she knew he’d come here determined to do this. He’d dressed specially. But she liked that vee at the top of his tee. It offered just enough of a glimpse. Sensations stole her concentration—memory of his sculpted, solid chest and the heat of his skin…
Enough .
“Prove it,” she said sharply.
“I just knew you were going to make me.” He stepped to the small sink and scrubbed his hands like a medic. “Like to set a challenge, don’t you?”
Savannah leaned back against the bar, trying to remain cool in the face of extreme provocation. The look of concentration on his face? The damn ruthless efficiency with which he worked? He clearly had spent some hours behind the bar, because he knew what he was doing.
“Thing is, a screwdriver isn’t so much of a challenge really.” He set the drink on the counter and turned to provoke her. “Do I pass?”
“You added slightly too much vodka.”
“How do you know, you haven’t tasted it.”
“I don’t need to taste it, I saw.” She straightened and turned to wipe down the bar. The wood was already gleaming, but she needed the displacement activity. “Use your measures.”
“Yes, boss.”
She tossed down the cloth. “I don’t need you to do this.”
“Too bad, I’m gonna be right alongside you every minute of this shift.”
“Oh joy,” she cooed sarcastically.
“I know. I get off on the idea too.” He suddenly grabbed her hand, pulling her hard so she stumbled, then he hauled her against him. “You get at all tired, or dizzy. You tell me.”
She sent him a withering glance, trying to hide how fast her pulse was suddenly skipping, how stupidly excited she suddenly was. He felt so good pressed up close to her. Her body craved more. Skin . Her lashes lowered as she absorbed the sensations, relived heated memories.
“You tell me.” He shook her gently, making her look back up at him. “Or I’ll find out for myself.”
“How exactly? Manhandle me some more?” And she so hadn’t meant that as the breathless challenge it had come out as.
“I wouldn’t need to. You’ll let me feel how hot you are.”
“Dream on.”
“I do. Every time I close my eyes, you’re there riding me.”
Savannah gasped and he swept his hand down her back, sending a delicious ripple of delight down her spine. His cock dug into her belly.
Hard. Big. Hers.
If she wanted it.
Savannah fought to hold herself rigid and not rub against him. Or worse, rest against him.
You’re stronger than this. You don’t need anyone. Never need anyone.
“You and Luca’s father don’t get on?” she asked. Anything to distract herself from the crazy urge to rise onto tip toe and press her hungry mouth to his. The guy was her enemy.
“ Rex and Bill don’t get on. My father wanted this location, it’s the one bit of land we don’t own. Bill refused to sell. And it’s the hottest restaurant and bar in town.” He sighed.
“So you’re working for the competition for the night?”
“No,” he answered in a low voice. “I’m working for you .”
Savannah looked up at him. Big mistake. His eyes were very blue, very serious. And so easy to get lost in.
“Why would you want to do that?” she asked.
“I want—” He broke off. Then breathed. “Because.”
“I don’t need you to rescue me.” She tried to step away from him, but he tightened his arms.
“I know. And you won’t let me do that anyway. I’m just keeping you company.”
No, there was more to it that that. “Why? Because you’re hot for it?”
His mouth twisted wryly. “Because I don’t trust you.”
Truth at last. She stiffened. “Let me go, there are people arriving.”
Slowly, too slowly, he released her.
Savannah turned away, quickly licking her dry lips. “It gets very busy, you sure you can keep up?”
“I think I can hold my own.”
Ten minutes later the bar was packed out with beautiful, rich young things and Savannah was working it.
“You’re
Margaret Maron
Richard S. Tuttle
London Casey, Ana W. Fawkes
Walter Dean Myers
Mario Giordano
Talia Vance
Geraldine Brooks
Jack Skillingstead
Anne Kane
Kinsley Gibb