Page 58 of Sheltered by the Lawman

He could feel the quick rhythm of her breathing. Would she send him to the couch? She brought her arm out from under the cover and grabbed his hand, pulling his arm tighter around her. And if that wasn’t enough, she snuggled her bottom in the curve of his hips, driving him further down that crazy road. He truly hadn’t meant for this to happen. He’d only wanted to keep her close to protect her, but he wasn’t naïve or stupid.

Laying his head on the pillow next to hers, he inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of her hair. He couldn’t stop himself and nuzzled his chin along her neck, kissing the slender curve, enjoying the feel of their bodies lying so close. They fit so perfectly.

“I’m sorry you’re in this predicament, sweetheart,” he whispered.

“The silver lining is that I would have never met you otherwise.”

“We don’t know that.”

“Are you into call girls?”

There was a teasing lilt to her tone, so he knew she meant it lightheartedly. “When they look like you, and are you, yes, I am.”

No doubt, he could make love to her and forget the barriers between them. He could allow his hand to move over her, squeeze her breasts and unwrap her like an early Christmas present. Already he was fully hard, his body aching for release, but more than that, he wanted to offer her pleasure. He’d never much thought about giving a woman the ultimate pleasure until he met her.

Did she understand that she drove him crazy? Struck up every nerve ending and made his libido sing. He kissed her warm skin—skin that smelled so much like heaven.

She rolled over, facing him.

That heavy chemistry became thick and abrasive. She brushed her mouth over his and that was all he needed to understand that he didn’t care about her past.

He lowered his hand to the indent of her waist, making figure eights on her exposed skin with his thumb. Kissing her forehead, he wove his fingers through her hair “Trust me, sweetheart. You’re safe with me. Whatever has happened in the past we’ll get through this. I promise.” His voice was strained and hollowed.

“I wish I had half your hope.”

They entwined their fingers, holding hands. Something so simple and yet meant for lovers. She kissed his cheek.

“I want more. I truly do, but I also need to keep my head on straight. I’m useless if I can’t catch the fucker who wanted you dead.” He slid his hand down her bottom, lifting her thigh so he could move his hips between her vee. Lust and frustration mingled like a torturous cocktail.

She pressed against his zipper. “Why didn’t you take your jeans off?”

“Because we need this barrier.”

She laughed lightly. “I don’t think the Berlin Wall would have been a big enough barrier.”

“You must know how much I want you,” he said on an exhale of breath.

“But I know that we can’t.” She pulled her leg away but didn’t move more than an inch. “It wouldn’t be fair for us to sleep together not knowing if I have played a role in hurting someone. We’d only be making a tough situation tougher.”

He took ahold of her chin gently. “Whether you know it or not, you have just given me a challenge. I’ll prove your innocence.” When she lowered her gaze, he said, “Look at me. Trust in me.”

“I want you to trust me too, Cull. You can’t give yourself to someone you don’t really know.”

“Roll over,” he said tightly.

Without asking why, she did as he requested and he dragged her into the spoon of his thighs. “There, less chance of either of us ignoring consequences and doing what our bodies crave.” He did his best to sound certain but inside he quavered like a leaf in a windstorm. “Relax, darling. Sleep and we’ll talk tomorrow.”

“If you want me to sleep, then you need to quit poking me.” She gave her bottom a wiggle against the bulge in his jeans.

“Stop that, sweetheart. Give this ol’ body of mine a break.” He laughed. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I got to get out of these clothes. They’re going to cut off my circulation.” He quickly removed his clothing and came back to drag her close.

Soon, he felt his body relax and sleep overtook him, but it didn’t last long.

He wasn’t sure how long he’d been snoozing when he felt the bed wiggle and Monica say, “Wake up! Wake up, Cull!”

Reacting as any lawman probably would, he jumped up, grabbed his gun from the nightstand, then asked, “What is it? Is someone in the apartment?”

“No. I have to tell you something.”

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