As she watched, fascinated, unable to look away, one arrowed downward, stopping right above his waistband.
The man was a living Adonis.
Every muscle was chiseled, and he didn’t carry an ounce of fat anywhere. Numerous scars attested to his rough life, feeding her curiosity. As crazy as it was, she hungered to know everything about him.
“Morning.”
She looked up and met his gaze, flushing when she realized she’d been caught staring at him.
As if they shared a secret, he smiled, making him even more lethal to her senses.
She would have dressed properly before coming down if she’d realized he was in the house. Self-conscious, hyperaware of his masculinity, she cleared her throat before pulling back her shoulders and pretending that this was a common experience.
“Did I wake you up?”
“No. I mean, not really. I heard a door close. I thought you’d left.”
“Spent a few minutes in the hot tub, then had a swim.”
She tucked wayward strands of hair behind her ears. Being in intimate quarters with a captor, especially after a sizzling kiss, was a new experience, and she had no idea how to act. She thought fast, struggling for some sort of normalcy. “I need to get some work done.” If that was even possible.
“Can I get you a cup of coffee first? It’s fresh.”
“Tempting. But I was thinking about tea this morning.” Besides, the stainless-steel carafe was on the counter next to him, and she didn’t want to get that close.
“There should be some in the pantry.”
The shelves were well stocked, including numerous boxes of tea, and she went straight for the Earl Grey. “Yesterday, you mentioned I have a new computer here?”
“Ready to set up anywhere you wish. You could share my office.”
“Uh…” She frantically thought. “The kitchen table would be fine.”
“There’s an apartment above the garage. Originally it was a stable and bunkhouse, but I had it converted. It has great light. There’s even a small kitchen and a desk. You might enjoy the space and feel like you have a little freedom.”
A small mercy. “You mean I don’t have to stay in the house with you all day?” Because she wasn’t sure she could survive that.
“Of course not. I want you to be comfortable.”
“As if.”
He inclined his head in acknowledgment. “As much as possible, then.” He took a drink. “You’ll find an internet connection throughout the property, so you can work almost anywhere. The hot tub and pool are at your disposal as well.”
“I didn’t see a swimsuit in the box.”
“You don’t need one.”
She notched up her chin. “I don’t skinny-dip.”
“Pity.”
The atmosphere crackled around her, supercharged, like the moment right before lightning struck.
It was then that she noticed his trunks were dry. That meant either he’d changed—which was unlikely—or he’d put them on after he exited the pool. Had he been prowling around outside naked?
Heaven help me. There was no way she would ever get that image out of her mind.
“You can always wear a bra and panties, if your modesty matters.”
Not that he’d packed any underwear that covered much. He’d skipped briefs in favor of thongs and boy shorts.
“The housekeeper isn’t here today, and none of the ranch hands will head this direction without my prior approval. Hawkeye has a few agents stationed nearby, but your privacy will always be respected.” He refilled his mug. “For the moment, it’s just the two of us.”
Just the two of us. His words unnerved her. Was there anything more dangerous to her senses? “Thank you for the offer, but I’ll keep my clothes on.”
His quick grin disarmed her.
How many dimensions were there to this man?
“Can I get you some breakfast?”
“Uhm…”
“I want to make sure I meet all your basic needs.”
She blinked. Were they talking about food?
“Thought I’d treat you to my specialty. French toast stuffed with cream cheese and covered with strawberry topping.”
On cue, her stomach grumbled. “If you’re serious, yes. Please.” In the mornings, Elissa generally grabbed a bagel. It required no effort, and she could eat at her desk while reading her emails and catching up on the news. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
“Just worry about your tea. Not one of my specialties.”
Since she was helping out at the pub and had recently been spending her time serving others, having someone take care of her needs was the ultimate luxury.
While he whipped up some eggs and added sugar and vanilla along with a generous shake of cinnamon, she placed a cup of water in the microwave to heat up. She was careful not to bump into him, something that wasn’t easy. His movements were efficient, but he was so large that he dwarfed the space.
Once her beverage was ready, she carried the cup to the far side of the island and slid onto one of the stools. This far apart, with an expanse of marble separating them, she shouldn’t be aware of his every motion. Yet she knew exactly what he was doing, even without looking, as if her senses were supercharged.
He turned on two burners and straddled them with a griddle.
“Are you sure there’s nothing I can do? Set the table, maybe?”
“That would be great. I thought we might eat on the patio. It’s nice enough.”
He told her where to find everything, and she once again took care to skirt by him without touching. With everything gathered on a tray, she fled from the house and her dangerous desire for him.
Outside, she released a breath, not just because she was away from him, but also because of the endless vista and the warmth of the sun on her bare skin.
The sky was a stunning shade of bright blue, and only a few wispy clouds floated by. The flagstones beneath her bare feet were warmer than she expected for so early in the summer. Numerous lounge chairs were scattered in various groupings and accented by huge potted plants and trees. Off to one side was a stone firepit with wicker furniture in front of it.
After arranging plates and silverware on the metal table, she made another trip for their beverages, and a final one for the strawberry topping. Then, since he was still cooking, she walked toward the gazebo at the edge of the patio. The lightest hint of a breeze stirred the late-morning air.
Her initial impression of the ranch hadn’t prepared her for the actual experience of breathing in fresh Rocky Mountain air. In the distance, a single mountain dominated the landscape. Because she lived in suburban Denver, she rarely glimpsed an unobstructed view of anything. The landscape beckoned, making her want to explore her surroundings.
Just as quickly as the idea occurred to her, she shoved it away. Being here was temporary, and she’d never have the opportunity to return.
Inside the house, dishes clattered, signaling that Jacob was wrapping up, and she wandered to the pool area. The water rippled and reflected sunlight, making her wish he actually had packed a swimsuit for her.
When she reached the hot tub, she was unable to resist temptation, and she crouched to dip her hand into the warmth.
“You sure you don’t want to get in?” he shouted from the back door.