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“You did what you had to.”
This close she couldn’t resist caressing his cheek. “I’m convinced Edward would
have killed me.”
His gaze, so hot and filled with undeniable sensual interest, traced over her features.
“I’m not a sniper anymore.”
Chapter Five
Ian’s statement threw Pam. “What?”
“After your brother, I couldn’t be a sniper again.”
Shocked, she asked, “You’re still in SWAT?”
“Yeah.”
Guilt assailed her. “Do you think you’ll return to a sniper position?”
He brushed a strand of hair back from her face, his gaze thoughtful. “I’d have to
prove myself.”
“If you want it badly enough, you will.”
Perhaps it was a Eureka moment for him. His smile was the widest she’d seen on
him in their short acquaintance. “Now that we’ve talked and you thanked me for saving
your life, have you found completion? Did you get what you came for?”
A heat wave went through her as he squeezed her hand gently. “I think I found
more.”
“Such as?”
“I discovered what a nice man you are.”
“You thought I’d be a bastard?”
“Maybe.”
His thumb caressed the inside of her wrist and created havoc. His touch tingled,
almost burned in a delightful way.
He drew a deep breath and released it slowly. “If you don’t leave right now, I’ll do
something really stupid.”
Curiosity and excitement jumped around inside her. “You think I’m going to leave
before I find out what that is?”
“Maybe you should.” His eyes darkened, all teasing erased.
“I’ve never been a timid woman, Ian. Wounded maybe, but never broken. I won’t
start running now.”
“I can see that.”
“But you didn’t believe that when you first saw me, did you?”
He laughed softly as his fingers caressed hers. “Hell, no. You’re delicate looking.
Like some kind of angel.”
Her cheeks heated, and his statement added fuel to the arousal steadily rising. “Other
people think I’m delicate. But they’re wrong.”
“I can see that.” His voice deepened to a richness that smoothed along her skin until
it aroused her like a physical touch. “You’re special.”
“Ian Duffy, there you go with the outrageous flattery.”
He shifted, gaze darting away, then returning. “Okay, if you think I’m flattering you
too much, I might as well continue.” He tipped her chin upward with his index finger.
“From the first time I saw you, I thought you were hot. I was instantly attracted to you
and all I could think about was this.”
Ian leaned forward, his lips touching hers for a sweet fraction, a warm delight.
Heat shot through her, along with intense longing. Their lips remained close together
as he drew back.
“Like you said, I don’t know you very well, Ian.”
A smile coasted over his gorgeous, firm lips. “And?”
“What are we doing?”
“Just say the word, and we won’t do anything at all.”
A man had never treated her as if her needs and wishes came top priority. The whole
idea intoxicated her with possibilities.
She took a chance and touched his smooth-shaven cheek once more. She leaned in
and showed him what she wanted. Her kiss was as tentative as his, an exploration. His
mouth stroked, teased, asked until she gave.
As if he could stand it no more, he slipped his hand into the hair at the back of her
neck. He angled until their lips sealed hotly. His mouth parted hers and with a deep
thrust, his tongue brushed and tangled with hers.
Pam melted, each stroke sending sparklers of sharp desire dancing in her stomach.
She ached deep, a primal need exploding overwhelming her. She relinquished hold on her
desire, eager to discover. His arm came around her waist as his fingers tangled in her hair
and stroked down her neck. Pam shivered, excited and aching to know more.
Ian cupped her bottom with one hand, his big palm squeezing gently.
“Ian,” she whispered when he drew back, “this is going fast. Too fast for me.”
“Then we’ll stop.” He plunged his fingers into her hair and tilted her head up.
“There’s one thing you’ve gotta know. We may not have been together long, but I want
to keep exploring this…whatever this is that we have. I want you.”
His directness kept her off guard. “You’re very…clear.”
He smoothed his hands down her neck to her shoulders. “I wasn’t always. I’ve been
very locked up emotionally lately. My wife and I were very happy, so happy that when
she died I never imagined having another relationship with a woman. Not until I met
you.” Pain entered his eyes. “A few days before she was killed, she told me she wanted
me to quit my job. Said it was too dangerous. Those were her exact words the day she
was killed.” A dark place opened in his eyes. “Who would have thought being a jewelry
designer would be dangerous?”
She nodded. “Ironic in a horrible way, isn’t it?”
He mimicked her nod, but stayed quiet. Finally, he continued. “She felt I spent too
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