Page 16 of Two Times the Mountain Men
She shrugged. “Have you killed someone?”
My jaw clenched as I pondered her question. This conversation was a little more intense then I really wanted to get. “I have. Even though it was what needed to be done and was done in self-defense, I still don’t feel good about it.”
“I see.” She sat up straighter in her chair and eyed me. There was a little something extra in her eyes. Interest, maybe. “What happened?”
I sighed. “I’d rather not talk about it. At least not now.”
She looked disappointed but nodded. “Fair enough.”
“Why are you up so late anyhow?” I nodded toward the bedroom that was temporarily hers. “Burning the midnight oil?”
“Not with this in my hand, I’m not.” She picked up the bottle of wine and poured another glass. “Want some?”
“Nah. I’m good. Thanks.”
“I’ve been having issues working on the new book. I just can’t seem to get into it. I almost wonder if I should just scrap it and start something completely new. But the problem is that the publishing company expects the book I’ve pitched already so I’m forced to write it…”
“That’s tough.”
She nodded. “It doesn’t sound it, but my head is just not there. I’m almost there.”
“That a fact?” I raised a brow at her, a sly smile spreading across my lips.
“It is…” she frowned as she stared at me and then slowly nodded. I could see that she was fighting a smile from forming. “That’s not what I was talking about.”
“I apologize. I guess I must have misunderstood.”
Genevieve groaned. “Yes, easy mistake I’m sure.”
“Is there something I can do to help?” Sitting straight up, I suddenly realized that I had something else standing straight up as well. Leaning my elbows on my knees, I looked at her, at the same time attempting to stop the erection from protruding from my pants.
“I’m just tense and stressed and…ugh.” She groaned and flopped back into the chair, placing the wine glass onto the end table. “You know when shit just seems to take over and you can’t remember the last time you were able to just relax?”
I shrugged. “I’ve been in situations like that from time to time. Yes.”
“I’m feeling that way. Book sales have taken a nose dive and I’m scared if this next book isn’t a bestseller that the publishing company will drop me.” She closed her eyes and massaged her temples. “I could self-publish, I suppose. But what if that fails? What in the hell would I do? I got my first publishing contract when I was still in college. I’ve never had a real job.” She used air quotes to accent the word “real,” making me laugh.
No wonder she was such a damned spitfire. She was driving herself insane with stress. “What did you take in college?”
She snorted. “Philosophy. Boy that was a waste of four years, right?” She opened her eyes and looked deep into mine. “By all means laugh. It’s what I usually get.”
I grinned, but didn’t laugh. “I’d never do that.”
“Trust me; I laugh at my own choices sometimes.” A hint of a smile touched the corners of her lips. “I don’t even really have an interest in philosophy anymore!”
My grin widened. “At least you can find humor in it. That’s a bonus.”
“Yeah. I suppose. Doesn’t make me any less tense or damned stressed through.”
As we stared deep into each other’s eyes I couldn’t help but think that she was an exquisite woman. She had a sharp tongue, and there was a part of me that loved it. Women that challenged me I found thrilling, and I seriously doubted life would be boring with her around.
She grimaced as she rolled her shoulders.
An idea struck me as I watched her distress. I wasn’t sure if she’d be up for it, but I was willing to take the risk. In truth, it was my dick that was demanding I take action. “Here let me help you with that.” I motioned for her to come and sit beside me on the sofa.
There was a moment’s hesitation before she stood, cautiously walked over to the sofa and sat down next to me. “Okay. Now what?” I saw the suspicion in her eyes, but there was also something else. If I wasn’t mistaken there was a hint of need in those blue orbs.
Gently grasping her shoulders, I turned her to face away from me and brushed her long, silky locks off her shoulders, causing her to gasp and her body before me to tense up. The dark hair cascaded its way down her back, shining where the light hit it; it was almost captivating, making me yearn to rake my fingers through it.
