He grinned and stepped closer. “Plus, I was beginning to miss you. Figured if I was ever going to get my good morning kiss, I’d better come after it myself.”
Gracie’s head shot up. The dark promise in Wade’s gaze took her breath away. She dropped the towel and before she knew it, Wade had her in his arms, her damp body pressed tightly against denim and cotton. His lips teased at first, then grew more demanding. She wrapped her arms around his neck and sank into his kiss. He groaned. She became aware of his warm palms against the bare flesh of her bottom, squeezing and kneading. His thumb caressed the flesh between, and her body vibrated with need. Gracie whimpered, and Wade lifted his head, his gaze zeroing in on her breasts. Or more specifical y, the rings in her nipples.
“I ordered a chain for you.”
She couldn’t think, could barely breath. “A what?”
He flicked one nipple and licked his lips. “A chain. A pretty gold chain for you to wear with your nipple rings.”
“Oh.”
“Priority mail.”
She grinned and shook her head. “You’re obsessed with piercings.”
He placed a light kiss to her temple and growled, “With you. I’m obsessed with you, baby.”
Her heart did a little cartwheel at the heated confession. “I’m pretty fond of you, too.” Boy was that an understatement!
“Good. Now, let’s go eat lunch.”
“Lunch?”
He picked up the black bra and handed it over. “It’s one in the afternoon.”
“I had no idea.”
“You needed the rest.” He pointed to the cast. “Feel any better?”
She nodded as she took off the bag and rubber band, and wrestled with the bra. “Much better. Just wish it wasn’t so awkward al the time.”
Wade sighed. “I’l never understand why women wear bras to start with. They look uncomfortable as hel .”
“They’re not that bad.”
“Turn around so I can fasten the damn thing for you.”
She refused to let go. Suddenly it seemed important to do this one smal task alone. “I can do it, Wade. I need to get used to doing things with this cast.”
He crossed his arms over his chest as he watched her struggle. “Is it so hard to ask for help from me, Gracie?”
She tried the two smal hooks once more, but failed to get them both attached. “No, it’s just that I’m not used to people offering, I guess.”
He moved around her and helped fasten the contrary hook. When she turned to tel him thanks, he placed his finger over her lips and murmured, “If you thank me, I’l spank you. Knowing I haven’t been able to catch your stalker, that he broke into your home and trashed your things and I wasn’t able to stop him makes me feel as fucking useless as tits on a bul . The least I can do is fasten your bra.”
His severe expression shredded her. She wouldn’t al ow him to blame himself, not for any of it. She cupped his cheeks in her palms and closed the distance between them. “It’s not your fault I refused to let you buy the security alarm. And it’s not your fault I didn’t confide in you before the accident. You tried to get
me talk to you; I refused. I’m so used to taking care of myself. Relying on someone isn’t second nature to me.” She paused before adding, “There’s only one man to blame for al this, and he’s not in this room.”
A muscle in his jaw jumped, and his gaze turned icy. “When I get my hands on him, I’m going to make him pay. I’m about done with his being one step ahead al the time. It’s time to step things up.”
She wasn’t sure she liked the sound of that. “How?”
He patted her bottom and moved back a few steps. “We’l talk about that after you eat.” Wade picked up the blouse and said, “Now, put this on before I forget my good intentions and lay you out on the tile and have my wicked way with you.”
She held out her arms and let him help her with the sleeves. She pul ed it over her shoulders, and immediately he went to work on the pearl buttons. As she watched him careful y work his way up from the bottom something occurred to her. “You cussed.”
He smiled, but didn’t take his eyes off the buttons. “I know.”