Free Body Contact (Hands On #2) by Cathryn Fox Page B

she’d wanted to do something for him, to help him feel whole again and show him that he was important, worthwhile, even if he never went back to professional football. “I’d never do that.”
    He laughed. “You know, I’m starting to think you’re not so innocent, after all.”
    “Hey, I never claimed to be innocent. All I ever said was I was inexperienced in bed.”
    He reached across the table and put his hand over hers. “Can’t say that anymore, though.”
    “No, you’re right. But I can still say I’m a virgin.”
    “Not for long.”
    A quiver moved through her as she thought about what it would be like to feel him inside her. Just a few days ago, that scared the living hell out of her. But she wasn’t that same girl anymore, thanks to Jack.
    He brushed his thumb over her wrist. “Are you nervous about it?”
    “No, I’m actually looking forward to it.”
    He gave her a playful grin. “Enough to beg for it.”
    She arched a brow. “You want me to beg you, Jack?”
    “I want you so hot and needy that by the time I take you, you’ll do anything for it. I want to hear my name on your lips, Danielle. I want you to be fully aware that it’s me who’s taking you.”
    Was there ever any doubt?
    Just then her cell buzzed and she glanced at her purse. “Probably Violet. She likes a morning play-by-play.”
    He laughed. “I’m looking forward to meeting her on Saturday. I think.”
    “You’ll love her.” She bit into her toast and brushed the crumbs from her fingers. “What are your plans for today?” she asked, broaching the subject carefully.
    “Therapy, then I’ll stop by and help Dad at the shop.”
    “Think you can spare an hour around one?”
    “Sure, why?”
    Instead of telling him, she said, “Can you come by the college? Have lunch in the cafeteria with me?”
    “You want me to eat in the cafeteria? Are you trying to finish me off before I can finish you off?”
    She laughed. “No, just come by at one.”
    He agreed, and they both turned their attention to their breakfast. Once they’d finished, they cleared the dishes, and she checked the time again.
    Standing in the kitchen, she put her hand on his chest, once again noting his strong heartbeat. “I better get showered and get moving.” Her fingers slid down to his stomach, then she turned and made her way back to her bedroom. As much as she hated to break contact, she knew if she didn’t, she’d never get to the college. Jack followed, grabbing the rest of his clothes from the floor once he reached her room. She watched as he pulled his T-shirt on, and warmth spread between her legs when his muscles flexed and relaxed again. For a big strong guy, he moved with grace, in bed and out.
    “I’ll see you this afternoon.” He pressed his lips to hers, his kiss so warm and sensual, it felt real, as if there was something truly meaningful between them. Her heart missed a beat, and she swallowed against the tightness in her throat. When had soliciting his help turned into so much more than research? She should probably put a stop to this before it went any further. Heartbreak was a high price to pay for two weeks of research. But if she wanted the job, and all the benefits that came with it, she had no choice but to continue.
    “And tonight,” he added. “I’ll pick you up at seven. We’re going out to Lucien’s first.”
    “That place is expensive, Jack.”
    “So?”
    She shook her head. “You don’t have to take me there.”
    “But that’s exactly why I want to do it. Besides, my best friend Jamie is the chef. He’d kill me if I took you anywhere else.” She opened her mouth to protest, but he pressed his lips to hers to seal them. Then after a good, thorough kiss, he left her apartment.
    Feeling breathless, Danielle hopped into the shower. She washed and dressed quickly, then stepped outside to walk to work, enjoying the warm morning sun shining down on her. She took the long way, going past the downtown house she