Navy Hope
By Geri Krotow
Copyright © 2013 by Harlequin Books S.A.
Chapter Twelve
Val had never been so attracted to a man in her life—and that included their relationship fifteen years ago. Neither had she ever spilled her guts so readily. His open, nonjudgmental attitude made her trust him.
“Like I said, I hope I don’t scare you with all this chatter.”
“Not at all. It’s my privilege to hear your story.” His thoughtful reply enhanced his already considerable appeal.
“That’s the city of Victoria over there.” She pointed to the silhouette barely visible through the morning fog.
“I don’t mean to go on about the weather, but is it always this mild in February?”
Lucas had run the hill alongside her for the past mile, yet he showed no sign of breathlessness nor was he particularly sweaty. Not that she was looking at his chest or the way his shirt stretched over his pecs.
“It’s pretty typical. Our warmest month is September, but even the early part of October can be balmy. The fog keeps it cool from June through mid-August. I find this weather kind of raw, but you’re right, compared to the Northeast it’s mild for February.” She inhaled the salt and cedar scent of the island. “I’ve spent many hours up here, especially when I first started BTS.”
“You’ve spent even more hours in the office from what I can tell.” Lucas’s breath was warm on the back of her neck as they stood on the precipice. She felt his body heat imprinted on her back, and desire roiled in her belly…and moved lower.
“Have you dated anyone since Bob?”
His words were followed by the warmth of his hand on her shoulder. She turned and found herself face to face with him, his eyes intense and focused on her.
She averted her glance—to his lips.
“No, I’m not seeing anyone.”
“I’m glad.” Lucas leaned toward her until his lips blurred and she closed her eyes.
His lips were cool from the morning air but his mouth was hot, his tongue eager. Val moaned when he dropped an arm around her waist, his hand pressing the small of her back. His other hand was around her neck, massaging gently as his mouth worked over hers with deliberate care.
Val didn’t think about it; she wrapped both arms around his neck and kissed him back. The give-and-take, the joy of sharing a passionate kiss with an attractive man—she’d forgotten how good it was.
It’s never been this good.
Lucas lifted his lips from hers and she opened her eyes to meet his gaze.
“Am I being too forward?” he asked.
“No.”
As he leaned back in, Val put her fingers to his lips. “But some people might see it as inappropriate. I’m supposed to be your boss. Your employer.”
