Page 13 of Falling for the Recluse

“Good morning!” Her perky greeting cuts into my thoughts.

I turn from the computer, and my breath almost stops. She enters the workroom looking like the sky and a grassy field in a green thermal shirt, blue stretch pants, and a blue cotton scarf dangling around her neck. Her dark hair practically bounces as she walks, the streak of white spilling like cream down the side.

I’m seized with an urge to cross the room, envelop her in my arms, and kiss her. But if I do, I’ll never let her go.

I stalk into the kitchen, which is separated from the workroom by a low counter. After pouring a cup of coffee, I add a tablespoon of powdered milk and two sugars and set it down. I nod for her to take it.

“Thank you.” She flashes me a smile, and my chest tightens.

She takes a sip of coffee, murmuring a noise of pleasure that goes straight to my dick. My control is nearing its breaking point, and all she’s done is walk into the goddamn room.

“This is so incredible.” She crosses to the window, letting out a breath of amazement. “I’ll bet you never get tired of this view. Look, I think that’s a Weddell seal. They have such cute faces. I hope I’ll get to see an orca before I leave.”

“Do you want breakfast?” The question comes out almost like an accusation.

“Sure.” She doesn’t blink at my snarly tone. “Oh, that reminds me…”

She hurries back to her bunk, returning with a cloth sack. She takes out a bunch of bananas and a couple of bags of apples and oranges. “I brought these for you from Hamilton station. They just had a supply delivery, so they’re still pretty fresh. I know it’s tough getting produce down here.”

She sets the fruit out on the counter. The smell of the bananas hits me like a wave of tropical air. I curl my hand around my coffee mug to stop myself from grabbing one.

“Thank you,” I say grudgingly.

“No problem.” She hitches herself onto a stool at the counter. “When can I see the penguins? As a matter of fact, wherearethe penguins?”

“Across the ridge.” I nod in the vague direction of the shore as I mix a bowl of powdered eggs. “It’s close to an hour’s walk. I’ll take you over there after you eat.”

She blinks. “You don’t have to take me. I meant it when I said I won’t disturb you.”

Way too late, sweetheart.

“I only have some data analysis to do today.” I shrug like it’s no big deal for me to spend the next few hours with her.

She studies me over the rim of her mug. “I know you didn’t create your reputation, but why haven’t you done anything to change it? Especially when it’s so obviously wrong.”

“Obviously, huh?”

Two pink spots appear on her cheeks. “Obvious tome, I mean. Especially after yesterday.”

“Don’t get any illusions, little girl.” I plant my hands flat on the counter and lean closer to her. “I’m a mean, nasty, cold-hearted son of a bitch who would just as soon send you packing than be nice to you in any way.”

She smirks, then hitches herself up and leans across the counter to kiss me. The warm press of her lips ignites my blood.

“Mm-hmm,” she murmurs against my mouth. “Keep growling at me, Dr. Stark. It’s super sexy, even if I already know you’re really just a big ole softie.”

Yeah. She’s got me. I’m trapped, locked down. There’s no way out.

“I’ve got news for you, honey.” Breaking the kiss, I round the counter and grab her hips, turning her to face me. I push between her legs, shoving my dick against her crotch. “I’m not soft around you. I’m as hard as fucking steel, and you’re the only one who can do something about it.”

“Oh.” Her eyes widen, and she wiggles a little against my erection. “But you…um, you must have to rely on your own devices a lot down here.”

“That’s not the reason I’m about to explode.” I spear my hand into her hair, tilting her face up to mine.

Christ, thatlookshe gives me—like I’m as fucking awe-inspiring as the glaciers.

I can’t stop it—this need boiling inside me like the rumble of an active volcano. I’m caught up in her intelligence, her backbone, her awe of the whole fucking world. She could find wonder and beauty in anything—a rock, a snake, a beetle.

A hostile, reclusive Ice Prick.

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