Page 3 of Secret Billionaire

By this time, Jesse was standing slightly in front of her, using his body as a shield. He was so close she could smell him, an intoxicatingly masculine earthy scent of cedar mixed with soap. Her fear had dissipated somewhat, and now she was aware of her pulse racing for a completely different reason.

He crossed his arms and said, “You go right ahead and apologize then.”

“Um, miss, I don’t know yer name…well I’m sorry I was a little short with ya earlier. I didn’t mean no harm.”

She glared, “You mean when you threw the money at me?”

He squirmed shifting from one foot to another as he glanced at her bodyguard and said, “I was teasin ya. I’m sorry if ya took it wrong.” He reached into his pocket again and pulled out a couple of bills thrusting them toward her.

Her hands balled into fists. “I appreciate the gesture, but no thanks.”

“Come on, take it.”

“I think we both heard the lady say no. Why don’t you get in your truck and leave or else I’m going to have no choice but to knock you to the middle of next week.”

He kept both hands up as he backed away, “I’m leaving. No need to pitch a hissy fit.” Turning to Faye he said, “No hard feelins?”

Faye’s lips tightened as she fought the fear that had her gut tied in a knot. “No hard feelings. Drive safely.”

Tipping his red ball cap, he hopped into his truck and drove away.

Faye slumped the minute he pulled out of the parking lot. The adrenaline rush from fear followed by her physical response to Jesse, left as suddenly as it had come.

Seeing Faye sway, he put his arm around her waist and said, “Hey are you okay? He’s gone now.”

“I’m feeling a little dizzy is all.” She clung to him for support.

“Where’s your car?”

“I walked. I only live a couple blocks from here.”

“I’ll take you home. You should never be out alone and walking this late at night, I don’t care how close by you live,” he said irritably. “I know you just met me, but would you at least let me take you home? If not, is there someone you could call to pick you up? I’ll wait with you until they get here. A boyfriend maybe?”

Her eyes glistened with tears and her hands shook uncontrollably. “No boyfriend, and I wouldn’t want to wake my roommate up. I would love a ride home. That was so scary. I don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t shown up…thank you so much.” Teeth chattering, she held out her trembling hands. “Look at me, I’m shaking like a leaf.”

His large hands swallowed up her delicate fingers, the warmth of his touch both reassuring and jolting at the same time. Her body seemed to respond of its own accord.

“I’m right over here,” he said. She felt his hand curve into the small of her back as he led her over to a motorcycle. “I almost want to lecture you about accepting my ride, and about being too damn trusting.”

Handing her his helmet, Faye pulled it on and fastened the chin strap. “No need for the lecture. I trust my instincts. I’m seldom wrong about people.”

Grinning he said, “Somehow as a defense strategy, ‘trusting your instincts’ doesn’t reassure me much.”

He threw his leg over the bike then she hitched up her skirt and crawled on behind him. Her nose crinkled and she said, “Where do you want me to hold on?”

He glanced back and gave her a devastating smile, “Best if you wrap your arms around me and hold on real tight.”

Her breath quickened as his warm gaze captured hers. “Um…okay.” She reached around him and encircled his waist, her hands flattened against his hard-toned belly. She could feel his body heat as her breasts pressed against his back. His scent made her want to bury her nose into his shirt. With her legs snug against him, she could feel his muscles rippling with every movement. She was shocked at how much she craved the warmth and reassurance of touch.

He fired up the bike. “Where to?”

She pointed. “That way.”

“Hang on tight. Left it is.”

She didn’t know what was going on. Her whole body tingled, and she was overly aware of his body heating her skin where they touched. She had never had such a strong visceral reaction to a man before. She felt excited and alive, her fear forgotten for the moment, replaced with a fluttery sexual tension in her belly. “Turn right at that stop sign, then I’m the third townhouse on the right.”

He pulled next to the curb and shut off the motor. “Nice digs you got.”

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