Page 12 of Wild Mustang Security Firm

“US Marshal, remember? Trained observer? Your nipples, Ms. Adams, are hard as pebbles, and my guess is if I put my hand between your legs, I’d find you’re more than ready.”

“You got me there. Have a good day, and be safe.”

“I will be. Nothing but paperwork at the moment. You behave and take it easy. Give me a call if you need or want me to bring anything when I come back.”

“Just you. A change of clothes would be nice, but if I get you, I’ll be fine.”

“That you already have,” he said as he left and trotted down the stairs.

Mandy got up and walked over to her window, which overlooked where he was parked. He looked up at the window, and she blew him a kiss.Oh, good Lord. I never blow kisses to men.But then Marshal John Hampton wasn’t just any man.

As he backed out of the driveway, fear and doubt began to reassert themselves. Did she want what he was offering? Could she handle living with a man who spent his life fighting dangerous people? Did she want to take on a less than equal role in the relationship?

Did she want to fall in love?

Chapter

Four

Luckily, his home was between Mandy’s house and the office, so John made good time getting to work and was only a few minutes late. Walking inside, he put his things down and started his computer.

“Hey,” Mac said as he walked in. “The boss wants us on a conference call in ten minutes. I was a little worried I was going to have to cover for you.”

“Sorry ‘bout that. Things moved forward with Mandy a bit quicker than I thought.”

“So, that’s why you look tired but in such a good mood.”

“That would be it.” John grinned. “Jesus, Mac, it wasn’t like anything I’ve ever done with anybody. It was just so perfect and felt so right. And we both felt it.”

“All of my training says I should be telling you to be careful and slow down.”

“But you’re my friend and have already run a background check on her,” John said with a laugh.

“Guilty as charged. You start talking about getting a ring for her finger, I’m going to make sure she’s not some escaped desperado.”

“Anything of interest?”

“Some minor arrests here and there for environmental protests. She punched one of those deputies from Maricopa County. They didn’t press charges. It seems like she’s got a redhead’s temper and a lead foot.”

“She kicked me in the shins last night,” John said, smiling.

“I get punching those deputy putzes but kicking a federal officer?”

“In all fairness, Ihadswatted her backside.”

Mac laughed. “Did you then explain to her the legal ramifications of that kind of behavior?”

“No, but she did come to understand there are worse consequences than being arrested.”

“Did she now?” Mac teased. “I think you may have met your match and found your girl.”

John sobered.

“I know I did. I know it’s fast, but Mac, she’s amazing. I got after her, and it was settled, then when we made love, it was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. My wildest dreams and fantasies all rolled into one sweet, curvy, passionate, responsive package.”

“I’m happy for you, John, truly.” Mac stood and clapped his friend on the shoulder. “Let’s go get this conference call done, then go ring shopping. It sounds like you’d better make this legal sooner rather than later.”

Mandy heard her phone and was disappointed to see that it was only Willa. Only Willa? John Hampton had certainly made an impression in her life, and she wasn’t really sure how she felt about that.

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