Page 25 of Javier

“Do you have other knives?”

“I think I have all of them. What Pops hadn’t given to me, I received when he died.”

“You mentioned a message. You received it last night? Is that what turned you ice-cold and had you changing your mind about spending the night with me?”

“I needed to think.

“And now you’re ready to talk after shutting our night down?”

“I have to address what I came here for. To do that, I need to end to whatever is going on between us.”

“That’s not going to happen, Memphis. We were just getting started and I’m certainly not ready to let us go. Getting back on track and denying us don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Look at it from my point of view. A gorgeous woman broke into my home, to talk. I’m pretty sure she wants more than that, given that she isn’t wearing a bra. Do you have panties on?” Unbothered by how she stared at him—clearly annoyed by the way her eyes narrowed, he went on. “She woke me from a sound sleep and has stirred me up by demonstrating how fucking fierce she is. I’m in a bad state because I crave you, like the oxygen I breathe.”

Memphis’s teasing lilt matched her naughty grin. “I could take off all of my clothes, you know, to show you that I’ve nothing on me.”

Hot damn. “Do it.”

“Here?” Her breathy words held a husky edge.

“Does it really matter where? I hear it in your voice. You want me as much as I want you. Let’s cut to the chase. Then, before you leave, we’ll have that talk you’ve come for. I promise.”

He was riveted as she pulled off the long-sleeve light top off and shucked her joggers. Naked as an unfledged bird. Javier groaned and pulled her closer, encouraging Memphis to lay on her back. His kiss was soft and lingering.

She parted her lips, her breath accelerating and catching, sighing into his mouth as the kiss deepened. Their tongues slide over each other’s—caressing and seeking.

“Open your legs, baby.” He murmured. “We going to be a while. I need to worship you.”

* * *

The sounds of chirping and the weight of Javier’s leg and arm caging her body woke Memphis. After extracting herself and easing from the bed without disturbing him, she seized the opportunity to study him in the dawning light.

He had the body of a man decades younger—a well-defined torso, powerful arms and shoulders, a beautiful firm ass, and strong legs. No flab anywhere. His dimples were more evident now, making a good-looking guy as hot as hell. With every smile, grin, and warm look, she melted more.

If she stayed any longer, she would give him more of her heart.

If she stayed any longer, Creed Ranch might cease to exist.

She needed to be on her way home before noon.

Memphis attended to her needs in the bathroom, including a good swishing of toothpaste and water, and padded to the kitchen, naked, stopping in the laundry room, where she grabbed a clean muscle tank of his that lay folded on the dryer. She slipped it on. It fell to mid-thigh and dwarfed her. In the kitchen, she made coffee and checked for anything to eat or to make. Javier had the right ingredients to create Pops’ biscuits and there were plenty of fresh eggs and vegetables to make a scramble. A hearty breakfast was called for. She had a long drive ahead of her.

She pulled her phone from her purse; the battery was low. She plugged it in and paired it with Javier’s Bluetooth speaker, choosing her light instrumental playlist, then turned on the oven and began making the biscuits.

She sensed him before he slid his arms around her and planted a lingering kiss on the back of her neck. “A sexy, beautiful woman is cooking. Worth the little sleep I got.” He mumbled in her ear. “What’s for breakfast? I’m famished.”

He felt like home. She wanted to be in his arms forever, but she had a job to do. “Biscuits and eggs. Coffee should be ready. I’m famished, too.”

“My tank looks good on you. I like how your body plays peek-a-boo in it,” he said, sliding his hands into the armholes and gently squeezing her breasts, which tightened at his touch. “I love how these overflow in my hands.” He groaned, gently kneading them, then removed his hands and moved to her ass, squeezing while also grinding himself against her. “Fuck, baby, you drive me wild.”

“I can’t cook while you’re doing that, sir.”

“You sure?”

“Yes. I need to make the eggs.”

“You called me sir. That stirs me up, had me aching for somecarnal connection.”

His definition of sex had her giggling. Memphis turned and pressed her forehead into the warm skin of his broad chest, kissing it and inhaling his scent, unable to keep the grin off her face. She gazed up at him. “I think you were aching before I said that, but I’ll take you up on that carnal connection. Only if you lend a hand with breakfast afterward.”

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