Page 42 of Playing for Possession
A strange, electric tension hung in the silence between us. He knew what I’d been doing. I didn’t know how he knew, but I could sense it. It was something in the way his eyes lingered too long on mine. The heat in his unsmiling gaze. My heart hammered.
He hesitated a moment, appraising me. “I didn’t mean to disturb you.”
“It’s fine. I was just . . . reading.”
His eyes dropped to my lips. “Reading?”
“Yes.”
He took a step toward me. “I thought I heard my name.”
Heat from the shower and his clean, soapy scent engulfed me. A bright flare of desire made my body tingle. I fought with everything I had not to squeeze my thighs together, because that would be the end of me. That’s all it would take to finish the job I’d just started.
My breath hitched. “No. I don’t think so.”
His jaw tightened, and he frowned. “You’re sure?”
I fought to hold his direct eye contact. “Yes.”
He bit his lip, and shook his head slightly. Toweling his dark hair, he took a step back. “I have some news. Rob messaged. Fizzz wants us back on set tomorrow. Rob has given them a dressingdown. You don’t have to do it in the bikini. You have the option to wear your football kit if you’d prefer that.”
I swallowed past the knot of nerves in my throat. “Right. OK.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Is everything OK? I thought you’d be happy.”
This was unfair. Yes, I was happy, but he’d ambushed me with his divine nakedness. He had to know how good he looked, and that one flash of those abs could melt an innocent, unsuspecting woman into a puddle on the floor.
“And you couldn’t have got dressed to deliver this message?”
The words left my mouth before I’d had a chance to think about them. It was so unlike me, but there was something about Kieran’s presence that made me feel more emboldened than I should.
He tightened the towel around his waist. “I didn’t think about it. I apologize. I’m used to walking around like this at work.”
“This isn’t the Calverdale locker room. I’m... a woman.”
“I know you’re a woman, Joanie.” His low, rough tone sent a shiver along my spine.
I tried to ignore the aching in my limbs. It was my own awkwardness making me feel so self-conscious. It wasn’t as though I didn’t appreciate the view. I could look at him like this and never get bored. But I had to stop talking and get away from his semi-nakedness because the sight made my face feel hotter than the interior of the sun.
“Better get some sleep. Goodnight, Kieran.”
“Goodnight.” He stopped toweling his hair and draped the towel over his shoulder. His steady gaze bored into me. “I’m just across the landing. If you need any help with your... reading, give me a knock.”
My heart lurched. A shudder of excitement heated my blood. Kieran was used to women more experienced than me. I had a whole list of things I’d never done, and this man wasn’t the rightchoice to start experimenting with. The fantasy was safe. The reality definitely wasn’t.
I shook my head. “Reading is a solo activity, but thank you.”
His expression grew intense and serious. “It doesn’t always have to be.”
“Yes. It does.” I closed the door on him before my stupid ovaries made me fall to the ground and kiss his feet.
Chapter 19
Joanie
“Any questions before we start rolling?” Elena gave me a pointed look.
Only one. Please can I go home?
