Live Wire (Ramsey Security #2)

"Wouldn't you want to avoid supernatural shows after what happened?"

Brad turns slightly on the couch, facing me now. "I did avoid anything creepy for a long time, but my psychiatrist suggested I face my fears. He worried I was becoming controlled by my phobias. So I started watching horror movies and TV shows. Now I'm hooked. Facing my fears is a good thing."

Brad's right hand lifts up and reaches slowly towards me.

"Like right now," he says in a quiet voice, "I fear you'll bite my hand off for trying to touch you, but I'm going to try anyway."

My instinct demands I smack away his hand. My heart insists I lean into his touch. Brad smiles when I press my cheek against the palm of his warm hand.

Quickly, my heart races so fast that I'm lightheaded. Skin flushing with unbearable heat, I'm afraid to reveal my arousal. I use a trick my mother taught me to hide pain and bite the inside of my mouth. When Brad studies my reaction with his perfect blue eyes, I feel beautiful under his gaze.

The TV gets loud when the ghost hunters become frightened of their own shadows. I flinch away from Brad and focus on the show.

"Are these people always so melodramatic? Is that what the squealing is about?"

Brad laughs. "Oh, yeah, they squeal a lot. It's pretty funny."

I readjust on the couch and sit with my legs crossed. Positioned closer now, Brad studies me. He's clearly thinking about kissing me, but I'm not ready for such intimacy. No doubt, if he kisses me at this point, I will climb into his lap and ask for more. My desire is too strong to control.

Everything is wrong for either of us to make a move. Ruth and Nell are in the next room. The dogs stare obsessively at Brad. The sun isn't fully set, and I haven't done a final check of the perimeter. Maybe when everything is taken care of, I will kiss him on the couch and finish in his bed.

For now, I decide to enjoy the ridiculous show. I laugh at their squeals and allow myself to think they're actually hearing ghosts. Enjoying Brad's company, I'm nearly able to forget he's gorgeous, and how I want him naked on top of me.





10


Saskia

Owning My Choices

Somehow, I survive the night without climbing on Brad. Ruth helps by joining us to watch TV. My tension increases as the night approaches. By the time the dogs fly into a barking fit around ten, I'm too edgy to think of stripping off Brad's clothes and exploring all the muscles on this six-foot-four man.

I barely sleep all night. The dogs bark regularly, forcing me to check for movement on the property. Each time, I find nothing on the motion sensors. Either the dogs have a grudge against a squirrel or something undetectable is setting them off.

The next morning, I sleep an hour past my usual wakeup time of six. Body aching, I enjoy a long hot shower before stumbling into the kitchen for a cup of black coffee. Brad sits at the kitchen island, reading the paper.

Noticing me, he smiles in the most brilliant way, and I'm lost like never before. He tears away all of my barriers, leaving me exposed.

"Sorry about the dogs," he says, watching me until I want to hide my face from his view. "Did you figure out why they were barking so much?"

"Nothing human was lurking," I mutter, fighting a yawn.

"A ghost maybe."

We share a smile before I look away and focus on pouring coffee. Needing to make space between us, I drink the hot coffee as quickly as possible without burning my throat. Brad sets aside the newspaper and watches me again.

"Is Minka coming over today?"

I desperately fight the urge to frown, but my fatigue ensures I lose.

"Yes, we're going over the plans for your New York City trip."

"So you won't be leaving for the day?"

"No."

When a clearly relieved Brad smiles, I realize I was jealous of Minka. He is my weakness, and I refuse to share.

"Marx is coming over to train today," Brad says, standing up. "He's teaching me Judo."

He's waiting for me to show disdain for the idea of Marx knowing enough to train anyone. While I think this thought, I don't react.

My silence goes on while Brad opens the fridge and pushes objects around inside. He finally stands behind me and leans forward.

"We don't have much to eat today. Mom didn't want to leave a full fridge before a trip. Would you like cereal or a bagel?"

"What kind of cereal?"

Brad gives me a couple of options. When I can't decide, he fills two small bowls and gives them both to me. I breathe in his scent when he stands too closely.

"How about you come to my training session and see if Marx is teaching me good moves?"

I glance up at him standing behind me. "Sure. I might even teach you a few tricks."

Brad wants to kiss me. His gaze focuses only on my lips, seeking them in his mind before he moves. I wait for him to lean down and take what he desires.