Free His to Claim #2: Savage Kiss by Opal Carew Page A

it on your own.”
    She smiled and took a sip of her drink. “Talking about your time away, how was it playing your guitar in front of huge audiences?”
    His eyes glowed. “It was a pure adrenaline rush.”
    She grinned. “A few months ago, I never would have been able to imagine Rafe Ranier, businessman, always impeccably dressed in a designer suit, playing guitar with a rock band in front of screaming fans, but after seeing you with your tattoos and leather jacket, and riding the big motorcycle …” She shrugged. “I still say you inspire me.”
    He leaned forward. “I like that.”
    The intensity of his gaze unsettled her.
    “If I can be some part of you breaking free and finding yourself, that makes me feel good.”
    She gazed into his sky blue eyes, her heartbeat increasing. “I’m glad I make you feel good.”
    He was so close. With his broad shoulders and impressive height, she felt tiny in comparison. She felt the pull of his masculinity as she leaned a little closer. Heat simmered in his eyes as his face drew nearer, then he tipped up her chin. Her breath held as his lips brushed hers. Lightly. Tenderly. Then his mouth moved on hers. She breathed in his musky male scent mixed with leather and mint. The tip of his tongue teased her lips and she opened. Her arms swept around his neck as he slid into her mouth. His hands glided around her waist and he drew her closer. Her eyelids fell closed as she felt his arms envelop her.
    Oh, God, this was really happening. She was in Rafe Ranier’s arms. They were alone in her apartment and he was kissing her. Her bedroom was only yards away. She curled her tongue around his and stroked it. Weak with need, she melted against him.
    His mouth drew away and she opened her eyes.
    He seemed uncertain. “Melanie, are you sure—”
    A knock sounded on the door and she jumped. Rafe drew away and she mentally cursed whoever it was.
    “We could wait until they go away,” Melanie suggested, but then another knock sounded.
    “Melanie, it’s Jessica.”
    “Coming,” Melanie called, then her gaze shot to Rafe. “Will this be awkward for you?”
    “Don’t worry about it.”
    She stood up and walked to the door. Maybe
he
wouldn’t find it awkward, but Melanie wasn’t too happy about Jessica finding Melanie and Rafe alone in her apartment.
    Not that Jessica would mind. She’d done everything she could to encourage Melanie to start a relationship with Rafe.
    She opened the door and Jessica smiled at her.
    “So let’s see that tattoo,” Jessica said as she stepped in the room. Then she stopped. “Rafe, hi.” She glanced back at Melanie and smiled. “I can come back another time if I’m interrupting.”
    Rafe stood up. “Not at all. Melanie and I ran into each other at the tattoo studio and grabbed dinner together.”
    “Then he found I left my wallet behind and he brought it up,” Melanie added.
    “And now I’m going to take off.” Rafe walked toward the door.
    “I’ll see you at the office Monday?” Jessica asked.
    “The staff meeting at ten. I’ll be there.” Then he disappeared out the door.
    Jessica stared at Melanie with a Cheshire cat smile. “So … do I sense romance in the air?”
    Melanie narrowed her eyes. “Did you have anything to do with us meeting today?”
    “What do you mean?” Jessica asked innocently.
    “You said someone recommended the studio. I assume that was Rafe. And did you by chance arrange my appointment right after his?”
    “I may have found out he was going in for another tattoo, and happened to book the same day.” But Jessica couldn’t keep a straight face under Melanie’s stare. She laughed. “Okay, you caught me. But it worked, didn’t it? It triggered your first date with Rafe.”
    “It wasn’t a date. It was just dinner.”
    “Did he kiss you?”
    Melanie frowned. “You know, you’re entirely too nosy.”
    Jessica laughed again. “Okay, fine. Now let’s see that ink.”
    ***
    The bell over the shop door