Faith gave her a watery smile then threw her arms around her, hugging her tight. "Youre right, you know. You always are, Julie. I swear I dont know what Id do without you to keep me grounded. "
"You mean Im a total bitch and you appreciate me for it," Julie said dryly.
Faith pressed her lips to Julies cheek and smacked noisily. "Youre the best bitch I know. "
"But you cant go in there!"
Both women jerked their heads toward the door just as it thru
st open and Nathan strode in, Julies new massage therapist running behind him, her hair flapping like a flag.
Nathan skidded to a halt as he spied Faith, and his mouth snapped shut. A dull flush reddened his cheeks, and he hastily backed up a step.
Ah hell. I didnt know you were here. I mean, I thought you were home. "
Julie raised a brow and followed the direction of his gaze to where Faiths robe had gaped open at her breasts. She reached over and pulled it shut, which caused Nathan to look upward at the ceiling and Faith to grab both lapels with clenched fists.
"You wanted something?" Julie drawled.
Nathan redirected his gaze to Julie, his green eyes glittering with determination. "Hell, yeah, I want something. I want you to stop avoiding me. "
He turned back to Faith, who was now decent. His eyes softened when he saw the evidence of her upset. Faith did have that kicked-puppy look going on. A guy would have to be made of stone not to go all gooey around her. But what surprised Julie was that his gaze kept going back to her, and when it did, he positively sizzled.
Very interesting, indeed.
"Faith, are you okay, honey?"
Faith smiled and kept a tight grip on her robe.
"I didnt mean to barge in. Okay, I did, but I had no idea you were here. I thought youd gone home. Hell, thats where Gray went. . . "
Both women arched an eyebrow at that.
"Gives you time to get to the drugstore," Julie murmured. "You can come back here and pee on your stick in my bathroom. "
"Yeah, uhm, I think Ill do that," Faith said as she hopped down from the table. "Give you two time to do whatever it is youre going to do. "
As she moved past Nathan, he reached out to cup her elbow. "Faith, are you okay?"
She smiled and reached up on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. "I will be. Dont blow it this time, okay?"
He grimaced and looked beyond her to Julie as Faith left the room. With determination etched into every one of his features, he advanced toward her.
Julie swallowed, suddenly feeling like a very big fish in a very small bowl.
"Now that were finally alone, youre going to listen to what I have to say," he said softly.
Chapter 10
Nathan leaned forward, placing his hands on either side of Julies hips, trapping her where she sat on the massage table. Damn but the man smelled good. She actually found herself leaning more into him, her nose precariously close to the part of his shirt that was unbuttoned at the neck.
"So, uhm, what was it you wanted to say?" she asked casually.
"Date. "
She raised an eyebrow in question.
"You. Me. Date. Go to dinner. Have a normal conversation. Preferably one where youll sit through the entire meal, and I dont have to chase you down. "
Her lips twitched as she battled a smile.
"A date, huh. "
He nodded. "As of now, youve never given me a massage. Whatever happened in the past stays there and that includes any misunderstandings that went on in your head. "
"Does that caveman approach work on all the girls?" she asked.
He blinked in confusion then stood back, running a hand over his head. "Damn it, Julie, what do you want from me? For some reason known only to you, youve decided to drive me around the bend. "
"And you havent driven me nuts over the past few months?" she asked incredulously. "I mean, come on, Nathan. Whats a woman have to do?"
He closed his eyes and blew out his breath. She could swear his lips were moving in an effort to count to ten. She almost laughed out loud. Maybe she wasnt the only frustrated one here.
He moved back in, crowding her, stepping between her legs so that his heat and delicious scent enveloped her. He cupped her face in his hands and stared down at her, sincerity burning in his eyes.
"Look, can we just start over? Please? My name is Nathan Tucker and Id love to take you out sometime. Preferably tonight. If youre available, that is. "
Her eyes widened in surprise and then she smiled. "Okay, Nathan Tucker. Id love to go out. Tonight is fine. "
He looked suspiciously at her. "Really? Just like that?"
She nodded, pressing her lips together to keep from laughing. "Amazing what happens when you just ask, isnt it?"
"I could say the same for you," he said darkly.
Before she could respond, he leaned down and took her mouth. There was no other term for it. It wasnt a gentle kiss from someone who was unsure of his reception. It was a kiss from a man starved.
"Mmmm. "
It was all she could muster as he devoured her lips. Warm and soft, his tongue delved into her mouth, sliding over her tongue, over and under and over again. He tasted every bit as good as he smelled.
He crowded in closer until she was at an angle, her face turned up to his. She put her hands down on the table to brace herself as he towered over her. Damn but the man could kiss.
When he pulled away, his breathing was ragged, and his eyes were glazed with passion. He looked totally and utterly flustered, and he didnt try to hide it behind a Mr. Cool veneer.