“Call it a hunch. You present yourself very confidently.” I put my hand on hers. I shouldn’t be touching her, but I just can’t help myself. She’s right here, so close, so tempting. Manda looks down at our connected hands. I try to pull away, fearful I spooked her, but she surprises me, turning her palm over and lacing her fingers with mine. There’s a second of trepidation on both out parts, but the longer our skin touches the more connected we become. She surveys my palm in hers, opening and closing her fingers slowly, almost as if she’s testing the feel.
“You’re warm,” she says reflectively.
“You’re soft.” I graze my thumb against hers. My internal temperature rises as I fantasize about touching other soft, sweet parts of her body. Those fantasies are off limits though. I’m not here to get laid; I’m here to get answers.
“Should we get this show on the road?” Manda leans in closer to me. I freeze. I think I did a little too good a job of making her feel comfortable.
“Um...” Awe fuck. I’m dying for this woman, and with a breezy yes, I could have her. But would that be enough? Would I want more? I surmise, hell yes. I gaze at her mouth as she licks her lips. Does she even know how seductive she is?
“Are you up for a business proposition?” The words pop out of my mouth before I can stop them.Shit. Shit. Shit.
“I thought this whole situation was a business proposition. Monetary transaction and all.”
My next sentence could make or break the situation.
“What if we take things slow?” I deliberate fast. Maybe I don’t have to sleep with her? Maybe I can stall? Maybe we can just fool around until I get the information I need. That way, her virginity—and my livelihood—can stay in tack.
Manda regards me funny. “Slow?”
“The way I see it, I own your virginity, but taking and running isn’t really my style,” I bullshit through my teeth. “What if weexploredfirst?”
“Like, fooled around?” She’s following.
“Yes.”
“That would mean I’d have to see you again.”
“Do you think that would be so bad?” I tighten my grip on her hand, continuing to rub my thumb slowly over hers.
She contemplates before responding.
“I think it might be okay.” Manda gazes up at me and I know I have her. I’m a total douche, but I’ll do what I must to close this case. To put away the dickhead exploiting young girls.
“How slow are we taking it?” Her eyes are wide and curious.
“Not too to slow.” I lean in to kiss her. Willpower be damned.
I swipe my lips against hers, the contact as much forbidden as fortuitous. I instantly want more, need more. I press harder, trapping her face in my hands. Manda kisses me back with as much vigor as I dole out. She’s soft and sweet and oh so enticing. A little moan escapes as I roll my tongue slowly against hers, exploring her mouth. I feel the magnetic connection everywhere, spreading throughout my body like a propane-powered heater, the entire room warming as fast as my temperature.
“I want to hear it again.”
“Hear what?” We break our lips apart just enough to converse.
“You moan.”
“More kissing and more touching then.”
“I can do that.” I stand, pulling her with me. “Bedroom.” I slip my hands around her waist and slam her slim frame against my broad one.
Her cheeks redden, and I know she’s nervous. Truth be told, I am too.
“Don’t worry, you’re in good hands.” I stare straight into her eyes. “I promise.” I want her to trust me. I want her to know she’s safe. That she’ll be taken care of as long as she’s with me.
Her expression softens, a small smile appearing on her face. “Okay.”
“Okay.” I lace my fingers with hers, leading her to the bedroom. My heart is hammering and so is my arousal. I’m anxious as hell to get my hands on her and anxious as hell for her to put her hands on me.
Just before we cross the threshold to the spacious bedroom, I pause.