Page 4 of Desired By the Lumberjack

A liquid sheen passes over her eyes as she processes my words. She blinks quickly and then takes a shaky breath. "I think that's the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me."

I shake my head. "Now that I don't believe. You're too sweet for people to say anything but nice things about you."

"Oh, people think I'm fun, and most would say I'm kind, but almost all of them would also say I'm impulsive and don't think things through often enough." There are definitely tears in her eyes now and I have to force myself to stay in my seat, so I don't pull her into a hug or kiss away the sadness still lingering from other people's comments. How they don't see the strength and will this woman possesses escapes me. I've been around her for a few short hours and her passion is already clear to me.

And a not-so-secret part of me wishes she'd focus some of that passionate energy on me.

"Well, I may not be nice, but I'm honest. So, trust me when I say, having the strength to do what you believe is right isimportant. Not everyone has that. They're not always willing to risk themselves to help others. The fact that you tried to do this tells me all I need to know about you."

That pretty flush is back in her cheeks and damn, I can't help but wonder if her whole body is that same pink. Which leads me to imagining more. Like how soft her skin would be if I peeled that too big sweater off her. Or how delicious she would taste if I chased that blush with my mouth.

My cock twitches behind the zipper of my jeans and I swallow down a moan. She's watching me like I'm a puzzle she wants to solve. I don't need her to see how much she affects me. How much I desire her.

Laurel launches forward, and again I'm wrapped up with her arms around my neck. I'm trapped in my chair, unwilling to move, as she hugs me tight. This woman and her attack hugs might kill me. Because it makes it so hard to keep my true feelings locked away, so I don't frighten her off. My brain says this is happening too quickly. But every other part of me is falling fast and hard for this woman who lets her heart lead the way.

"Thank you. Again, oh my gosh, thank you."

I indulge myself by hugging her back, careful not to squeeze her too hard. When she begins to pull back, I release her, intending to let her go and return to the way things were. But she moves to kiss my cheek as I turn that direction, and our lips brush lightly together.

It's like an electric shock straight through my body. Barely any pressure, an innocent accidental connection, but it's enough to set fire to my blood. She's staring at me, her pupils blown wide, the dark center eating up the blue, and damn I want to kiss her again. Really kiss her.

"Oh, I'm sorry." She blinks and I can feel the moment slipping away. "I didn't mean for that to happen."

I can't stop myself confessing the truth. "I'm glad it did."

She freezes, and I can see the movement of her delicate throat as she swallows nervously. Then a shy smile tips her lips up and she asks, "You are?"

"I am. You're a beautiful woman, Laurel, and I've thought about kissing you since I carried you through the snow to my truck." She drags in a breath, and I pray I haven't scared her away. "But you need to understand that your staying here isn't contingent on anything happening between us. More than anything else, I want you to be safe. This place is the safest spot for you while that storm is raging outside. It's that simple. You can sleep here and feel sure that I won't push you to do anything."

She listens, pretty eyes watching me, and then she leans forward, and whispers quietly into my ear. "And what if I do want something to happen?"

5

LAUREL

Something about this man makes me braver and more bold than I've ever felt before. The words are out before I fully think them through, but I don't take them back. They're out there, hanging between us. The only question is where will we go from here?

He groans and shifts in his chair. I'm so close to him that I can feel heat pouring from him, even through the fabric of the sweater he let me borrow, and I want to know what it will feel like to have that hot flesh against mine.

"Merritt, if I asked you to kiss me again, would you do it?"

"Yes." His answer comes without hesitation, and it gives me courage.

"And if I asked if I could sit on your lap right now, would you let me?"

"Yes." This time the word is rougher, huskier, and he sucks in a breath when I settle down on his massive thighs. I swing my legs over to one side, loop my arms around his neck, and smile up at him. His jaw is tight, holding back like he's keeping part of himself leashed so he won't frighten me. He's a big man andfor so many people, I'm sure that his size intimidates people. But already he's shown me kindness and caring that people I've known for years haven't. It may be crazy, but he's earned my trust in the very short span of time we've spent together.

His eyes are locked with mine, focused and intent, and I love being the center of his attention. His beard is soft as I lean in close, and whisper in his ear.

"Please kiss me, Merritt."

Four simple words and they unlock whatever shackles were holding him back. One of his large hands slides up my spine, making me shiver, until it cradles the back of my head. His fingers thread into my hair, tugging gently, and I don't care for one second that he's loosening up the braid. The slight pull heightens every other sensation and my stomach flutters.

Then his lips land on mine and I stop thinking. There's nothing else that exists in the world except me and this man, who tastes like the honey he drizzled on his biscuits and the coffee he sipped over dinner. His hand at the small of my back presses me even closer against him. I fit so perfectly that I can't stop the moan that slips free and then his tongue darts into my mouth.

I become a woman I've never been before. Kissing had never felt this intense or intimate before Merritt. This play of lips and tongue, and yes, teeth, now his teeth are nipping at me, and I'm a spiral of sensation. Beautiful, desirable, and the sole recipient of this man's intense, fierce focus. It's a heady feeling.

And I want more of it.

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