Cobb (Lighthouse Security Investigations #9) - Maryann Jordan Page 0,66

smile greeted him. His heart rate may have finally slowed, but seeing her beautiful smile as she lay in his arms, he felt his heart kick in his chest. This is not just a mission. But how do I let her know I want more? And if she wants that, too, how would it work?

His thoughts must have shown on his face as he watched her smile slip and a crease settled in her brow. Not one to mince words, he said, “Baby, we need to talk.”

18

Josie realized quickly there was nothing to bring down a sex-endorphin high like the words, “Baby, we need to talk.” Well, maybe, “Thanks for the sex, and do you mind catching a cab?” Or perhaps when she was in college and got the, “That was great,” while the guy rushed to get dressed so he could get back to the dorm party. But those words only stung slightly, probably since they helped her avoid the awkward what do we do afterward moments.

Her chest deflated as air rushed from her lungs, and her muscles tightened in preparation to hear him try to let her down easily. He may have said she was more than a mission, but with her heart already involved, she steeled herself against whatever he might say.

She shifted so that she faced him completely, determined to not give in to the desire to race into the bathroom and hide. “Okay,” she said, hating the way her voice shook.

Her head rested on his arm and his hand curled around her back, holding her close. Their legs were still intertwined, and his left thumb swept over her cheek as his hand cupped her head. She stared at the strong warrior holding her, trying to discern his thoughts. As much as she was getting to know him, she still could not read all the emotions that moved through his eyes.

“I like you, Josie,” he began. “But I don’t know how to do this.”

Her tongue darted out to moisten her kiss-swollen lips, and as much as his words stung, she also felt a bite of anger. “Do what exactly, Jorge?”

“Us. What’s happening between us.”

Words and retorts fled her, leaving very little she could think to say. “I see.” Her response was inadequate, but considering she had no clue what he expected, it was the best she could do.

His gaze roved over her face before his brows lowered. “No, I don’t think you do.”

“I’m not a mind reader. Whatever you want to say to me, you just need to speak plainly. That’s not usually a problem for you.”

“I know, and I’m sorry. I’ve never done this before, so I’m afraid I’m making a mess of it.”

As irritation moved through her, she still reached up with a gentle touch to the side of his face. He seemed almost in pain. “Jorge, if you’re trying to tell me that you like me but all we can be is here and now, you don’t have to beat around the bush. I get it. I’m not asking for promises you can’t give.”

“I really am fuckin’ this up,” he said. “What I feel for you is real. I look at you, Josie, and I don’t just see a mission. I see a woman that fascinates me. Intrigues me. One that I respect and care for. And one that I want to take what we have and build on.”

Her chin jerked back and she blinked. “Build on?”

“Yes, but that’s what I can’t figure out. I’m used to analyzing situations and coming up with solutions. Sometimes I have time to plan, but often it’s on the fly. As a SEAL, I excelled at that. As a Keeper, my coworkers depend on that. A cool head. Calm rational solutions. But with you, I can’t seem to do that.”

She licked her lips again, still uncertain what he was getting at. His face remained unreadable, other than his eyes which were warm on her. “I know you’re trying to tell me something profound, but Jorge, I still feel like I’m in the dark. Maybe it’s because my sex-fatigue brain can’t function normally yet, but you’re talking in circles. Please, don’t make me try to figure out what you’re trying to say.”

Determination filled his features as he sucked in a deep breath before letting it out slowly. “Right now, we have to focus on your safety and find out how Caesar’s disappearance affects you. But something is building between you and me. Something special. Something real. Something that