Simply Sensual (Simply 3)

He recognized the challenge in her voice and took heart. If she was stopping him from leaving, she had something to say. And he intended to stick around and hear every word.

The usual stream of people entered and exited the building. “How about we take this somewhere private?” He was deliberately teasing her, reminding her of the games they’d played, hoping she’d recall where those dares and challenges had ended up.

She grinned. “Sure thing.” She swung around and her ponytail whipped behind her in a sassy move that turned him on even more. Now, this was the Grace he liked to see—happy, playful, hopeful.

She grabbed for the handle of the truck and opened the door and slid into the back.

He met her gaze and grinned before hopping into the front seat, turning on the ignition, and driving the vehicle around to the side street behind the building where they’d parked once before. Faster than he thought possible, he turned off the ignition, exited and climbed into the back seat along with her.

“Maybe I was wrong. Maybe you aren’t running again after all.” Her eyes glittered with hope and a touch of uncertainty. The uncertainty got to him, wrapping around his heart and not letting go.

He placed his knuckles beneath her chin and lifted her face to meet his gaze. “No more games, Gracie. I’m here and I’m not going anywhere. Not till you have your say and maybe not even after that.”

She nodded. “I see that.” Her voice trembled slightly.

Wanting to ease that vulnerability once and for all, he leaned within kissing distance. “You’ve got me alone, princess.” Her darkened eyes met his. “Now, what are you going to do with me?” Ben’s pulse thudded so loud he would swear Grace could hear it, too.

“Did you mean it when you said you don’t do commitment?”

Her question took him by surprise. “I meant it at the time. I didn’t know I’d…”

“Didn’t know you’d what? Because I love you, Ben, and it’s a rough emotion to be feeling alone.” Her brown eyes were wide and she sat so still he was afraid she’d shatter if he botched his answer.

He hadn’t realized how badly he needed to hear her say the words. Now that she had, his world righted itself once more.

His heart kicked into high gear. “I didn’t know I’d fall in love with you, too.” He shook his head. “Yes, I did. In my gut, I knew from the moment I laid eyes on that picture. But I couldn’t let myself feel it any more than I could have told you the truth. But I should have. Because from the beginning, you were more important to me than the case, than Emma, even more than my mother. And that’s saying a lot.”

She brushed her lips over his. Featherlight, the comforting kiss was still enough to tease, and arouse, and make him want much more. “Speaking of your mother, you’re taking Emma’s money. And don’t fight me on this if you ever want to get lucky again. And second, when do I get to meet her?”

* * *

Grace held her breath and waited. No more hiding. She’d conquered her fear, but she still didn’t know if she’d walk away with her heart intact. She hoped, but she needed proof.

She got it when Ben lifted her around the waist and pulled her onto his lap. She shifted until her legs straddled his thighs and she was back where she belonged. His erection pulsed hard and strong between her legs in a steady beat that echoed the need inside of her.

“We have a few things to take care of first.”

/> “I take it you’re not going anywhere?” she asked.

“Sweetheart, nothing and no one could tear me away from you. Not now, not ever.”

He leaned forward and licked a tear off her cheek.

“You make me happy,” she said.

“You always cry when you’re happy?”

Grace laughed. “Stick around and find out.”

Epilogue

Emma had peered out the window, watching as Grace lured Ben into his truck and together, they disappeared around the corner. Then she’d let out a long sigh of relief.

This matchmaking business was draining for a woman of her age, she thought now as she lowered herself into a seat on the couch. If only young people today weren’t so difficult her job would be so much easier.

But she’d accomplished her goals and with great success. Logan was happily married and Grace was well on her way. She patted her bun with satisfaction. If Ben was as good as Emma thought he’d be, he and Grace wouldn’t return from around the corner for quite a while. Thinking back to her youth, she knew that with a little imagination, the back seat could be a very inventive place for intimate relations.

She stretched her legs in front of her. They ached from yesterday’s long car ride, but she’d never felt so happy or rejuvenated. Her presence was just what those two young kids needed to push them toward that final step—admitting their true feelings.