“Are you sure?”
Her gaze sharpened and he could tell she regretted saying anything to him. “What do you mean? I’m strong and healthy.”
Eric didn’t say anything. She was active and energetic at the office, exuding joy and a thirst for
adventure. But this explained a lot about her air of vulnerability. He wasn’t the only one who felt it. Many employees at Gunthrie S&I felt protective about her.
“Let’s get something straight, Eric Ranger.” She poked her finger against his chest. “I used to be defined and labeled by the challenges I faced. My parents still treat me as if I have the same medical needs as when I was a baby. I didn’t like it then and I won’t tolerate it anymore.”
He didn’t say anything. She may be strong and healthy now, but she acted as if she were indestructible. He didn’t want to encourage that fantasy. That would cause more harm than good.
“You don’t believe me?” She bristled with indignation. “Do you need to see a doctor’s note? A blood test?”
“Well, you have a…” How could he explain that she wasn’t a superhero, either?
“A what?” she asked. “An injury? Scars? No, wait. That’s you.” She poked him again in the chest. “And not once did I think you were weak or incapable.”
A smile tugged at his mouth. “You think they’re hot,” he said in a gruff voice.
“Damn right, I do.”
* * *
JULIE DIDN’T THINK THERE WAS any point in hiding how she felt. She still wanted Eric. More than ever. He wasn’t going to be around for much longer. Two weeks tops.
But why did he treat her as if she were as breakable as a porcelain doll? She wanted to feel his heat and his raw power. She wanted a taste of his wild side, the side he felt he needed to hide from her.
Did he think she was too much of a good girl to enjoy a rough tumble? Then he was in for surprise. When she fantasized about Eric—which occurred more than it should have—she imagined him sweaty, tied up and desperate for her touch.
She flattened her hand against his chest and felt the heavy beat of his heart. “Eric, did you think I was weak when we were in the supply closet?”
His eyes glittered. “Oh, now we get to talk about it?”
“Did you think I was fragile?” she asked as she slid her hand up his chest.
“No.” He leaned into her.
She enjoyed the weight of him pressing against her hips. “Powerless?”
“No.”
She placed both hands on his wide, solid shoulders. “Did you think I was holding back?”
“No.” He tilted his head as he considered her question. “Why would you?”
“You’re an injured man.”
“So?” His mouth hovered above hers.
“A man on sick leave.”
His eyes darkened as he remembered her untamed response. “You weren’t holding back.”
“And I don’t want you to hold back anymore.” She linked her hands behind his head and pulled him down for a kiss.
She was so hungry for him, but she didn’t rush it. She tasted every inch of his mouth. Licked, nibbled and savored the moment before she deepened the kiss.
Eric clenched the roof of her car. He didn’t touch or grab her. It was as if he didn’t trust himself. He poured everything he felt into his kiss. She tasted the darkness in him and wanted more.
He wanted to claim her with his mouth but this time Julie wanted to take charge. She clenched her hands into his hair and held on tight. Eric’s groan of surrender rumbled in his chest as he reached for her hips and held her close.
Eric ground his mouth against hers. His touch was fierce and wild. This is what she wanted. She wanted to feel his strength and power. She wanted to feel the depths of his desire.
Julie slipped her hands to the collar of his shirt and felt the erratic pulse at his throat. She tugged at the buttons as he captured her tongue. She sighed in his mouth when her fingers brushed against his naked chest. She felt him shiver as she trailed her hands along his abs, her fingers going over the ridge of an old scar.
She felt dizzy and wild. Only Eric made her feel that way. When he touched her, she felt weak and ferocious. Bold and shy. Wild, but at the same time, tamed. She could make him tremble, but he had just as much power over her.
The sensations whipped through her body, but she didn’t fight them. She didn’t want to. She just wanted to feel. Take. Demand.
Julie skimmed her hands down to his jeans and boldly flattened her palm against his rock-hard cock. Eric tensed and his breath was jagged and harsh. She flexed her fingers, enjoying the feel of him. She wanted him deep inside her, claiming her while her body claimed him.