by Susanna Carr
“I talked to a parking valet, too.”
“All in one night?” he asked, and she nodded. “And they offered this kind of information free of charge?”
“Yeah. I can’t afford to flash some cash after buying this dress. I’m investigating on a very strict budget.”
“How did you manage to get the staff to open up?”
“It’s all about having a common enemy,” Julie said, eager to explain. “Last night I noticed how poorly Mercedes and Tiffany treated everyone who works here. Bad attitude. Bad tippers.”
“When did you have time to notice this?” He had watched her intently and she had been focused on her assignment.
“I don’t know. I noticed how they spoke to the bartender or I heard the vicious things they said about a waitress. Anyway, I decided to act like I was looking for Mercedes and Tiffany so I could kick their asses.”
“And it worked?”
“It worked perfectly!” Her eyes shone with pride. “Everyone was more than happy to give me all the information I needed.”
“You did all this in one night.” He shook his head in wonder. “You are amazing.”
* * *
AMAZING. JULIE FELT HER cheeks heat. She didn’t want his opinion to matter, but it did. It was more important than what her friends or her boss thought. She wanted Eric to realize that she could be his equal. They could make a great team, if only he trusted her abilities.
Julie tried to hide how flustered she felt. She flipped her hair. “Tell me something I don’t know,” she said with an exaggerated drawl.
He paused for a moment, then looked uncertain. “Okay, how about this. I think I’m a bad influence on you.”
Julie scoffed at his words. “I didn’t get the vengeful bitch idea from you. I actually got it from a Sapphire book.”
“No, I wouldn’t have thought of a tactic like that, but I might steal it for a future assignment.” His smile faded. “I mean, I’m no good for you.”
Who would give him that idea? Did Perry say something? Or did Asia try to warn him off? She wouldn’t put it past them to tag-team him with a few choice words. Those two had their odd way of protecting her. “Who says?”
“Me.”
She frowned. “It’s not true. Not by a long shot. Why would you say such a thing?”
“Because I’m not a gentleman.”
Julie didn’t expect that answer. She absently noticed that he made no apology for it. He simply stated the truth.
“I’m not a hero, no matter what you think,” he added. “Hell, half the time I don’t feel like one of the good guys.”
She raised her hand for him to stop. “Now you’re just talking crazy.”
“I was like you once. I was optimistic, enthusiastic and ready to make the world a safer place.”
She wasn’t surprised. She still saw those qualities in him, even if he didn’t. “And now?”
Eric looked away and pulled at his ear. She found the awkward movement in such a sophisticated man rather endearing. Just when she thought he wasn’t going to answer, Eric said, “I only feel like that when I’m with you.”
Julie’s breath hitched in her throat and her heart skipped a beat. That was the most beautiful thing anyone had ever said to her and she didn’t know how to respond.
Eric glanced up and scowled at her. “Don’t romanticize it.”
Now that was the Eric she knew and adored. Julie bit her lip to prevent a smile. “I wouldn’t dare.”
“I’ve been a special agent for years and I haven’t made that much of a difference. Most of the time I feel like I’m sealing cracks to a huge problem that’s about to crumble.”
“But you’re out there, every day, ready to fight.” She knew that from how he worked the cases when he arrived at Gunthrie S&I. Eric’s actions showed he wasn’t in it for the glory or the adventure. He was there because he wanted to serve and protect.
Eric shrugged. “Not a lot of good that does.”
“It does make a difference.” It made a huge difference to her. “You’re not turning a blind eye and you’re not walking away, thinking someone else can deal with the problem. You keep at it, even if you think it’s a losing battle. You keep fighting, no matter what.”
“That’s not heroic,” he said, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “That’s insanity.”
“Heroic. Insane.” She tossed her hands up in the air. “There’s a thin line separating the two.”
Eric’s eyes darkened as his gaze lazily traveled down her body. Her heart started to thump. Her breasts felt heavy as her nipples tightened. How was it that all Eric had to do was look at her and her body responded?
“Just so you know,” he said gruffly, “you drive me crazy.”
“Glad to hear it. And I wasn’t even trying,” she teased.
“You drove off like a bat out of hell yesterday. Today you didn’t take any of my calls. I spent all day looking for you,” he confessed.
“To apologize?” She didn’t understand the urgency, but she appreciated the gesture. “That’s so sweet.”
“No,” Eric said, “there was something else I wanted to talk to you about.”
“Oh.” She reached across the table and linked her fingers with his, giving his hand a brief squeeze. “Don’t ruin this.”
“I won’t. I’m here to help you.”
“Help me?” She drew her hand away and looked at him suspiciously. “Help me what?”
He took a deep breath. “Investigate the theft and see where it leads before you talk to the authorities.”
“Why would you do that? You were totally against it.” And from the look on his face, he still wasn’t one hundred percent for it.
“Because I know you won’t let it go. You’re going to keep digging and you need someone to watch your back.”
She noticed his explanation wasn’t accusatory or condescending. Eric accepted how she was and he wasn’t going to try and pin her in or change her. Instead, he would join her. It was almost too good to be true.
“What’s the catch?”
“No catch. I’m doing this to protect you.”
She wasn’t sure what that meant. Was it code for interfering? She’d like a partner, not a babysitter.
“Julie, you have good instincts and great observation skills. You were able to gather some information on Mercedes and Tiffany in very little time.” He frowned. “You also have a talent for finding trouble.”
“I don’t go looking for trouble. Why does everyone keep saying that? If anything, my life hasn’t had enough action.” That was until Eric walked into Gunthrie S&I. The way he touched her, the way he made her feel, opened up a whole new world for her.
“I’m going to be at your side,” he promised. “I want to help you develop your instincts.”
“Thank you, Eric.” She moved away from the table and hugged him. She liked how he wrapped his arms around her and held her close. It felt good. It felt right. “You are going to be the sexiest sidekick,” she whispered in his ear.
Eric tilted his head back. “Sidekick?”
“I’m the lead in this investigation. You are more of an advisor or consultant.” It was best to get that out of the way before there was any misunderstanding. “You’re not going to have a problem with that, are you?”
She saw the struggle in his eyes before he came to a decision. “No, Julie. You’re in charge of the investigation.”
The unspoken message was clear. She wasn’t going to be in charge when he took her to his bed. She would have to fight for it. The possibilities made her shiver in anticipation. She couldn’t wait to challenge his authority.
“So, what’s your next move?” he asked as his hands slid down the swell of her hips.
Desire pooled low in her pelvis a
nd she rocked against him. “For what?”
“For finding Mercedes and Tiffany,” he reminded her before he caught her earlobe with his teeth.
Her skin tingled under his warm breath. “Nothing,” she said in a husky tone. “They aren’t here.”
“We could wait longer.” He darted the tip of his tongue behind her ear. The unexpected touch made her gasp.
“We could…” Her voice trailed off when Eric nuzzled her throat. “But I don’t think they’re going to show.”
“There are one or two nightclubs in this area,” he mentioned as he placed a kiss on her jaw. “Or we could look in downtown Seattle.”
Julie clung to his shoulders. “I’ve done enough surveillance for one night,” she decided.
“You’re quitting?” He placed another kiss on her chin. “I just got here.”
“I don’t want to work anymore tonight,” she said. “What do you want to do?”
His eyes held a naughty gleam. “I have an idea or two, but you may not be ready for what I have in mind.”
Her eyes narrowed. He still thought this alias was only skin deep. “We’ll see about that. Lead the way.”
10
ERIC’S ARM CURLED AROUND Julie, his hand resting possessively on her hip. Her heart was pounding against her ribs as he opened the door to his room. Tonight she got to be a femme fatale. Tonight she would fulfill a fantasy.
He guided her into his hotel suite and turned on the lights. Julie silently observed her surroundings. It was all simple lines and cool colors. The light gray chairs and sofa were grouped next to the big windows. Pillows were piled high on the large bed. A crystal lamp sat on the uncluttered desk.
The room was luxurious, beautiful and impersonal.
Eric came from behind her. She felt his warm breath on her neck before he placed a kiss at the jittery pulse point.
“Don’t be nervous,” he murmured.
“I’m not,” she answered breathlessly. She was excited. She was going to spend the night with the most fascinating man she’d ever met.
But she was also very aware of how average she was. Common. Just Julie. Nervousness twisted her stomach and she tried to calm down. It was no use. She wasn’t dangerous or exotic. She didn’t have extensive knowledge in the sexual arts.
If only there were something personal in his hotel room! Something that gave her a little insight into Eric’s innermost desires. Not only did she want to live out her fantasy, but she also wanted to give him a night to remember. She wanted to give him something no other woman could.
Eric’s hand drifted to her shoulders. She loved the feel of his rough hands. He skimmed his fingers down her dress until he found the zipper at the side.
Julie licked her lips. She wasn’t ready to shed her alias just yet. She needed the dress, the shoes and the attitude to maintain the role. Just for a little while longer until Eric was so hungry for her he didn’t notice when she reverted back to simply Julie.
She turned and kissed Eric. Her lips teased with his mouth. As she playfully bit his bottom lip, Julie slipped her hands under his T-shirt. His skin was hot and tight. She hummed with pleasure as her fingertips glided over his ripped abs.
Eric crushed her dress in his hands. He kissed her deeply as he fumbled for the zipper. She retreated.
“Don’t tease me,” he said with a smile as he gathered her in his arms again.
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” she said against his mouth. She bunched the heavy cotton of his shirt and pulled it up. Eric raised his arms so she could strip it off and toss it on the floor.
She caressed his sculpted arms with a sense of awe. Julie enjoyed the feel of his sinewy muscles and the soft hair on his forearms. She couldn’t get enough of his masculine beauty.
But she was no match for him. She’d found that out in the supply closet. She had submitted to Eric and would do it again in an instant. Yet, a part of her wanted to be in charge. She wanted him begging and pleading.
Eric kissed her, plunging his tongue into her mouth as he boldly cupped her breast. She melted against him before she even realized it. When she tensed, Eric broke the kiss and stared intently into her eyes.
“What’s going on, Julie?” His eyes darkened and he loosened his hold. “You’re acting as if you’re scared of me.”
“Scared? No way!” How could Eric think that? When she was with him, she felt safe and uninhibited. There was no other place she’d rather be than in his arms.
“I’ll be gentle,” he promised. “Nothing like last time.”
Her heart ached when she saw the regret in his eyes. She didn’t want him to hide or temper his responses. She wanted Eric to bare everything to her. “Last time was perfect,” she said as she brushed her lips against his. “It was everything I dreamed about.”
He didn’t return the kiss. “Then why are you hesitating?”
“It’s just that…” She didn’t want to highlight her shortcomings, but she knew she would have to confess her fears to avoid any misunderstandings. “Once my clothes are off, it’s just me. No slinky outfits. No sexy aliases.”
Shock flickered in his eyes. “You think I’m attracted to your aliases?”
“Yes.” It wasn’t easy to say the word. She felt extremely vulnerable and her face grew hot.
He stared into her eyes. She wanted to look away, but she couldn’t. Eric cupped her jaw and grazed his thumb over her kiss-swollen lips. “Why would you think that?”
“You didn’t really start to notice me until I used the aliases,” she said in a mumble.
“That’s not true,” he said as he pressed his thumb gently against her bottom lip. “I noticed you the second I walked into that office. But I had promised myself that I wouldn’t make a move on you.”
“And what changed?” she asked. “The aliases, that’s what.”
“No.” He dragged his thumb down on her lip. “You made a move on me. I didn’t expect that.”
“Oh…” She exhaled slowly as she remembered how she had seduced him with her good-girl charms. No extra makeup or change of clothes. She had drawn him close and took the initiative. Within seconds she’d had him right where she wanted him.
“And when you did, you weren’t using an alias. You were a mix of sweet and sexy. Naughty. Nurturing.” His gaze softened as he remembered. “It knocked me off balance.”
“It did?” Julie wanted to hear that. She needed to know that she wasn’t the only one who was caught in this web.
“You were brazen. Daring.” He dipped his thumb into her mouth. She closed her lips around him and sucked. A feral gleam leaped in his eyes. “I want you like that again,” he confessed hoarsely.
“I want it, too,” she admitted as she let go of his thumb. “But this time, I want you naked.”
“Then get me naked,” he said with a sly grin.
Julie leaned into Eric and placed a kiss on his throat as she let her hands roam his chest. She explored every line and angle as he kicked off his shoes. When she reached his jeans hanging low on his hips, she was so eager for him that she wanted to yank them off. Instead, she carefully dragged the zipper over his erection.
Eric’s hands bumped against hers. His movements were rushed and clumsy as he unzipped his jeans, and pushed the faded denim and his boxer briefs down his legs.
“Patience,” she replied as she brushed her lips against his chest, flicking her tongue against his nipple.
She caressed the compact muscles of his ass before trailing her hands along hi
s pelvic bone. She slowly wrapped her fingers over his hard cock.
Eric slipped his hands into her hair and tilted her head up to meet his kiss.
As she caressed him with one hand, his fingers clenched her hair as a groan tore from his throat. He gave a warning bite to her lower lip until she loosened her hold. She stroked him until he couldn’t get enough of this pleasure, this torture.
Eric tore his mouth from hers and dropped his hands to grasp her wrists. He was breathing hard, his skin taut across his cheekbones.
“Take off your dress,” he ordered. “Slowly.”
He dropped her wrists when she took a step back. Julie stood still for a moment as she allowed her gaze to travel down his body. She watched the rise and fall of his chest, the clenching of his hands at his sides and the twitch of his cock. Her skin tingled and the throb deep in her belly intensified. She wanted to crawl all over Eric and taste every inch of him.
Julie held his gaze as she peeled the dress from her breasts. The muscle in his cheek bunched. She gave a slow shimmy as she pushed the red dress past her hips. Her heartbeat thudded in her ears as her dress fell to the floor.
She stood before him wearing a pair of red panties and her platform heels. Julie didn’t want to cross her arms. Instead, she placed her hands on her hips and allowed Eric a good, long look. She should feel shy or vulnerable, but she didn’t. She wasn’t going to dip her head or hide her face behind her hair.
Eric’s awestruck expression made her feel sexy and powerful. She stepped out of the dress. “Anything else, Eric?”
“No,” he said hoarsely.
Her heart galloped as he reached for her. “What about my shoes?” she reminded him.
“Keep them on.” He grabbed her by the waist and carried her to the bed, laying her in the center of the mattress.
Eric knelt over her, his hands bracketing her head. She was exposed to him and she enjoyed the spotlight. Julie stretched and arched her back, reveling in his rapt attention.
She brushed her shoe against his muscular calf. She could do serious harm to him with the heels, but he didn’t seem too concerned.
