Page 42 of She Gives Love a Bad Name

“Why would I want to walk away?”

“Because I can’t make any promises.”

“I don’t want promises, Grant.” My hand caresses the back of his neck. “I want you.”

A growl escapes his throat as he closes the distance between us and unleashes his passion. The kiss evolves from curious to ravenous. His tongue is rough against mine, dueling and dancing.

I can’t get close enough. Any remaining hesitation disintegrates as he lifts me into his arms, wrapping my legs around his waist.

I’m no delicate, dainty flower, but he carried me before and I loved every stolen moment. This time, I can openly appreciate the flex of his shoulders and the hard length of him against me. He crosses the short distance to the sofa and sits, taking me with him.

Straddling his thighs, I settle onto his lap. His hands rest on my hips.

I wiggle against him and tease my fingers across the collar of his blue dress shirt.

The light catches flecks of gold in his eyes when a lopsided smile steals across that sinful mouth.

“What’s this?” I run my finger across his lower lip.

“What?”

“You’re smiling.” I grind my hips against his, eliciting a groan from the grumpy detective. “I didn’t think you knew how to do that.”

“Keep teasing me and you’re going to learnexactlywhat I know how to do.” His hand glides beneath my T-shirt, and I shiver as his warm touch skims my spine.

Grant’s slow exploration leaves me panting. I take his scruffy face between my hands and kiss him. All my desperation and need pour into that kiss. His hands roam over my skin, leaving goosebumps in their wake. I pull my shirt over my head and unclasp my bra.

His chuckle brushes my neck before his lips seek out the sensitive space behind my ear. I wrap my arms around him and press myself closer.

“You drive me crazy.” His whispered confession leaves me shaking.

“Why did you push me away?” I arch back when he trails soft, open-mouthed kisses along my collarbone and down between my breasts.

“To keep you safe.”

He takes my breasts in his hands and rubs his scruffy cheek against my pale skin. The abrasive rasp against my nipples leaves me trembling. I thread my fingers through his hair.

“From what?”

I gasp when he takes a nipple in his mouth, gently tugging and rolling it over his tongue.

“Me.” He glances up, and I drown in his dark gaze. “You shouldn’t want an old, jaded detective, Quinn. I have nothing to offer you.”

My hand wraps around his tie, and I slowly loosen it. “You’re not old.” I finger the fabric as it slides free. “You’re experienced.”

“That’s not always a good thing.” There’s pain in his derisive laugh, and it lances through my heart.

“Do you still want me?” I ask, curiosity tugging my touch-starved soul.

“Fuck, kid. I’ve wanted you from the first moment I dragged your ass out of that apartment.” He brushes his thumb along the curve of my breast, and I shiver.

“Then why fight it?” My hips rock against his, earning me a gentle slap on the ass.

“It’s complicated.”

“Not that complicated.” I slowly unbutton his shirt. Knowing he’s wanted me since the first night leaves me dizzy with desire. He’s always been handsome, and his kindness that night earned him special admiration. I hadn’t anticipated any serious attachment between us, not until the murderer forced my hand and pushed me into the path of this gruff detective.

“I can’t give you what you want, kid.”

---