The Hunk Next Door(37)
She laughed. “No. Not there, either.”
He kissed her again and she nearly relented. “All right.” He reached up and flicked the switch, plunging the truck into darkness. “It’s a challenge, but I can make it work here.”
She should’ve found that offensive, but all she could do was laugh. She couldn’t remember anyone in her past who made her laugh, who made her feel as lighthearted as Riley did. “You really don’t waste time.”
His mouth was warm and tender as he trailed kisses across her cheek to her ear. “You knew that,” he murmured.
She let the words shiver through her, let her head fall back, granting him full access to her throat. A warm feeling bloomed in her chest, something more than the passion he stoked with his sensual touches. Yes, she did know that about him. At the moment, she appreciated it.
Not enough people were willing to be so honest about what they wanted. He wanted her—the physical evidence was clear on that. She wanted him, too, but she couldn’t bring herself to satisfy this rush of lust in his truck in full view of her neighbors or the patrol car assigned to the neighborhood. Mayor Scott would have a field day using a public indecency ticket against her in the next town council meeting.
She pushed at his shoulders. “Hey, are you trying to kill my career?”
“What?”
“There’s a morality clause in my contract.” He fluttered kisses along the sensitive skin of her neck and she giggled. “Stop.” She pushed at him again, taking every millimeter of space he reluctantly gave her to gather herself. “Seriously. Stop.”
“I have to?”
“Yes. For the moment.”
He grumbled but eased back. The cold air was bracing, but it wouldn’t cool down the all-consuming heat she felt deep inside. That unquenchable fire could only be satisfied by the man in front of her.
“I’m not teasing you,” she said, wanting to be as direct and clear as he’d been with her.
His brow furrowed. “I didn’t say you were.”
“Good. I just, um, wanted to get that out in the open. I, ah—” she pushed at her hair “—want this to happen. Just not tonight. Not out here.”
“I’m all for a warmer venue.” He put his hands to her waist and boosted her out of the truck, letting her body slide down his in a slow, delicious caress. “I’ll walk you to the door.”
He nearly destroyed her resolve with that smoldering gaze and hot, strong body so ready for her. “You’re a walking temptation,” she accused.
“Same goes.” He paused, one boot on the bottom step, his hand catching her coat sleeve. “I’m right next door.”
She felt her lips curve. “Trust me, I’m aware.”
“I don’t like the idea of you being alone tonight.”
“There are certain disadvantages,” she said, dragging a fingertip along the rough stubble of his jaw. “But I’ll manage.”
He cupped her palm to his lips. “Lock your doors.”
She almost gave in. “You, too.” But he didn’t let her go at that.
* * *
RILEY STARED INTO those wide blue eyes, his blood running hot, but it wasn’t all about those kisses. He was furious about the fire and more than a little concerned about the evidence on the shovel. The more he thought about it, the more likely he decided it had been an attempt on her life—at the very least on her freedom.
It was hard to believe Filmore had taken that leap on his own. Was one person planning all of these stunts? Or were they up against more than one threat? And how long before this nebulous enemy tried again?
The smart thing was to take a step back and be clear about the situation, despite what his body wanted. This was a razor’s edge he was dancing on and he didn’t want to ever give her cause to doubt him or his motives toward her.
He didn’t expect to be drawn so strongly to Abby on a personal level, but she captivated him. From her consistent strength and determination through the adversity to her passionate kisses.
“How will emergencies get handled tonight?” With the police station closed, it was the perfect opportunity for someone to strike. His gaze roamed the shadows, searching for threats.
“Everything’s handled, Riley. I’ll be fine.”
He wanted to believe her. “Let me sleep on your couch.”
“No. The couch isn’t big enough for both of us.” Her smile was as loaded as her words. “I need quiet more than...”
He stepped back. It was easy enough to fill in the blanks. Tonight had left him with plenty of business to take care of before morning. “Give me your phone.”