Page 34 of The Hero She Loves

“I think we both needed that.” She scooted to the edge of the bed. “It was good stress relief.”

“Stress relief?” He sat up.

He looked so big and male, and she had to drag her gaze off him. “Yes, stress relief.”

He gripped her chin. “It was more than that and you know it.” His head lowered.

“No kissing,” she said. “It’s too intimate.” She couldn’t risk getting any closer to this man.

Couldn’t risk making another mistake.

He arched a brow. “Me fingering you until you came wasn’t intimate?” His voice lowered. “Me coming all over you isn’t intimate?” His gaze dropped to her bare belly, looking at his come smeared on her skin.

“Look, we’re attracted to each other. And it’s running pretty hot. I think trying to avoid it will only make it worse. So why not enjoy things while we can? Think of this as colleagues with benefits. I won’t be here long, and this is a tough, stressful situation.” She rose. “That work for you?”

He was quiet for a beat. “Yeah, that works for me.”

Her belly did a funny flutter but she wasn’t going to analyze why. “Good.”

He made a sound, and when she glanced back, he was staring at her.

“Park?” She tried to dredge up some dignity even though she had no panties on and her legs felt like Jell-O.

His gaze flicked to hers and she swallowed her gasp. It was searing hot.

“I like seeing my come marking your skin.”

His words were like an arrow of lust to her core. She swallowed.

Find some control, Jenna. Keep things casual.

“I’m going to take a shower. You can have it after me. We need to get ready for our hike and to find Olson.”

She spun, but she felt his gaze on her as she walked into the bathroom.

She needed to keep her head in the game, but Parker made it hard. She closed the door and pressed her forehead against the cool wood.

You have a job to do. Don’t let anything get in the way.Her mind was onboard, but her body was a different story.

CHAPTER EIGHT

The sun was warm on his skin as he hiked along the trail.

They were about an hour out from the lodge. From this vantage point, the lake looked even more amazing. Like something from a postcard.

Park breathed deeply. He could almost believe he was just on a relaxing hike. Then his gaze sliced to the woman hiking ahead of him.

Jenna moved with sure steps. She was wearing a pair of tiny khaki shorts that showed off her toned legs. Her hair was in a braid and glinted like gold.

She hadn’t mentioned the hot, sexy moment they’d shared this morning. She’d been all business ever since they’d started the hike.

Stress relief. Colleagues with benefits. He should be fucking thrilled to hear that. Who didn’t want hot sex without the strings attached?

He had no idea why her words bothered him so much. He scowled. He should be grateful that he actually wanted her to touch him. When her hands were on him, all he thought about was her. And pleasure.

Forcing himself to stop thinking about her, he scanned around. The last thing they needed was to run into a damn bear. They should be making more noise, but they didn’t want to let Olson know they were coming.

Wild bear or sadistic murderer. Not much of a choice.