Lucky Break (Lucky 3)

“And here I thought his favorite place was the hood of my truck.”

“Try to control your jealousy,” Lauren said. “He’s there more often than not.” As long as the hood of Jason’s car was warm from use, the cat tended to sit on his throne and survey his kingdom.

“I knew I shouldn’t have left those holes uncovered,” he muttered. “Well, I can’t possibly patch them all in one day, but I’ll cover them so he can’t get stuck again. Let’s get him out of here first.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

“Tell you what,” he said as he held his hand out for her. “You get a treat to help coax him out and I’ll go find a flashlight.”

“The one you paid for is in the drawer near the dishwasher. I’ll get it.” She placed her palm in his and he pulled her up. Electricity shot up her arm and settled in her chest.

Light-headed from the sensation, she held on to his grasp and she couldn’t stop staring at his mouth. Suddenly aroused, she wanted those lips on hers, wanted him to pull her into his arms and not let her go until she agreed to let him make love to her here and now.

Not that it would take any persuasion at all. And from the way he stared at her, his expression taut, his gaze hungry, she knew he felt the same way.

How had this happened? She’d been telling herself she didn’t want to get involved with him any more than she already was, yet every evening she’d ordered enough dinner for two and invited him to stay. Each night, she’d shared just enough information about herself to keep conversation going, convincing herself she was maintaining a reasonable distance. Pretending the sexual deprivation and longing weren’t killing her.

But now she knew there was no such thing as distance.

And if she didn’t feel his hot touch on her body, she was going to explode. “Jason…”

Without warning, a loud, disgruntled meow reminded them of their priorities.

With a regretful glance at Jason, she started to head for the kitchen but he held on to her han

d.

“What were you going to say?” he asked, his voice rough. “I need you to tell me.”

She licked her lips. “No more games. I know I said all work, no play, but I can’t do this anymore.” Her voice cracked at the confession, but she’d finally admitted her feelings out loud.

“Thank God.” His relief was clear.

But once again, she had to make sure he understood her intentions. “As long as you know I’m leaving in a few weeks, we can pick up where we left off in the barn.”

Unable to stop herself, she ran her thumb over his stubble-roughened cheek, inhaling his scent, waiting for his reply.

He kissed her hard and fast, sealing the deal.

CHAPTER SEVEN

BEFORE LAUREN HAD a chance to think about what she’d just agreed to, Jason sent her to the kitchen, and by the time she returned, he’d enlarged the hole. With the treat, they finally rescued the troublesome feline.

Jason had scratches and claw marks on his hands, but the smile on Lauren’s face made up for them.

“I’ll get the holes patched first thing in the morning,” he promised. There were too damn many to fix them all tonight. “I’ll seal this big one shut now, though. I wouldn’t want Trouble here to climb back in.”

The cat, grateful to have been rescued, curled up in Lauren’s lap on the couch in the family room and refused to budge. “Do you hear that? Jason’s worried about you,” Lauren said as she stroked the cat’s head in a calming, rhythmic motion. “His little heart is still beating so fast,” she murmured.

So was Jason’s.

He settled into the seat beside her, his eyes never leaving hers. Now that they’d agreed on what was to come, the energy around them kicked up a notch and anticipation filled the air.

“Don’t you think it’s time to name him?”

She grinned. “I think you just did, right, Trouble?” Lauren laughed.

Trouble suddenly sprang off her lap, apparently deciding he’d had enough affection for the night.