Chapter 75
589 Words
Liv followed him into his kitchen and leaned on the counter and watched him root around in the fridge and cupboards, noting how awesome his ass looked in his jeans. He emerged triumphantly holding a package of pasta and some salmon.
“How about I make a creamy pasta dish?” he said.
“Really?” she asked him.
“Yep. I’ve got cream, garlic, olive oil, a bottle of white wine from a client that I’ll never f*****g drink, ‘cause I’m a beer guy… I think we’re good.”
“Sounds great, Dallas.”
“OK,” he said. “Go sit down and relax. I’ve got this.”
“I can help…”
He shook his dark head. “No, go sit. You’ve had a hell of a night and morning. I have some red wine too – same client, if you can believe it – so I’ll bring you a glass, OK? Unless you like your white wine unchilled?”
She stared at him, and to her horror, she felt tears well up in her eyes. Dallas saw them and looked alarmed.
“Hey, what’s wrong? You OK?”
She nodded, hesitated, shook her head.
“Yeah, I’m sure you have no idea which way is up right now, huh?” He opened his arms. “Come here, baby.”
Olivia closed her eyes as he held her to him. She took a deep breath and inhaled that amazing scent that was pure Dallas: musk, lime and soap. It was strong, tangy, clean; she loved it, couldn’t seem to get enough of it. She’d recognize him in pitch darkness, she was sure of it.
Dallas rubbed her back, thinking about nothing except making sure she felt secure again. “I’m here with you, Olivia. You’re OK now… you’re safe. He can’t get to you, alright?”
She nodded against his shoulder, gripping him close. She took another deep breath, then pulled back a bit. “I don’t think I’ve said this properly yet, but… thank you, Dallas. For – for everything. Coming when I called, and for calming me down last night. For letting me stay here… for it all.”
He used both of his hands to smooth her long hair back off her stunning face. “It’s no problem, baby.” He stroked her cheeks with his thumbs. “Anything you need.”
They stared at each other now, so close that they felt the other’s breath on their face. Dallas felt his heart rate speed up slightly, and Liv’s legs suddenly felt wobbly under her. Being close to Dallas was such an amazing experience, she’d discovered: the man was all taut muscle and raw, primal strength. She felt so feminine next to him, soft and small. She’d never felt as safe and protected as she did when she stood in the circle of his arms.
Just then, Dallas’ cell rang in the office. He started, let her go.
“I’d better get that, darlin’,” he said. “I’ve got a team over at your house now, and I’m expecting them to report in.”
“Oh, sure,” she said, trying to collect herself a bit. “I’ll start lunch. Just slicing and boiling… I’ll leave the heavy lifting for you.”
He grinned and went to his office. Liv turned away, resolutely, and focused on chopping the garlic. As she did, she tried very hard not to think about how Dallas’ lips would feel on her own.
She failed miserably.
- Writer
