Seduction, Westmoreland Style - Brenda Jackson [39]
“No, that’s not the reason why. I want to kiss you so I can carry the taste of you with me.”
She inhaled sharply, thinking he knew exactly what to say to make her come unglued. When the warmth of his fingers closed around hers, she knew she was loosing the battle. But she refused to give in until she had the answers she sought. “Why? Why did you stay away after each time we kissed, McKinnon?” she asked softly.
He stared at her for a second and knew he had to be honest with her, as much as he could. “I didn’t see it as staying away from you, Casey. I saw it as distancing myself from temptation. It was either that or make an attempt to take you to bed every time I was around you. I wanted you just that much.”
“And you saw that as a bad thing?” she asked, needing to understand.
“I damn sure don’t see it as a good thing. You’re Corey’s daughter, Durango’s cousin. To me the Westmorelands are like family. I can’t see starting something with you that would lead nowhere. I doubt any of them would appreciate it if I did.”
“And you’re sure it would have led nowhere?” she asked quietly.
“Yes. I don’t intend to ever get serious about a woman. Marriage is not in my future.”
“May I ask why?”
“No. That’s one topic that’s not up for discussion. Just take my word that it’s not and let’s leave it at that.”
His words were a sure sign that some woman had hurt him. Was that the reason he was still bitter and hell bent on not giving his love to someone else? “So, why are you here, McKinnon? I’m still Corey’s daughter and Durango’s cousin, and you’re still not looking for anything permanent in your life.”
He released her hand to lean in the doorway and took a moment to let his gaze rake over her from the top of her head to the toes of her bare feet. She looked sexy in her short silk black robe. “Because,” he said softly, meeting her gaze again. “In addition to being Corey’s daughter and Durango’s cousin, I can no longer deny that you’re also a very desirable woman.”
He reached out and placed a knuckle beneath her chin, forcing their eyes to meet when he added, “And a woman I want in my bed.”
The huskily spoken words sent more shivers through her body, made the nipples of her breasts press tight against her robe and made heat stream down her stomach to settle between her legs. “And you made that decision, just like that?”
“No,” he said easily. “It took me almost three weeks and only after you took the initiative and kissed me earlier today, making me realize and accept that you’re a woman with needs as well.”
Casey wondered what he would think if he knew that he was the one defining those needs, because the “needs” he was referring to had never been awaken until now. Not only had they been awaken, they were stirring to life and seemed to have a mind of their own. She nervously nibbled her lips.
“Wouldn’t you rather nibble my lips?”
Casey swallowed against a massive lump in her throat. His question had her imagining such a thing taking place. She was suddenly aware that she was losing ground with him. He had a way of stirring up her emotions and her passion. She drew in a shaky breath and took a step back He followed, closing the door behind him.
He stood tall, broad-shouldered. His muscular chest was covered in a tan shirt that seemed to highlight his golden-brown skin. His mane of hair flowed around his shoulders and the dark eyes staring at her had an intensity that nearly took her breath away. McKinnon Quinn was definitely any woman’s fantasy.
Before she could take another step he reached out and snagged her arm, bringing her closer to him. “When I said I wanted to take your taste with me, I meant it.”
Then McKinnon leaned