Shooter said.
“A prosti—”
“Now, now, no need for labels. Peaches choose this, we’re not sex traffickers, for Christsake,” Moose said. “Better set your girl straight before she rocks the boat and the surly ones get testy.”
“Rock the boat with who?” Juliette furrowed her brow.
“Take a walk with me,” Shooter said, guiding her away from the noisy clusters of people nearby and out onto the trail. With the rich green of the forest broken up by wildflowers, it had the potential for romance, if only the air between them wasn’t strained by stress so thick it rivaled taffy. “We choose to live this way and expect to be able to do so freely. That’s what Moose meant back there. I know it’s a lot to take in and I‘d be stupid to not consider that this may not be for you. All I ask is you keep an open mind and keep your judgments to yourself.”
“Who said I was judging?”
“Aren’t you?”
“I’m trying to wrap my head around everything. It’s like I walked into Oz or something. The people I know don’t live like this.” Confusion shone bright in her eyes.
“You want me to take you home?”
“No, I want you to explain why I’m here in the first place. I’m not your kind of girl.”
“Maybe that’s why. You’re the kind of girl I used to go for once upon a time. I thought I was over with that but then you come along and fill my mind with what ifs. I’m not a man who believes in regret so I took a shot and went for it. I’m not going to treat you like one of the biker bunnies, if that’s what you’re worried about. I do know how to treat a woman.”
“I know. That’s the problem.” She huffed. “You’re like two men in one body. The biker who’s large, intimidating and most definitely dangerous, but there’s also the man who holds open my door, puts his hand on the small of my back when we walk and for some god-awful reason, makes me feel safe. It’s been a long time since I felt that way with a man.”
“You can have both parts of me, but you can’t have one without the other.”
“I know.” She glanced down. “ But I’m not sure I’m equipped for this lifestyle.”
“That’s for you to decide.” He placed a finger under her chin and forced her to meet his gaze. “I’m not going to be strung along, so I suggest you figure it out fast. I’m going to ask you again—should I take you home?”
Two heartbeats passed.
“No, I don’t want you to take me home. I want to stay.”
He grinned. “Then relax and enjoy yourself. I want to show you what life is like when you’re with me.”
“I get the feeling it’s going to be one hell of a ride with you, Shooter.” She tilted her head back and flashed a shy smile.
“I think you can learn to love walking on the wild side, Librarian.” She leaned forward and he bent down, capturing her full lips. He thrust his tongue inside her mouth and moaned at the taste of her. She was lightness, sweetness and sunshine. A ray of purity in his dark world. His soul rejoiced. His jeans grew tight. He deepened the kiss, seeking more of the soul-nourishing vibrations she offered freely.
He slid his hand down her back and cupped her thick ass. She gasped. He swallowed the sound, greedy for more of the woman who made him feel. His soul ignited and he knew in his gut he wouldn’t be able to let her walk away. He wanted to explore the connection that existed between him. The intensity of her lure was so strong he’d broken his rule about getting close and hadn’t looked back.
She pressed her hips against his, gripping the edges of his cut. They moved their heads this way and that, exploring. His dick turned to granite. She rocked her hips and he pulled away, sucking in air.
“Unless you want me to lay you down here and now, I think we’d better stop.”
She glanced up at him, stunned. He chuckled and rested his forehead against hers. “I’ve been dying to get between those killer stems of yours since I first saw you. But I know you ain’t ready yet.”
“And you don’t mind waiting?” She arched an eyebrow and he frowned.
“What kind of asshole would? I told you this isn’t just about pussy. When it goes down between us it’ll be worth the wait.” He let his arms drop to his sides and stepped away from her. “Let’s go back out there with everyone. You’re too damn tempting for your own good.” He wrapped an arm around her waist and led her back down the trail.
Chapter Four
Juliette stumbled toward the kitchen, in desperate need of caffeine after her impromptu late night. A breathy sigh slipped from her lips. Shooter was everything she should run from. But god, do I want him. He made her toes curl in her shoes, her heart speed and the well of happiness in her soul overflow. Shooter woke good things. He helped heal that badly bruised portion of her ego. She spun the carousel of coffee flavors, picked a dark roast, popped it into the Keurig and pressed brew. The rich aroma filled the air and she grinned as the liquid filled her favorite mug. For now, she was okay with the risks she was taking. Shooter wasn’t the type of man you took home to your parents. He didn’t have a polished exterior or an affluent family. Yet, he embodied throwback qualities she longed to discover in a modern man.
A knock sounded on her door. She glanced at the clock. Who’s this at nine in the morning on a Wednesday? She walked over and peered out the peephole, surprised at the man clad in a brown uniform. Curiosity piqued, she opened the door.
The close-shaven brunet smiled. His hazel eyes crinkled and he held up the electronic keyboard.