Page 55 of Tough Justice
“I know I suck at games, but I think luck might be on my side on this one.”
Putting her spoon in her bowl she shifted so their knees touched. “What if you acted on your feelings for me because of the excitement of everything happening?”
“You call being in the middle of this shitstorm exciting?”
She huffed out a small laugh. “Dangerous, exciting, adrenaline rush…whatever you want to call it. Some people find situations like this intoxicating, addicting. Especially people who built a career riding bulls...and now that’s gone.”
Her words slammed against him, knocking the air from his lungs. “Do you really think I’m chasing a high with you? That what I’m feeling—what I’m telling you—isn’t real and it’ll all pass?”
The tiny lift of her shoulder pierced his heart like a dagger. How was it possible to believe so strongly he’d found his place in this world only for the two people he was closest to in Hillmore doubt him and his intentions?
He fought the urge to run, to pace, to put space between them. If he wanted to prove to Suzy that he was the man she needed in her life, he had to show it. Even if that meant swallowing his pride and laying all his cards on the table.
He folded her hands in his and dipped his chin to keep her gaze locked on him. “I want you to really hear me. I didn’t develop feelings because of the situation we’re in. I felt a spark from the first second I met you.”
“You did? Why didn’t you say something?”
“I didn’t want to mess things up with Lane. Our business, hell even our friendship, was new and going after you would piss him off. What I realized was I don’t care if it upset him. You’re special, Suzy, in so many ways. You’re warm and kind, funnier than anyone I’ve ever met. When I’m with you, a sense of peace washes over me. I don’t want to chase the next big thing because nothing is bigger or better than what’s happening between us.”
Tears dotted her long dark lashes. “There’s never been anyone in my life who hasn’t left me to find more.”
An ache split his heart in two. “Then they were all fools. I hate that the men before me didn’t treat you right, but I can’t be mad they’re not here anymore.”
Frowning, she reared back her head. “Excuse me?”
“Because it gave me a chance to shower you with all the affection you deserve. To show you how a real man treats the woman he’s falling for.”
“You’re falling for me?”
“Darlin’, I’ve been falling for months, and I’ll keep on falling every day. I’m here for you. Not because of danger or chasing a high. But because you hold my heart in your pretty little hand.”
She squeezed his hands and leaned forward so her lips hovered inches from his. “Then I’ll do everything I can to protect it and keep it safe.”
“That’s all I need to know.” Erasing the distance between them, he pressed his lips to hers. They hadn’t figured everything out, but he hoped he’d at least eased some of her fears.
She moved her mouth against his. Her hands slipped from his to rest on his thighs, her fingers splayed around the stiff material of his jeans to grip his muscles.
He slid a hand up the back of her neck, his forearm braced on the counter beside him. His heart beat in his ears and desire ignited deep in his soul. But it was more than just her body he desired. He wanted all of her.
He forced his mouth from her full lips and pressed kisses along her jawline. “Your dessert’s going to melt.”
A small moan purred from her throat and her grip on his legs tightened, inching up little by little. “I think I want something sweeter than the ice cream.”
“Oh yeah?” He nibbled on her ear, grinning when a shudder shook her shoulders. “And what’s that?”
“You.”
That’s all it took to break the thin leash holding him back. He stood and scooped her off the stool. She wrapped her legs around his waist, bringing her frustratingly close against him. “I wanted to wine and dine you, but pizza and ice cream will have to do.”
She framed her palms on his face, the touch of her skin branding him. “Honey, I didn’t need you to do a darn thing but show up and kiss the heck out of me.”
“Now that’s something I can handle.” He carried her to his bedroom, his mouth sealed on hers. He’d do a whole lot more than kiss her tonight and he couldn’t wait one minute longer.
The first secondsof awareness penetrated the haze of sleep keeping Suzy’s eyes sealed shut. She snuggled closer to Duke, her body still humming from last night.
Duke’s arm hooked around her waist, and he buried his face in her neck. “It’s not time to wake up yet.”
“Agreed.” She inhaled the scent of him. The musky hint of evergreens clung to his skin. She grazed her bare toe up his calf as she replayed all the ways he’d taken her to higher places.
