Dirty Work - Regina Kyle Page 0,36

that Jake relents and lets me pick what I’m stripping off, so all I lose is one of my two pairs of socks.

Half an hour later, that consolation is like a distant speck in the rearview mirror. I’m in my skimpy tank top and lemon yellow lace panties, the rest of my clothes in a heap on the floor. Jake’s not wearing much, either. He’s down to his butt-hugging boxer briefs. But considering that he started with only those and his sweats and T-shirt, he’s doing way better than me on the board.

Truth is, the more skin that’s showing—his and mine—the less I’m focusing on the game and the more I’m wishing it’s over already and we’re naked, entwined and sweaty. I study my tiles, then the board, then back to my tiles again, seriously contemplating throwing in the towel—and off my few remaining clothes—journey be damned.

“Times up,” he announces after long seconds have ticked away without me making a move. “Either pass your turn or exchange tiles.”

I reach into the bag and do a quick count of what’s left in there. “There are only two tiles. Scrabble rules require seven for an exchange.”

“Then I guess you’re passing your turn.”

Using the Z in zone, he lays down the rest of his tiles to make the word whizbang. “Boom. Fifty points for using all my tiles. Plus double word score. That’s another hundred and two points for me. And two less pieces of clothing for you.”

I bite my lip and try to steady my ragged breathing. “That’s all I’m wearing.”

“I’ve noticed. Which means I’m the winner of this game. And as the victor, I get the spoils.”

His eyes rake me up and down. I can feel my nipples hardening, rubbing against the soft cotton of my tank top.

“The spoils?” The words come out on a puff of air. I surprised they come out at all, to be honest. My brain’s ability to form coherent thought has been severely compromised by the miles and miles of toned, tanned flesh on display across the table.

“You.”

The owner of said toned, tanned flesh crooks a finger, beckoning me to him. I stand on shaky legs and cross to him, almost naked, totally vulnerable.

“You’ve got me.” My arms dangle awkwardly, like a department store mannequin. I pop a hip and put a hand there, striking a pose I hope reads more shy seductress than deer in headlights. “What do you plan to do with me?”

“Anything you want. But I’d like to start with a little striptease. Shirt first. I want to see those beautiful breasts.”

Jake polishes off his brandy and smiles up at me. Yep. The Cheshire cat grin is back. I’m on fucking fire, and he’s sitting there cool as a goddamn cucumber, issuing orders like a drill sergeant.

A dirty drill sergeant who knows exactly what to say to make me cream my pretty panties.

I reach for the hem of my tank top and yank it over my head, quick, like pulling off a Band-Aid. It might not be the most seductive striptease, but I’m afraid if I wait too long, if I think too much, I’ll remember all the reasons why this is bad idea.

Instinctively, my hands go to my chest, covering my more than generous boobs. I’ve never felt so exposed as I do at this moment. Physically and emotionally.

Jake shakes his head and motions for me to lower them. “Don’t hide from me, Nightingale. I want all of you.”

All of me. That’s what I’m afraid of. That this man will wind up possessing not only my body, but my heart and soul, too.

Still, I can’t seem to resist him. And I don’t want to. I let my hands drift to my sides. He sucks in a harsh breath and strokes his growing erection through his boxers. It’s the sexiest damn thing I’ve ever seen.

“Now the panties,” he growls.

I push aside my self-consciousness and slide the scrap of lace over my hips and down my legs, kicking it off when it reaches my ankles.

“Fuck, you’re gorgeous.” The hand on his cock picks up speed.

I mentally will him to ditch the boxers so I’m not the only one in my birthday suit. Okay, I confess. That’s not the only reason. I want to see him touch himself without a layer of cotton between his fingers and his dick. No, want’s not a strong enough word. I need it, like I need air and water.

But my Jedi mind trick skills must be rusty, because instead