Getting Lucky - Jennifer Lazaris Page 0,22

experience.”

“Right. You were just talking. If you say so.”

“Whatever. I should go. May I please check for my necklace in the guest room? I didn’t see it in the bathroom when I was bathing Briar.”

“Be my guest.”

Ryder followed her as she stomped up the staircase. Each time her foot landed on the next step, her dress gave a saucy little swish, and he could see her matching green panties peeking out from underneath. It took everything he had not to haul her into his bedroom and spank her sexy ass.

He was acting like a jealous prick, but he couldn’t help it. Sitting there, watching Eli cozying up to Zoe had gotten him hot under the collar. He found himself wanting to brand her in some way. He didn’t want anyone looking at her and getting ideas. Especially not his own damn teammates.

Zoe searched the room thoroughly, turning over bed pillows and looking under the bed. “It’s not here.” She put her hands on her hips.

“Maybe it’s in the SUV.”

“It’s possible.” She turned around and walked toward the door, but not before he noticed the flush creeping up her neck.

Ryder led her down another set of stairs and outside to the driveway. “Go on.” He opened the passenger side door.

Zoe climbed into the vehicle. Ryder followed her inside and closed the door behind them.

“Zoe,” he murmured. Leaning toward her, he tangled his fingers through her hair, and inhaled the faint scent of cherries and vanilla clinging to the silky strands. He’d associate the scent with her forever.

“What are you doing?” she asked. He didn’t miss the tiny hitch to her voice, and she trembled in his arms. The interior light in the SUV switched off, plunging them into darkness.

“I don’t like other people touching what’s mine.”

“I’m not yours,” she said softly.

“You could be.” He ran his thumb along her jaw and across her pouty lower lip. “I really wish you would be, Zoe.”

CHAPTER 10

Zoe squeezed her eyes shut.

No.

She couldn’t do this. She couldn’t let herself get in any deeper. He was so close. The light, spicy scent of his cologne invaded her senses.

“Look at me, Strawberry,” he whispered.

She took a shaky breath and opened her eyes. His gaze was heated. “Say yes. I want you so much.”

To her dismay her eyes filled with tears. She blinked them back, feeling completely vulnerable and exposed.

When his lips met hers, it seemed that she was watching herself fall over a deep cliff. When he slid his hands around her waist, any grasp she had on her resolve faded into oblivion.

“I’ve missed this,” he murmured against her neck. He leaned in and kissed her. Expert kisses. Demanding kisses.

A door slammed, startling her back to reality.

“No.” She leaned against the seat, putting distance between them. “No, Ryder.”

He held her gaze for a moment before reaching into his pocket. “Here.” He pressed the necklace into her palm.

“You had it all along?” she asked, flustered.

“No. I saw it on the floor when you climbed in.”

He got out of the truck and waited for her to exit. Zoe stepped out and started for the garage door.

“Zoe.”

“What?” Her frayed nerves caused her voice to rise. Being mad at him was an exercise in futility. She could have told him no a few moments ago, but she’d wanted him to kiss her. She could only blame herself for that.

Ryder gently turned her away from him and took the silver chain from her hand. “I don’t want you to lose this again.”

She twisted her hair and held it up as he slid the silver chain around her neck.

“It suits you, this necklace.” His breath felt hot against her cheek as he fastened the clasp.

Zoe’s eyes fluttered closed as his hands encircled her waist from behind. He jerked her back against him.

“Zoe,” he said, his voice rough. “You know how good this is between us. Don’t deny it. I know you want this. You wanted excitement and adventure. I can give that to you. All you have to do is say yes, honey.”

He gripped her hips and pulled her closer. “Tell me you don’t want me. If you can do that, I won’t bother you again. If you can’t, then I’m not going to stop trying.”

Once again, her eyes burned with unshed tears. He was right. She wanted it all: excitement, adventure and most of all—him.

But, she wanted all of him, not just sex. Sadly, that was the one thing he just couldn’t give.

Zoe straightened her back and stepped forward out of his