Hot Licks by Jennifer Dellerman Read Free Book Online Page B

his navel. And the way he filled out the fly of those jeans? Her mind went completely blank.
    Muscles flexed as he raised an arm to catch the shirt she had yet to toss him. “Gwen?” Though he wiggled his fingers to get her attention, it was the tiny curling at the corner of his lips that had her finally throwing the top. Damn man knew the sight of his naked chest made her lose a few brain cells and was pleased in that smug way men get. It made her wish for a brick to throw at his head instead.
    Purposely turning her back on all that yummy male flesh once again, she crossed to the second metal cabinet and unlocked it. “You know how to use a shotgun?”
    When only silence met her question, she glanced over her shoulder, to see him staring at her butt.
    “Rome.” Her tone was an order.
    When he tore his gaze away from her backside, it was with an unrepentant look, full of predatory heat that sent warmth spreading through her veins. “You have the most delectable ass I’ve ever seen.”
    That ass clenched at the husky comment. “Uh.
    Thanks.” She had to get them back on topic before she said something she’d regret. Like “do me”. Especially since she was once again blindsided by the hard masculinity of the chest he had yet to cover.
    She repeated the question, hoping he didn’t notice her elevated breathing. “Do you know how to use a shotgun?”
    Rome arched a dark brow. “ATF. Military.”
    “You could have been a paper pusher for all I know.”
    Yeah, right.
    “I can handle any weapon made.” The fact no arrogance colored his words made Gwen believe his statement. It was as impressive as it was femininely arousing.
    Good Lord. Was that drool gathering at the corners of her mouth? She licked her lips. “Then I’ll lead while you’ll bring up the rear with the gun.”
    Rome glanced from her damp lips to her eyes with a frown. “Expecting trouble?”
    “No. Not really. It’s just a precaution.” She laid the weapon across the desk, muzzle toward the wall. “Though the others think I’m crazy, I know I saw a jaguar a couple months back. Like I said, it’s just a precaution.”
    Gwen could see the tension in Rome’s body, his face turning impassive. “You plan on shooting it?”
    “No! Of course not!” She barely refrained from slamming the pouch full of ammo down next to the gun in outrage. “They’re tranqs just in case he gets too close. I don’t plan to kill or capture him, Rome. Just make him sleepy so we can get safely out. Jags are as dangerous as they are breathtakingly gorgeous. Did you know that though it’s the third largest feline after the lion and tiger, its bite has twice the strength of a lion’s? Almost two thousand pounds of pressure between its jaws. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want ones mouth anywhere near me.”
    His chin dropped to his chest, but not before she saw the twitching of his lips. “So noted.”
    Not knowing what she’d said to amuse him, Gwen gnawed on her bottom lip and turned back to lock the cabinets. “We need to get going or we’ll be late.”
    He shifted farther into the room and from her peripheral, she saw him unbuckle his belt, the sight making her fingers fumble with the keys. When he only slipped the ammo pouch along the length of leather, she closed her eyes and leaned her forehead against the cool metal, struggling to gain control of her senses.
    “Are you all right?”
    Gwen gasped, flipping around to find Rome right behind her. “I-I’m fine. Just a little tired.”
    He raised a hand to cup the side of her face, his thumb a gentle caress on her cheekbone. “You have bruises under your eyes. Nightmares?”
    Not even close. “No. Just didn’t sleep well.”
    Rome edged closer, resting one forearm against the metal door next to her head. His incredible scent made her slightly dizzy, his heat causing the ache in her belly to spread to lower places. When his thumb moved to trace her bottom lip, she trembled. “Wh-what are you