Bayou Heat (11 page)

“No. And you can keep your damn hands to yourself,” Rob
snapped as he maneuvered them through the door.

“I’m so sorry. Guess he gets grumpy when wet,” Eris stated.

“I’m not grumpy,” Rob replied as they headed toward the
elevator.

“Then what would you call it?” Eris asked, nudging him in
the side with a knee as the lift doors opened.

David answered for him. “It’s called being territorial and
with a package like you, I don’t blame him.”

Rob turned as the doors were closing and gave David one of
his most intimidating looks, only to receive a laugh from the irritating man.
The ride up to his third-floor loft was quiet and he started to wonder if Eris
was having second thoughts.

If she was, he’d respect her wishes, but they were still
going to stay here. He needed some time to regroup, make some contacts and
review his plans.

Rob managed to get the key out of his pocket and unlock the
front door without dislodging his passenger. Cold air greeted them as they
entered his apartment and immediately he felt Eris begin to shiver again. He
toed the door closed behind them and made his way to the bedroom, where he
deposited her on the edge of the bed.

He knelt before her and lifted her injured, swelling ankle.
As gently as possible, he removed her boot and sock. Then he started to prod
around the swelling. “How does it feel?”

She sucked in her breath. “It hurts.”

“I’m sure it does. Try moving your foot and tell me how it
feels.”

She rotated her foot, then pointed it a couple of times.
“It’s painful, but not unbearable. I don’t think anything is broken.”

“If you want, we can go to the hospital.” He lowered her leg
and stood.

“No, I really think it’ll be okay, let’s see how it is in
the morning.” She moved the foot again.

“Okay, then get out of those wet clothes and wrap up in
this.” He tossed a throw at her as he made his way across the room to the
master bath.

He removed his wet shirt and tossed it to the floor. He
walked directly to the shower and turned the water on to start warming. From
the bedroom he heard a muffled squeak. “Is everything okay in there?”

“Everything’s fine, just fine.”

He didn’t believe her, but by her tone she wasn’t in pain or
fear. “Are you sure?” Taking two large towels from the cabinet, he placed them
on the warming bar then flipped it on.

“Yes.”

He couldn’t help but chuckle at her exasperated tone as he
crossed the bathroom. He entered the bedroom and stopped to stare at the sight
before him. Eris had removed her wet jeans and the blanket was now draped over
her lap, but that wasn’t what caused his body to heat or laughter to form in
the pit of his belly.

It was her, half in, half out of her wet t-shirt. She had
managed to pull the bottom of it over her head but now couldn’t move because
the wet material was stuck to her like flypaper. She stretched this way and
that, trying to get a grip on the hem of her shirt, but every time she did, the
material would slip from her fingers. Eris elicited a string of soft curses.

Rob smiled and managed to contain the laughter. “Problems
there, princess?”

At the sound of his voice, Eris jumped and squealed, turning
in his direction. The sight of her predicament combined with the jiggling of
her unbound breasts ripped a sound from him that was a combination of a moan
and a laugh.

“Don’t you dare laugh at me, Rob Jackson. This is not funny,
not funny at all.”

“I’m not laughing, I swear.”

“Yes, you are. I can hear it in your voice and it’s not
amusing. I’m cold.”

“I’m sorry.” Rob moved to her quickly and wrapped the
blanket snugly around her chest, securing the ends so it wouldn’t fall away.
“But I’ve never seen such an erotic and cute sight. I didn’t know the two could
go together.”

He grabbed the shirt and pulled it off. Eris immediately
lowered her arms as she looked up at him and shivered. “You thought I was
erotic?”

“Yeah, but blue skin isn’t very becoming, let’s get you in
the shower.”

“A warm shower.”

He picked her up. “Extremely warm.” He nuzzled the spot
beneath her ear as he carried her across the room.

“Sounds wonderful.”

Rob laughed as he put her on her feet in the bathroom,
making sure she was steady before letting go. “I get the distinct feeling we
are talking about very different things.”

In one sweeping motion, he pushed down his jeans and briefs
before stepping out of them. As he straightened, he caught a glimmer in Eris’
eyes, letting him know she was having some of the same thoughts after all.

He reached out, tugging the wrap from around her and
watching as it slid to the floor. His eyes traveled up, taking in the slight
flare of her hips, the belly ring that held a half-moon charm, the dip at her
waist, her full breasts, ending at sparkling green eyes that held his gaze.

He wanted this woman more than the air he needed to keep
breathing and it terrified him. Promptly, he cut off that line of thought and
concentrated on the lust and desire she stirred in him. Those feelings he
understood and knew how to deal with. Picking her up, they headed for the
shower.

Warm water rained down on them from three large, disk-style
showerheads. The warmth penetrated her body and immediately she relaxed.
Cradled in Rob’s strong arms, she felt more secure than she had in months.
“This is nice.”

Rob released her legs and held her chest pressed to his with
one arm about her waist. Slowly he let her body glide down his, using his free
hand to balance her. His chest hair ran across her skin, sending shivers all
the way to her toes. Instinctively she wrapped her arms around his neck as her
feet touched the tile. She tilted her head back and caught her breath at the
look in his eyes.

“Very nice,” Rob whispered as he lowered his head and
captured her mouth in a heart-melting kiss.

Her body sagged against his, pressing her breasts against
his chest. Her hands tangled in his wet hair, pulling him closer as she
deepened the kiss and rubbed her body against his.

Rob broke the kiss and rested his forehead against hers. His
breathing was as ragged as hers. She was glad to know she wasn’t the only one
who felt this strong pull between them.

“If you keep that up, princess, I’m going to forget about
taking it slow and easy.” Rob’s voice was deep and husky.

Eris swallowed hard in an attempt to slow her racing pulse
but failed miserably. “I don’t want slow and easy. I don’t think I can stand
waiting.”

She licked her lips nervously as Rob smiled and turned her
around, pressing her back to his front. “Well, too bad, we’re playing this my
way.”

“What if I don’t want to play your game?”

Rob grabbed the bottle of bath gel and squirted a line across
the top of her breasts. The soap was cold compared to the warmth of the shower,
causing her to press back against him. He placed the bottle back on the shelf
then his hands moved to the soap. Leisurely he worked it into a lather as his
hands moved up to the base of her throat then around her ears, massaging any
lingering tension away.

Her head lolled back against his shoulder as his hands moved
down across the tops of her breasts toward her nipples. God, she wanted to feel
his hands on her almost as much as she wanted to feel his mouth on her. Her
breath caught—he was almost there.

His hands moved to the sides then around and under to cup
her. “Touch me.” Her voice held a note of desperation that she couldn’t hide.

He chuckled again and it irritated her. “Patience.”

“I don’t have any.”

“I’ve noticed,” he replied as his hands moved up. His palms
brushed over her nipples, sending shockwaves through her body. “Do you like
that?”

“Yes.” Her breath caught as his fingers captured her nipples
and rolled them. “Oh my.”

“You want more?”

“Yes.” She moved her hand behind her in an attempt to return
some of the sweet torture.

Rob shifted his body, pressing himself tighter against her
bottom as he chuckled softly. “We’re going to do this my way, regardless of how
much you squirm and wiggle against me.”

Eris groaned as his right hand started traveling down her
body. “How can you stand to wait?”

His hand stopped and toyed with her bellybutton ring. “As a
young child, I learned to savor the special moments in life. They are few and
far between. This is one of those moments and I plan on enjoying every second
of it.”

His hand glided lower and her body heated. “Easy for you to
say.”

“Not easy, I just enjoy the anticipation.” His hand slid
lower, brushing across her, causing her body to jump.

“Rob.” The word broke as he flicked a finger across her most
intimate point. “Wait, please. I can’t stop my body…”

“Then don’t.”

His strokes became more intense, pushing her closer to the
edge. She fought the feelings swamping her. They were stronger than anything
she’d ever experienced, leaving her unsure of what was on the other side.

“I’m here, waiting to catch you. Let yourself go over that
edge, princess.”

His words were the only reassurance she needed as she did a
free fall into the unknown.

When she returned to a minimal level of consciousness, she
found she was wrapped in a large, warm towel and was being gently lowered to
the bed. Rob brushed the hair off her forehead and started rubbing her vigorously.
“Are you warm enough?”

“I’m plenty warm.” That was an understatement, she thought
as the towel moved farther down her body. She was hot. Amazingly, she wanted
him more now than she had in the shower.

Rob took her left foot in his hand and dried it completely
before moving to the other. He looked back up at her as he finished. “Are you
sure you’re comfortable?”

Eris wiggled her foot free of his grip, trailed it down the
center of his chest and watched as he sucked in his breath. “I’m warm and
comfortable but extremely lonely. Think you can do something about that?”

Rob nudged her legs apart as he moved up between them,
running a hand up the inside of each thigh as he went. He didn’t stop until he
held a breast in each hand. “You are perfection, Eris DuBose.”

The way he said it almost made her believe him. Before she
could respond, he started rubbing over her nipples, causing them to pebble and
her to totally forget what she was thinking about. She lifted her hips, rubbing
herself against his erection. His hands dropped from her breasts, his eyes
darkened and his breath caught. She watched him enjoy the erotic movement for
several seconds.

“Hold on.” The words were rough but the hands pushing her
hips back down onto the mattress were gentle. She watched as he retrieved a
condom from the bedside table and rolled it on.

When he was done, she couldn’t help but smile. She never
expected to find such a tender interior hidden beneath his tough-skinned
exterior. She ran her hands across his chest, which was covered with a light
sprinkling of blond hair, and she relished the texture of it against her palms.

As he lowered his body over hers, she wrapped her arms
around him, pulling him down until they were chest to chest. His body settled
on hers and he dropped his head, taking her mouth with his as he pushed into
her.

Rob caressed Eris’ back, enjoying the smoothness of her skin
while he pondered his actions tonight. In all his life, he’d never brought
women back to his place, not for a conversation, a nightcap and especially not
for sex.

Even though he knew he should bundle her up and take her
home, he couldn’t bring himself to do it. Instead he forced himself out of bed
and away from the comfort of her warm body. The contentment and feeling of
belonging he felt when around Eris was addictive. If he wasn’t careful, he
could easily become used to feeling this way.

Rob pulled a pair of pajama bottoms from the closet and
slipped them on before going out into the living room. He mechanically poured
himself a stiff drink from the bar then crossed the room to settle himself in
his favorite chair.

He turned his head and glanced into the bedroom. Eris slept
like an angel in the middle of his king-size bed. Her pale skin was a bold
contrast to the black comforter and sheets. The setting fit her perfectly.

He moved his attention back to the window in front of him as
he propped his feet on the ottoman. He led a simple, uncomplicated life. Eris
took complicated to a new level, one he didn’t plan on going to.

With that thought firmly in place, he retrieved the portable
phone from the end table and started making some long overdue phone calls. If
the people weren’t early risers, they were about to be woken because he wasn’t
waiting another hour for the sun to rise.

* * * * *

The familiar ringing brought Eris instantly awake. Tossing
back the covers, she dove for her pants and retrieved the phone as quickly as
possible. “Hello?”

“I’ve been trying to reach you at your house for a
half-hour, where are you?” Zane asked.

She glanced out the window and noticed the sun was starting
to rise. “I’m at Rob’s place.”

“His place? What are you doing there? No, don’t answer
that.” There was a note of panic in his voice.

Eris smiled. “If you must know, we were out last night and I
twisted my ankle. Rob’s place was closer so we came here.” She crossed her
fingers at the little white lie and was glad she wasn’t talking to Caleb. “So
why did you call?”

“I wanted to remind you about Trever’s party tonight at
Mom’s house.”

Eris slapped her forehead. “I haven’t forgotten about
Trever’s birthday party.”

“You’ve got the present?”

She cringed and wondered when she’d become such a
scatterbrain blonde because she actually
had
forgotten. “The present,
yeah, I have it, don’t worry about a thing and see you tonight at seven
thirty.”

Movement from the door caught her attention and she turned
toward it as she hung up her phone. Rob leaned against the doorjamb cradling a
cup of coffee between his hands. He was dressed in black slacks and a dark gray
shirt. She got the distinct impression the warm gentleman she’d known last
night was gone.

“Depending on how today pans out, we might not make it to
your parents’ tonight.” His tone was clipped.

“I need to pick up Trever’s present and drop it off.”

“If our schedule permits, we’ll take care of the gift.” Rob
crossed the room to the dresser and placed the coffee on top then opened a
couple of drawers. He pulled out a t-shirt and pair of pajama bottoms, placing
them next to the coffee. “I think the truck from last night has been found. I
want to take a look at it before it’s towed. Slip these on and we’ll head back
to your place so you can get cleaned up.”

He turned and finally looked her in the eyes. From the lack
of emotion she saw there, one would have thought she was wearing a nun’s habit
instead of nothing. Not a good sign, but she’d deal with this later. Right now
there was a killer to catch. “You know this how?”

“I made a few calls last night while you were sleeping and
one of my contacts called back about an abandoned truck meeting my
description.”

Translation
, I didn’t stay in bed with you
. Her
morning was going downhill quickly. “Okay.”

“How’s the ankle?”

“Much better,” she replied coolly.

“Do you need any help?”

“No.” The relief that flashed through his eyes made her
angry.

“I’ll be waiting in the living room.”

The door closed behind Rob and Eris resisted the urge to
throw her cell phone against it. Slowly she relaxed her grip as a plan took
hold and a smile spread across her face.

* * * * *

Eris leaned against the hood of Rob’s car and smiled at the
state trooper who was talking with her. He was young, lean and extremely
handsome. His blue eyes reminded her of a young Robert Redford. There was
positively no reason she shouldn’t feel attracted to him but she didn’t. She
was worried her feelings for Rob might be taking a dangerous turn. Instead of
dwelling on this new turn of events, she forced her smile a little brighter and
focused on the man talking to her.

“Eris.”

She turned at the sound of Rob’s cool voice and noticed
Detectives Olson and Tarrington were no longer talking with him. “We need you
over here.”

She pushed off the hood of the car and started walking the
twenty yards separating them. In her short skirt, skintight top and three-inch
heels, every pair of male eyes turned toward her but she kept her gaze locked
on Rob’s eyes and wished he weren’t wearing those damn dark sunglasses.

It took all her effort to keep the smile on her face because
her ankle felt as if it were on fire. Thankfully, her own dark shades masked
the pain she knew was showing in her eyes.

When she was only a few feet from Rob, she turned her head
toward the man next to him. For the first time all morning, a smile that wasn’t
forced spread across her face. He was tall with short, light brown hair, broad
shoulders and trim hips. She was almost to him when he pulled off his shades
and blatantly inspected her from head to toe before giving a low whistle.

“Honey, you are one fine specimen of female flesh.”

“And your cocky attitude hasn’t changed in six months.”

“Nope, and it won’t change in another six.”

Eris glared at the man but when he opened his arms, she
happily went into them. “I wouldn’t want you to change.”

“That’s my favorite girl.”

Rob eyed the pair and couldn’t help but notice how well they
looked together. “I’m guessing the two of you know each other.”

“I’ve known Nate since he was a gangly teenager hanging out
with Zane and getting into trouble.”

“Gangly? If I remember, you were still wearing pigtails and
playing with dolls.”

“Great, then I don’t have to waste time making introductions.”
Rob purposely turned his back on them because the sight of Eris with another
man’s arm around her waist was sheer torture.

“Why is Nate here?” Eris questioned.

Rob took a deep breath and steeled his raw nerve endings as
he turned back to them. Nate now stood with one arm casually draped across
Eris’ shoulders and was grinning like a man who just won the lottery. Rob
clenched and unclenched his fist. “Titan requested his help on this case since
Matt’s been laid up.”

“I didn’t know you worked with Rob and LD,” Eris directed
her statement to Nate.

Nate smiled at her. “I help them out when my schedule
allows.”

“I thought you’d been commissioned to do a couple of pieces
for that museum in Chicago?” Eris continued the questioning.

“I was and I delivered the pieces last week,” Nate answered
in a very serious tone.

“I’m confused, Nate, what is it you do for a living?”

Rob wanted to end this conversation and move on with the
investigation, so he answered for him. “Nate does a lot of government work that
he can’t talk about. It’ll do you no good to ask. He won’t even tell LD.”