“Bye,” Kayla muttered.
The door shut behind her sister and Kayla glanced at the garment in her hand, fingering the luxurious silk before burying it in the back of her dresser drawer.
She didn’t need clothes to seduce the man, but she intended to do everything in her power to make him realize what he’d be giving up should he decide to walk away.
* * *
Kane couldn’t hang out in the kitchen for the rest of the night. Besides, it wasn’t doing him any good. He had sat through Kayla’s shower. Listened to the pulsing, pounding rhythm of the water while his body throbbed to the same beat.
He’d envisioned the stream of water sluicing over her curves, the droplets clinging to her skin. He braced his hands on the counter and exhaled a groan.
“Something wrong?”
His insides twisted even more at the sound of her husky voice. He turned. Kane didn’t know what he expected. A sexy siren, a vixen to match the arousing voice? He could have handled her, and in an absurd way, she would have been preferable to the down-to-earth woman facing him now. The old football jersey wasn’t sexy, but the it had its own share of memories. The faded sweats were far from revealing, but the effect on him was the same.
She looked warm and welcoming.
He felt warm and welcomed. Two sensations he’d never experienced before, at least not in conjunction with a woman. “What are you doing here?” he asked.
“I live here,” she said wryly. “And I was cold after my shower. I figured something hot to drink would take care of that.”
She joined him by the counter. The lemony scent of her shampoo clung to her hair, bringing temptation to life. “Coffee?” he asked.
She shook her head. Damp strands of blond hair clung to her cheek. God, he wanted her. “Tea?” he managed to say.
Her smile caused a tightening in his gut.
“Not what I had in mind,” she said.
“What then?”
Without answering, she reached for the handle on the cabinet behind him. Her arm brushed his shoulder. The heat struck hard and hot, where it counted most. Her touch was electric. He inhaled and counted to five until a semblance of control returned.
“Hot chocolate always seems to do the trick…when I’m cold.” Her voice had dropped an octave. The husky sound turned the knot in his stomach even tighter.
She met his gaze. In her eyes he saw a deadly combination of uncertainty and longing. Kane had been around long enough to know when he was being set up, that she was grasping to regain control. But Kayla’s seduction, or attempted seduction, wasn’t like any other. It was an endearing mixture of innocence and sensuality. One he couldn’t withstand no matter how much he needed to.
He’d already drawn the line and Kayla knew it. He was certain she’d respect his decision to keep his distance, if only because he’d agreed to her participating with Reid on closing the case. But she was playing a dangerous game with him now, tempting him, hoping he’d give in…wondering how far he’d let her go before backing off.
He wasn’t sure himself. Around Kayla, his self-control was minimal. His only choice was to turn the tables and hope she chose to retreat first, instead of advance.
He stepped toward the refrigerator to her left. “Would you like some whipped cream on top? I seem to remember you enjoy it.” Reaching for the handle, he brushed his forearm across her breasts. The barrier of her clothing might as well have been nonexistent as the hardened peaks of her nipples rasped across his bare skin.
She exhaled a slow moan. He gritted his teeth against the arousing sound and the pleasurable feel of her breasts against his arm. His jeans, already too snug, were now damned uncomfortable. He turned toward her, trapping her between him and the counter. Her body heat called to his, her scent beckoned to him. Kane wondered when he’d begun to enjoy torturing himself without mercy.
He glanced down. She gripped the sides of the instant cocoa mix, denting the box with her grip. At least she was affected, too.
He leaned forward. “Whipped cream, Kayla?” Her eyes darkened, remembrance and desire flickering in the depths.
“I…” She swallowed hard. “I don’t keep any around. It’s fattening, and I have to draw the line somewhere, I mean there’s only so much indulgence a person can take and…”
“Tell me about it,” he muttered. Kane reached out and eased the box from her hands. Her breathing now came in shallow, uneven gasps. He wasn’t doing too well himself, but damne
d if he’d let desire rule his head.
“Relax, sweetheart.” He touched her reddened cheek with his palm. She tipped her head into the cradle of his hand. Such an innocent gesture. One that nearly sent him spiraling.
He inhaled hard and fast. “You look flushed. Is your head okay? Maybe your blood sugar dropped. Have a seat and I’ll make you something to drink.” He wrapped an arm around her waist and led her to the nearest chair. It had been too long since she’d taken any kind of break.