Free In Two Weeks (NY State Trooper Series) by Jen Talty Page A

came out. For the first time in a long while, he didn’t know what to do. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
    “You’d have to lie to me to hurt me. I know exactly what this would be and I still want it.”
    Her lips quivered when he traced them with his thumb, then pushed himself up to a sitting position in front of her. “You’re suggesting that I use you—”
    Her hand covered his mouth. “That we console each other instead of wallowing in self-pity. We both hurt, and having human contact might help.”
    He lifted a brow. “I’ve tried that before, but it didn’t help.”
    “That’s because they didn’t understand you and what you’re going through. They were nameless one night stands.”
    “That’s exactly what this would be.” He stood and raked a hand across his head. She wanted him to be her knight in shining armor. She wanted more than just sex, and he couldn’t give her that, ever. “You really need to get over this fascination with me.”
    She rolled her legs to the side and rose with style and grace. Standing before him, she lifted her hand and rested it against his thumping heart. “I’m not twelve. My eyes are wide open and I’m not looking for anything other than…” Cracking a smile, she said, “One night.”
    “You left out the stand part.” Caving to her, he drew her body close. Her tender touch felt better than the best liquor gliding down his throat.
    The other women he’d slept with following his son’s death had been nameless girls who meant nothing to him. No matter how many times he’d tried in the past, this week he’d always ended up doing everything he could to keep himself from completely falling apart, yet that was exactly what happened.
    Ryan had always tried to be there for him, offering him nights of soft whispers and caring words. She’d put up with shouting matches, name-calling, then she’d finally give up and let him drown. He didn’t feel like drowning now. Somehow he owed it to her.
    Had he just rationalized taking her to bed?
    Her eyes brightened when he smiled. Shaking his head, he let out a throaty chuckle.
    “Dare I ask what’s so funny?” She tilted her head.
    “I wouldn’t if I were you.” He brushed her hair back and his look turned serious. “Are you taking the pill?”
    “I have condoms in the carriage house.” Her voice cracked when she answered.
    He arched his brow. “Really?”
    “A girl’s got to be prepared.”
    “Come on.” He took her by the hand and tugged her toward the main house. “I’ve got a box by my bed.”
    “Really?”
    “A guy’s got to be prepared.” He looped his arm around her and forgot about all the reasons why sleeping with her was wrong.
    Very wrong.
     
     
     

Chapter Five 
     
    Ryan took in a slow, calming breath, hoping her hand didn’t tremble as she slid it into Jared’s back pocket. His hard buns pressed firmly against her palm sending her pulse into a dangerous beat, but one she welcomed. No turning back now.
    The walk from the front lawn to the main house seemed to go on forever. The longer it took to get inside and in bed, the greater the risk one of them would come to their senses and call the whole thing off. She wouldn’t let that happen. Not this time.
    “Would you like a glass of wine?” Jared asked, pushing back the kitchen door.
    “Sure.” She leaned against the doorjamb near the hallway to the family room. Sipping wine on the floor in front of a fire certainly would set the mood.
    “Why don’t you go put some music on,” he suggested as he pulled down a bottle and two glasses. “I’ll be right in.”
    She made her way into the large family room, turned on a light near the stereo, and then ran her trembling fingers across his selection of CDs. After settling on a case labeled ‘soft rock,’ she sat down on the hearth and entertained her own second thoughts.
    I’m not in love with him , she thought as she lit the long match and turned the switch to the gas starter.
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