Free Crossing Lines by Alannah Lynne

truck,” she said. “It was a long walk… errr… hop.”
    “Oh yeah, it’s at least fifty yards from the edge of the pavilion to that amazing space I got right at the front of the lot.”
    “Patience isn’t your strong suit, is it?”
    Her teasing tone relaxed his guard and without thinking, he laughed and drew her in close for a hug.
    A flash of heat ripped through him as her breast pressed against his chest, and when her eyes fixed on his mouth and she bit down on her lip, he nearly stumbled and fell. He drew in a deep, calming breath, but the scent of her shampoo and sunscreen dug deep into his lungs, which only served to send the pulsating energy rippling through him straight to his dick.
    Caught in the same current dragging him under, her breathing grew choppy and her arms tightened around his neck as her lips parted, ready and waiting to be kissed. His lips tingled, begging for a touch and a taste of her mouth, while the rest of his body demanded more.
    A squeal from the backyard ripped through the magnetic energy pulling them together and broke the spell. He realized he’d stopped in his tracks on the sidewalk and was staring at her like a lovesick teenager—an awkward love-struck teenager who didn’t know what the next move should be. The very adult male in him had no hesitations about how to proceed, and based on her reaction, she was right there with him.
    Shit, this so wasn’t the way to start off an afternoon of maintaining a professional distance and was nothing like hanging out with the guys. He’d never carried Wade around, and he sure as shit never wanted him so badly he could taste it.
    Guilt over Lizbeth kick-started his ass and propelled him toward the backyard gate.
    Searching for a plausible explanation for his hot-to-cold reaction, he muttered, “The natives are getting restless.”
    As the gate swung shut behind him, the sound of the lock dropping into place rang out like a shot. So this was what it felt like to be locked in a pen with an exotic animal. Nerve-wracking. Exhilarating. Terrifying.
    Two weeks… Surely he possessed enough self-control to keep his hands and mouth off her for two weeks.

Chapter Seven

    S am had never seen such a magnificent house, and while fascinated with the site layout, construction, and landscaping, she was intimidated by the enormity. “Who lives here?”
    “Cynthia and Max Holden own the property,” Kevin said, easing her onto one of the poolside chaise loungers. “Max is currently indisposed, so Cynthia needs help keeping up with everything. Since I split my time between Myrtle Beach and Riverside, I don’t need anything bigger than the guesthouse. When their daughter, Callie, moved out, I moved in. The arrangement works well—”
    Spencer and Michy burst through the open front door with towels in hand. “Can we go swimming now, Uncle Kevin?”
    Kevin turned to Sam. “Can Michaela swim?”
    “Yep.” She gave Michy her stern-mother face, which Michy returned with an I’m-too-freaking-adorable-to-ever-get-into-trouble grin. “No splashing.”
    Michy’s grin slipped to a pout. “You aren’t coming in with us? You got on your bathing suit.”
    Kevin’s head swiveled her way and his eyes lowered, as if trying to confirm visually.
    She had no idea what he’d been thinking while carrying her to the backyard, but when he stopped and his hot, hungry eyes devoured her mouth, she nearly orgasmed on the spot. The sexual energy rolling off him had been a powerful shock, paralyzing her lungs. Trapped in his gaze, she couldn’t do anything but hold her breath and prepare for his onslaught.
    Unfortunately, she’d been spared.
    She didn’t know if he held back because of the kids, or because he wanted to be a gentleman and not move too fast. Whatever the reason, she hoped they passed that particular roadblock soon, because the real Kevin, in person and on fire, was a million times better than any fantasy.
    Knowing he was attracted was the encouragement