Page 54 of Grimm

Dezi’s brow pulled low over her eyes. “Where can I find Molly and Parker?”

The man continued working without missing a beat. “They left an hour ago, calling it a night. What can I get you?”

“Who are you?” Dezi demanded.

The man cracked a hint of a smile. “Bert Granby, the new bartender.”

Dezi’s head tilted to the side. “Wow, Molly works fast.”

“Actually, I came looking for work.” He set mugs onto a tray. “Molly gave me a hands-on interview; I mixed a few drinks and I was hired.”

“Congratulations, Bert,” Dezi reached out and shook Bert’s hand.

“Do you need any help?” Grimm asked.

“No. Most of the customers are slowing down. I’ll deliver this tray of drinks and have a chance to sit for a while before they ask for more.”

Dezi nodded. “Well, we’re in the building if you need more support.”

Grimm slipped an arm around Dezi’s waist and escorted her into the lodge and down the corridor to their rooms, stopping in front of hers.

She stood for a long moment, staring at the door before saying, “If you don’t mind, I’d rather sleep in your room.”

“I’m glad,” he said. “Do you want to gather a few things before we retire to my room?”

She nodded and used her key card to unlock the door.

Grimm stepped in front of her and cleared the room before he allowed her inside.

A few minutes later, she had a handful of clothes and toiletries.

Grimm took her to his room and turned on the lamp beside the bed. When he turned, Dezi was pulling off her clothes, tossing them in a pile on the floor. She tossed the last scrap of material onto the others and met his gaze with a challenging one of her own. “I’m going for a shower. Care to join me?”

With a grin, Grimm nodded. “I was hoping you’d ask.” In less than thirty seconds, he stood completely naked in front of her. He bent to scoop her into his arms and carried her into the bathroom.

For the next twenty minutes, they scrubbed each other’s bodies and kissed and touched each other everywhere. When the water became cold, Grimm turned the valve off and stepped out, taking Dezi with him. He took his time drying her skin, his hand lingering on her breast and the juncture of her thighs.

By the time she dried him, his cock was hard, stiff and ready.

Dezi took his hand and led him into the bedroom. They made love well into the night until Dezi fell asleep in Grimm’s arms.

For a long time, Grimm lay awake. He’d never wanted to marry or move in with a woman because he didn’t trust his genetics.

Lying with Dezi’s naked body against his, memories of the trying day replayed over and over in his mind.

This petite woman might be small, but she made up for it in attitude and determination.

Dezi Thomas was the kind of woman he needed in his life. Strong, compassionate and sexy as hell. Did he dare let down his guard and commit?

Grimm laughed softly. Hell, he’d already let down his guard so much that he was well on the way to falling in love with her.

His heartbeat kicked into overdrive, banging against his ribs. The way most people described falling in love sounded like a fairytale. What he was feeling wasn’t the urge to break into song and dance with the animals. Instead, he felt anxious and nervous like a teenager on his first date. What if he screwed it up? What if she wasn’t as into him as he was her?

What if he got angry someday and turned into his father?

What if he didn’t?

He’d never know what would happen unless he took a chance.

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