Luna laughed. “And what does that have to do with me.”
“You’re here and I’m here. Do you really think it’s a coincidence we both happen to be at the mall at the exact same time?”
Luna sat back in the chair. As much as she’d like to believe it was fate that thrusted this sexy beast into her path, she really did think it was a coincidence. “Seeing as I work in the mall, then yeah … I think it was a chance meeting.”
Hunter took a big bite of his burger and raised a shoulder. “Believe what you want,” he said when he finished chewing.
Under the table, his knee brushed hers. They both froze, staring at each other across the table. There was an undeniable surge of electricity that passed between them. Had he felt it too?
He didn’t look like a man that believed in something as unexplainable as destiny.
Clearing her throat, Luna broke the gaze and forced herself to smile lazily, a deceptive mask of self-control. “What about you? Where do you work? Do you live in the area or just passing through?”
“As a matter of fact, I just moved here a couple of days ago from North Carolina.”
“Military?”
“Of course. Is that a problem?”
Luna eyed him before speaking. “Not for me. My brother’s in Fifth Group.”
“Interesting.”
She hesitated. “Don’t tell me you’re over there, too?”
“Afraid so.”
Luna sighed. She should have known. He had that quiet watchfulness about him. The sharp edge as her brother called it.
She’d made a conscious effort not to get involved with anyone from that unit. The way she went through men, she didn’t want her brother to have to defend her honor. However, there were exceptions to every rule.
“I have to get back to work soon.” Luna took a sip from her iced-tea.
“What time do you get off?”
Did she really want to jump into this right now? Her eyes trailed back and met his icy-blues. Can I hear a hell yeah?
She felt herself quickly losing control of the situation. In an effort to regain some ground, she decided to push him away. “Do I really look that easy to you?” Of course she was, but it bothered her slightly that he just took it for granted and assumed she’d want to jump in the sack with him.
Leaning back in his chair, Hunter tapped his finger on the table. “You look like a girl that knows how to have fun.”
Luna leaned forward. “Damn straight,” she said with a cocky assurance she wasn’t feeling at the moment.
She certainly could use a little fun in her life right about now. After all, it was just sex.
“And for the record, I just asked what time you got off work, not if you wanted to ride my cock.”
Luna’s eyes widened slightly at his boldness. She twirled the straw in her cup, trying to figure him out. Was he really asking her on a date? Or was he just looking for a one night stand? Damn, she really was jaded. “Unfortunately, I have plans tonight, but if you wanted to get together tomorrow that could be arranged.”
Playing hard to get was not really her style, but she wasn’t sure she could get into it tonight. No matter how mouthwatering Hunter was. And she certainly didn’t want to disappoint him by not being totally there both mentally and physically.
He leaned forward, his forearms resting on the edge of the table. “Fair enough. As long as you’re not completely blowing me off again.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it. I’ve been in the need of a distraction,” Luna flashed a smile.
Hunter reached over and touched her hand. Startled, Luna looked down in surprise, unprepared for his touch, or the electrical current that flew from her fingers up her arm. It confused her. His gaze traveled leisurely from her face down her body, drinking in every curve. “A distraction, huh?”
His hand lingered.
Tension gripped her and silently she willed herself to relax, wishing he’d pull his hand away. His thumb lightly caressed the inside of her wrist, and his calloused hand felt as tough as leather. His fingers might have been rough, but his touch was as delicate as a soft breeze.
Her eyes flew up to his, and for a moment she forgot to breathe, as she met his intense sexual gaze, her lips curved into a smile. What in the world was happening to her? She was acting like some lovesick fool. She was embarrassed for herself.
He regarded her thoughtfully for a moment, before slowly nodding. “I guess we’ll see about that.” He dropped his hand, pushed back his chair, and stood up, all six foot two of him. Everything about him screamed sex. “Let’s get you back to work.”
Luna quickly got to her feet, wanting to put as much distance between them as possible … at least until she got herself under control.
Once they were in the hallway, he closed his fingers around her upper arm and pulled her against him. His feet straddled hers. She was acutely aware of his chest against hers, and held her breath. He searched her eyes with an intensity that made her heart slam loudly against her chest. Hunter leaned toward her, his mouth mere inches from hers. “Don’t try to fight it, Luna, you’re already mine.”
She fell back a step and tried to come up with a witty come back, but instead, stood their tongue-tied. One for the record books, Luna Alexander speechless. Her body reacted shamelessly, her nipples tightened and she could feel the dampness between her thighs. When she finally regained her balance and the ability to speak, Luna said, “You certainly know how to make a first impression, or I guess in this case a second impression.” Luna paused and tilted her head; she bit her lip. “You know what I think? I think you’re a very dangerous man.”
He didn’t blink for several beats, only held her gaze. Dropping his hand, he said quietly, “I could go to hell for some of the things I’ve done.”
Luna regarded him seriously. Everything about him made her blood run hot. She was intrigued despite herself. “Lucky for you, I happen to love danger.”
Taking her arm, he steered her into the main corridor. His warm hands on her bare skin sent a shiver through her. She was having a hard time holding it together and it pissed her off. A pulsing ache was present between her thighs. A powerful urge to push him against the wall and kiss him senseless came over her, causing her to look away.
She couldn’t help but notice the bold stares Hunter received from women as they walked through the mall. He was the type of man that brought out the curiosity in any woman. There was a wildness, a recklessness about him. It made Luna wary. She didn’t like the dizzying feeling of losing control. She wanted to throw up her walls and push him away. However, there was no doubt she was going to find herself in his bed; she just didn’t want to get burned while there.
When they reached her store, Luna took a calming breath. “Thank you for dinner.”
“You’ll repay me by going out with me tomorrow night.”
She thought about that for a moment and decided that seeing him tomorrow sounded like an excellent idea. “I guess that could be arranged.”
“What’s your number?” Luna asked, pulling out her phone.
Hunter rattled off his number and she sent him a text. Tomorrow.
His phone buzzed in his pocket; he pulled it out and smirked before turning to leave.
Watching his broad, powerful back as he walked away—long, unhurried strides—an uneasy feeling washed over her. He’s right, she thought with a frown.
It was inevitable they would be together and she would never be the same.
Chapter Six
Luna rinsed her face in the sink and reapplied her makeup, careful not to go overboard. Just enough to bring out her best features.
As she brushed her hair, she recalled the feel of Hunter’s skin on hers. What the hell was that? It was like he had magic hands or something, shooting out electric bolts of pleasure. With just one touch he had her spinning out of control. She’d never had such a strong physical reaction to a man before. If she were being truthful, it scared the hell out of her.
Maybe it was just t
he mood she’d been in. She’d been feeling especially hollow the last couple of days. Perhaps any touch would have had the same effect. Surely tonight would be different. Yesterday had been a fluke, that’s all. She’d let her emotions get the best of her. It really was as simple as that.
Yeah right.
She tossed the hairbrush into the sink and closed her eyes.
Rubbing the nape of her neck, she wondered why she was making such a big deal out of this guy. God knows she’s had more than her fair share of experience with men. Normally she wouldn’t have given him a second thought, but something told her Hunter was not the typical male—he was unlike any man she’d ever known. It worried her more than she’d like to admit. She knew she was emotionally unavailable, so why the hell was he stirring feelings inside of her so quickly?
Pushing the thoughts out of her head, she padded down the narrow hallway in search of something to wear. Something casual, that didn’t scream she was trying too hard. Luna groaned. She never cared what anyone else thought about the way she dressed. Why was she overanalyzing her clothing choices? It was ridiculous.
After tossing through her clothes, she dropped her towel and pulled on matching bra and underwear, topping it with her favorite long skirt. It hung low on her hips and hugged her curves in all the right places, and still flared out on the bottom so it was comfortable to walk in. Rummaging through another draw, she yanked out a white tank top and slid it over her head. Reaching behind her, she pulled her long hair out from under the material.
Maybe that weird electrical current thing would transfer into the bedroom. A wicked grin spread across her face. Wouldn’t that be interesting?
The doorbell chimed, and Luna eyed herself one last time in the mirror.
As soon as she opened the door, her stomach clenched and desire coursed through her. He stood with his legs slightly parted, worn jeans hugging his muscular thighs. He was wearing a charcoal-gray Henley shirt with the sleeves pushed up, showing off his powerful forearms. He really was sexier than any man had the right to be.
She hoped her face remained impassive. It took all of her self-control not to push him down on the futon and have her way with him. Compose yourself, woman. She was acting like a cat in heat.
She didn’t want to feel this way. It was strange and disturbing.
With one glance, she could tell Hunter was thinking the same thing. His eyes burned into hers, leaving trails of heat as he slowly roamed the full length of her body. The term undressing you with his eyes took on new meaning.
She couldn’t shake the impression of power and leashed violence when his eyes finally settled back on her face and held her gaze.
“Luna,” he said roughly.
Even his voice caused her pulse to skip a beat or two. She was so conscious of him, she could almost hear his breathing, probably steady as could be. Completely in control and utterly dangerous to her soul.
She knew she had to proceed with caution.
Focus, Luna! Why the hell did her brain have to go haywire as soon as he was around?
Finally, Luna’s brain kicked back in gear. She cleared the lust from her throat. “Come in. I’m almost ready.”
As he brushed past her, heat emanated from his lean, hard body. He was so close, all he’d have to do was lean in a couple of inches and their lips would have touched.
What she didn’t understand was what was stopping her? It’s not like she was shy. Hell, her normal course of action was to be aggressive when it came to sex. Exercising caution was not part of her game plan. When she saw something she wanted, she just took it; used them and walked away. Never giving anyone the chance to get under her skin, avoiding the possibility of getting hurt.
Hunter did a quick scan of the place before his eyes settled back on her. Her apartment was pretty crappy, but she wasn’t about to apologize for it. It was all she could afford.
She slipped on ballet flats and grabbed her purse off the counter. “Ready when you are.”
“Oh, I’m ready,” Hunter said. His voice remained calm, his face still, and even though he didn’t move toward her, Luna detected a hint of sexuality in his statement. Or maybe she was just projecting her own feelings onto him; it was hard to tell at this point. The man made her brain feel scrambled.
Luna stared into his icy-blue eyes, and the room seemed to grow smaller around her. Suddenly, she felt like she had to get out of there.
“Let’s go.” She tore her eyes from his face and strode over, flinging the door open. She needed to get some distance to catch her breath.
“In a rush?”
Luna turned, holding onto the door frame to steady herself, before glancing up at Hunter. Cool blue eyes glittered recklessly from his strong, mesmerizing face. The pull he had over her was bordering on hypnotic. She was immediately drawn into his powerful sensuality.
Involuntarily, she took a step back, trying to center herself from the intense need she was feeling.
A flash of his mouth on her bare flesh. His hands stroking her thighs, his tongue on her nipples.
She wanted him with an intensity that shook her. Maybe if they got the sex out of the way, it would be out of her system, and she could go back to the cool, calm, and collected person she usually was.
For all she knew he could be a cold fish in the sack. Yeah right.
She had two choices: act on it, or run for the hills. And Luna wasn’t one to run from anything.
She stared him in the eye, willing herself to say something coherent. “I owe you a date if I recall the deal correctly.”
He nodded his head and took a step closer. “That was the deal. And I take my word very seriously.”
Without another word, Luna flung the screen door open and stepped outside. The fresh air felt incredible against her skin, and she inhaled deeply, willing herself to calm down.
Luna could feel the excitement mixed with fear surging through her. She knew, without a doubt, when they finally came together it would be explosive. She could have stripped down her clothes right then and there to experience him, but she wanted to prolong the dance.
Something told her feelings like this only came around once in a lifetime.
“Do you want to go to a movie?” Hunter asked, as he held open the door to his beat up, red truck. “Or do you have something else in mind?” His face broke into a lazy, arrogant smile.
Luna climbed in and tried to gather her thoughts.
She gave him a sidelong seductive glance. “Well, a girl’s gotta eat.”
His lip twitched with amusement. “Lead the way. I’m still new in this town.”
Unconsciously, she moistened her lips. “Mexican okay?”
“Works for me.”
She gave him directions to her favorite restaurant, which was only a ten minute ride.
Luna stared out the window during the drive to keep herself from staring at Hunter. The last thing she wanted was to seem too into him. Relief washed over her when they pulled into the parking lot.
She watched as he walked around the truck to open the door for her. She loved the way his muscles rippled and tensed as he moved. He stirred something inside of her that had been dormant for quite a while now. And she hadn’t even realized it until he walked into her life.
They walked through the door and loud Spanish music greeted them, bringing an instant smile to her face. The place was decorated in a festive theme, lots of bright orange, yellow, and greens. A sombrero hat hung from the ceiling.
“Señorita Luna, so nice to see you again.” The maître d’, a rail thin man with a slight pot belly and a droopy mustache greeted them with an affectionate smile. Luna flashed him a grin as he led them to a corner booth. It was always nice to be remembered.
“I take it you come here often?” Hunter asked, as he glanced over the menu.
Luna shrugged. “At least once a week. It’s cheap and the food is amazing.”
A waiter came by and dropped a bowl of chips in the center of the table, along with dip a
nd two glasses of water, before scurrying away.
Taking a sip, Luna couldn’t help but notice Hunter looked even sexier in the glow of the candle’s light. Erotic images danced through her head.
Unable to help herself, Luna’s gaze dropped to his hands. Like everything else on his body, they looked strong and powerful. She couldn’t wait to feel them all over her bare skin.
A waitress came up this time, her eyes were sharp, taking in Hunter from head to toe. If he noticed he didn’t react. Thankfully, because Luna might have to jump across the table if he’d dare check out another chick in her presence. Luna smiled slightly. Point one for Hunter. She couldn’t blame the woman, she’d have done the same thing herself.
They placed their orders and Luna watched as the woman walked away. The extra sway she added to her step wasn’t lost on Luna. The girl even glanced over her shoulder to see if she had an audience.
It surprised her to feel the hint of jealousy creeping up. She was a lot of things, but jealous and insecure were not a part of her genetic makeup, and she didn’t like the fact that a virtual stranger was bringing those feelings out in her.
“She wants you,” Luna said, keeping her face a cool mask as she grabbed a chip and dipped it into the salsa.
Hunter raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t notice.” He captured her eyes with his. “I was too busy watching the way your lips wrapped around the straw.”
A wide smile spontaneously spread across her face. She stopped herself from reaching over and touching his hand. Why didn’t she? It’s not like she ever exercised caution around a man before. Whenever she wanted something she just took it. ‘Take pleasure any way you can’ has always been her motto.
The waitress came back and set two glasses of whiskey and Coke down before them, making sure to lean forward to give Hunter a clear view of her cleavage, but his eyes never left hers.
“Tell me about yourself,” Luna said, picking up the glass and swirling the ice before taking a long sip.
“What do you want to know?”
She found herself wanting to know everything about him. “Let’s see. Did you always want to be a Green Beret?”
Truth or Dare Page 4
