I inhale slowly. “I have no right. I know that. Doesn’t mean I liked seeing it though,” I say tersely.
“You don’t have to like it.” Jess props her hands on hips. “No one else in the bar cared. You didn’t see them threatening to break someone’s neck over a harmless grope.”
“Harmless? Jess, you may think you’re not worth anything, but I’m not going to stand by and watch a woman be treated that way.”
“Yeah, well you’re the only one.”
“I won’t apologize for behaving like a gentleman,” I snap.
Both brows rise and she crosses her arms across her chest. “Is that what that was? Behaving like a gentleman? Because it looked to me like you were acting like… like…”
“Say it.”
“Like a fucking jilted lover.”
Godammit. Now I’ve got visions of all the things I would do to her if I really were her lover. I can just imagine peeling off that tight t-shirt, taking down those little shorts. Tearing into her tights. Feeling that warm skin against mine. Tasting it. I hold back a groan and focus on her blazing eyes. And not on the way the street lights highlight her slightly goldeny skin or brings out tiny blonde streaks in her hair.
“You know what, it’s too much. Just back off, please.”
I stiffen. What the hell?
“Just because I’m handling your account and you come to the bar a lot doesn’t mean we’re friends. And just because I—”
“Hit me in the head with a door?”
“I said I was sorry! Look, I think you should find somewhere else to drink from now on. The regulars won’t welcome you back.”
Christ, if I’d been thinking with my head instead of my cock, I would have played this whole thing better. I am better than this. Problem is if I’m not following her or spending time with her, she’s all I think about. I have been acting crazy. And I’m just about to screw up the best paying case of my life. I need to salvage this. Fast.
“I’m not going anywhere.” I take a step forward and see the flutter of panic in her eyes. “I like you.
“Hunter—” Her hands land on my chest as I come closer. If I glance down will I see smoke rising? As it feels as though her palms must be singeing a hole in my shirt. I don’t even want to think about how hot and hard my cock is.
“I don’t know why, Jess, but I can’t stop thinking about you…”
At some point I’ve stopped lying. Shit, what is it about this woman that makes me lose control of my mouth?
“Well, I don’t like you,” Jess declares.
”Sure about that?” I murmur, as I lower my head.
She looks up at me, the whole deer caught in the headlights expression on her face, and I feel gratified she’s as lost as I am. If I don’t get to taste those lips, I’m going to go insane. I need to know.
“Just one taste,” I whisper against her lips.
She nods. I think. Well she doesn’t move. Jess seems to be frozen but her fingers dig into my chest and I take that as the go ahead. I skim my lips over hers and dart my tongue out to sample the seam of her lips. She tastes so good. My body is on fire with need. Hands landing on her hips, I hold her close and pin her forcefully against me. She gasps, giving me the opportunity to take her mouth in a deep, desperate kiss. Her tongue meets mine and I close my eyes so I can concentrate on the sensation.
Jess bunches my shirt in her hands. I think I hear a button snap. But it’s not enough. If I’m going to do this once, I’m going to do it properly. I bring my hands up to her face and cup both cheeks, bending her back marginally. She’s vulnerable and open to me, her breasts are crushed against my chest and her heart thuds wildly, vibrates through my skin.
Rocking my hips into her, I press deeper still, holding her face vehemently. The tiniest moan echoes between us and I answer it with a groan.
“So good.” I break away briefly to drag my lips across her cheek to her ear. “You taste so good.”
I nibble on her lobe, satisfied with the way her sexy body shudders. Then I capture her mouth again. Jess is like liquid in my arms, moulding to me. I try to recall why this is such a bad idea but those thoughts are like smoke in the wind—dispersed by her soft breasts against me and the feel of her rear as I curve my hands over it.
Noise—the sound of people chatting and stumbling out the pub threatens to break through my lusty haze but I’m too scared to let go. I might not get this chance again so I bring a hand to the back of her neck and grip it tight so I can press deeper than ever before.
Someone pushes into me and I’m forced to draw away so I can make sure they don’t knock into Jess. I scowl in their direction but the crowd of pub-goers are already walking unsteadily along the street.
I turn my attention back to Jess. She gazes up at me, her skin glowing in the streetlights. Lips puffy, eyes glazed, she looks insanely beautiful. I still taste her on my tongue.
And I want more.