Free The Mighty Quinns: Eli by Kate Hoffmann Page B

emotional connection. He made her feel safe and confident. She knew that at least one person in the world cared about her. And when he was near, Lucy was genuinely happy.
    And yet, even with all this to offer, she’d made a deal, and a promise to herself that she’d see this project out to the end. It had seemed simple when she’d signed the contract. And the last thing she’d expected was a handsome, sexy man walking into her life and turning it upside down.
    With a soft sigh, Lucy stared out the screen door, her gaze fixed on the meadow. A warm breeze skimmed over her bare legs and she drew a deep breath. She’d get back on track today. There was plenty of work to do in her garden and she still had logs to cut for her cabin.
    Riley nudged at the door and she let him out. The dog took off down the steps and a few seconds later began barking. “Riley!” she called, stepping out on the porch.
    She stopped short when she saw the tent, set up just below the steps. A few seconds later, the flap opened and Eli crawled out, rubbing his eyes against the morning sun. Lucy stared at him, wondering what could have possibly brought him back to the cabin. But then he smiled at her and she realized she didn’t really care. He was here and she was happy again.
    With a soft cry, she ran down the steps and threw herself into his arms. His mouth came down on hers, fast and desperate, his tongue slipping between her lips and tasting deeply.
    She’d never felt this way before, so wild and uninhibited. She stopped thinking rationally and operated on pure instinct. Her hands tangled in his hair, her legs wrapped tightly around his waist, her body arched against his until she wasn’t sure where she ended and he began.
    â€œTell me what you want,” he said, his breath warm against her ear. “Say it.”
    â€œI want you,” Lucy replied, tipping her head back so that his lips could taste the curve of her neck. Her pulse raced and her breath came in short gasps and when he carried her over to the porch and set her down, she sighed softly, pulling him along with her.
    She thought at first he was wearing shorts, but then realized he was dressed only in his boxers, the thin cotton fabric providing little barrier to his growing erection. With a smile, she rubbed her hips against his, causing a groan to slip from deep in his throat.
    â€œAre you all right here?” he asked.
    She nodded. “Fine.”
    â€œI don’t want you to get...splinters.”
    His concern, though sweet, seemed at that moment to be completely ridiculous and Lucy began to giggle. He drew back and looked down at her. “Sorry,” she said.
    â€œSplinters could be a problem.”
    â€œI guess they could. But then, there are also the bears. We could be attacked while we’re, you know, in the midst of it all.”
    â€œAnd there are the snakes. You’ve got to watch out for rattlesnakes.”
    â€œMountain lions,” she said.
    â€œWe could get struck by lightning.”
    â€œWould you like to go inside?” she asked.
    â€œIsn’t that against the guidelines?”
    â€œTo hell with the guidelines,” she muttered.
    He grinned and shook his head. “I think we’ll be just fine right here. But I do need to take care of one thing.” He pushed away from the step and walked over to his tent. A few seconds later, he returned with a small plastic packet.
    â€œYou came prepared?”
    â€œI keep a supply in my bag,” he said. “Just in case.”
    â€œA good rifle, a comfortable pair of hiking boots and a supply of condoms. What every man should pack before heading out on the trail.”
    He braced his hands on either side of her head and leaned into her, his body brushing hers in a provocative way. “Are we going to spend all our time talking or should I kiss you again?”
    â€œKiss me,” she said.
    He pulled her on top of him, settling her