Free Line of Fire by Jo Davis Page B

explored his mouth, tasting a hint of beer almost masked by peppermint. Beyond that, a flavor unique to him, heady and masculine like his spicy scent.
    His arms went around her as he leaned back against his truck, legs spread, snuggled her in right where she longed to be. Like before, she was struck by the overwhelming sense of rightness. As though she’d been made for this man, and her entire existence had been only that—marking time until she met the man brave enough to crack her safe shell.
    “God, if we keep this up I’m going to embarrass myself,” he said huskily, cupping her face.
    His erection burrowed into her tummy, hard and hot. Insistent. Being plastered against one-hundred-percent-potent, aroused male sent signals of appreciation to every nerve ending. One word and she’d have him in her bed, sliding inside her, fucking her into the mattress.
    Lord, she was wet. She hadn’t been celibate over the years, but her desire for this man was completely different. She’d never felt like she’d die if she didn’t rub her naked body against his, skin to skin. She wanted to roll all over him, mark him as hers.
    “Want to go inside?”
    He nodded, lips curving upward. “I’d love to. But I’m not going to jump your bones—yet. I don’t think we’re ready.”
    “Speak for yourself!”
    Deep down, though, she knew he was right. She’d learned a harsh lesson before. What was it about Tommy that made her toss her common sense out the window?
    “Well, I’m physically ready. No hiding the truth.” His slow grin was devastating. “I’m not, however, willing to mess this up.”
    “I thought you said this is my show,” she pointed out.
    “It is. Which is why I’m not going to let things go too far. Not today.”
    “Huh? Then how can you say I’m in charge if you’re telling me no?”
    “Because you didn’t try to convince me,” he said gently.
    “Not really. When you’re truly ready, you’ll know. You’ll be absolutely certain, and we’ll both be on the same page.”
    “Oh.”
    The truth dawned and she stared at him, seeing him in a new light yet again. He could’ve taken advantage of her vulnerability, sated their lust, knowing it might hurt them in the long run. Yet he hadn’t.
    “Sweet, wonderful man.” She gifted him with a slow kiss.
    “Are you for real? Never mind. I can tell you are.” He was still rock hard and surely in pain.
    He laughed, shook his head. “I have an idea. Why don’t we grab a burger or something? Talk for a while.”
    “I’m a nasty sweat ball, so if you’ll wait while I take a quick shower, you’re on.”
    “I happen to like you sweaty. Makes it easier to slide into home base.” He waggled his brows, making her laugh.
    “Yuck. I’m showering, and that’s one fetish you can cross off your list, dude.”
    Stepping back, she turned and started for her apartment, giggling at his loud protest.
    “Hey! I haven’t said that word around you in forever!” He hurried to catch up. “My friends have almost coached it out of me.”
    “Good. But don’t change another thing, all right? I like you just the way you are.”
    “Seriously?”
    “Yes. What about me? Is there anything you’d change?”
    “Are you kidding?” He sounded taken aback as he fell in step beside her. “You’re the most perfect woman I’ve ever met. You’re smart, beautiful—”
    “I wasn’t fishing,” she said, color heating her cheeks. Liar.
    “Doesn’t matter if you were. That’s how I feel and if you change one hair on your head, I’ll be upset.”
    “Hmm. I guess the purple-dyed Mohawk is out, then.”
    “Unless you want me to sport a matching one.”
    “Definitely out.”
    She pulled her keys from her shorts and let them inside, breathing a sigh of relief to be in the air-conditioned space. “Jeez, it must be a hundred and ten outside. Want something to drink while you wait?”
    “No, I’m good, thanks.” He glanced around. “Nice place. Bigger than mine, and