Page 19 of Shadow Redemption
“I didn’t say that and would never call you anything but what you are.”
“Which is?”
“Gorgeous, sexy as sin, tough as nails, and courageous as a lion with a heart of gold.”
All the umbrage he’d stoked settled down to a low simmer. “Thank you.”
He inclined his head. “This charity thing means that much to you?”
Ruth laid her hand on his chest over his heart. “Please understand. I have to attend this luncheon. Can you make this happen without risk to yourself or anyone else?”
He sighed and trailed the backs of his fingers down her cheek, his touch gentle. “I’ll do it, but you’ll do exactly as I tell you. If I think it’s time for us to leave, we leave.”
“As long as I’ve finished my speech. I promise, Ben. After that, I’ll make my excuses to leave as soon as you think we should go.”
Ruth moved past him to the door of her bedroom.
“Will you be able to sleep?”
No. She turned back. “I hope so,” Ruth hedged.
The operative moved to stand in front of her, so close that his body heat warmed her skin and stole her breath.
Ruth tilted her head back to look into his chocolate-brown eyes. She could spend hours just looking into the fathomless depths of his eyes.
“If you can’t sleep, come to me. I might be able to help.”
“How?”
“Let’s just say I have my own issues sleeping most nights.” He cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing lightly over her bottom lip. His eyes seemed to heat as he watched the progress of his thumb across her mouth.
Ruth’s breath stalled in her lungs. What did this mean? Was it simply a way to help her overcome her skittishness about a man touching her? Didn’t he understand that she never minded his touch?
“Where is this luncheon?” he murmured.
“The Garden Hotel in Murfreesboro. The luncheon starts at noon.”
Some of the tension left his muscles. “Perfect. I’m familiar with the hotel.” He locked his gaze with hers. “I want to kiss you,” he said softly.
Her eyes widened.
“Are you going to stop me?”
“Depends.”
“On?”
“Whether or not my bodyguard is kissing me or my boyfriend.”
He inched closer. “Let me kiss you, sunshine. Yes or no?”
“Yes.” Please, yes. She’d dreamed of his mouth on hers ever since he’d helped rescue her.
Ben’s hand slid from her cheek to her nape and his mouth slowly descended to hers, giving her a chance to step back if this wasn’t what she wanted. She didn’t move.
The moment his lips touched hers, heat exploded in Ruth’s gut and her blood turned to honey. Although she half expected Ben to take her mouth with a demanding kiss, his touch remained as light as a feather, coaxing her mouth to respond to his. A soft moan escaped. He was driving her crazy.
“Easy, baby,” he whispered, his hold on her nape tightening as though he was afraid she’d wrench herself from his hold. “I’d never hurt you.” Ben’s other hand rested at her waist. No pressure, just warmth.