Page 22 of Going Rogue
“Nothing so dignified.” He sat back on his haunches with a head shake. “We were playing tag—in the house. I tripped over one of her dolls and managed to catch my face on the corner of the coffee table.”
“Ouch.” She winced in sympathy. “How old were you?”
“Eight. Ali was five, but she’d always been devious.” Mock disgust colored his voice as he said, “I’m positive she littered the living room floor with toys on purpose to create an advantage.”
Rogue couldn’t help but smile, hearing him talk about his family. “You love her.” It wasn’t a question, but he nodded anyway.
“My brother, too, even though Barrett called me stitches for the next year.”
“How many did it take?” Her finger retraced the mark, marveling at the smoothness compared to the scratchy stubble covering the rest of his chin. She’d felt the scruff when they’d kissed in the Humvee and the scrape of it had sent delicious shivers coursing under her skin. Would it feel like that against the delicate stretch of her nape? The sensitive expanse of her inner thighs?
“Six.” He smirked, and she fought the flush, warming her face in response to her thoughts. “Enough to make me look badass.”
Rogue’s smile stretched automatically, imagining Crane as a boy who wanted to seem tough. “Did you impress all the girls?”
He didn’t answer right away, and her smile faded when she noticed him staring at her mouth.
Is he going to kiss me again?
“Something like that,” he mumbled and stood. As if looking for something to do, he grabbed the now empty basin and the soiled washcloth he’d used to clean her cut earlier. He set them down near the tent’s door.
Disappointment clanged through her like a bell. She missed his closeness immediately and frowned after him. If she wanted to seduce him, she needed a plan of action. Taking stock of herself, she winced at the oversized vest. It had to go.
“Do you think they have a shower?” She posed the question to his back where he stood gazing out the tent.
He glanced over his shoulder at her as if he couldn’t bear to face her full-on.
Did I do something wrong?So far, her seduction was off to a poor start.
“No, but I can get some fresh water.”
A weighted blanket of relief settled some of her nerves. Getting clean would help with her confidence. “Thank you.”
Crane nodded before taking the basin. He paused at the tent opening, and his eyes were troubled when they met hers. “Stay here.” With a frown, he set down the bowl, closed the distance between them, and pulled the Glock from her vest to place it in her hand. With a gruff demand, he added, “Don’t let anyone else come in.”
Accepting the weapon, she pursed her lips; the expression on his face stopped the scathing remark she’d been ready to make. A war darkened his brow as if he didn’t want to leave her alone but wanted to comply with her request.
Without questioning herself, she reached up and smoothed a hand across the tight lines on his forehead. “I’ll be fine, Crane.”
When he stepped closer, she tilted her head. The emotion swirling in his caramel-candy eyes held her captive. Rogue wasn’t short, but his height meant he had to bend down to kiss her. Her breath caught in anticipation, then guttered out in disappointment when he placed a chaste kiss on her right cheekbone.
“I know.” Despite the simple caress, hiseyes seared her with the promise of more before he retrieved the basin and left.
At the look, the swarm of locusts returned to her stomach.
You can do this, Rogan.
With shaky fingers, she worked to undo the vest while staring at the closed tent flap. They were both attracted to each other. If she could get him to kiss her again, surely sex would be a natural culmination.
In disgust, she scowled at the streaks of dirt along her arms. A shower might be out of the question, but she could at least lose her dirty clothes. She undressed but had either adjusted to the lower nighttime temperature or the tent created its own warmth because she didn’t feel cold.
Knowing she’d have to wear them again tomorrow, she attempted to knock some of the dust from her tank top and pants. When they were as good as she could get them, she folded the garments and set them aside.
After a deep breath, she sat on the bed in her black sports bra and underwear while she waited for Crane to return. Alternately clenching and unclenching her handsagainst the nervous energy making them vibrate.
???
Crane
