Page 14 of Flirting With Disaster

“What I want to do to you,” he whispered against her lips, “is probably outlawed in over forty states.”

She wriggled underneath him, making his erection throb. He pulled her hands above her head and pinned them to the bed. Her eyes snapped open. She blushed from head to toe, her breasts thrust forward. It was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen, but he knew women. She may want him, but this hellion was scared shitless.

He rolled off of her to his back and pulled her close. “What’s wrong, Jude?”

The Doc took a deep breath. “Could we possibly take things just a bit slower? I mean, I’m thoroughly aroused, it’s just…”

Beck couldn’t help the laugh that escaped him. This woman was some piece of work. “Aroused? I’m thrilled I could arouse you.”

“Well, it is your job, isn’t it? I’m sure you’ve had training, considering…”

Humored by her naiveté, Beck smiled and looked into a face that had somehow become familiar to him. In only twenty-four hours? Sobriety was making him crazy. Was she kidding?

Nope, those big eyes and the way her white teeth worried her full bottom lip, said she was shit-ass serious.

“Jude…” What could he say? He didn’t want her to know who he really was. He kept to himself, had altered his appearance. His hair was longer, his face a bit fuller, all to remain anonymous during his recovery. If she found out who he was, she was smart enough to make the connection to his past, to what he’d done to her and her parents. He needed to discourage her 'cause, God knew, he wasn’t going to be strong enough to resist her. And, like all the others, he’d end up disappointing her, hurting her, if she got too close.

He stood, then glanced at his watch. “Honey, my next appointment is about to arrive. So unless you’re interested in the four hundred bucks it’ll cost you to watch, you’d better start undressing so we can get to business.”

The Doc’s mouth dropped open as she sat up on the bed, her shirt falling down her arms to further expose the temptation that was only Jude Duffy. She had no idea…

She hugged her shirt to her chest. “I-I…” Good. His plan to scare her away was working. “Do you take credit cards? I’m afraid I don’t use cash often, considering the bonuses one can retrieve from current credit card programs.”

For Christ’s sake.

A knock echoed through the room, and he kept his eyes on her as he cracked the door. “Yeah?”

“I’m a bit knackered, boyo.” Ennis swayed on his feet. “I need a kip before I do any manual labor. See you in a few hours.”

“Fine. Go sleep then I’ll meet you at six.” Beck shut the door and turned toward Jude.

She stood and briskly walked to where she’d dumped her purse. “Should we continue with our arrangement then?” She opened her wallet and h

anded him her credit card.

He was going straight to hell. “Honey, you seem a bit nervous. What if I said this next hour was on the house and we just hung out and talked? Maybe we’ll grab a pizza downtown? I’m a little hungry.”

Talking was the last thing he wanted to do, but he was no good for her and thanks to AA he knew where to draw his boundaries. After today, he’d hopefully never see her again.

She smiled and the sight stole his breath from his lungs. “I’d like that very much.” She buttoned her blouse and sat on the bed, her back ramrod straight, little bare feet crossed and her virtuous pleasure shining through.

He put his T-shirt back on and cursed himself for being so damn noble. He’d never been noble before. Why now?

Must be the sobriety.

They walked the short distance downtown and found a cozy checkered table at Guido’s Pizza. His little tabby cat chattered about her research, her rock star, asshole parents who’d ignored her, and the guy who’d left her for another man.

About the tragic death of her parents, the first innocent souls he’d murdered, and how they’d given away her inheritance. And about the mysterious trust fund from an anonymous benefactor who’d supported her education.

Remorse fermented in his chest, as it always did. But, through her melodic chitchat, he allowed himself a few moments of peace. A peace that didn’t include alcohol.

There was something about her. Something he had no right exploring.

“This was lovely.” She stood, leaving him cold and empty. “You were worth every penny.” She winked, then shoved her arms into her tweed blazer.

“I was free.”

“Precisely.” Jude opened a small book and fished a pen from her bag. “I’m open tomorrow evening at nine p.m.” She glanced at him. “Will that do to complete our transaction?”

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