Across the Line (In The Zone) by Kate Willoughby Read Free Book Online Page A

that was why she wanted to run her hands up and down his front or rub up against him like a cat.
    He slid one arm around her waist, so their bodies were in close contact from the hips down. An all-over body tingle swept over her and her senses opened up in anticipation.
    The moment his lips touched hers, it was as if all the cells in her body decided to fall at Calder’s feet in an embarrassing display of feminine submission. She had a brain. It told her if she kept letting him kiss her, things could get out of hand.
    And yet, as Calder pressed his mouth to hers, she couldn’t ignore the rush of heat between her legs. She forgot where she was or even who she was. Nothing registered except Calder’s tongue probing her lips and the thrill of his hard body pressed against hers. It had been a long time since she’d kissed a man. She surrendered completely to the shivery excitement of it, his warm mouth and the heady sensation of his hands skimming over her derriere.
    He kissed with the perfect amount of restraint and intensity. He wanted much more than she was giving. His body vibrated with need, but he kept things easy even as he deepened the kiss. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been this hot and bothered or if she’d ever been this hot and bothered. Going to bed with him wasn’t the worst thing she could do. A girl was allowed to sow the occasional wild oat, if only so she could look back on her “wild” youth with fondness.
    Even so, she placed her hands on his chest. One of her employees could find them at any moment. She didn’t share her personal life with her crew, nor did she want to know all the intimate details of their lives. It made it easier for her to do the tough stuff like call them to the carpet for neglected duties or tardiness, and it made it easier for them to see her as an authority figure, not a friend.
    “Calder, stop. Someone might see us.” She couldn’t quite catch her breath.
    He withdrew with obvious reluctance. “Can’t we just close the door?”
    Tempted, she glanced at the lime-green hallway. The coast was still clear, but she couldn’t risk it. If, or when, she had sex with Calder, she didn’t want it to be here, hiding in her broom closet of an office. She wanted to be able to let loose and really enjoy herself, something she wouldn’t be able to do here knowing anyone could hear them.
    “Don’t be ridiculous. We can’t just close the door. This is my place of business.”
    His face fell. “We could go upstairs, then. You live up there, right?”
    “Yes, but we’re not going upstairs either.”
    “Damn. Why not? It’s private...”
    “Yes, it’s private. But you have a hockey game to play, don’t you?”
    He blinked at her, confused for a moment. It took him a little while to switch gears and remember why he’d come into her office in the first place, but when he did, his eyes lit up and a huge grin split his face.

Chapter Seven
    Calder bought the Bombers dinner at Cups as a thank-you for letting them dominate the café for the better part of two hours. Those boys ate a lot and Becca was grateful for the business. After cleaning her out of several of the wraps and one of the soups, they left for their respective homes to gear up. Becca promised to meet Calder at the rink after the dinner rush.
    “You’re sure it’s okay that I play?” he asked her.
    “I’m sure.”
    He stole a quick kiss. “You’re the best.”
    When he got home, he found his mom in the family room, knitting something. Jeopardy! was on the TV. When had she taken up knitting?
    “What is Madagascar? Hi, honey. How was the date?”
    “Great. It’s actually still going on. I’m only here to get some stuff. I’m going to The Rink to play with some guys I met from the Bombers, and Becca’s going to watch, so do you know where my old gear is? My pads and skates?”
    She looked up from her knitting. “Honey, are you sure that’s a good idea? What about your knee?”
    It probably