Page 34 of Love Me Dangerous

“Get me back.” He drops his hands to his sides. “Come on. It’s only fair.”

“Life’s supposed to be fair?”

His expression turns thoughtful, like I’ve said something important. “Is that what it’s like for you?”

I swallow my rising discomfort. “I didn’t mean to be dramatic. Life is fair enough. Like today, with the owl. It wasn’t fair that she was trapped in old fencing that shouldn’t have been there in the first place, but we made it right by helping her. Setting her free.”

“Is that why you’re out here in your off time, all alone? To make things fair?”

I stare him down while the creek curls around my ankles and the insects hum from the grass. Is he messing with me, or is something different going on here?

“You think it’s dumb.”

His intense blue eyes soften. “You may be a lot of things, but dumb isn’t on the list.”

A gust heavy with the scent of minerals scuffs the surface of the creek and sends goosebumpsdown my arms.

I risk a little splash in his direction. He’s quick to dodge, but I soak the back of his left leg. “Come on. You can do better.”

I raise an eyebrow. “I’d rather know what’s on the list.”

“What list?”

He takes a step closer just as I lift my toe to splash him, and my little arc of water soaks his thighs. Oops. But it’s like he doesn’t feel it. Or care.

“Of what you think I am.”

He closes the gap between us so he’s near enough that I catch his cotton and clove scent. The cool water slipping past my ankles sends a shiver up my shins.

“I think you’re loyal. Fearless. Brave.” His long, dark lashes lower as he scans me up and down. “Strong. Passionate.” He arches an eyebrow. “How am I doing?”

“Good so far.”

“You need more?”

I can’t help but grin. “You got more?”

He laughs, and it’s so pure and beautiful.

His eyes lock with mine. “Cocky. A little bold. When you want something.”

“I’m an open book, huh.”

“Does it bother you?”

I give his body a slow scan in the same way he did with me. “It’s not bothering me right now.”

“How will I know when it does?” He closes the distance between us so our lips are practically touching. My heart is beating harder, faster.

“I’ll be sure to tell you.” I rest my hands on his waist. Desire pools low in my belly. It feels so good to touch him. Feel him. Even if only through his clothes.

I close my eyes as he leans in to kiss me. Our lips touch in the softest, most tender embrace. Like a first-date kiss. Like a question.

I answer it with a kiss of my own, tugging on his lower lip just a little.

A low rumble sifts down the mountain, carried by the wind.

Zach slowly pulls back, a shy grin on his face. “Still okay?”

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