Star of His Heart - Brenda Jackson [20]
“Netherland?”
“Yes?”
“You still won’t go out with me?”
For several moments an air of sadness hovered over her, as she remembered why she wouldn’t. “No, I still won’t go out with you.”
His gaze was intense, determined. “When we get to the hotel, will you ‘stay in’ with me…for a little while?”
Netherland’s body stirred all the way down to her toes when she remembered what happened the last time they had stayed in. And as much as she wanted to deny it, her body wanted to experience his kisses again.
She focused her attention on his lips. Doing so shortened her breathing. It became difficult to get air past her lungs. It seemed her own lips suddenly felt sensitive. Convincing herself that a few kisses wouldn’t hurt as long as she didn’t let it go any further, she finally gave herself up to the inevitable. “Yes, I’ll stay in with you for a little while.”
When Ashton curled his fingers around hers she tried to steady her nerves. But nothing could bring calmness to her body that was tense with wanting him.
Chapter 6
Holding Netherland’s hand firmly in his, Ashton walked her to her car.
“Would you like to drive, Ashton?” Netherland asked him, after inhaling deeply and blowing out a rush of air. She didn’t think her hands were steady enough to handle the steering wheel.
“Sure.”
Moments later with the windows down and the crisp feel of May air rushing at them, Ashton steered Netherland’s Pathfinder onto the highway.
“Where are you staying?”
“In one of those extended-stay facilities owned by Marriott.”
Netherland nodded. “I heard those type of places are nice.”
“Yes, they are. And this is a nice vehicle.”
“Thanks.”
“How long have you had it?”
“About six months.”
After several moments of tense silence Netherland said, “You were a hero last year when you rescued Trevor and Corinthians from the jungles in South America.”
Ashton shrugged massive shoulders. “The media got carried away as usual. Trevor had the skill and know-how to survive in that habitat for another couple of months or so had I not found them.”
“Because of his military background?”
“Yes. Trevor, Sir Drake and I used to be part of the marines’ Special Forces—the Force Recon Unit. We were trained how to survive in difficult situations. Each of us had a specialty. Trevor’s specialty is the ability to survive in the jungle or any other unusual or dangerous environment or domain. Sir Drake’s a whiz at ammunition and explosives.” Ashton smiled. “He likes blowing up things.” Ashton’s smile faded when he thought about the fact that right now Sir Drake was living his life pretty much like the explosives he enjoyed handling—dangerously. He liked living close to the edge by taking chances he shouldn’t. Ashton didn’t want to think about the things that Sir Drake was possibly doing working for the CIA.
“And what’s your specialty, Ashton?”
He looked at her when he brought the car to a stop at a traffic light. “Like this vehicle, I’m a Pathfinder, which is another name for a tracker. Being able to locate anything and anyone in thick woods, jungles, forest and any type of uncivilized or impenetrable territory is my special skill.”
Netherland nodded, deciding not to tell him that tracking wasn’t his only special skill. He was doing a pretty good job in the seduction area. The man was seducing her with the ease of someone who was an ace at it. Even now incredible sensations were skittering inside her. She had known from the moment Ashton had smiled at her at Clayton and Syneda’s house that she would be spending time with him tonight. She would have to approach what was happening to her logically and intelligently. Although there could never, ever be a future between them, there was no reason they couldn’t enjoy each other during the time he was in Houston on military leave. She was sure once she presented the idea to him that he would go for it. Something was better than nothing. She would get him out of her system, and he would get her out of his; then they would go their separate ways. He would travel around the world