Page 56 of Red Captive

I’m attracted to her. For the first time in years, I want a female, only I can’t have her. I can’t. It’s really as simple as that.

19

Jen

I finish reading through the document for the third time. I understand most of it. However, I know that one word can change the meaning of a whole sentence. I realize that I might have missed something. I’m not a lawyer. As the general enjoyed pointing out, I don’t even have a college education. I got six months at college before I was forced to drop out.

I consider asking for a lawyer to help me understand a couple of things better. Maybe I need to re-word a clause or two.

Who am I kidding? I don’t have time for that. My mom needs the cash and right now. She must be freaking out.

I go out into the living room and find Steel lifting weights. He’s shirtless. There’s now a basic gym set-up as of a few days ago.

Steel is doing bicep curls with the biggest free weights I’ve ever seen. He’s still good-looking, even though he’s straining and sweating. Actually, he might even look more attractive, which is saying something.

“You good?” he asks as he pumps the weights. Up and down, up and down. I’m mesmerized.

I need to stop ogling him, especially after what happened earlier. We had a moment. Instead of telling me what Rex wanted to do to me, I think he told me whathewanted to do to me. It was a little wicked and a lot dirty. Hearing him say how hard he wanted to make me come had me getting wet in an instant. If I’d stayed in the room with him, I would have jumped him, and I know that Steel would have turned me down flat. I know it. It’s how he is, namely completely strait-laced. Even that is pretty hot.

“I’m good. I need to sign this.” I hold up the document. “But I need a witness, and you’re it.”

He puts the dumbbells down. I place the contract on the table and sign the thing after first initialing the individual pages.

He wipes his face with a towel as he walks over to me, throwing the towel over the back of a chair.

He smells really good. Masculine and yet like soap, spearmint, and sandalwood, maybe. It’s a great combination. Makes me want to bury my face in his chest or to lick him…all over. How can he smell so great when he’s all sweaty like that? I’m beginning to realize that he doesn’t run like the rest of us. He’s on another level.

Steel signs where it says witness, then puts down the pen. “You sure you’re comfortable sending this in? Don’t you need more time? If you’re not happy, you can ask for something to be changed.”

I nod. “No, I’m good. Also, my mom needs the ten thousand dollars. Back and forthing over the fine print of a contract could make this drag on for weeks. My family doesn’t have weeks, and I don’t want to delay this; the sooner it’s over, the better.”

He nods once, grabbing his cell phone. He types for a few seconds. “There, now they know it’s ready for collection. I’m sure you’ll see your next candidate tomorrow.”

“Thank you.” I look over at the equipment. “Sorry I interrupted you mid-workout.”

“No problem. I was just blowing off some steam.”

I could think of a couple of other ways we could both blow off steam…together. Holy moly! I really shouldn’t be thinking like that. I’ve never been the kind of person to have casual sex. If Steel and I were to have sex… and it would be a hugeifbecause I don’t think he would ever go there. He’s just too straight and narrow. Butifit ever were to happen, it would need to be strictly casual, and I’m not so sure I can do casual.

I don’t need to marry someone I don’t love while pining over Steel and, on top of that, missing my family terribly. I’d be shooting myself in the foot. In both damned feet.

No!

Not happening!

I note that his bed has been moved to the other side of the room. It’s in a better position over there, but how is he going to lock me in at night?

“Why did you move your bed?” I ask, looking over there.

“It was overkill. I don’t think you plan on trying to escape, and if you did, I’d hear you.” He walks into the kitchen area and disappears into the small pantry, buckling on a tool belt as he reemerges.

He’s wearing shorts, no shoes. He’s shirtless, his muscles are pumped, and he has a light tan leather tool belt riding low on his hips.

“You done looking?” he smirks.

I realize he’s just standing there while I drool a little.

“Just checking out your hammer.” Thereisa hammer. I smile when Steel doesn’t. I clear my throat. “I’m only joking. Just asilly… Actually, I was wondering why you need a tool belt in the first place…um…that’s all.”

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