Letting Loose!

He moved his arm to get her attention. She placed the warm towel on his lower back and then risked a look into his face. “I’m sorry,” she found herself saying.

Those blue eyes met hers with a look of total sincerity. “And I’m sorry I deceived you. It was impulsive and stupid, and I shouldn’t have done it. But I’ll never forget or regret it.”

Tina’s heart fluttered, a very uncomfortable sensation. She climbed off the bed to get the aloe vera out of her bag. “I won’t forget it, either, and you definitely owe me two hundred bucks.”

“Don’t you think I was worth it, my little warrior?”

She bared her teeth. “Do you want me to dump a bottle of tequila on your back or the gel?” She held up the bottle but when she made eye contact she noticed he wasn’t looking at the gel, but at her breasts. “Stop.”

“I can’t help it. Your breasts are so beautiful, so perfect.”

“Just stop. I’m mad enough.”

“You’re not mad. You’re confused and you hate the sensation.”

“Get out of my head!” One of the things that bothered her about him was his ability to read her. He was a good lawyer, because he knew people. But she wasn’t going to allow him to get to know her. She had all kinds of things to hide, from him, from herself.

“Leave it. Find another woman. They’re falling all over themselves to get to you. Like Sheila.”

“I don’t want Sheila. I want to see you again.” He cocked an eyebrow. “I figure you owe me after almost burning me to death.”

“After what you did?”

“It was an excellent cause. Weren’t you just a little bit afraid to go home with a stripper you knew nothing about?”

She rubbed her fingers together. “I didn’t take him home. You know I never take anyone home.”

“I meant to a hotel room.” Those eyes smiled at her. “I know you don’t take men home. It’s what gives me hope.”

“I’m not afraid.”

“Sure.”

She wanted to wipe the smug look off his face. “I’m not afraid of anything. I’m a modern woman who can choose whom she goes to bed with. And I had condoms. A whole bunch of condoms.”

He looked her over. “You keep saying that, honey.”

“Why? You can’t do anything about it anyway.”

“Maybe, maybe not. Why are you walking around naked? It’s very callous of you.”

“To remind you of what you’re missing.”

“Really?”

“No. I just didn’t think it was a good idea to try to wring out hot towels in silk. Why should I mess up my clothes when you’ve already seen me in my skin?”

“It’s gorgeous skin.”

“Thank you.”

With the gel in one hand, she crawled carefully over to him. He seemed harmless, although entirely attractive.

She didn’t think she should straddle his waist. He’d probably cry if she did. Leaning over, she looked at his back. Still no blisters.

“I’m going to rub this gel on your back, so don’t act like a baby.”

“Just get it over with.”

She squirted the gel in her hands, rubbed them together and then started on the top of his shoulders. His shoulders were broad and muscular, a nice even tan color. She massaged, getting into a rhythm.

“Hmm, that feels so good.”

It did feel good. In fact, she’d scooted closer, her hip against his hip and hands flat on the muscular plains of his back. The puddle in the sheets didn’t bother her as it still felt warm. “I’m glad it doesn’t hurt,” she said lazily.

“No. It feels so good I guess I’ll have to tip you.” Did he sound as if he were breathing harder?

She sucked in her own breath. Did he have to remind her of what they’d done last night, especially when she had him naked and under her hands? Her nipples tightened and tingled.

She rubbed her moist hands lower, and lower, to the indent of his waist. “The skin is a little red back here. Are you sure I’m not hurting you?”

“Honey, you’re killing me.” He shifted under her hands.

“I should have given you the anti-inflammatory first.”

“This inflammation has nothing to do with my back muscles.”

She laughed.

“Maybe you should stop. Just give me the anti-inflammatory, and I’ll sleep it off.” He sounded disgruntled.