LITMIR.BIZ

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is ridiculous. You need to sit down.” She took his hand and led him back to her living room. At the couch, she stopped and pressed against his chest. “Sit.”

      After a heartbeat where he looked as if he might argue, he more or less fell into the cushions, his strong limbs lax, his entire demeanor devastated. And the enormity of it all hit her, really hit her.

      Even the strongest of men had moments of weakness. Jackson always seemed so indomitable, so confident.

      But for right now, he needed her, in more ways than one.

      Maybe she hadn’t been the only one played last night.

      Sinking down next to him, Alani touched his forehead. As if surprised, he went very still.

      “No fever.” She cupped his jaw, and felt it firm under her fingers. “Although you are warm.”

      Warily, Jackson watched her.

      She smoothed his unruly blond hair. It was a little too long, bleached by the sun. Cool and silky. Such a contrast to his inner strength and his external hardness.

      Alani made up her mind. “We’re definitely going to talk about this, Jackson, you can believe that. But first I’m going to get you something to drink, and then something to eat. When did you take the aspirin?”

      One eye twitched in rebellion. “Don’t start mothering me, Alani. That’s not what I want from you.”

      She smiled at his surly tone. “Consider it friendly concern, okay?”

      “Call it whatever you want, but I’d rather you lift up that dress, skim off those panties and straddle my lap.”

      His audacity stole her breath and her aplomb. “Forget that idea.”

      “With you touching me? Not likely.”

      “It’s not my touch that’s doing it.” Playful, hoping to tease him into a less sexually aggressive mode, she nudged him with her shoulder. “It’s from all the provocative talking you’re doing.”

      Slowly he shook his head. “It’s from you, babe. Talking to you, thinking about you.” His eyes closed for only a moment as he whispered, “Remembering you naked.” He rested a big, hot hand on her thigh, just under the hem of her sundress.

      “You need to focus, Jackson.”

      “I’m focused, believe me.”

      Boy, was he ever. “On something other than sex.”

      “I’m focused on you, and thoughts of sex automatically follow.” He tugged her closer. “But you know, I could be a lot more cooperative if you’d help me take the edge off first.”

      And exactly how did he think to do that?

      His hand slid higher while his voice went lower. “Just let me touch you—”

      She grabbed his wrist. So thick, so solid. Dangerous waves of desire weakened her resistance. “We can’t do this.”

      “We sure as hell can.” And then, “We already did. Right?”

      Unnerved by how tempted she felt, Alani shook her head. “I can’t do this, not right now. So tell me, when did you take the aspirin?”

      He stared at her mouth, and his fingers contracted. “Before I headed here, ’bout three hours ago.”

      Relieved that he’d finally let up, she released a tight breath. “All right. I’ll get a couple more. Do you want to take off your boots?”

      Slowly he nodded. “And my shirt.” His gaze came up to snare hers. “Maybe my pants, too.”

      That was his most tempting offer so far. She hadn’t gotten nearly enough time to look at him last night, and this morning…well, he’d been vague, sick, and she’d been so insulted….

      To remind herself as much as him, she said, “Forget it, Jackson. You’re not up for it.”

      “Wrong.” His hand slid around to cup behind her knee. He tugged her leg toward him, over one of his thighs. “Trust me, I’m up.”

      Don’t look, don’t look— Unbelievable. A full erection strained the worn denim of his jeans.

      “Jackson.” Before things could get completely out of hand, Alani pushed up and away from him. “Be right back.”

      She heard Jackson groan as she more or less fled the room.

      When she returned minutes later with the aspirin, a cola and a sandwich, Jackson looked to be sleeping again. He had his head back, one forearm over his eyes, his body relaxed.

      She wasn’t fooled; he still had an erection, so she knew he was wide-awake. “Here you go.”

      Lowering the arm, he tracked her every move as she set the plate of food on the coffee table and sat down beside him to hand him the aspirin.

      He eyed the glass of ice and foaming cola. “You open a new can?”

      “Yes.”

      He didn’t accept the aspirin. Showing his teeth in the semblance of a smile, he said, “Let’s strike a bargain.”

      Given the look in his eyes, Alani already had an idea what he’d say. She had tried to use her time in the kitchen to collect herself. One look at Jackson, and she was lost again. “What kind of bargain?”

      He caught her wrist and tugged her toward him. “Kiss me, and I’ll take the aspirin.”

      She wanted to so badly. “Only a kiss?” she asked doubtfully.

      “For now.”

      She hesitated. He didn’t.

      Taking her lack of denial as agreement, he drew her closer saying, “C’mon now, you can at least give me that.”

      “I…” Was it even possible to resist him? She didn’t think so. “All right.”

      She’d barely gotten the words out before his mouth covered hers in a kiss that was soft, hot.

      Deep.

      Before she knew it, he had her on her back on the sofa. He still held her wrist as he settled between her legs, pinning her down with his big body. He turned his head for a more complete fit, his tongue moving past her teeth, teasing hers.

      Alani quickly lost the fight, already wanting him, needing him—and he freed her mouth.

      Balanced over her, he dragged in a breath. “I’m coming on too strong.”

      “Yes.” But she actually liked it.

      He sawed his teeth together. “Just so you know, honey. You can trust me. No means no to me. If you say it—”

      “I will.”

      Panting, he pushed up on stiffened arms and said, “Give me the damn aspirin.” But he didn’t wait for her. He took them from her hand, tossed them back and reached for the drink. After downing half the glass, he plunked it back to the coffee table and stared at her. “We going for round two?”

      “Round two?”

      He gave one sharp nod. “You want me to eat, you gotta kiss me again.”

      Forget bargains. His obvious need made everything else unimportant. Already reaching for him, she said, “Okay.”

      His eyes blazed. He lowered himself to her.

      And a knock sounded on her front door.

      Alani went stiff with apprehension.

      Jackson cursed under his breath.

      The knock sounded again, more urgent this time, and then she heard the unmistakable sound of a key in the lock.

      Ohmigod. That had to be her brother; no one else had a key to her place. She shoved

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