Page 169 of Positively Pricked

"Youknowhe is." I studied Zane's face. "In fact, I'm wondering ifyouknow more than I do."

"AllIknow is this." Zane squeezed my hand. "I couldn't leave you alone with those people."

"What do you mean?"

"The guy has access to your house."

"So?"

"So, I didn't want you sleeping – or hell – even walking around where he could get to you."

It was so sweet and so crazy that I didn't know what to think. "Wait a minute," I said. "Was that the reason you wouldn't let me leave the office to pack?"

He gave me a wry smile. "No comment."

I couldn’t help but smile back. "Hey, that'smyline."

"Not anymore."

This much was true. And the strangest thing was, I wasn't nearly as disappointed as I thought I'd be. I had to admit, Zane was right. Whatever happened next would change our work relationship forever.

In truth, it was already changed. There was no going back now – not that I would if I could.

He reached out and took my other hand in his. "Jane, listen..." He gave both of my hands a tender squeeze. "I don't want you going back there."

"Back where?"

"To your house."

"Why not?"

"For one thing, because I don't trust those people."

I tried to laugh. "Yeah, me neither."

"And, for another. You don't belong with them." His gaze was warm, and his voice was a caress. "You belong withme."

My lips parted, but I didn't know what to say. I wasn't even sure what he was getting at, but I didn't have time to dwell on it, because soon, his lips sealed mine with a kiss so tender, and so amazing that I could hardly think, much less speak.

That was fine by me. I didn't want to think, or even talk. I wanted to feel more of this – more of him. More of everything. And yes, I wanted to feel him inside me.

Like now.