Kane knew better. She challenged him. She intrigued him. And though she’d not only enticed him but seduced him on many levels, Kayla Luck was far from easy. Caught in a trap of his own making, he had no choice but to support her, back her and make damn sure he did his job.
No mistakes. No distractions allowed.
HER SHOWER FINISHED, Kayla puttered around the bedroom. The sun had set and only the small light of a lamp illuminated the room. She fluffed her pillows, then sat down on the edge of the mattress. Alone.
Just outside the closed door, she heard Kane prowling around the kitchen. Though she lived with her sister and was used to the sounds of another person in the house, Kane’s presence lent a different feel. Anticipatory. Intimate.
She glanced at her nightwear choices laid out on the bed. On the one hand, the washed football jersey Kane had picked out for her the other day. On the other, a frilly negligee stolen from Catherine’s drawer.
Choices. How many times since she’d met Kane had fundamental decisions come down to two drastically different choices? To seduce or not to seduce. To…
The jarring ring of the doorbell startled her. She clipped her damp hair off her forehead, yanked on the lapels of her robe and started for the door.
She didn’t get far before Catherine’s voice sounded loud inside the house. “No lectures, Detective. I have a right to clean clothes.”
“Ever hear of a washing machine?” Kane asked.
“I’ll be out of your hair in less than five minutes.” Footsteps sounded in the hall and drew closer. “Make it ten. I want a visit with the prisoner.”
Kayla laughed aloud. A talk with her outspoken sister was exactly what she needed, too. Enforced confinement with Kane was getting to her, making her lose perspective. She only hoped a dialogue with a biased third party didn’t complicate things even more.
She opened the door at the same time Catherine pushed from the other side. Her sister stumbled in. “Well.” She paused in the doorway. “At least he doesn’t keep you locked in.”
The sarcasm was for Kane’s benefit, Kayla knew. Catherine had already given Kane the Luck seal of approval. Her sister just didn’t want the man to get overconfident and cocky. No chance of that, Kayla thought. Cat didn’t realize Mr. McDermott didn’t want or need to be a part of their little family.
“He couldn’t keep me locked in even if he wanted to.” She slid the bobby pin out of her hair. “Contingency.” Kayla grinned.
“See?” Catherine tilted her head and glanced over her shoulder. “I taught her well, McDermott. If you want her, you’ll have to work for it.”
Kayla grabbed her sister’s wrist and yanked her inside, slamming the door before Kane could reply. “Are you insane?”
“Just keeping him on his toes,” Catherine muttered. “Something you should be doing. I come here figuring I’m going to interrupt some hot sexual encounter and instead I find you in your bedroom, dressed in a ratty robe, and him on the other side of the house, slamming cabinets and muttering to himself.”
“So that’s why you rang the bell.”
“I can be discreet if I have to.” Cat flopped down on the bed. “Now tell me why I didn’t have to.” She laid her hand down on the mattress.
Kayla cringed as her sister’s fingers curled around the silk and lace garment she’d borrowed. “Hmm. Now things get interesting. I guess I jumped to conclusions. You don’t need my advice after all.”
“Wrong,” Kayla said. “Get up.”
Cat frowned. “Why? I’m comfortable.”
“Get up.”
Catherine rose and glanced down, then picked up the large shirt she’d sat on seconds before. Her eyes opened wide and she groaned. “Honey, you’ve owned this rag since we were teenagers. It’s fine for hanging around with your sister, but won’t do jack to seduce a man.”
A vision flooded Kayla’s mind…of wearing that same shirt when Kane kissed her, moved over her, then came as close to burying himself inside her as possible considering the physical barrier their clothing provided. Slick warmth trickled between her thighs at the memory. Then came another vision. That of Kane easing himself off her when he remembered she’d been injured and wasn’t ready, of him holding her throughout the night in comfort. This was a man who could make her both writhe in pleasure, and relax in contentment, in his arms. A potent combination.
“Earth to Kayla.” Catherine waved a hand in front of her eyes. “I don’t know where you were, but it’s obvious you’ve made the right choice.” She picked up the leopard print and black lace garment, dangling it from her fingertips.
Cat’s style, Kayla thought. Not hers. A smile formed on her lips. She felt it. She welcomed it. Things between herself and Kane were sensual, hot…and honest. She didn’t need sexy clothes to attract his attention. If she’d learned nothing else over the past few days, she’d learned to accept herself—her heart, her mind and her body.
She had Kane to thank for opening her eyes, for empowering her in ways she’d never been before. If she wanted to, she was perfectly capable of enticing him on her own—without the teddy. If she wanted to.
The issue in question wasn’t what she should wear to bed…but whether or not she ought to invite Kane to join her. By virtue of his silence, he’d conceded his end of the power struggle where the case was concerned. He would support her decision to participate in wrapping up the case on Charmed! Agreed against his better judgment because he believed in her. But he didn’t like it and was concerned about protecting her, about keeping the edge that made him effective as a cop.
She loved him too much to jeopardize his career…their future. She loved him. Heaven help her.
Despite all the planning and effort to remain in control where Kane was concerned, she’d failed miserably. She’d fallen in love with the loner detective, which meant she was without a safety net now.
Her entire future hinged on Kane’s past. And if things didn’t go well when she met with the man who’d attacked her, Kane would hold himself responsible, just as he did with his mother. In that case, she had no doubt he’d walk away without looking back.
She didn’t delude herself. She might lose him either way. But she believed in odds, and she intended to stack the deck in her favor. To regain control in whatever way she could. She grabbed the lingerie from her sister.
Cat smiled wide. “Whew. I feel better.” She glanced at her watch. “Five minutes are up. The warden’s going to come knocking any minute.” Leaning over, she gave Kayla a quick hug. “I’ll just grab a change of clothes and get out of your way.”
“Take care of yourself, Cat. This mess isn’t over yet.”
“I will. You know that. And you do the same.” She walked to the door, pausing to glance over her shoulder. “Let the seduction begin,” she said with a grin.
“Bye,” Kayla murmured. The door shut behind her sister. Kayla glanced at the garment in her hand, fingering the luxurious silk before burying it in the back of her dresser drawer.
She didn’t need clothes to seduce the man, but she intended to do everything in her power to make him realize what he’d be giving up should he decide to walk away.
HE COULDN’T HANG OUT in the kitchen for the rest of the night. Besides, it wasn’t doing him any good. Kane had sat through Kayla’s shower. Listened to the pulsing, pounding rhythm of the water while his body throbbed to the same beat.
He’d envisioned the stream of water sluicing over her curves, the beads of water clinging to her skin. He braced his hands on the counter and exhaled a groan.
“Something wrong?”
His insides twisted even more at the sound of her husky voice. He turned. Kane didn’t know what he expected. A sexy siren, a vixen to match the arousing voice? He could have handled her and in an absurd way she would have been preferable to the down-to-earth woman facing him now. The old football jersey wasn’t sexy, but the garment had its own share of memories. The faded sweats were far from revealing, but the effect on him was the s
ame.
She looked warm and welcoming.
He felt warm and welcomed. Two sensations he’d never experienced before, at least not in conjunction with a woman. “What are you doing here?” he asked.
“I live here,” she said wryly. “And I was cold after my shower. I figured something hot to drink would take care of that.”
She joined him by the counter. The lemony scent of her shampoo clung to her hair, bringing temptation to life. “Coffee?” he asked. “I saw some instant in the cabinet.”
She shook her head. Damp strands of blond hair clung to her cheek. God, he wanted her. “Tea?” he managed to say.
Her smile caused a tightening in his gut.
“Not what I had in mind,” she said.
“What then?”
Without answering, she reached for the handle on the cabinet behind him. Her arm brushed his shoulder. The heat struck hard and hot, where it counted most. Her touch was electric. He inhaled and counted to five until a semblance of control returned.
“Hot chocolate always seems to do the trick…when I’m cold.” Her voice had dropped an octave. The husky sound turned the knot in his stomach even tighter.
She met his gaze. In her eyes he saw a deadly combination of uncertainty and longing. Kane had been around long enough to know when he was being set up, that she was grasping to regain control. But Kayla’s seduction, or attempted seduction, wasn’t like any other. It was an endearing mixture of innocence and sensuality. One he couldn’t withstand no matter how much he needed to.
He’d already drawn the line and Kayla knew it. He was certain she’d respect his decision to keep his distance, if only because he’d accepted hers to participate with Reid on closing the case on her business. But she was playing a dangerous game with him now, tempting him, hoping he’d give in…wondering how far he’d let her go before backing off.
He wasn’t sure himself. Around Kayla, his self-control was minimal. His only choice was to turn the tables and hope she chose to retreat first, instead of advance.
He stepped toward the refrigerator to her left. “Would you like some whipped cream on top? I seem to remember you enjoy it.” Reaching for the handle, he brushed his forearm across her breasts. The barrier of her clothing might as well have been nonexistent as the hardened peaks of her nipples rasped across his bare skin.
She exhaled a slow moan. He gritted his teeth against the arousing sound and the pleasurable feel of her breasts against his arm. His jeans, already too snug, were now damned uncomfortable. He turned toward her, trapping her between the counter and the length of his body. Her body heat called to his, her scent beckoned to him. Kane wondered when he’d begun to enjoy torturing himself without mercy.
He glanced down. She gripped the sides of the cardboard box of instant cocoa mix, denting the box with her grip. At least she was affected, too.
He leaned forward. “Whipped cream, Kayla?” Her eyes darkened, remembrance and desire flickering in the depths.
“I…” She swallowed hard. “I don’t keep any around. It’s fattening, and I have to draw the line somewhere, I mean there’s only so much indulgence a person can take and…”
“Tell me about it,” he muttered. Kane reached out and eased the box from her hands. Her breathing now came in shallow, uneven gasps. He wasn’t doing too well himself, but damned if he’d let desire rule his head.
Time to end this game before it got out of control, Kane thought. “Relax, sweetheart.” He touched her reddened cheek with his palm. She tipped her head into the cradle of his hand. Such an innocent gesture. One that nearly sent him soaring out of control.
He inhaled hard and fast. “You look flushed. Is your head okay? Maybe your blood sugar dropped. Have a seat and I’ll make you something to drink.” He wrapped an arm around her waist and led her to the nearest chair. It had been too long since she’d taken any kind of break.
Having changed the subject, he exhaled. His breathing came easier, but not much, considering her soft curves now molded against him…and he was strung tighter than ever.
The next move was hers. Kane was counting on it. She had no choice but to take his cue and move on…unless she wanted to end up tangled between the sheets. And though they both wanted, they each had their own agenda as well. She’d let it go, he told himself again.
She stopped short of sitting down. “I’m not thirsty anymore. I think I’ll just go to bed, instead.” He released his next breath in a whoosh of air. She’d accepted his boundaries. He wouldn’t be getting any sleep tonight, but at least he was back in control.
She stepped backward, tilting her head until she looked him in the eye. “Ready?”
“For?” he asked warily.
“Bed. Aren’t you going to join me?”
He muttered a curse. Where this woman was concerned, control was a goddamn illusion. What made him think he had any power or control over a situation where Kayla Luck was involved?
Just one more reason he had to put this case, and her, behind him as fast as possible. But he had to get through the night first. “I’ll take the couch.” He crossed his arms and waited for her next shot.
Kayla shot him an amused glance, aware that Kane was edgy and uncomfortable. And it was thanks to her…and the idea of sleeping with her. Amazing.
When in her life had she had the ability to put a man like Kane on the spot? When had she ever made any man feel awkward? Maybe it was an ability she’d always had but never had the courage to explore before. With Kane, she felt secure enough. Comfortable enough. She liked that feeling.
Almost as much as she liked him. A smile formed on her lips. “Go ahead, sleep on the couch. But I should tell you, it’s lumpy and uncomfortable. You won’t get much sleep out there.”
“What makes you think I’ll get any sleep in there, with you?” He gestured toward the hallway and her bedroom.
“Because I’m tired, still injured, like you said.” She slicked her hair behind her ear. “And besides, I don’t recall inviting you to do anything else besides sleep.”
His eyes darkened under lowered lids. “You invite a man into your bed, sweetheart, you better be prepared for anything.” Need echoed in his voice.
Her knees went weak and her insides turned to jelly. Another second and her mind would follow. Then lust would take over and she’d lose everything. Reaching out, Kayla grasped his hand, intertwining their fingers together. His skin felt rough and warm against her palm, his hand felt right in hers.
She’d grown up feeling as if she had to fight for everything that mattered, from her mother’s attention to accepting the adult she’d become. Even a business she’d legitimately inherited had turned into a struggle she might not win. Nothing had come easily, some things not at all.
But Kane, her love for this man, mattered more than anything else ever had. She’d fight for it, so that when the end came, she’d have no regrets. None she’d have any control over, anyway. She tugged lightly on his hand.
“Don’t do this.” His voice held a ragged warning.
She refused to listen. “I’ve got used to sleeping in your arms, Kane. Is that so much to ask?”
CHAPTER TEN
THE CLOCK ON THE nightstand read midnight. Kane glanced at the woman lying beside him. Her even breathing told him she was asleep. Damned if he could say the same. How could he when lying beside Kayla, breathing in her scent and sharing body heat had begun to feel familiar? To feel right?
Add to that the fact that she wanted him, too, and nothing was stopping him from waking her up by easing himself inside her. Nothing except his own damn sense of right and wrong. Control was no longer an issue. Kayla’s feelings were. As soon as this case ended, he was history. So why hurt her more than he already had?
Rolling to the side, he levered himself to a sitting position. The bedsprings creaked beneath his weight as he stood. Kayla didn’t move.
He walked to the window and rolled open the blinds. A full moon lit the night sky and its glow streamed
into the room.
“Kane?” The rustle of sheets followed the sound of her voice.
He turned. “I didn’t mean to wake you.” Or maybe he had. He’d begun to hate being alone with only his thoughts for company.
She turned back the covers on his side. “Come back to bed.”
Did she know what she was asking? His body churned with need. If he climbed back into that bed, it wouldn’t be for sleeping.
She curled her legs beneath her. “I’ll tell you a bedtime story.” Humor tinged her voice as she patted the sheets with one hand.
How could he resist an offer like that? He eased himself beside her. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder and she settled against his side. “What was your favorite?” he asked. “‘Sleeping Beauty?’ ‘Cinderella’?” He named fairy tales he’d only heard of thanks to the recent VCR releases advertised on TV. He sure as hell hadn’t been on the receiving end of bedtime stories while growing up.
“‘The Ugly Duckling,’” she murmured.
He tangled his fingers in the short strands of her hair. “I should have known.”
She yawned. The vibration caused his body to come alive. “Why’s that?” she asked.
“Because, like that duckling, you turned into a beautiful swan.”
She shook her head.
“Yes.” He rolled onto his side so he could face her, then cupped her cheek in his hand. “You’re beautiful.”
“No, I’m…”
“Yes, you are. Now say, ‘Thank you, Kane.’”
Even in the muted light, he could see the blush stain her cheeks. “Thank you, Kane.”
He grinned. “Call that lesson number one on how to accept a compliment.”
“I didn’t know I needed lessons.”
She did. Desperately. She’d made progress since they’d met, but she wasn’t there yet. Maybe one day she’d stop fumbling over the subject of her looks or her body. But he wouldn’t be around to see it…which meant someone else would.
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