Hands On by Debbi Rawlins Page B

his hands from her waist.
    She didn’t move, didn’t even take her hand off his chest. “I—I’m sorry.”
    â€œNo problem. Now, are you gonna button my shirt?”
    A small gasp escaped her. She moistened her lips and moved her hand. With her eyes kept lowered she said, “You have a really nice chest.”
    That stopped him. He wished he had something clever or witty to say. Nothing came to mind. “Thanks.” He cleared his throat and went for his top button. “That’s okay. I’ll do it.”
    â€œNo.” She stilled his hands and then tugged them away. “I will.”
    Hell, when had he lost control of the situation? He sucked in his belly when she dragged her finger down his chest to his waist. She lingered at his belt, tucking the tip of one finger under his buckle.
    He lifted his gaze to meet hers, and then fixed on the slight part of her lips, the tongue darting out to moisten them in invitation. He tilted his head to the side to accept her offer.
    â€œOuch!” He jumped back and put a hand on his belly to soothe the sting. “What the hell did you do that for?”
    â€œDon’t be a baby. I didn’t pull that hard.” She stepped back and combed a hand through her hair as if nothing had happened. “Just enough to get your attention.”
    He rubbed the area over his navel where she’d plucked out a couple of hairs. It didn’t really hurt.He’d been surprised more than anything. “Sweetheart, you already had my attention.”
    â€œThe wrong kind. Get my point?”
    He quickly buttoned his shirt. “You came on to me, chickened out and now you’re pulling this act. I get the point, all right.”
    She made a sound of exasperation and glanced heavenward as she headed for the door. “In your dreams.”
    â€œWe’ve been married a little too long for you to start acting coy now.”
    She stopped, turned and stared at him.
    He put a warning finger to his lips. He knew he should feel guilty for making up the lie about the bugs in their room, but he hoped this would keep Cassie on her toes.
    Cassie blinked, but then without skipping a beat, said, “That isn’t coy, that’s regret. For marrying you.”
    â€œNow that you’ve got that off your chest, shall we go down and join the others?”
    Her response was to open the door and leave without him.
    He easily caught up with her before she hit the stairs. “How did it go with Mary Jane while you were alone with her?”
    She slid him a peevish look, but then followed his lead and they were back to business. “It’s possible she’s cagey and playing us, but I think she’s just a gofer and frankly, not all that bright.”
    â€œYou guys didn’t talk about anything meaty then?”
    Hesitating, her gaze darted away, making him nervous. “Not really. I tried to ask about Bask but she got a little guarded.”
    He heard laughter coming from the parlor and he stopped midway down the stairs. “As in suspicious?”
    Cassie shook her head. “More defensive, especially after I made it sound like I was concerned about his credentials and success rate.”
    â€œGood. By the way, don’t refer to him as Bask just in case we’re ever overheard. Let’s just call him Robert.”
    â€œGood point.”
    He smiled. Well, that was something…her actually conceding he had a worthwhile thought.
    â€œWhat?”
    He shrugged. “I’m glad we agree on something.”
    She gave him a skeptical look and then started to descend the stairs again. “I’m not particularly worried about Mary Jane but I won’t be letting my guard down around her either.
    â€œGood. Never underestimate anyone. Do you think she’s a natural blonde?”
    â€œExcuse me?” Cassie stopped on the next step, anger simmering in her gaze.
    â€œNow what did I