But unfortunately, while she wasn’t fighting him off, she also wasn’t begging him for more, either. In fact, she stood perfectly still in his arms. He regretfully backed off, shoved his hands in his pockets to avoid temptation, and studied her.
As he watched, the dazed expression faded from her eyes, and they narrowed on him.
“So that was the second kiss?” she asked.
He dropped his gaze to where her tight little nipples pressed against her top and almost groaned. “Yeah. You want to try for thirds?”
She frowned. “I don’t think so.”
“Some other time?”
“Or not.”
He glanced down farther. She still held the pistol in her hand, and her finger tightened on the trigger. He was pretty sure the gun wasn’t loaded, but all the same, perhaps it was time to go.
Hell, he didn’t even know why he’d kissed her. But for some reason, she tempted him in a way no one had in a long time. Such a contradiction. Soft and vulnerable one minute, hard as nails and contemplating shooting him the next. At least he wasn’t bored.
He winked at her. “Later, babe.”
As he turned and walked away, a prickle of unease ran down his spine. She wouldn’t really shoot him in the back, would she? He couldn’t fight the grin stretching across his face.
This was going to be fun.
Chapter Three
“Good morning,” Gary murmured.
“Is it?” Dani shuffled onto the terrace, following the scent of fresh coffee. A yawn escaped her, though she’d actually slept better than she had in months. Amazing considering the state her mind—and body—was in when Zach had left her the previous night.
Holy crap the guy could kiss. Not that she had much—or anything—to compare him with, but even now, nearly twelve hours later, just the memory had the power to start an insistent little pulse between her legs. She squeezed her thighs together but that only intensified the feeling.
Gary sat at the small table, his breakfast in front of him, and she leaned across and grabbed his coffee. He took one look at her face and obviously realized her need was greater than his.
“Where’s Simon?” she asked. “I haven’t seen him yet.”
“He’s doing a quick check around the grounds. It will be good when the dogs are up and running. It will save us some work.”
She took a seat opposite as he gave her a look she didn’t quite understand. “What?” she asked.
“Zach couldn’t stop asking questions last night.”
“That’s hardly my fault. So what was he asking about?”
“You.”
At that, she got a little twinge of something inside, but she kept her expression bland and her tone nonchalant. “Why would he ask about me?”
“He’s obviously interested in you.”
Another twinge. “Don’t be stupid. I’m not exactly the type to appeal to a man like that.”
But that kiss…
She still felt the touch of his lips against hers, remembered the taste of his tongue.
Gary gave her another strange glance. He opened his mouth to say something, then paused and shut it. “Whatever, but he’s definitely interested.”
Dani scowled. She didn’t believe for a minute, despite the kisses, that Zach had any real interest in her. “Zachary Hunter is obviously the sort of man who can’t meet any woman without turning it on.” Still, she couldn’t help asking, “So what did you tell him?”
“I told him you were a nymphomaniac.” Dani narrowed her eyes. “Just kidding,” Gary said, hastily holding up his hands in mock defense. “Actually, I told him you were a lesbian.”
“Ha, ha, you are so not funny.”
“Don’t worry. I gave him your name, rank, and serial number plus a few other snippets I thought might put him off. But I have to warn you, Simon was looking a little put out.”
Dani frowned. “I don’t know why.”
Gary gave her a knowing look. “I’m sure you’re aware that he’s had the hots for you for about five years.”
“Yes, just as I’m sure you’re aware that I’ve never given him any encouragement in all that time. You know what I think of relationships in the army. They never work.”
Gary waved away her argument. “Neither of you are in the army right now. Look, all I’m saying is don’t wind Simon up. Go easy on him.”
Dani stared at him in amazement. Since when had she turned into this femme fatale? Since when had she been capable of winding up any man? “Anything else?” she asked sarcastically.
“Yes. Don’t give Zach any encouragement.”
Dani rolled her eyes. “That one, I think I can manage. I’m more likely to give him a punch in the nose.” She looked at him hopefully. “Am I allowed to punch him in the nose?”