Just another kiss. Another taste.
She wiggled on his lap, her hand tightening her grip on the nape of his neck as he caressed her breast, knowing he was driving her senseless with desire.
Driving himself senseless.
Something seemed to sink in then.
Neither of them was really thinking. And after everything that Meredith had been put through tonight, the last thing she needed was someone taking advantage of her vulnerability.
She couldn’t be in her right mind.
That was finally enough to still his hand, to pull his mouth from hers, shaking as he did so, his need for her so intense.
“Mer. This is a bad idea…”
Her eyes opened, and it was like he’d thrown a bucket of water on her. She came to her feet, bringing the folds of her bathrobe tighter around her.
“Don’t get me wrong. If this were any other time, if you weren’t my client and you weren’t dealing with the disappointment and terror of tonight, I’d have you laid out naked on that bed. But it’s just not right. Taking advantage of you like that.”#p#分页标题#e#
She smoothed her hand down her damp hair that was looking rather wild around her shoulders. “You’re completely right. I can’t understand what overcame me. I—I’m sorry.”
Returning to the window seat, she sat a few inches farther away from him than before. She looked completely unaffected now by what had taken place between them. He couldn’t believe that just a minute earlier his hand had been on her breast as his tongue teased hers.
He, however, was still feeling the effects. He shifted in his seat, hoping she didn’t notice.
“Hey, no need to apologize. We were just through a lot. It can make people do things they wouldn’t ordinarily consider.” Like kiss the computer geek. “Anyhow, I wanted to share something with you. Something else I heard. One of the guys mentioned that this auction was delayed from the usual time. Because the boss had some big party he had to attend first.”
It took only a few seconds for her eyes to widen as she put it together. “A big party. Tonight. Like…the gala.”
He nodded. “I’m not familiar with the social calendar of events in the valley. Have you heard of any other event they could be referring to?”
“I suppose there could be, but the school’s centennial is pretty big. We’re expecting the mayor, the Salt Lake bishop, a few state senators, and several preeminent businessmen and women.” She paused. “It’s got to be it.”
“Yeah. That’s my bet, too. I said as much to the officers who took my statement, but I don’t know whether they agreed with me. They weren’t exactly sharing their game plan. Think they might have been a little pissed that we risked ourselves and the other girls going into that house tonight without at least giving them a tip. So is it going to be impossible to wrangle up another ticket for me?”
For the first time, she managed a slight smile, and he noticed the reddened skin around her mouth caused by their kissing. Kissing that he’d almost give a leg to continue. “I might have some connection with the broad that’s running the thing.” Another thought seemed to occur to her. “But this auction,” she nearly spit out. “How are we going to figure out where this is and stop it?”
“All we can hope for, for now, is that Meems finds something in her search and the police do as well. Meems is relentless and brilliant and doesn’t give up. I wouldn’t put it past her to have a strong lead or two by morning.” A shadow passed over her face at the mention of Meems, but she didn’t say anything. “For now, you need to get some rest. You’re exhausted.”
Which was true, because even the healthy glow their make-out session had given her couldn’t hide the dark shadows of fatigue under her eyes.
She rose almost reluctantly from the window seat and headed to her bed. “You’re right. I should probably try and sleep.” She pulled her covers down as Travis grabbed his laptop and headed to the door. “What are you going to do?”
“Shower and then try and get some sleep myself.” A long cold shower.
Her thoughts seemed to have wandered a moment, and she suddenly cleared her throat. “Let me know if you need anything. There should be fresh towels in the bathroom linen closet.”
“I’ll manage,” he said at the door. “Good night, Mer.”
And even though every freaking inch of his body wanted nothing more than to turn around and pull that robe off so he could kiss and worship that body, kiss away the sadness and fatigue in those pretty eyes, and finish what they had started, he kept going, shutting the door behind him.