Page 27 of Desperate Temptations

“H ow about we go to the store? We can stop and get lunch somewhere beforehand.”

Jessa visibly drew herself together, stepped back from Cain, and smoothed her t-shirt. She wiped the tears off her cheeks and lifted her chin, giving Cain a small, shaky smile.

“Sounds good. I need to get out of here for a while. Let me get my purse and shoes, and then we can go.”

He watched her compose herself. Cain was so proud of her. He’d met strong women before, but observing this little woman visibly pull herself together was incredible.

Drew’s stories of her over the years made him feel like he really knew her and even made him fall a little in love with her before he’d ever met her. But seeing her courage, strength, and care made him fall even deeper in love with her, causing his stomach to tighten.

He’d never loved anyone like this. Like he needed her to be able to breathe.

He didn’t even realize until then how much of a part she'd played in keeping him alive on his last missions.

Thoughts of coming home to her, even if they were just dreams, made him even more cautious, probably preventing his death more than once.

“What’s wrong, Cain?” she asked with concern in her voice. She placed her small hand on his muscle-roped arm and chest and looked intently up at him, her face clouded with worry.

He mentally shook himself, smiled, and smoothed his thumb down her cheek to curve his hand around her neck.

“I’m perfect. Now go get ready so we can leave.” He watched her go, his gaze falling to her slim back, long legs, and the sweet curve of her ass.

Jessa came back out within a few minutes. She had changed from her old jeans and t-shirt to a short-sleeved pink blouse that complemented her skin tone and nice jeans that hugged her sexy curves. She was so damn gorgeous she took his breath away.

“Get a sweater or jacket, Baby. I don’t want you getting chilled.”

Cain made sure the door was locked behind them before he laid his hand on the small of her back and steered her toward his truck. He made sure she was in and buckled before going around to the driver’s side door. His eyes were always in motion, taking in their surroundings for any danger.

Although he didn’t sense any danger, he wasn’t going to take a chance with her. He would take Gary’s threat very seriously and do whatever necessary to protect her.

After he put his seat belt on, he turned his gaze on her and draped one of his arms over the steering wheel.

He watched her tenderly, enthralled at all the different colors.

Shades of rich brown, russet, and copper tangled together in a beautiful cascade of silk that ran down her back and slim shoulders.

She stayed quiet and continued to look out her window.

“Jessa, look at me.”

She slowly turned her head, her face solemn, and her eyes cast a sad expression. He reached out a callused palm and caressed her hair.

“Let’s just enjoy our day. We’ll talk more when we get back home. Okay?”

She nodded, and the tense lines on her face relaxed.

“We’re going to bed early tonight.” He ignored the look of shock and desire that flashed across her face. “You still need to catch up on some sleep.” Cain turned his attention to his driving, but he reached over and picked up her hand, needing the connection with her.

“What do you feel like eating?”

Cain smiled to himself. He knew she would have questions about the coming night, and him staying with her were running through her head. She would eventually ask them, and he was looking forward to answering her very much.

He drove slowly to the restaurant she suggested. His strong hands circled her waist and lifted her down from the truck. He pulled her close against his side and kept a possessive arm around her waist.

He noticed the looks they received from people. A minuscule part of him wondered if they stared because they looked good together as a couple or just didn’t fit. Hell, it could just be her beauty, or they were leery of him. He didn’t give a damn what anyone thought, he just hoped she didn’t either.

****

H is silky voice alone sent her body into overdrive, and the thought of going to bed with this man caused a throbbing deep inside her, spreading like vines and taking over her body. Her breath caught, her nipples tightened painfully, and her body instantly readied itself for him.

At her almost silent gasp, Cain glanced at her.

“God, Baby, if you keep looking at me like that, we’re going to miss lunch and go straight to bed, and it won’t be for sleep.”

Jessa took a shaky breath and looked away, trying to gain control over her overheated, sensitized body.

She’d just met him for God’s sake. It was too soon to know if she was ready to take him inside her body, make him a part of her life.

Until she knew for sure, she was going to try to prevent it from happening. No matter how much she wanted him.