The Naughty List Bundle - Kylie Adams [216]
Jordan shook his head as if he pitied Gabe. “You remind me of a junkyard dog who’s just sniffed a female in heat. You’re trying to guard the junkyard and still lay claim to the female.”
“I’m not at all sure I like that analogy.”
Jordan shrugged. “It fits. And if I was you, I’d get my head clear real quick.”
Because he wasn’t sure how to do that, Gabe didn’t comment. Instead, he asked, “What did you think of her?”
“Sexy.”
That single word hit him like a solid punch in the ribs. He wheezed. “Damn it, Jordan…”
“What? You think you’re the only one to notice?” Again, Jordan shook his head. “I’ve got a waiting room full of clients, so I’ll make this quick. No, Elizabeth’s sex appeal isn’t up-front and in your face. But it only takes about two minutes of talking with her, of watching her move and hearing her voice and looking into those incredible blue eyes to know she’s hotter than hell on the inside.”
It was so unlike Jordan to speak that way that Gabe was rendered mute.
“If you could have seen how gentle her hands were when she touched that frightened cat, well…You can imagine where a man’s mind wanders when seeing that. And the look of discovery on her face when the first kitten appeared, and her husky voice when she’s getting emotional…” Jordan shrugged. “It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know those same qualities would carry over into the rest of her life. She’s sensitive and tenderhearted and something about her is a little wounded, making her sympathetic to boot.”
Gabe rubbed both hands over his face, those elusive emotions rising to choke him.
Jordan slapped him on the back. “Add to that an incredible body…Well, there you have it.”
“I’m sorry I asked,” Gabe moaned.
Jordan turned his brother around and steered him toward the door. They were of a similar height and build, but Gabe was numb, so moving him was no problem. “Go. I have work to do.”
Gabe was just over the threshold when Jordan said his name again. Turning, Gabe raised one brow.
“I talked you up real nice, told her what a sterling character you have, but somehow I got the impression she’s given up on you already.” Jordan shrugged. “Not that she isn’t interested, because I could tell she is. I’m not sure what you’ve been doing with her, and it’s certainly none of my business, but every time she said your name, she blushed real cute.”
Eyes narrowed, Gabe muttered, “That’s sunburn.”
“No, that was arousal. Credit me with enough sense to know the difference.”
Gabe started back in and Jordan flattened a hand on his sternum, holding him off. “The thing is,” Jordan said with quiet emphasis, “her thoughts are as clear as the written word, and from what I could tell, she’s determined that what she feels is only sexual. So if that’s not what you want, I’d say you have a problem. One that you better start working on real quick.”
It was the second time in one day that Gabe had been given that advice. Without another word he stomped off, his mind churning with confusion. Yes, he wanted more, but how much more? Hell, he barely knew the woman. And she did have an education to finish, one that was obviously important to her.
All he could do, Gabe decided, was take it day by day. He’d get inside her brick wall, get her to talk to him, and maybe, with any luck, he’d find out that Elizabeth wanted him for more than a sexual fling or a college thesis.
But for how much more was anyone’s guess.
ELIZABETH FELT like a puddle of nerves on the drive to the movies that night. In quite a daring move, she’d changed from her earlier clothes into another dress, this one a tad shorter, landing just below her knees, and with a bodice that unbuttoned. She felt downright wanton. Not because the clothing was in any way revealing, but because of why she’d chosen it in the first place.
Thinking of Gabe’s hands stealing under her skirt in search of second base or opening her buttons to linger on first base had her in a frenzy of anticipation.
Nervously, she glanced at his profile. He was quiet, his jaw set as he concentrated on driving. His strange, introspective mood