was just issuing me a friendly warning.”
“A little too friendly if you ask me.” Rick’s jaw ticked, tight with tension, tempting her to reach out and smooth the razor-stubbled skin and ease his muscles until he relaxed under her touch.
Her stomach curled with unexpected excitement. Could Chase be right? Could Rick be jealous? At the possibility, she took a mental step back to examine her own feelings. Impulse would be deadly now and she forced herself to think clearly. Jealousy would indicate interest. Interest she already knew existed after their encounter in the house earlier. But the surprise here was the realization that the emotion didn’t have to pose a threat to Kendall or her heart. How could it when even Chase, who knew Rick better than anyone, admitted his brother would run before committing to anything serious? Just like Kendall would be gone before she could get hurt or attached?
With both those facts being true, clarity seemed to descend upon her. Why was she fighting the attraction? Why wasn’t she letting herself indulge in what promised to be the most passionate sensual affair she’d ever had? There was no reason
not
to embrace the opportunity they both wanted.
She stepped closer. “Friendly isn’t threatening, Rick.” She didn’t want him to feel competitive with his older brother. She inched nearer until she couldn’t breathe without inhaling his masculine scent. She knew without a doubt she wanted their bargain to be a reality. She wanted to be his lover until she left town and she wasn’t just falling into the convenience of their charade.
No man had ever affected her as deeply or kindled desire in her as quickly as he did. Her previous relationships were like her moves from town to town, quick and distant. Only Brian had gotten closer than most because they’d needed something from each other. They’d grown fond of one another in the process yet intimacy had always been missing. Nothing was missing in her feelings for Rick. The sexual attraction sizzled, the emotional connection was secure and reciprocal.
He’d been hurt once. She didn’t know how long ago or by whom, but she could help him heal, the same way he’d been helping her. He’d provided a shoulder from the first time they’d met and he gave comfort as much as he aroused a physical need that had been dormant for too long. He obviously cared enough about her feelings to arrange this impromptu gathering. A gesture Kendall believed came from his heart, not from the need to further their facade as lovers. There were plenty of other ways of establishing them as a couple—his performance at the beauty salon being one of them. Not once had he attempted any overabundant display of affection or attention.
Until now.
She no longer worried about using him to get over a rough patch in her life, not when he obviously wanted the same kind of relationship she did. Short and sweet, but one that would build memories and good feelings to carry with her always. They seemed to be two kindred souls seeking the same thing. And he seemed to read her mind as he grabbed her hand and dragged her into the back hall.
Rick enjoyed women, and jealousy was a foreign emotion. Possessiveness was even more alien. But seeing Chase deep in conversation with Kendall and her hand on his arm set off an intense burning in his gut. Without stopping to think further he pulled Kendall down Norman’s back hall.
“Rick?”
He ignored her for now. He had plenty to say, but not in front of an audience. He expelled an annoyed groan and pushed open the nearest door, which turned out to be an empty ladies’ room. Thank God.
“Rick, talk to me—”
He cut her off, pulling her into an embrace and sealing his mouth over hers. Her warmth melted the hours of frustration he’d endured in favor of making sure she was accepted in his small town. She stirred carnal needs he’d ignored for too long. Or maybe he’d never felt this much before, but he was damn
“A little too friendly if you ask me.” Rick’s jaw ticked, tight with tension, tempting her to reach out and smooth the razor-stubbled skin and ease his muscles until he relaxed under her touch.
Her stomach curled with unexpected excitement. Could Chase be right? Could Rick be jealous? At the possibility, she took a mental step back to examine her own feelings. Impulse would be deadly now and she forced herself to think clearly. Jealousy would indicate interest. Interest she already knew existed after their encounter in the house earlier. But the surprise here was the realization that the emotion didn’t have to pose a threat to Kendall or her heart. How could it when even Chase, who knew Rick better than anyone, admitted his brother would run before committing to anything serious? Just like Kendall would be gone before she could get hurt or attached?
With both those facts being true, clarity seemed to descend upon her. Why was she fighting the attraction? Why wasn’t she letting herself indulge in what promised to be the most passionate sensual affair she’d ever had? There was no reason
not
to embrace the opportunity they both wanted.
She stepped closer. “Friendly isn’t threatening, Rick.” She didn’t want him to feel competitive with his older brother. She inched nearer until she couldn’t breathe without inhaling his masculine scent. She knew without a doubt she wanted their bargain to be a reality. She wanted to be his lover until she left town and she wasn’t just falling into the convenience of their charade.
No man had ever affected her as deeply or kindled desire in her as quickly as he did. Her previous relationships were like her moves from town to town, quick and distant. Only Brian had gotten closer than most because they’d needed something from each other. They’d grown fond of one another in the process yet intimacy had always been missing. Nothing was missing in her feelings for Rick. The sexual attraction sizzled, the emotional connection was secure and reciprocal.
He’d been hurt once. She didn’t know how long ago or by whom, but she could help him heal, the same way he’d been helping her. He’d provided a shoulder from the first time they’d met and he gave comfort as much as he aroused a physical need that had been dormant for too long. He obviously cared enough about her feelings to arrange this impromptu gathering. A gesture Kendall believed came from his heart, not from the need to further their facade as lovers. There were plenty of other ways of establishing them as a couple—his performance at the beauty salon being one of them. Not once had he attempted any overabundant display of affection or attention.
Until now.
She no longer worried about using him to get over a rough patch in her life, not when he obviously wanted the same kind of relationship she did. Short and sweet, but one that would build memories and good feelings to carry with her always. They seemed to be two kindred souls seeking the same thing. And he seemed to read her mind as he grabbed her hand and dragged her into the back hall.
Rick enjoyed women, and jealousy was a foreign emotion. Possessiveness was even more alien. But seeing Chase deep in conversation with Kendall and her hand on his arm set off an intense burning in his gut. Without stopping to think further he pulled Kendall down Norman’s back hall.
“Rick?”
He ignored her for now. He had plenty to say, but not in front of an audience. He expelled an annoyed groan and pushed open the nearest door, which turned out to be an empty ladies’ room. Thank God.
“Rick, talk to me—”
He cut her off, pulling her into an embrace and sealing his mouth over hers. Her warmth melted the hours of frustration he’d endured in favor of making sure she was accepted in his small town. She stirred carnal needs he’d ignored for too long. Or maybe he’d never felt this much before, but he was damn
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