Page 27 of Midnight Escape

Through an excellent supper, he told stories of his teammates and they laughed at the antics of the crew. She looked remarkably enticing, even though he doubted she’d tried. She had that natural beauty appeal down pat.

It’d been tough keeping his growing feelings at bay. The draw to her had begun when he’d spotted her stepping out of the plane. After spending time with her, the more he’d learned about her, the deeper his cravings. It’d also told him that he needed time away from her for all the reasons he’d stated, plus the fact she was taken and didn’t give him the impression she reciprocated his feelings. Abruptly, he stood and tossed his napkin to the table. “I’ll help clean up.”

She looked at him funny. “Fine,” she agreed softly.

Together, they cleared the table and handwashed the dishes after a fight over who washed and dried. He rarely used his dishwasher as it took too many days to fill.

“You can dry,” she said. “Because your dishes aren’t clean enough when you wash.”

With a hand to his heart and a step back in feigned horror, he didn’t agree, but it didn’t matter. They’d get clean either way.

“I made some friends at the gallery down the street.” She handed him a white plate. He wasn’t very creative with his decor. Maybe she could help him spruce the place up some. He’d love her hand in making his house a home.

Wiping the plate, he nodded. “Wait. You what? When was this?” He hadn’t received that in a report from his men.

“Laura and Luke.”

His hand tightened on the next plate she’d handed him. Luke? “Are they a couple or something?”Please say yes,he thought, because he didn’t wear jealousy well.

With a swift shake of her head, she said, “Nay.”

Before he could probe more, they turned toward each other and Moira’s momentum brought her into his chest with her hands between them. Instantly, he grabbed the sides of her waist to steady her.

Fuck me.His breath caught and his heart squeezed as he held her against him. Gazing down into her bright eyes and watching them slowly darken sent heat south, tightening his jeans. All he wanted to do was take her into his arms and carry her to bed. He almost felt done in when she licked her lips. As if not in control, he dipped his head to kiss the ever-loving hell of her, but he came to a screeching halt. He couldn’t kiss his brother’s girl. But— “I want to kiss you so bad it hurts.”

Her delayed answer began to shatter the moment. He released his tight hold on her, so she could step back if she wished. But he didn’t remove his hands. “I… um… I’m not sure—” Disappointment shined in her eyes when he pulled back and dropped his hands. The heat from her body and touch evaporated, making him want to grab her back.

It was possible they should’ve had this conversation earlier, but it was always an awkward conversation to have. Surprising her by taking her hand, he led her to the table and guided her to a chair beside him.

The jumbled thoughts in his head chose their own path to his mouth, ignoring his honor and integrity. “Moira, there’s heat between us. I can’t hide anymore that I want you in my bed. But I know you’re not here by choice.”

“I um—”

Reaching out with his free hand, he placed two fingers over her lips. “It’s okay. You don’t need to say anything. I won’t push. Now—” He sighed and dropped his hand from her mouth. “—if Justin takes out Boyle, are you going back to Ireland?”

While she looked at him a bit strangely, she nodded. “Of course. It’s my home.”

“Have you ever considered remaining in the States? I mean, you can stay here as long as you’d like.”

“I’d like to visit from time to time. I do love it here.” While the joy in her eyes evaporated, she continued, “You should come visit me once I’m set back up.” A cute blush filled her cheeks, and she lowered a head a tad. “I only have a one-bedroom flat, so you’d have to stay with Declan—if he returns—or in a hotel.”

Undaunted by her not inviting him to stay with her, he wouldn’t give up getting her to stay. With his hand still in hers, he asked, “What if you found a boyfriend or fell in love? Would you stay then?” Before he said the last word, he wondered if he’d overplayed his hand. Although, he really didn’t have a good hand to play.

She jerked her hand from his. “Danny, what’s this all about?”

He dropped his brows as his spirit sank at the concern in her voice. No, her tone held more anger and frustration than anything else. Not ready to admit his feelings without speaking with his brother, he decided it best to drop the subject for now. “Nothing.”

“Is that all? I’d like to make some plans with my friends for tomorrow. Low key. I promise.” Her statement told him the conversation about them had abruptly ended even though it’d never really started. He’d screwed up and lost all chance of turning their conversation into a fun, personal chat to continue getting to know each other better. Oh, and winning her over.

Surprised, he responded, “Sure.”

Once she left the dining room, he dropped his head in his hands, elbows resting on the table. He wanted to continue to be her friend, more than anything else, so he wracked his brain on how he could keep his lower brain from making the decisions.

Only one thing would do that.

Chapter Eleven

“Idon’t like this, Franks,” Cowboy said quietly through the comms.

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