and nibbled on it.
Jonah almost groaned. There was a natural sensuality about Amanda that he doubted she was even aware of. He glanced away from her and noted all the boxes. She hadn’t even begun to unpack yet.
“I think I can find another mug.” She opened a box and peered inside before she began to rummage.
Unable to resist, he moved up closer to her. As if she sensed him behind her, she jerked upright. “What are you doing?”
“This.” Reaching out, he stroked his thumb over her cheek, brushing at the dirt there. “You have a smudge right here.”
“Oh.” A tinge of pink colored her face. He was fascinated by how easily she blushed. Her pupils dilated as he ran his thumb over the bridge of her nose. “I must have gotten that when I was down in the basement earlier.”
“No problem.” Her skin was so soft beneath his calloused fingers. He wanted to run his hands over her entire body, learning her curves, searching out all her sensitive spots. His gut clenched as he imagined how soft and inviting her pussy would be.
Her breathing was shallow, her chest rising and falling rapidly. She licked her lips and swayed slightly toward him. Her eyelids drifted shut, fanning her thick lashes against her cheekbones. That was all the permission he needed.
Cupping the back of her head with his hand, he held her steady as he lowered his mouth to hers. Her lips were as soft as the rest of her. Jonah ran his tongue over her bottom lip before moving on to the top. He caught the faintest taste of cherries and knew it had to be her lip balm.
Her hair was thick and he tangled his fingers in the mass, not wanting her to escape him. Not yet. He loved the color, with its tinges of cinnamon, red and mahogany. It was vital and alive, just like Amanda. He wanted to know if the hair between her thighs was the same color.
He urged her closer and she came. She made a small sound of pleasure as the soft mounds of her breasts pressed against his chest. One of her hands slid up his arm before stopping at his nape. Her touch made his skin tighten and his balls ache.
Deepening the kiss, he pressed his lips more firmly to hers and let his tongue slide over the seam. She parted for him and he slipped inside. Her mouth was warm and wet and oh-so-inviting. She tasted of coffee, of late nights and early mornings. She tasted like home. But he wasn’t a forever kind of guy.
Jolted, he pulled back. Yes, he wanted to bed her. And he would have her. But only as a temporary lover.
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