Once Bitten, Twice Dead - By Bianca D'Arc Page 0,36

hand where it rested on the tabletop. His gaze sought and held hers as he leaned closer.

“You did really well, despite what you perceive as your failures, Sarah. In fact, you did a lot better than I did the first time I saw one of those creatures.”

“It wasn’t my first time. I should have been better prepared to face them again.”

“That may be,” he conceded, tilting his head consideringly. “But even knowing what to expect, it’s hard to come face-to-face with something like that. I’ve done it enough now that I can still function, but the first few times it really threw me.”

“You’re just being nice.” She seriously doubted anything could throw this Special Forces soldier off his game for long.

Xavier laughed out loud. “There’s that word again.” He shook his head.

“What word?”

He’d captured her attention, as he’d hoped. “Nice. You called me nice again. Jeez, woman, you’re going to ruin my rep at this rate.”

She shared his grin. “Well, you are being nice. At the very least, you’re making allowances for me, either because I’m a woman or because I’m a cop, not a soldier. Either way, I should probably be insulted, but I can’t fault you. I did drop the ball today. For whatever reason.”

“How about being human?” His low voice was kind. “While I admit to being as chauvinistic as my granddaddy in certain ways, I don’t think less of your abilities either because of your sex or the fact that you’re a cop. We both serve justice in our way. You’re just used to playing by more civilized rules than I am.” He sat back, releasing her hand, though his eyes followed her every movement.

“Maybe, but I still feel I need to do better next time.” She conceded the point as she finished the last bite of pasta.

“Seeking to improve with every day is something I think we both have in common.”

His gracious words were spoken in a low, respectful voice that struck a chord deep within her. There were depths to this man she hadn’t expected. He wasn’t just the laid-back Cajun bad boy she’d expected. No, he had more than a little of the philosopher in him.

It was a tantalizing combination. An all-too-attractive combination for her peace of mind.

Sarah stood and collected the plates, heading for the sink to rinse them before placing them in the dishwasher. She shooed Xavier away when he tried to help.

“You cooked. The least I can do is load the dishwasher,” she protested.

“Fair enough.”

He appeared to give in but continued to bustle around her, putting the unused cheese back in the refrigerator and tidying up everything but the dishes she had claimed. He even opened the dishwasher door for her, much to her amusement, and loaded the detergent dispenser—as if it was his house, not hers.

He was all around her, his masculine presence crowding her even though her kitchen wasn’t tiny by any means. It was cozy but not snug. Normally, she had plenty of room, even when she had guests over.

Xavier changed all that. His tall, broad body took up all the space. After a while she got the idea he was doing it on purpose. All the little brushes of his body against hers as he passed her on his way to the fridge, all the innocent, teasing touches of his hands as he moved in and out of her personal space. He didn’t give her a chance to object. He was on the sneak attack and winning every minute skirmish until she was totally disarmed and quivering, waiting for his next foray.

Then the innocent game turned not so innocent. Xavier took her by the waist and turned her to face him squarely, backing her into the kitchen counter. She read intent in his gaze just before his mouth dropped to hers and his lips claimed hers with a passion she’d only glimpsed before.

He wasn’t kidding around this time and she doubted he’d be the one to call a halt. If she wanted to stop this delicious madness, she’d have to do it herself this time.

And she would…in a minute. Or two.

Xavier loved the feel of soft, willing woman in his arms. Especially when the woman in question was the lovely Sarah Petit, hellcat in the field, pussycat in bed—or so he hoped to discover. He wanted her like he’d never wanted another woman. And he would have her. He had no doubt about that.

Whether it was today or some other time, he had made up his