Page 45 of Captured By the Billionaire Cowboy
Could she?
Should she?
She didn’t plan her next words. “Can I take advantage of you?”
Snap.
She brushed her lips against his. He returned the kiss in an instant, ignoring her wetness, her nakedness, as passion flared. His woodsy scent surrounded her, and so did he, all-consuming and primal. Nothing shielded her from him as she grasped him tighter.
Water splashed, but neither noticed as they deepened the kiss, as he wrapped his arms around her bare back. Her breasts pressed into his chest, sensitive nipples rubbing against firm skin. She moaned and closed her eyes, surrendering to the desire. There was only one thing she wanted, and only with one man. And she wanted him now.
“Rowan, are you in there?”
She pulled back just as Rowan did, and they stared at each other. Who was that? What had just happened?
Could it happen again?
The voice came again, this time louder – and suspicious. “Rowan?”
“Quinn,” they breathed in unison, as reality became as clear as the body the water couldn’t hide. Pink, ripe andexposedcurves shimmered under the glossy service, revealing everything. “We can’t be caught like this,” she hissed. “Go before he calls another search party!”
Rowan touched under her chin, gently lifting her face to his. “Everything is going to be all right. We’ll talk about this later.” He moved back. The water seemed cold asAbhartach’sheart as his touch disappeared. “I’m still staying close. If you need help, call for me. I’ll hear you.”
She wouldn’t call for him if a shark suddenly appeared in the water with a knife, fork and a menu that said “Fresh Ciara.” Likely, the overprotective man would arrive with a sword to vanquish the beast. “I’m going to take a quick shower, then come out.”
“Take it easy on that ankle.”
Quinn called again, and Rowan rose to his full height. She held her knees to her chest, fought not to pull him back in with her. He took one last look, his expression fierce with undisguised desire. Finally, he left, opening the door only slightly, careful not to let Quinn see inside.
Relief and disappointment tangled when he was finally gone, amidst a million emotions. The kiss had changed everything. Perhaps not her feelings, because they’d always been present, but her admission of them. How far would they have gone if Quinn hadn’t come? Would she have been strong enough to resist the temptation? Most importantly…
How hard was she falling for him?
There you are.” Quinn strode to the bathroom door just as Rowan emerged. His arms were folded across his chest, his lips a thin slash across a solemn face. “I was looking for you.”
Rowan pursed his own lips to prevent the frown. His brother’s tone was matter-of-fact, but unabashed interest edged it. Did he realize why he hadn’t responded to his call, or that he wasn’t exactly alone? Unfortunately, his brother was curious enough to investigate and intelligent enough to figure it out.
“I was in the bathroom.” That was true, proven by his recent emergence. Of course, a very beautiful, very wet and verybarewoman had also been present. One detail he wouldn’t share.
Quinn studied him. “Were you showering? Frank said Ciara was bathing in…” His voice trailed off, before a slow, simmering smile emerged. “I see.”
“It’s not what you think,” Rowan swiftly denied, even if it was exactly what his brother thought. “I was helping her.”
Sort of. He was helping himselftoher.
Quinn’s widening smile said he knew it.
“I thought she needed my assistance,” he continued with the truth-but-not-the-whole-story, keeping his voice calm and emotionless. Yet somehow it was becoming increasingly difficult to hide behind his neutral mask, especially when it regarded Ciara. Their entanglement wasn’t a secret, but they hadn’t defined their relationship.
A fact he intended to rectify very, very soon.
“Helping her shower?” Quinn clearly saw through every misdirection. “Frank said she sprained her ankle.”
“Yes, but she slipped, which is why I rushed in.”And kissed her.“Thankfully, everything was fine.”Really, really fine as I kissed her.“I was just being responsible.”By kissing her.
“I see.” By the amusement in his eyes, his brother saw far more than Rowan intended. Yet instead of teasing, he turned serious. “It’s okay, you know.”
Rowan set his jaw, pushed aside his discomfort. “What is okay?”
