Libby scrutinized Logan for a minute, trying to determine if he was being cute, or telling her the truth. His expression was guarded, but he couldn’t hide the glimmer of truth in his eyes as he brought the glass to his lips. He tossed his head back to take a long drink, and Libby took the opportunity to watch the play of muscles in his powerful throat. Their eyes met when he straightened again.
Libby swallowed with difficulty, trying to push down the flash of desire uncurling in her belly. What was it about him that got her hot so fast? “I’ll bet you dinner that Gram’s not paying you,” she said, crossing her arms.
His mouth quirked with humor as he shrugged. “It’s good therapy. I’ve been laid up for a while.”
Libby nodded with understanding. “I understand you were injured in a forest fire. What happened?”
Something in his eyes changed, as fast as a lightning streak in a stormy sky. “That subject’s off limits.” His words were clipped and sounded final. In a heartbeat his mood has changed from casual, almost carefree, to a man on the edge.
Libby schooled her expression to remain cool, her curiosity instantly peaked by the hostility in Logan’s tone. She sensed it wasn’t directed at her, but she had definitely opened up a wound that hadn’t healed yet. He didn’t take his eyes off her as he finished his drink then set the glass down on the counter. The look that came over his face almost frightened Libby, because it was the look of a man who’d lost his soul, or at the very least someone who’d been to hell and back.
Everything about him was tense. Yet there was a sheen of pain in his eyes he couldn’t disguise. Her heart twisted with compassion, and the only thing Libby knew at that moment was that she wanted to reach out to him and comfort him in some way. With tears building in her eyes she said, “Logan, I’m sorry.” She made the mistake of lifting her hand to him.
“No!” In a lightning fast move he caught her wrist in mid-air, halting her from reaching her target, which had been the side of his face. “The last thing I want from you is sympathy.” He jerked Libby close. She caught her breath, her head falling back so she could meet his eyes. Their gazes clung. His were stormy, churning with a mixture of anger and desire.
Libby knew when a man wanted her. Just when she thought he might kiss her he released her and pivoted to leave. “Thanks for the water. Let me know when Margaret wakes…”
“Logan.” Libby didn’t know what she was going to do, only knowing it was important she do something. She headed him off at the door, causing him to halt or slam into her. He had no choice but to meet her eyes. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what happened but talking about it might help.”
His eyes flared with warning. “I don’t need any help.” The wild look that came over his face made her think of a cornered animal with no way out.
“Your reaction to my harmless question proves that you do,” she said softly. “I don’t mean to pry but—”
“Then don’t.” A muscle twitched in his lean jaw.
It was obvious he expected Libby to move out of his way, but she held her ground, determined to say her mind. “You talk about therapy for your body, Logan. What about therapy for your mind and heart?”
“Don’t try and analyze me, lady,” he exploded, his eyes glittering shards of black glass. “I don’t need you or anyone telling me what I need. You have no idea…” He cut himself off, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. It was clear he was close to losing control. “For your own sake, Libby, I suggest you move out of my way.”
“Logan, I…”
“Damn it!” he finally swore, taking a step closer. “You ask too many damn questions!”
He yanked her to him and slammed his mouth down on hers, taking her brutally and carelessly. He bruised her lips, but she merely wrapped her arms around his neck and whimpered against his mouth. His grip slowly loosened and his lips softened against hers, caressing now instead of punishing. Moaning, Libby opened her mouth beneath his and their tongues meshed and explored each other. Liquid fire exploded through her, her nipples taut with pleasure. For a second she forgot where they were, savoring the explosive moment between them.
Without warning Logan pulled away, his breathing ragged as he stared down at her. His dark expression revealed his hunger, yet Libby could see in his eyes that he was struggling with another emotion, too. Whatever it was he was in control enough not to let it rule his actions. Gradually he released her.
3 comments:
I loved these two, this story was a treat to read.
LOL, Thanks Cathy!
Great Story.Bookcover is very nice also...lol
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