Free Unexpected by Lori Foster

and I will know you. You might as well get used to the idea now.”
    That particular challenge had her shoulders stiffening, but as she walked away, Eli was almost positive he’d seen a small smile on her mouth.
    Deep down, she was exactly like other women—confusing as hell.
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    They were almost ready to leave for the airport, and Ray looked Eli over approvingly. He’d flat out refused to shop anywhere except at his own store, but she had to admit, he’d done well. Now wearing faded black jeans and a fashionably worn black T-shirt with low boots, he appeared much more casual. Of course, the watch would have to go, but Ray put off telling him so since he’d been so adamant about wearing it.
    That morning he’d started to shave, but Ray had caught him in time, insisting he leave the whiskers alone. His beard shadow wasn’t heavy yet, but by tomorrow it would be. He looked downright rugged and disreputable and all too appealing for her peace of mind.
    Eli nodded at the bag she’d carried from the mall. “So what’d you get?”
    It had been a frivolity on her part to purchase anything, but she’d felt compelled to obtain one particular item. Pulling a sour face, she opened her bag to show Eli her new pajamas.
    He laughed, shaking his head, and then in a husky, intimate whisper, said, “Personally, I preferred what you wore this morning.”
    Didn’t she know it. He’d been plain about it to the point he had her thinking of it, even though she knew better. “And that’s why I thought it might be a good idea to get something a little less revealing. It’d be stupid to let old-fashioned lust be a bother on this mission.”
    Ray almost flinched when his palm cupped her chin, turning her face up to his. His hand was big and hot and rough, and everything in her curled in response.
    The pajamas were coming a bit too late, in her opinion. She was already way too bothered.
    â€œI love the way you state your case, Ray. Old-fashioned lust? Are you feeling it, too?”
    She cleared her throat—and lied. “Oh, I think I can control myself.” Her statement was meant to be sarcastic, but the words emerged as a breathy whisper, losing some of their impact. Eli smiled knowingly.
    â€œFor now.” His thumb brushed her bottom lip, prompting her to pull away. “For now, we’ll control ourselves.”
    He took liberties she’d never allowed before. “You’re taking a lot for granted.”
    That had his left eyebrow raising a good inch. “Am I? And I thought I showed incredible restraint.” He chuckled at her disgruntled frown. “Now don’t get riled. We still have to finish packing our stuff and that’d be tough for me to do with a mangled thumb.”
    He kept teasing her instead of getting mad. She didn’t understand him at all. Ray shook her head and went off to her room to add the absurd pajamas to her duffel bag. She was most comfortable sleeping nude and had worn the undershirt out of modesty. She could just imagine how uncomfortable sleeping in the stupid cotton pajamas would be. They were lightweight, made like a T-shirt and short pants, and would cover her from the scooped neck to just below her knees. Much as she hated to admit it, she knew the purchase had been necessary.
    For her as well as for him.
    No way could she give in to her attraction to Eli, remarkable though it seemed. He was of the elite, richer class. He was involved with Jane. And damn it, employers didn’t get seriously involved with their employees, especially not when the employee was in effect a hired thug. She liked to think her talents were more refined than that, but he wouldn’t think so. How could he? She’d attacked him in the kitchen, for crying out loud. When she thought of what she’d done to his thumb, she wanted to groan. It had been her equivalent of a slap—and that was too emotional to