Page 20 of The Negotiator

“I know what it’s like to be a victim of Carl Gallagher.”

He refused to let her wear that tag. Shifting on the cushion, he faced her head-on. “You are not a victim.”

“What am I?”

“A survivor.” His fingertips trailed over her cheek and down to her chin. “A really sexy survivor.”

“Are you making a pass?” She smiled as she said the words.

He totally was even though he’d promised he’d give her space. He’d never said it out loud but he’d thought it... and now he wanted to break that vow. “Would it work?”

She scooted a little closer to him, closing the distance without saying a word. “I thought we established you have a green light.”

“That wasn’t a temporary thing?” Please say no.

“No.”

He could barely hear over the buzzing in his ears. “Be sure, Lauren.”

She didn’t hide her movements this time. She slid across the couch, or tried to. When that didn’t work, she lifted up on one knee and threw her other leg across his lap until she straddled him. Right there on the couch.

“You are the one thing I am sure of.” She dipped her head and treated him to a very sweet lingering kiss.

He wanted more and that scared the hell out of him. Not enough to stop, but a warning sign did flash in his brain for a second before he blinked it out. “Those are big words.”

“I know.” She slid her hands around his neck. “What are you going to do about them?”

The woman wanted a gesture? Fine, he’d give her one.

With both hands cupped under her ass, he found his balance and stood up. Took her with him and had to smile when she wrapped her legs around his waist.

Her eyebrow lifted. “Impressive.”

“I can only do that once a year. Don’t get used to the move.”

“Noted.”

Her smile nearly knocked him out. Warmth and longing thrummed off her. He could feel her need, her excitement. It ran through her and vibrated against him.

He spun around, dropping them both on the mattress. She fell back and he balanced on top of her. They were fully dressed but he could feel every curve through their clothes. The scent he associated with her, the smell of fresh linen and a touch of flowers he could not name. He knew it came from her shampoo because he’d smelled it in the bathroom this morning after her shower. It had followed him around all day, baiting him.

His fingers went to the small white buttons on her shirt. One by one he opened them, revealing inch after inch of bare skin. He skimmed his fingers over her neck and across her collarbone. Trailed them down her chest to the tops of her breasts.

“You are so beautiful.”

“And you are charming.” She tugged on his sweater, lifting it up his back. “Hot and charming with the touch of the devil inside you, I think.”

That worked for him. The sweater didn’t. His skin was on fire and everywhere she touched came alive under her hand.

She pushed up just enough to give him some room. He nearly ripped his sweater and tee to shreds getting them off. He wanted to strip it all off, but he slowed down. Just enough to savor her. To watch as her pupils dilated and her tongue darted out to wet her bottom lip.

She was sexy without even trying.

Then her hands were on him. Trailing over his shoulders and down his arms. Skipping to his chest and traveling over his stomach. Every brush, every touch, had his breath hitching inside him.

He kissed her then and tried to figure out why he hadn’t done it the minute she walked in the door. Their mouths met and his mind went blank. All thought dropped out of his head except for his need for her.

Their bodies rubbed together as he shifted, working his fingers to get her shirt open and off. Tugging the material as he kissed her. Slipping his hand inside the silky laciness of her bra and loving the feel of her soft skin under his palm.

---