Page 76 of Huckleberry Hill
“Declan,” I began. “We can’t.”
“Why not? We’ve already done it. Do you regret it already?”
“I really wish I wasn’t naked having this conversation,” I muttered. “And I definitely wish you weren’t naked.”
“Why? Because you’re distracted by my virile man-pelt?” He ran his hand across his chest. “Touch it. You know you want to.”
“Oh my God,” I moaned. “You’re never going to let me live that down.”
Declan leaned over, all but tackling me to the bed. He caged me in, propping himself up on his elbows so he didn’t crush me.
“I’m willing to risk sneaking around if you are,” he said.
“Why?” I asked with a frown. “Why would you do that?”
“Uh, hello. I’ve got you naked in my bed. Why wouldn’t I do everything in my power to keep you naked in my bed?”
I bit my lip to stop my smile. “But what about your job?”
“There will always be other jobs. Besides, I did okay on the rodeo circuit. I’ve got a bit of nest egg.”
I ran my hand along his jaw and up through his hair. “I’m not worth the trouble. I’ve got a lot of stuff going on upstairs.” I tapped the side of my head.
“You think you’re not worth the trouble?” His expression clouded. “Why the hell would you think that?”
“Declan, it’s nearly four in the morning. Do we have to do this right now?”
“No,” he admitted. “We don’t. But at some point we’re going to talk about it and we’re going to talk about what the hell happened with you and your fiancé because he?—”
I lifted up and quickly covered his lips with mine.
“Are you trying to distract me?” he murmured against my mouth.
“Yes.”
He deepened the kiss, and I sank into it. Declan was warm and comforting and he smelled like us—the unique scent that could only come from two people’s intimacy.
“Declan,” I murmured. “I’ve really got to go.”
He sighed but reluctantly released me. He reached for his sweats and quickly pulled them on. “Hang on, I’ll get your clothes.”
Declan went out to the living room and then returned to the bedroom with his T-shirt and sweats.
I quickly threw them on and then followed Declan out into the living room.
“Socks,” he said. “Hang on.”
He went and grabbed me a pair of wool socks and then opened the door to get my boots. I sat down on the couch and put them on. Declan held up my coat and I shoved my arms into the sleeves.
Instead of releasing me, he clasped my shoulders and turned me around. He kissed my lips before pulling back.
“Don’t be shy with me, Hadley.”
“Okay.” I hunched my neck so my chin disappeared, causing him to laugh. He hugged me to him.
“We’ll work on it. Let’s go.”
“Go where?”
