Читать книгу Ultimate Romance Collection - Rebecca Winters, Amalie Berlin - Страница 19

Eight

I told you my position and I’m sticking to it.

Later that day, Layla paced the floor. Gavin Blake was bullheaded, stubborn and full of himself. He was crazy if he actually thought he could get her to bend to his will. No way. No how. So why was she pacing the floor, wearing out both herself and her shoes?

She had watched him use that high-tech camera, but she hadn’t been impressed with his findings. Gavin agreed there was something buried in the area but he refused to consider it was Jesse James’s loot. To his way of thinking, since that area used to be a popular hunting spot, the camera had picked up nothing more than buried bullet shells.

Layla refused to believe her research was wrong. There was buried treasure somewhere in the south pasture, she was sure of it. And as far as who would not want to see her succeed in this project, that could be a number of people, including her parents. But she didn’t for one minute think they would go so far as to sabotage the dig site. They were hoping failing at this would make Layla realize she should pursue medical school, after all. Then there was her older colleague Dr. Clayburn and others at the university who felt she’d been too young and inexperienced for such an expensive project. Did the person who removed the marker actually think she wouldn’t have kept the coordinates and just re-marked it? That she would give up so easily?

She stopped pacing when she heard a knock on the door. The tightening in her stomach told her who it was. Why was Gavin here? She had spoken to Ms. Melody an hour or so ago when she’d called to invite Layla to dinner. Layla had regretfully declined, knowing she would not have been the best of company this evening. Besides, she needed distance from Gavin. Evidently he hadn’t taken the hint.

The knock on the door sounded again. There was no need to pretend she wasn’t there when Gavin knew she was. Crossing the room, she opened the door to find Gavin with a tray of food in his hand.

“After you told Gramma Mel you weren’t coming to dinner, she strongly suggested I bring you something. I believe she thinks I’m the reason you didn’t come to breakfast or dinner.”

Layla moved aside to let him in. Tray and all. Especially the tray. Everything was covered but the food smelled good. “I’ll let her know that’s not the case when I talk to her tomorrow.” No need for him to know he had been a factor in her decision.

“She might not be here. Not sure when she’s leaving, whether it’s tomorrow or the day after.”

Layla closed the door and followed him to the kitchen. “Leaving? Ms. Melody is going somewhere?”

“Yes, to a library convention in Cincinnati for a week. But I’m sure she won’t leave without saying goodbye. And if you expect me to take her place and make sure you don’t miss meals...that won’t be happening.”

She frowned. “I never asked your grandmother to cook for me, Gavin.”

He put the tray on the kitchen table and turned to her. “Don’t you think I know that?”

“Then why did you insinuate otherwise?”

“Did I?”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “Yes, you did.”

“Then I apologize.” She couldn’t help noticing how his gaze roamed over her. “You changed clothes,” he said.

Was that disappointment she heard in his voice? Seeing his gaze had moved to her chest, she dropped her hands to her sides. “I showered.”

“I know. You smell good. And you look good in that dress. Nice legs.”

She would have appreciated the compliment if she wasn’t still so uptight about that marker being moved. “I want to go back out to the dig site tomorrow and look around, Gavin. This time I want to use my own detector.”

“If you’re still concerned about why the marker was moved, I might have a reason for that.”

She came into the kitchen, trying to ignore the way he was checking out her legs and the way her nipples responded to his blatant appraisal. “What reason is that?”

“Clete. He’s an older man we hired years ago to keep the grounds clear of trash and debris as well as repair anything that needs fixing. That way Caldwell and the men can concentrate mainly on the cattle. When I mentioned the marker to Gramma Mel, she reminded me that Clete has a tendency to move stuff when he’s keeping the land cleared.”

“But why would he remove the marker?”

Gavin shrugged. “He probably didn’t know what it was and thought it was trash. He and his wife left a few days ago to visit their son who is in the navy and stationed in Hawaii. I’ll talk to him when he gets back.”

Layla drew in a deep breath, feeling somewhat relieved. The thought of someone tampering with the dig site had definitely bothered her.

“Sit down and eat. I promised Gramma Mel that I would make sure you did.”

She raised a suspicious eye. “Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why would you care one way or the other if I eat?”

A slow, sexy smile touched his lips and her womb seemed to contract with the weight of that smile. And his dimples had bone-melting fire spreading through her blood. “The reason I care is because I don’t want you to start losing weight.”

She crossed her arms over her chest again, and then quickly dropped them by her sides when she saw his gaze shift back to her chest. Could the man think of anything other than sex for a minute? “And what does my weight have to do with you?”

“When I make love to you, I want to feel meat on your bones.”

His statement answered her earlier question. No, he obviously couldn’t think of anything other than sex. “We won’t be making love, Gavin.”

“Your food is getting cold.”

He was blatantly ignoring what she’d said. “I’ll eat after you leave.”

He chuckled. “If that was a hint that you want me to go, forget it. I want to make sure you eat.”

She frowned. “What do you plan to do? Stay here and watch me.”

“Yes, that was my intent.”

He was serious. “I don’t need a babysitter, Gavin.”

“No. What you need is a lover, Layla. And you never did answer my question from last night. When was the last time you made love with a man?”

“And I don’t intend to answer it because it’s none of your business.”

If he insisted on staying, she would ignore him. She moved to the table where he’d placed her food. Her mouth began watering the moment she uncovered it. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, broccoli, candied yams and iced tea. And a slice of chocolate cake for dessert.

A smile lit her face. “Your grandmother is something else.” Layla walked over to the sink to wash her hands. After grabbing utensils out of a drawer, she returned to the table and found Gavin sitting there. Did he plan to actually watch her eat? Didn’t he have anything better to do?

Deciding nothing would stand between her and that food, she sat down, bowed her head and said grace, determined to ignore him. When she slid a forkful of mashed potatoes between her lips, she closed her eyes and groaned. Delicious.

“If you get off eating mashed potatoes, I can only imagine your reaction when we make love.”

A part of her wanted to claim she wouldn’t enjoy it. She quickly dismissed the idea when she glanced over at him. A woman could climax just from staring at him. Even so, she said, “In your dreams.”

“My dreams will one day become your reality, Layla.”

She decided not to argue with him anymore. But if he was intent on watching her, she might as well ask him a few questions. Get him talking, so she wouldn’t think about how good he looked sitting there. How sexy.

She took a sip of her tea. “You mentioned your teammate named Flipper. Any others you’re close to?”

“I’m close to all of them. We’re a team.”

“How many?”

“Enough.”

She rolled her eyes. Had she asked about classified information or something? “I’m sure you’re closer to some of the guys more than others.”

He leaned back in the chair as if getting comfortable. She couldn’t recall the last time she’d shared a private, intimate dinner with a man. And, whether she liked admitting it or not, this was intimate. They were alone, sitting at a table with the backdrop of a blazing fire roaring in the fireplace.

“In that case, I would say Flipper, Bane, Coop, Mac and Nick. The six of us went through all phases of training together. A couple of years ago, Nick took a job with Homeland Security. He needed a little more stability in his life when his wife gave birth to triplets.”

As if he felt right at home, he stood and went to the refrigerator to get a beer and then returned to his chair. “Bane is a master sniper,” he continued, popping the cap. “Coop is the mastermind behind most of our strategic moves. Mac is slightly older than the rest of us and likes to think he can keep us in line most of the time. He’s been married for ages, has four kids and likes to impose his words of wisdom on us whether we want to hear them or not. And Flip can hold his breath under water longer than any human I know.” He chuckled as he took a swig. “We’re convinced Flipper has gills hidden somewhere.”

Layla heard the fondness in his voice when he spoke of his teammates. “What’s a master sniper?”

He looked at her. She thought he would say she was asking for classified information but then he said, “A master sniper is the best shot on the team. Bane is one badass. He can hit a target with one eye closed. He’s covered all our backs more than once.” He paused. “Bane and his wife, Crystal, are renewing their vows next month.”

“Oh, were he and his wife separated for a while or something?”

“Yes, you could say that.”

Layla knew he was being elusive but she was getting used to it. She didn’t have to ask if his job was dangerous. Anyone who knew of the navy SEALs was aware of the types of missions they went on. She finished the rest of her meal in silence, with him watching her. She was tempted to ask if he wanted some but knew the trouble she’d gotten into when she’d asked him that question the last time.

She took a sip of her iced tea and looked over at him when she pushed her plate aside. “Satisfied, Gavin?”

He gave her a crooked smile. “Baby, my satisfaction will come when I get inside of you.”

The glass nearly slipped from her hand. She recovered long enough to set it down by the plate. The impact of his words had her burning from the inside out. “Why do you say such things?”

“Just keeping it honest.”

* * *

Gavin liked rattling Layla. Evidently she wasn’t used to a man talking to her this way, telling her what he wanted and how he planned to make her feel. While watching her eat, his imagination had run wild. The conversation hadn’t distracted him enough to demolish his desire. He doubted that was possible. He wanted her. He’d made that point pretty damn clear and he knew she wanted him as well, so what was the holdup?

“I’ve finished eating so you can leave now.”

He held her gaze, felt the flare of response in their bodies when they looked at each other. Giving in to temptation, he lightly traced his fingertips along her arm. He felt her shiver beneath his touch. He heard her sharp intake of breath. “Why are you fighting this, Layla?”

“And why are you being so persistent?”

He could tell her that one of the reasons was because he hadn’t been with a woman in six months, eight days, twelve hours and no telling how many minutes. Being around her was taking its toll. However, telling her such a thing would make him sound like a greedy jerk with only sex on his mind. That was only partly true. The other part was that he found her as fascinating as he found her beautiful.

“Being persistent is part of my nature.”

When he saw her lips form a frown, his groin hardened and he couldn’t help drawing in a ragged breath. Standing, he said, “I’ll leave you alone now and report to Gramma Mel that you ate all your food.”

He reached to remove the tray, but she blocked him. “Surely you don’t think I’ll let you return with dirty dishes.”

“We’ve had a conversation about the purpose of a dishwasher before, Layla.”

“That might be your way of doing things but it’s not mine. I will wash the dishes and return them to Ms. Melody tomorrow,” she said, standing.

Doing so brought her right smack in front of him. Gavin knew that if she inched closer, she would feel his erection. Even so, he intended to kiss her before he left.

“Walk me to the door, Layla.”

From the look in her eyes, he knew she was aware of his plan. He watched her nibble her bottom lip. “Relax, baby. I won’t bite.”

She stopped nibbling her lips long enough to lift her chin and stare into his eyes. “You’ll do something even worse, Gavin.”

“What is that?”

“You will make me want you.”

He eased closer, pressing his body to hers, wanting her to feel his erection. There was no way she could miss it. “Welcome to the club. And you already want me, Layla. Why are you having a hard time accepting that?”

Gavin could tell she was at a loss for words, which suited him just fine. He had other uses for her mouth. He leaned in to capture her lips.

* * *

Why was she having such a hard time accepting this? Layla asked herself when Gavin took her mouth. She didn’t resist. She couldn’t. In fact she felt herself practically melting into his arms. That was why, she reasoned, she wrapped her arms around his neck. Otherwise she would become a puddle on the floor.

He kissed her with an intensity she reciprocated in every part of her body. His mouth locked onto hers, not leaving any part of her mouth untouched. He tapped into areas she hadn’t known existed. He was staking his claim on her mouth in a scandalous way. It was as if he was intentionally making her crazy for his kiss.

And then there was the feel of his erection, pressing hard against her middle. What man could get that aroused? To know she was the cause sent heated shivers through her body. The hard tips of her breasts pressed through the material of her dress as if eager to make contact with his chest.

Gavin broke off the kiss and when Layla drew in a deep breath, she was swept off her feet into his arms. He sat back down at the table with her firmly planted in his lap. Before she could ask just what he thought he was doing, his mouth was on hers. And just like before, this kiss robbed her of her senses, made her purr deep in her throat. It was a good thing his arm gripped her tightly otherwise she would topple to the floor. His hand was on her thigh, slowly caressing her skin underneath her dress.

Maybe she needed to ask herself why she was letting him do such a thing when she’d never let any man take such liberties before. Hadn’t she kicked Sonny Paul in the groin when he thought he could reach into her blouse and touch her breast? Why did she believe this was different? Just because Gavin’s mouth was driving her crazy with lust—could she accept this as okay?

And why was she still clutching him around the neck as if her life depended on their mouths being so intimately locked? Red-hot passion was making her dazed.

Somewhere in the haziness of her mind, she noted he had stood, without their mouths disconnecting. He was moving, headed somewhere rather quickly. It was only when he placed her on the bed that she regained her senses. Snatching her mouth from his, she scrambled away from him.

She blinked upon seeing he was about to take off his shirt. “What do you think you’re doing?”

He stared down at her, panting like he’d run a marathon. His eyes, she saw, were glazed with heated lust to such a degree it made her heart pound. “About to make love to you, Layla.” He then whipped his shirt over his head.

Seeing him bare chested caused goose bumps to ripple all over her skin. She scrambled farther away from him. “No you’re not!”

He stared at her. “Can you look at me and say you don’t want me to make love to you?”

She nervously licked her bottom lip and looked away. Yes, she could say it but she couldn’t look at him while doing so. Mainly because she did want him to make love to her. There was no doubt in her mind that the sheets on the bed were calling their names.

“Layla. Look at me.”

No, she wouldn’t look at him. Nor would she tell him anything. Scrambling off the bed, she stood and began straightening her clothes before quickly walking out of the bedroom. “I’m showing you the door, Gavin,” she called over her shoulder.

Once she reached the door, she waited. It took him a few minutes to follow her. He probably needed time to put his shirt back on and get his lusty mind under control.

When she saw him walking toward her he had an unreadable expression on his face. She drew in a deep breath. What thoughts were going through his mind? Did he think she was nothing more than a tease because she’d stoked his fire and then doused it with water? She would admit to having gotten caught up in the moment like he had. However, although he was ready to take things to the next level, she was not.

When he got closer, she saw the way he stared at her and figured he was angry to the point that he would walk out the door without saying anything to her.

She figured wrong. When Gavin stopped before opening the door, he turned dark, livid eyes on her. He then said in a furious voice, “The next time we kiss, Layla, will be when we make love. It’s going to be a package deal.”

He then opened the door and left.