Page 18 of 40 and Flashing (the Scotsman)
Her eyes shot up to meet his. “Gavin!”
He shrugged, refusing to apologize. “Only the truth. Now, what secrets do you have about your neighbors?”
She turned her gaze back out to the stream. “So…I have this habit.”
He propped his head in his hand. “Do tell.”
“When I get stuck on a story, I…” Her blush deepened. “Well, I dance.”
“You dance?”
“Yeah.” She glanced at him from the corner of her eye before looking away again. “I dance around my office with my headphones on until a new idea comes into my head.”
He guessed he could see how that might be embarrassing to her.
“The music blocks everything out, and…”
“And?”
She dropped her face into her hands and mumbled something he couldn’t make out.
“What was that, lass?”
She let her hands fall away but kept her head down. “I sometimes forget I’m in my pajamas while I write. Or my robe. Or a towel. And I don’t always remember to close the curtains.”
He imagined the scenario in his head and nearly groaned at the need that stirred in his gut. Seriously, could this woman get any cuter? “I bet they got an eyeful, though I can attest that it’s a pleasant eyeful.”
“Gavin!” She backhanded his stomach lightly.
He caught her hand, holding it against him. “What? Would you rather I said the view was hideous?” He stepped closer, bringing Scarlett’s shoulder against his chest. “That would be an outright lie, so yeah, not goin’ to do that.”
A sudden look of horror crossed her face. “You haven’t told JD and Lincoln and Carter about that, have you?”
Her fear drew out the need to protect her—not just from a rumor, but from anything that might come her way. He drew her full into his arms, turning her to face him. “Now why would I share a memory like that with them?” He tugged her chin up until her eyes met his. “I’m not in the habit o’ tellin’ my male friends what turns me on.”
She opened her mouth, but no words came out.
“What?” He chuckled. “You can’t believe you don’ attract me, Scarlett. I’ve been open about that, surely?”
She still didn’t respond.
“Guess I’ll prove it then.” Without hesitation he ducked his head and took her mouth.
She tasted as good as she smelled. A hint of coffee and cream beneath the fresh taste of toothpaste. Her vanilla scent filled his nose even as her body molded to his, relaxing as he drew her tight against him. Soft breasts, soft stomach, hips he could get a good grip on—she was everything he enjoyed in a woman. He parted her lips with his and licked inside, tasting her more deeply. A groan rumbled through him.
Not wanting to take things too far, too fast, he eased back. Scarlett stood in the circle of his arms, eyes closed, still as a statue. After a moment he began to get concerned. “Scarlett?”
She remained as she was but finally spoke. “God, Gavin.”
“What does that mean?”
She blinked her eyes open. “You are lethal.”
Relief cracked open in his chest, and he grinned. “As good as yer heroes?”
“Better. You’re real.”
“Now that is a compliment indeed.” One he wouldn’t forget anytime soon. It wasn’t often you were told you were better than a woman’s fantasies.
