Free Playing with Dynamite by Leanne Banks Page B

“C’mon in. I’m trying to get my fourth wind, so I can crawl to my door and collapse in bed.”
    Instead of joining her in the car, he crouched down beside her window. “Sounds as if you had a rough day.”
    This time Lisa nodded emphatically.
    â€œYou look tired.” He rose and opened her door, flipped the locks again and rolled up her window. “Wanna ride to your apartment?”
    Confused, Lisa looked at the curb directly in front of her car. “I think I’m already here.”
    Brick gave a slow grin and shook his head. “I’ll carry you.”
    Lisa’s eyes rounded as she grabbed her purse and slid one foot out of her car. “No, no, no, no. I’m too tall, too heavy, too—”
    â€œNot for me.” Pulling her up into his arms, he nudged the car door shut with one knee and walked toward her front door.
    Totally flustered, Lisa pushed at his chest while her purse dangled beneath her. It was unsettling enough that she was being carried, but the other feelings that assaulted her because she was in Brick’s arms again overwhelmed her. “You really didn’t have to—”
    â€œWhere’s your key?” he asked, ignoring her protests.
    He’d probably forgotten that she weighed a ton, she thought glumly. “You can put me down now.” Lisa jiggled her keys from the side pocket of her purse. “You can put—”
    â€œInside,” he told her, waiting while she fumbled with the key.
    He pushed the door open, turned on the hall light and walked toward the living room. When he still didn’t put her down, she became acutely aware of his heart pounding against her hand. “Brick,” she said in a strained voice, “please put me—”
    He set her down on the sofa. “There. I didn’t break a sweat and I’m not breathing heavy,” he mocked.
    â€œDon’t blame me if you get a hernia,” she muttered, still feeling self-conscious.
    â€œYou worry too much.”
    â€œIn case you haven’t noticed, I’m not a small woman.”
    His gaze instantly trapped hers. “I noticed.” His voice lowered intimately. “But maybe you’ve forgotten how much I noticed.”
    Lisa got a strong indication that he wouldn’t mind showing her all over again. Her skin suddenly felt flushed with heat.
    â€œIt’s no difficulty having you in my arms, Lisa. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not a small man,” he arrogantly echoed her earlier statement. “Anytime you need someone to carry you, let me know.”
    As if she could forget anything about his body! The image was branded on her brain. Lisa put a clamp on her imagination. “I hope I won’t be needing anyone to carry me anywhere.”
    He shrugged. “If you want to be carried, I’m capable of that too.” He grinned slyly. “You think I deserve a star for that?”
    She should give him a star for driving her crazy. Lisa gave him a dark look.
    â€œDon’t answer that. What do you want to drink?”
    She sat up, abruptly aware that she was letting a guest serve her in her own house. Her upbringing wouldn’t allow it. He’d flustered her so much, she’d forgotten her manners. “Oh, no. I can get it. I—”
    Brick’s hands fastened on her shoulders, holding her in place. His violet gaze was intent, yet gentle. “You’re tired, remember? I’m getting you something to drink,” he said firmly. “What do you want?”
    â€œI don’t want to be rude.”
    â€œYou’re not.”
    â€œMy mother would have my head.”
    Brick leaned closer and whispered, “I promise I won’t tell her.”
    Lisa’s lips twitched at the conspiratorial expression on his face. Caught between wanting to argue and give in, she surrendered, sinking back on the pillows and covering her face with one hand. “Okay. You win.