Brawn - Laurann Dohner [13]
“It helps.” She stared at the bar. “Sometimes I want to forget stuff and when I’m hurting it helps numb me.”
Worry gripped him. “You need medical attention?” He sniffed again, leaned a little closer and tried to get an in-depth take on her scent. She smelled of strawberries, oatmeal and laundry detergent but he didn’t pick up any trace of illness.
She turned her head and smiled. “What are you doing?”
“You don’t have the chemical smell of humans who take medications. It sweats out of the pores. You’re ill?”
“No. I just had horrible taste in men and my father drives me nuts. I think my grandfather left me the guesthouse because he knew I’d never talk to my dad otherwise. We don’t get along.”
“Is having a parent challenging?”
She released her drink and turned to face him. “You have no idea! He drives me nuts.” She put her hand on his thigh near his knee and he glanced down to see it curved over his jeans. “He’s such a dick sometimes, so controlling and judgmental. I always had to be perfect or he lectured me about it. He’s not, but I’m supposed to be.”
His gaze lifted. “Are humans always so into touching people when they talk?”
She looked down, laughed and squeezed his leg. “Sorry.” She lifted her hand and peered up at his face. “Your eyes are really amazing. Did I tell you that? I think they are so beautiful. Can you see colors and everything?”
“Yes. My vision is perfect.”
“My dad thinks you’re mixed with a lion or a panther. Do you have a tail?”
It shocked him that she’d ask. His lips parted but nothing came out.
“It’s okay if you have one. I’d still think you were hot.”
“My skin is warmer than yours naturally but I don’t have a tail.”
That set her off into giggles. He liked the sound and the way dimples appeared in her cheeks. She licked her lips again. “You are so funny. Do you dance?”
“Yes.”
“I bet you do.” She openly stared at his chest, taking him in, and sighed. “Off-limits. It figures. I’ve got really shitty luck. Did I mention that?”
“Would you like to dance?” The alcohol had affected her logic since she wasn’t making much sense. “You asked if I can and I enjoy it.”
“I don’t have any dollar bills.” That set her off into a fit of laughter and she nearly slid off her barstool.
He reached out and gently wrapped a hand around her waist to make certain she didn’t lose her balance. “Dance with me.” He stood and gently eased her to her feet. She swayed on unsteady, bare feet, her shoes on the floor under her barstool, which he hadn’t noticed until that second. “The slow motion might lure you to sleep. I won’t allow you to fall.”
“You want me to go to sleep?” She leaned in to him, her body lax against his and she felt small in his arms. “That figures too. Most guys would want to strip a woman and fuck her blind if she were blitzed.”
“You’re inebriated and not logical. I would never engage in shared sex with you.”
“Damn shame,” she muttered and turned her head, resting it against his chest. She gripped his biceps. “Show me what you’ve got, hot stuff.”
He ignored the fast beat of the rock song and adjusted his hold to make sure she wouldn’t fall if she passed out. He moved his body just enough to keep her swaying on her feet.
“You smell really good.” Her fingers brushed his skin. “And you’re really big.”
“Thank you. I’m not a danger to you.”
She snuggled closer and as he looked down, he noticed her eyes closed as they danced. “I’m not afraid of you.”
Her fingernails raked his outer arms and he bit back a growl as his cock stiffened even more at the light caresses. It was a really bad idea to share a house, especially with a woman who drank alcohol and admitted to being deceptive.
“Do you have a girlfriend, Brawn?”
“No.”
“Someone is missing out. You’re a sweetheart to dance with me.”
“That’s another term I’ve never heard when I’m discussed.” He smiled. “You are amusing when you drink, Becca.”
“Thanks.” She released his arms and stretched up to grip the top of his shoulders. “Did I insult you when I asked if you have a tail or could see colors? I