Free The Mighty Quinns: Devin by Kate Hoffmann

her discarded dress, then skimmed out of her panties. The warm breeze teased at her hair and she closed her eyes and enjoyed the wild sensations racing through her body.
    When she was a teenager, Winchester had seemed such a harsh, stifling place, a spot where she could never truly be herself. And now, for some odd reason, it seemed like the only place on the planet where she could live her life exactly as she pleased.
    She started toward the small beach. “It sure is a warm night. That water is going to feel so nice.”
    â€œI could arrest you,” he called. “For indecent exposure.”
    She faced him, running her hands through her hair. “You’d have to come in and get me,” she said. With that, Elodie turned and waded into the river. When the water reached her knees, she dived beneath the surface. After the heat of the day, the water was barely cool, but it felt wonderful on her bare skin.
    Popping up, she brushed her hair from her eyes and searched the beach for him. He was still standing there, arms crossed and fully clothed. The standoff ended when they both noticed the headlights from a car through the trees. Cursing softly, she sank down until she was nearly undetectable in the dark.
    When the lights emerged into the clearing, she was relieved to see that it was another police car. From what she could tell, this was a county cop, but someone Dev seemed to know quite well. Though sound carried well in the still night air, Elodie couldn’t quite make out what they were saying. It appeared that Dev was relaying the story of the party that had brought him out to the river.
    A few minutes later, the cop nodded, then got into his car and drove away. Elodie started for the shore. “What did he want? Is he coming back?”
    â€œYou’re in trouble now,” Dev said.
    â€œWhat? Did he notice me?”
    â€œThis could be very serious. The county is starting to crack down on this kind of lewd behavior.”
    â€œI’m naked,” she said. “I wouldn’t call myself lewd.”
    â€œDown here in the South, that’s enough.”
    When she was out of deep water, Dev approached the shore and waited, holding out his hand. The moment she placed her fingers in his palm, he swept her into his arms, picking her up off her feet and carrying her across the sand.
    He set her down next to the police cruiser, then went back to fetch her dress, shoes and underwear. He held out her bra, letting it dangle from his fingertips. “Put this on.”
    â€œAre you angry?”
    â€œNo, but I’m on duty. And this is highly inappropriate. I mean, this is a tabloid scandal waiting to happen. Local Cop Caught with Naked Heiress? Sexy Swim on Taxpayer’s Dime? I can see it all now.”
    â€œI just thought it would be—”
    He grabbed her shoulders and met her gaze. “Do you have any idea the strength it’s taking for me not to take advantage of this situation right now? I want to pull you into my arms and run my hands all over you until there’s not an inch of you left untouched.”
    â€œHow long until you go off duty?” she asked. “I suppose I could wait.”
    He chuckled softly. “Another hour.”
    â€œAnd what are you going to do with me until then?” Elodie asked.
    â€œI’m going to take you home and avoid all further temptation.”
    He helped her dress, and Elodie could see that he was already regretting his decision. His fingertips skimmed along her naked shoulders and his palm brushed against her breast. With each innocent caress, she felt the need growing inside her.
    It was time to put an end to this simmering attraction between them, time to see exactly where their desire might take them. There was no reason to wait. “Who would have thought that I’d be the one to lose my inhibitions and you’d turn into an upright citizen? Kind of a strange switch, isn’t it?”
    â€œWhat are