Page 44 of Body Shot

I really wantto punch Seth Crandall.

That asshole did a number on Claudia’s self-esteem, and it’s starting to piss me off. I’m not mad at her, but it’s hard to hear her talk about how guys stop paying attention to her once they see Hana.

Or maybe I’m a little irritated at myself because I’d inadvertently been one of those guys.

The moment Johan showed us the pictures of his sister, I’d basically called dibs. I’d staked a claim because she’s extremely attractive, and also because I’d wanted to see Johan’s reaction. It wasn’t a serious thing, though.

Hana is beautiful, no doubt about that, but so is Claudia.

Hana is more striking with her dark brown hair, bright blue eyes, and smokin’ hot body.

Claudia is softer, more feminine.

Exactly what I like in a woman.

She has curves and bigger breasts.

A plump lower lip I could spend hours sucking on.

The thought of pressing her body into the mattress with mine, skin on skin, is all I’ve thought about for two days.

I want to bury my face between her breasts and feast on them.

I also want to hold her hand and feel her relax against me.

I honestly want to gaze into her pretty face from across a candlelit table and listen to her talk about computers and her upcoming job. She’s smart and interesting and, in my opinion, her shyness makes her genuine and endearing. Especially now, because even at night in my peripheral vision, I see that she’s blushing.

“I’m crude sometimes.” I say gruffly. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. I’m beginning to realize I like it.”

“You liked when I talked dirty earlier?”

“Yes.”

“You know that was fairly tame, right?”

“I figured.”

“You’ll have to guide me, because even though I’ll respect your boundaries, I’m not going to baby you, Claudia. You’re a grown woman and I’m a man who intends to touch you, kiss you…teach you anything you want to learn.”

“That’s what I’m hoping.”

We’ve just pulled up to her hotel and I ease the car into a guest spot.

“You sure you want me to come up?”

“I don’t know what time Hana is getting home, but yes, I’d like to spend more time with you.”

“All right.” I get out of the car just as the rumble of a motorcycle engine catches my attention. We both look up as Aiden pulls his emerald-green Harley up to the front of the hotel and Hana gets off the back. They talk as she takes off the helmet and hands it to him, and he leans over, pressing a quick kiss to her cheek.

Then he pulls off down the street, leaving her standing there for a few seconds before she turns and hurries inside.

“That was a quick date,” Claudia murmurs.

“Do you still want me to come up?”

“I do, but…” Her voice trails. “Maybe tonight isn’t the night for that. I don’t know why Hana’s back so soon or if something happened. I feel like I need to be a friend tonight.”

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