âCoraââ his breath rushed across her ear, ââyouâre a clever deceiver.â
Chapter Five
âI am?â Cora blinked, feigning innocence as her body went suddenly brittle in Kitâs arms.
He had always believed himself immune to the artifices of women, particularly prostitutes and mistresses, yet somehow this ladyâs stunning verdant eyes staring up at him made him forget for a moment that she was a professional, her heart likely as hard as iron. Heâd have to be more careful. However, he wasnât ready to give in to her coy wishes so easily either. She wouldnât kiss him like that, as if he were her first taste of cream candy, if she didnât desire him, especially being as how she wasnât even collecting a penny for it.
âWe didnât do a damned thing last night, Cora. If we had, Iâd have kissed you several times, andââ he paused, giving in to the urge to nuzzle the silky gold hair tucked behind her ear, ââIâd remember a kiss like that.â
She trembled in response, though he couldnât be certain if his words or his touch caused the effect. He leaned back and watched her luminous eyes widen in uncertainty rather than her usual confidence. A moment ago, before theyâd kissed, her gaze had been full of longing. Heâd wanted a taste of her so badly that heâd stayed sober for the first night in two weeks, and now he wanted more. Sheâd melded to him, her feminine charms tempting enough to bring him to his knees. His hands longed to roam across her smooth ivory skin, past the demure neckline of her silk dress to knead her full breasts. Nothing could bring him greater pleasure tonight than holding her and burying himself in her sweet heat.
âI talk too much. Kiss me again, and Iâll shut up.â He cupped the back of her neck and kissed the top of her head, breathing in the sunshine in her hair.
She exhaled and tapped the metal star pinned to his vest. âAre you a man of your word, Kit?â
He eased back, keeping her in the circle of his arms. âI am.â
âI like to keep my word too. When I took over the Willows, I promised my ladies I wouldnât share my bed here with any man. Besides, last night you were in no state to perform. I couldnât take your money with a good conscience.â
Ah. She still considered him a potential customer. Of course, she wouldnât wish to steal money away from her employees, but he didnât desire to share their beds. Oh, they were fetching enough. Especially the twins. But hell, right now all he could think of was the powerful pressure in his pants and the lovely blonde whoâd caused it.
Maybe he could get her to quit thinking of him as a customer and instead as a suitable loverâ¦
He traced her dewy cheekbone with his thumb until he reached the luscious, inviting swell of her bottom lip. Surely he could steal another kiss, and she would return the gesture. Even now, her eyelids fluttered for an instant, and her breathing stopped in anticipation. Unless he was grossly mistaken, she wanted him.
He must find patience. Somehow.
âAll right, Cora. You can have it your way.â He slid his arms from her, and her flushed face regained its normal color, seeming to find relief in his absence.
She made a beeline to open the door and waited. âI hope youâre not angry at me, Sheriff. You were in no shape for business with any of my ladies last night.â
He retrieved his bag, put his hat on and went to where she stood. âThatâs probably true, and I should thank you for letting me stay under your roof.â
Apprehension flickered across her upturned face before she recovered with a smile. âOf course, youâre welcome. Weâre g-glad to have you in Fort McNamara.â
Her fear, if thatâs what he was witnessing, galled him to the core. âYou know, just because I can shoot straight and
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