Every Move She Makes. Jannine Gallant

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СКАЧАТЬ had several reasons for wanting to make this trip.”

      “Was I one of them?”

      She nodded and licked her lips. The flick of her tongue destroyed his self-control. Stepping forward, he gripped her arms as his mouth covered hers in a quick hard kiss. When it ended, he didn’t release her.

      “I like being a reason.” His breath stirred the hair at her temple as he inhaled an intoxicating scent of floral shampoo, sunscreen and woman. “Are you sorry you came?”

      “No.” She rested her forehead against his chest for a moment. “Should I be?”

      He pulled back far enough to look her in the eye. “I hope not. Seeing you again has made me happier than I’ve been in months, but Nolan was right.” The tightness in his chest returned. “Shooting that kid screwed me up. I’m not sure what I’ll do when I get home. When I think about going back out onto the streets, I want to chuck my whole career.”

      “What would you do instead?”

      He ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t know. I’ve never been anything but a cop. My dad was a cop, too, and I always wanted to be just like him.”

      “I’m sorry, Kane.”

      “Yeah, so am I. Your sister was right to warn you about me. I probably am a bad relationship risk.”

      “Well, I have plenty of baggage of my own. I have a business to run and three girls who will always be my top priority. Right now Lark isn’t exactly a pleasure to be around, and I have a feeling her reaction wouldn’t be positive if I started dating someone seriously.”

      “She doesn’t want you to have a life of your own?”

      “Fourteen year olds tend to be a tad self-centered. She’s still struggling with her father’s death. It’s been rough on her, and she’s acting out. Hopefully with therapy and support, she’ll work through it sooner rather than later.”

      “What about Jade and Ivy? They seem to like me.”

      “They do. I don’t think they’d mind if we saw each other after our vacation ends, but it’s hard to know for sure.”

      “So is this going to be our first and only date?” He tilted her chin, caressing the soft skin.

      Concern clouded her eyes. “I hope not, but I have to consider my daughters and their feelings. My choices affect them.”

      With an effort, he forced a lighter mood. “So, no making out while the kids are watching?”

      Rachel smiled, and some of the worry in her eyes faded. “I’m afraid dating a woman with three children has its drawbacks.”

      “It also has rewards.” He ran a finger across her lips. “I’d rather have you, your girls and your dog than Tiffany the Temptress any day.”

      “That’s because mine are real.” She stepped back, and his hand fell away. “Where’s that lake? I’m hungry.”

      Time to recapture the easy companionship they’d enjoyed before the conversation turned serious. No matter how attracted to her he was, she was right. He probably wasn’t ready for anything else. Not yet. Not until he figured out where the hell his life was headed.

      He released a long breath. “Our destination is just ahead.”

      They reached it a few minutes later. The lake was small but beautiful, surrounded by trees on one side and a granite apron on the other. Located a short distance from the trail, the spot he chose was sheltered from the breeze.

      They stretched out on the warm granite to eat their lunch. Daisy wandered around the shore, sniffing here and there before coming back to settle near Rachel.

      “This place is gorgeous. Thank you for bringing me.”

      “My pleasure.” Kane finished the last bite of his sandwich and polished an apple on his shirt. He bit into it with a crunch. “We can take a swim after lunch if you’d like.”

      “I’m tempted, but I didn’t bring my bathing suit.”

      His pulse jumped then raced ahead. “We could always skinny dip.”

      Rachel peeled a banana. “I’m a little too old to get caught swimming naked. I’m not seventeen anymore.”

      “No, you’re a whole lot better.” His gaze moved over her curves, and his fists clenched at his sides. “Anyway, no one will see us. The lake is hidden from the trail.”

      “It is hot.” She scratched a mosquito bite on her elbow. “Maybe I could wear my underwear.”

      “And I’ll leave on my shorts if it’ll make you feel better.”

      Rachel took a bite of the banana. “I’m pretty sure that’s not what would make me feel better.”

      Two seconds later, he had her flat on her back with the banana lying on a nearby rock. He cradled her head in his hands and kissed her. When she kissed him back, desire surged even stronger.

      So much for the slow approach.

      “Do you know how much I want you right now?”

      She bit her lip. “I’m sorry. I wish I could say yes, but I can’t.”

      “I know. Can we do this?”

      He trailed kisses down the side of her neck, burying his nose against her skin. She smelled like fresh air and woman. His breath came fast as he moved back to cover her mouth with his, his tongue stroking until he wasn’t certain he could stop.

      A cold nose thrust between them. At a blast of stinky dog breath, they separated in a hurry.

      “My savior.” Rachel’s smile shook as she gave Daisy a shove.

      Kane stretched out on the rock with an arm over his eyes. His chest rose and fell. Frustration filled him, edged with disappointment and a touch of guilt. “I wouldn’t have pushed.”

      “I know. It wasn’t you I didn’t trust.”

      He sat up slowly. “I’m ready for that swim.” With swift, jerky movements, he untied his hiking boots, shucked his T-shirt and took a running dive into the lake.

      * * * *

      Kane’s powerful body cut through the water as he swam to the far side of the lake. The woods were still except for the buzz of a mosquito. Rachel swatted at it and untied her boot laces, then waited for her pounding heart to still. She’d been so tempted…

      Daisy sniffed the banana.

      “I’m not sure if I should thank you or tell you to get lost.” Rachel scratched the dog’s ears. “I know what I’d like to do.”

      She pulled off her boots, socks, shorts and tank top, leaving them in a neat pile. Wearing only a pair of cotton bikini panties and an electric blue jog bra, she walked down to the lake to wade slowly away from СКАЧАТЬ