Free Just This Once, Contemporary Romance (Last Frontier Lodge #3) by J.H. Croix Page B

softly.
    “Probably.”
    She leaned up on her elbow. “I...” Her breath caught.
    His pulse surged, his body nearly taut with anticipation. Yet, he waited.
    She shook her head sharply, a soft laugh escaping. “I thought…” Her eyes had a pleading look, as if she wanted him to speak.
    “Maybe we shouldn’t think too much. I don’t know about you, but sometimes my brain gets in the way.” His throat tightened. His body and heart wanted her more than he’d ever wanted anyone. The longing ran so deep it was like being caught in a riptide.
    Something flashed in the depth of her eyes. “Perhaps so.” She bit her lip, her eyes holding his for an electric moment before she leaned forward.
    Her lips met his, tentative at first. He might be trying his damnedest to make sure she made the first move, but once the door was blown open, he didn’t hold back. He stroked his palm up her back and cupped the nape of her neck. He threw himself into their kiss, allowing the flames to engulf them.

    ***
    Becca stood in the shower, hot water cascading over her. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back, letting the water wash away the insanity of last night and this morning. Aidan had just stepped out of the shower after proceeding to drive her nearly wild and bring her to yet another mind-blowing orgasm. She thought she should feel awkward and uncomfortable with him, but she wasn’t—unless she had time to think.
    She shook her head—trying to knock her mind off its loop—and turned off the shower. She dressed quickly for work and walked out into the living room. Aidan was sitting on the couch, his phone tucked against his shoulder. His black curls were still damp. He wore his slightly rumpled clothes from yesterday and still managed to look sexy as hell. He glanced up and smiled, instantly sending her pulse skittering wild. She nodded and took a breath, walking briskly past him into the kitchen.
    She started coffee and snagged her phone from her purse to check emails from work. Moments later, Aidan finished his call and stepped through the archway into the kitchen. She’d marshaled a dose of courage to do her damnedest not to let this turn awkward and nodded towards the coffee pot. “Coffee?”
    “Sure.”
    She quickly filled two mugs and handed him one before sitting down at the small round table she kept in the corner of the kitchen. He joined her. After a few sips of fortifying coffee, she glanced over at him. He was relaxed in his chair. He took a gulp of coffee and arched a brow when he met her gaze.
    “I can drop you off at work if you’d like.”
    “Sure. Either that, or I’ll have to grab a cab.”
    He nodded, his thumb tracing the edge of his coffee mug. She wanted to ask him what he was thinking, but she didn’t dare. Her silly idea that she could burn through her desire for him was almost taunting her now. She wasn’t ready to talk, but she couldn’t help but wonder what he was thinking.
    “So what’s on your schedule today?” she asked. Hopefully, focusing on the mundane would help her muddle through this.
    “I’ll swing by my office for a bit, but then I’ll be back at the courthouse.”
    “Oh.” Oh? Oh dear god. He’s going to be at the courthouse every day now. Yesssss!!! Nooooo!!!! Did you suddenly develop a split personality? How about you try to breathe and calm down. Oh, and don’t forget to actually speak. You do know how to have an actual conversation.
    She took another gulp of coffee and met his eyes—so blue, and so damn sexy. She suddenly recalled those eyes on her last night, dark and intent, raw intimacy held within them. Heat coiled through her. She took another gulp of coffee and finally gathered herself enough to say something other than ‘oh.’ “Right, you’re covering the courthouse now. How long will you be doing that?”
    He shrugged. “At least the next few weeks. I try to rotate and cover every job once a year. With that case popping back up, I figure it’s good