Page 32 of Embracing Hope

“Consider the business implications of this situation. Mixing work and pleasure is never a good idea.”

“It’s a little late for that.”

“Neither of us was aware of who the other was.”

“You don’t always play by the book, do you?” She flicked up a brow.

“Didn’t you say yourself it’d never happen between us again?”

“A girl reserves the right to change her mind.”

He chuckled. “Bad idea.”

“Is it?” She lifted herself and slid over his lap, straddling his hips. She pressed her hands against his shoulders and looked at him. There was an undeniable connection between them. She sensed that he felt it too, but he couldn’t allow himself to face the facts. “Adults can separate sex and relationships. Two people can have sex without a relationship.”

His head was against the headrest and he stared up at her, his eyes glazed in the light of the dashboard. “This could get messy and I don’t like messy.”

“Maybe you don’t know how to handle a woman like me.”

“You certainly are…different.” He tangled his fingers in her hair.

She felt the growth of attraction in his pants and she gyrated her bottom against his hips. Goosebumps scattered her skin and her pulse quickened. The windows fogged, which made everything more intimate. Like they were the only two people in Sagebrush Pine awake at that hour. The scent of masculinity clung to his clothes, evoking something primal inside her.

Despite the multitude of rumors that had been told about her, she’d never been wild and dated man after man. She’d always been a bit shy compared to her sisters, especially when it came to dating and seduction. She’d learned early on that she didn’t have to do much to gain attention, so Isaac was a breath of fresh air.

Feeling arousal growing between her legs, she leaned in and whispered, “I can fuck and keep things secret.”

His massive erection stretched his zipper. She remembered how large and capable he’d been. How’d there been a sensuality in what they shared.

He curled his fingers into a tight fist, tugging at the roots of her hair and eliciting another round of goosebumps.

“Have you ever behaved a day in your life?” he said in a husky tone that made her squirm slightly.

His chest rose and fell. They were in a cocoon in the truck, and emotions swirled around them like a warm, comforting blanket.

“And what’s the fun in behaving?” Her heartbeat was in her throat.

“You’re a fire that only a rare few can tame.” He pulled her face so close that she thought he would kiss her. She wanted him to kiss her.

“Do you think you have what it takes?” Suddenly, the electrical charge had become a magnetic force. She was so wet she wondered if she soaked through into his jeans.

“Not only do I know I have what it takes, I can also say that I’m not fucking you here. And not when you’re drunk.” He kissed her forehead and removed his hand from her hair.

Humiliation coursed through her.

With a grunt, she slid off him and settled her bottom back into the passenger seat. A cocktail of anger and embarrassment made her sit there quietly, simmering.

He reached across her, grabbed the seatbelt and dragged it over her body. The clicking of the lock sounded loud to her sensitive ears. She refused to meet his gaze although she could feel his stare.

“Don’t sulk,” he said.

She wanted to unleash on him, but instead, she continued to keep her attention steady on the darkness on the other side of the window.

At this point, she’d rather go home and ease her need with her favorite toy. She’d get more emotion from the “rose” than the cowboy sitting next to her.

He settled back into his seat and pressed the gas, pulling back onto the country road.

She had half a mind to plunge her hand between her legs and take care of her need right there in his seat. Wonder how he’d feel about her leaving her calling card on his leather? The idea made her laugh.

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