“Will you at least tell me where you’re taking me?”
“My place.”
“Why? We both have dry clothes back at mine.”
“Yeah, but we’ll have more privacy at mine.”
He felt Eris shift as she brushed the hair back from his face then her breath caressed his ear. “So you want time alone with me?”
His body stirred and his breath caught. “More than anything.”
“I’m glad,” she whispered as she traced the edge of his ear with her tongue.
Rob stopped dead in his tracks. “Princess, you are making it extremely difficult to walk at the moment.”
“I know.”
Her voice was husky and carried the tone of a woman who knew exactly what she was doing. She shifted, causing her breasts to press more firmly to his back. Rob moaned despite his best effort to ignore the woman and the feelings she was causing.
“You know my apartment is closer.”
Rob sucked in his breath and started walking again as the rain let up. “I know, but I don’t want any interruptions once we’re home.” The wind started to pick up and he felt Eris shiver. “You okay back there?”
“I’m fine.” She shook as she said the words.
“You’re such a liar.”
“Yeah, but at least I don’t complain about every little thing.”
“True, and I’m extremely grateful you don’t.” Eris vibrated harder against him and he picked up the pace.
A few minutes later they rounded a corner and he spotted a neighbor leaving his building. “David, can you hold that door?”
The man turned and spotted Rob and then noticed Eris. David flashed a devilish grin as he held the door. “Need a hand there, old boy?”
“No. And you can keep your damn hands to yourself,” Rob snapped as he maneuvered them through the door.
“I’m so sorry. Guess he gets grumpy when wet,” Eris stated.
“I’m not grumpy,” Rob replied as they headed toward the elevator.
“Then what would you call it?” Eris asked, nudging him in the side with a knee as the lift doors opened.
David answered for him. “It’s called being territorial and with a package like you, I don’t blame him.”
Rob turned as the doors were closing and gave David one of his most intimidating looks, only to receive a laugh from the irritating man. The ride up to his third-floor loft was quiet and he started to wonder if Eris was having second thoughts.
If she was, he’d respect her wishes, but they were still going to stay here. He needed some time to regroup, make some contacts and review his plans.
Rob managed to get the key out of his pocket and unlock the front door without dislodging his passenger. Cold air greeted them as they entered his apartment and immediately he felt Eris begin to shiver again. He toed the door closed behind them and made his way to the bedroom, where he deposited her on the edge of the bed.
He knelt before her and lifted her injured, swelling ankle. As gently as possible, he removed her boot and sock. Then he started to prod around the swelling. “How does it feel?”
She sucked in her breath. “It hurts.”
“I’m sure it does. Try moving your foot and tell me how it feels.”
She rotated her foot, then pointed it a couple of times. “It’s painful, but not unbearable. I don’t think anything is broken.”
“If you want, we can go to the hospital.” He lowered her leg and stood.
“No, I really think it’ll be okay, let’s see how it is in the morning.” She moved the foot again.
“Okay, then get out of those wet clothes and wrap up in this.” He tossed a throw at her as he made his way across the room to the master bath.
He removed his wet shirt and tossed it to the floor. He walked directly to the shower and turned the water on to start warming. From the bedroom he heard a muffled squeak. “Is everything okay in there?”
“Everything’s fine, just fine.”
He didn’t believe her, but by her tone she wasn’t in pain or fear. “Are you sure?” Taking two large towels from the cabinet, he placed them on the warming bar then flipped it on.
“Yes.”
He couldn’t help but chuckle at her exasperated tone as he crossed the bathroom. He entered the bedroom and stopped to stare at the sight before him. Eris had removed her wet jeans and the blanket was now draped over her lap, but that wasn’t what caused his body to heat or laughter to form in the pit of his belly.
It was her, half in, half out of her wet t-shirt. She had managed to pull the bottom of it over her head but now couldn’t move because the wet material was stuck to her like flypaper. She stretched this way and that, trying to get a grip on the hem of her shirt, but every time she did, the material would slip from her fingers. Eris elicited a string of soft curses.
Rob smiled and managed to contain the laughter. “Problems there, princess?”
At the sound of his voice, Eris jumped and squealed, turning in his direction. The sight of her predicament combined with the jiggling of her unbound breasts ripped a sound from him that was a combination of a moan and a laugh.
“Don’t you dare laugh at me, Rob Jackson. This is not funny, not funny at all.”
“I’m not laughing, I swear.”
“Yes, you are. I can hear it in your voice and it’s not amusing. I’m cold.”
“I’m sorry.” Rob moved to her quickly and wrapped the blanket snugly around her chest, securing the ends so it wouldn’t fall away. “But I’ve never seen such an erotic and cute sight. I didn’t know the two could go together.”
He grabbed the shirt and pulled it off. Eris immediately lowered her arms as she looked up at him and shivered. “You thought I was erotic?”
“Yeah, but blue skin isn’t very becoming, let’s get you in the shower.”
“A warm shower.”
He picked her up. “Extremely warm.” He nuzzled the spot beneath her ear as he carried her across the room.
“Sounds wonderful.”
Rob laughed as he put her on her feet in the bathroom, making sure she was steady before letting go. “I get the distinct feeling we are talking about very different things.”
In one sweeping motion, he pushed down his jeans and briefs before stepping out of them. As he straightened, he caught a glimmer in Eris’ eyes, letting him know she was having some of the same thoughts after all.
He reached out, tugging the wrap from around her and watching as it slid to the floor. His eyes traveled up, taking in the slight flare of her hips, the belly ring that held a half-moon charm, the dip at her waist, her full breasts, ending at sparkling green eyes that held his gaze.
He wanted this woman more than the air he needed to keep breathing and it terrified him. Promptly, he cut off that line of thought and concentrated on the lust and desire she stirred in him. Those feelings he understood and knew how to deal with. Picking her up, they headed for the shower.
Chapter Nine
Warm water rained down on them from three large, disk-style showerheads. The warmth penetrated her body and immediately she relaxed. Cradled in Rob’s strong arms, she felt more secure than she had in months. “This is nice.”
Rob released her legs and held her chest pressed to his with one arm about her waist. Slowly he let her body glide down his, using his free hand to balance her. His chest hair ran across her skin, sending shivers all the way to her toes. Instinctively she wrapped her arms around his neck as her feet touched the tile. She tilted her head back and caught her breath at the look in his eyes.
“Very nice,” Rob whispered as he lowered his head and captured her mouth in a heart-melting kiss.
Her body sagged against his, pressing her breasts against his chest. Her hands tangled in his wet hair, pulling him closer as she deepened the kiss and rubbed her body against his.
Rob broke the kiss and rested his forehead against hers. His breathing was as ragged as hers. She was glad to know she wasn’t the only one wh
o felt this strong pull between them.
“If you keep that up, princess, I’m going to forget about taking it slow and easy.” Rob’s voice was deep and husky.
Eris swallowed hard in an attempt to slow her racing pulse but failed miserably. “I don’t want slow and easy. I don’t think I can stand waiting.”
She licked her lips nervously as Rob smiled and turned her around, pressing her back to his front. “Well, too bad, we’re playing this my way.”
“What if I don’t want to play your game?”
Rob grabbed the bottle of bath gel and squirted a line across the top of her breasts. The soap was cold compared to the warmth of the shower, causing her to press back against him. He placed the bottle back on the shelf then his hands moved to the soap. Leisurely he worked it into a lather as his hands moved up to the base of her throat then around her ears, massaging any lingering tension away.
Her head lolled back against his shoulder as his hands moved down across the tops of her breasts toward her nipples. God, she wanted to feel his hands on her almost as much as she wanted to feel his mouth on her. Her breath caught—he was almost there.
His hands moved to the sides then around and under to cup her. “Touch me.” Her voice held a note of desperation that she couldn’t hide.
He chuckled again and it irritated her. “Patience.”
“I don’t have any.”
“I’ve noticed,” he replied as his hands moved up. His palms brushed over her nipples, sending shockwaves through her body. “Do you like that?”
“Yes.” Her breath caught as his fingers captured her nipples and rolled them. “Oh my.”
“You want more?”
“Yes.” She moved her hand behind her in an attempt to return some of the sweet torture.
Rob shifted his body, pressing himself tighter against her bottom as he chuckled softly. “We’re going to do this my way, regardless of how much you squirm and wiggle against me.”
Eris groaned as his right hand started traveling down her body. “How can you stand to wait?”
His hand stopped and toyed with her bellybutton ring. “As a young child, I learned to savor the special moments in life. They are few and far between. This is one of those moments and I plan on enjoying every second of it.”
His hand glided lower and her body heated. “Easy for you to say.”
“Not easy, I just enjoy the anticipation.” His hand slid lower, brushing across her, causing her body to jump.
“Rob.” The word broke as he flicked a finger across her most intimate point. “Wait, please. I can’t stop my body…”
“Then don’t.”
His strokes became more intense, pushing her closer to the edge. She fought the feelings swamping her. They were stronger than anything she’d ever experienced, leaving her unsure of what was on the other side.
“I’m here, waiting to catch you. Let yourself go over that edge, princess.”
His words were the only reassurance she needed as she did a free fall into the unknown.
When she returned to a minimal level of consciousness, she found she was wrapped in a large, warm towel and was being gently lowered to the bed. Rob brushed the hair off her forehead and started rubbing her vigorously. “Are you warm enough?”
“I’m plenty warm.” That was an understatement, she thought as the towel moved farther down her body. She was hot. Amazingly, she wanted him more now than she had in the shower.
Rob took her left foot in his hand and dried it completely before moving to the other. He looked back up at her as he finished. “Are you sure you’re comfortable?”
Eris wiggled her foot free of his grip, trailed it down the center of his chest and watched as he sucked in his breath. “I’m warm and comfortable but extremely lonely. Think you can do something about that?”
Rob nudged her legs apart as he moved up between them, running a hand up the inside of each thigh as he went. He didn’t stop until he held a breast in each hand. “You are perfection, Eris DuBose.”
The way he said it almost made her believe him. Before she could respond, he started rubbing over her nipples, causing them to pebble and her to totally forget what she was thinking about. She lifted her hips, rubbing herself against his erection. His hands dropped from her breasts, his eyes darkened and his breath caught. She watched him enjoy the erotic movement for several seconds.
“Hold on.” The words were rough but the hands pushing her hips back down onto the mattress were gentle. She watched as he retrieved a condom from the bedside table and rolled it on.
When he was done, she couldn’t help but smile. She never expected to find such a tender interior hidden beneath his tough-skinned exterior. She ran her hands across his chest, which was covered with a light sprinkling of blond hair, and she relished the texture of it against her palms.
As he lowered his body over hers, she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him down until they were chest to chest. His body settled on hers and he dropped his head, taking her mouth with his as he pushed into her.
Rob caressed Eris’ back, enjoying the smoothness of her skin while he pondered his actions tonight. In all his life, he’d never brought women back to his place, not for a conversation, a nightcap and especially not for sex.
Even though he knew he should bundle her up and take her home, he couldn’t bring himself to do it. Instead he forced himself out of bed and away from the comfort of her warm body. The contentment and feeling of belonging he felt when around Eris was addictive. If he wasn’t careful, he could easily become used to feeling this way.
Rob pulled a pair of pajama bottoms from the closet and slipped them on before going out into the living room. He mechanically poured himself a stiff drink from the bar then crossed the room to settle himself in his favorite chair.
He turned his head and glanced into the bedroom. Eris slept like an angel in the middle of his king-size bed. Her pale skin was a bold contrast to the black comforter and sheets. The setting fit her perfectly.
He moved his attention back to the window in front of him as he propped his feet on the ottoman. He led a simple, uncomplicated life. Eris took complicated to a new level, one he didn’t plan on going to.
With that thought firmly in place, he retrieved the portable phone from the end table and started making some long overdue phone calls. If the people weren’t early risers, they were about to be woken because he wasn’t waiting another hour for the sun to rise.
* * * * *
The familiar ringing brought Eris instantly awake. Tossing back the covers, she dove for her pants and retrieved the phone as quickly as possible. “Hello?”
“I’ve been trying to reach you at your house for a half-hour, where are you?” Zane asked.
She glanced out the window and noticed the sun was starting to rise. “I’m at Rob’s place.”
“His place? What are you doing there? No, don’t answer that.” There was a note of panic in his voice.
Eris smiled. “If you must know, we were out last night and I twisted my ankle. Rob’s place was closer so we came here.” She crossed her fingers at the little white lie and was glad she wasn’t talking to Caleb. “So why did you call?”
“I wanted to remind you about Trever’s party tonight at Mom’s house.”
Eris slapped her forehead. “I haven’t forgotten about Trever’s birthday party.”
“You’ve got the present?”
She cringed and wondered when she’d become such a scatterbrain blonde because she actually had forgotten. “The present, yeah, I have it, don’t worry about a thing and see you tonight at seven thirty.”
Movement from the door caught her attention and she turned toward it as she hung up her phone. Rob leaned against the doorjamb cradling a cup of coffee between his hands. He was dressed in black slacks and a dark gray shirt. She got the distinct impression the warm gentleman she’d known last night was gone.
“Depending on how today pans out, we might not make it to your paren
ts’ tonight.” His tone was clipped.
“I need to pick up Trever’s present and drop it off.”
“If our schedule permits, we’ll take care of the gift.” Rob crossed the room to the dresser and placed the coffee on top then opened a couple of drawers. He pulled out a t-shirt and pair of pajama bottoms, placing them next to the coffee. “I think the truck from last night has been found. I want to take a look at it before it’s towed. Slip these on and we’ll head back to your place so you can get cleaned up.”
He turned and finally looked her in the eyes. From the lack of emotion she saw there, one would have thought she was wearing a nun’s habit instead of nothing. Not a good sign, but she’d deal with this later. Right now there was a killer to catch. “You know this how?”
“I made a few calls last night while you were sleeping and one of my contacts called back about an abandoned truck meeting my description.”
Translation, I didn’t stay in bed with you. Her morning was going downhill quickly. “Okay.”
“How’s the ankle?”
“Much better,” she replied coolly.
“Do you need any help?”
“No.” The relief that flashed through his eyes made her angry.
“I’ll be waiting in the living room.”
The door closed behind Rob and Eris resisted the urge to throw her cell phone against it. Slowly she relaxed her grip as a plan took hold and a smile spread across her face.
* * * * *
Eris leaned against the hood of Rob’s car and smiled at the state trooper who was talking with her. He was young, lean and extremely handsome. His blue eyes reminded her of a young Robert Redford. There was positively no reason she shouldn’t feel attracted to him but she didn’t. She was worried her feelings for Rob might be taking a dangerous turn. Instead of dwelling on this new turn of events, she forced her smile a little brighter and focused on the man talking to her.
“Eris.”
She turned at the sound of Rob’s cool voice and noticed Detectives Olson and Tarrington were no longer talking with him. “We need you over here.”
Bayou Heat Page 11
