Five Alarm Lust by Elise Whyles (popular books to read .TXT) 📕

don’t have to do anything.” Luke glanced over his shoulder. “Why don’t you let me get coffee on while you go have a shower?”

“Don’t say anything.”

“Hey.” He gave her a quick squeeze and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Trust me.” Accepting his help, she smoothed her hands down the front of her robe. Shaken, she lingered as he tucked the box back into the cupboard, hiding it behind two other containers. Head down, she hurried to the bathroom, her chest tight.

* * * *

“You always lurk in the shadows?” Luke waited for the shower to start up before glancing at Jack who hovered in the doorway.

“What did you do?” Jack stalked into the kitchen, his brows drawn together in a fierce frown.

“Nothing.” Luke handed him a coffee. He stretched his neck in a vain attempt to see Gillian. “Tipped over something and it upset her.”

“What?”

“Jack, I’m not going to tell on her.” Staring pointedly at Jack, Luke sighed. Jack looked as immovable as stone. His hard stare revealed his concern for Gillian. It was obvious he cared and just as obvious the man wasn’t going to back down before he knew what had happened.

“Look it’s not my place to say anything. I’m not going to betray her confidence.” Luke paused before closing his eyes. “But I will say this, she’s stronger than she looks, Jack. And any fool with eyes can see she’s falling in love with you. If you aren’t serious, let her go. If you are serious, and I say this as a friend, hold tight to her and don’t let anyone get between you.”

“Fuck,” Jack spat. With a final dark look, he headed for the bedroom. Watching him go, Luke wondered if Gillian could handle Jack knowing the truth about her. He rubbed his eyes and tried to force the images of the young woman’s tortured past from his mind.

Chapter 15

Frustrated by Jack’s seeming lack of interest, or perhaps unwillingness to do anything beyond get her hot and bothered, Gillian stared at the report she was supposed to be reading. Another date, another make-out session, this time on his couch, another shot to her ego when he backed away.

What more was there she could do? She wanted him. Hell, the thought of not tasting his flesh was driving her nuts. Maybe she should just jump him. With a shake of her head, she discounted the idea. She wanted him willing, to want her, not just the quick orgasm a tumble between the sheets would lead to.

She sipped at her tea and heaved a breath. She had to figure something out. If he didn’t want her sexually, then why was he being so nice to her? Men like him didn’t spend time with her. Hell, even the men she knew, men she worked with, avoided spending any more time than necessary with her.

“Hi, is it, um, okay for me to come by today?” The hesitant voice from her office door made Gilli lift her head away from the papers in front of her.

She smiled and waved the young boy into her office. “Of course, Todd. You are more than welcome to come by.” From the looks of him, he hadn’t had much luck of late. His clothes were still threadbare and too small, and his shoes were worn. He obviously needed more than just a bicycle.

“Yes, ma’am. Do you have anything for me today? I can work till eight.”

Gillian sighed at the hopeful look on the boy’s face. “I do have a few things to do. Don’t know if you’d be interested in doing them though.”

“Oh, yes, I’m strong and I’ll work hard for you.”

“You say that every time, Todd. I know you’re a hard worker, but this is kinda boring stuff. I’ve got a few boxes in desperate need of reorganization.” Gillian led him into the small collection room off her office. Turning on the light, she smiled at him. “I need to have all the loose pieces put into boxes. Each one of the boxes has a number and a symbol, each piece has a matching set. Do you think you could do that for me?”

“Sure can.”

Todd’s exuberant expression broadened her smile as she leaned on the doorjamb an hour later and watched him carefully study each piece before laying it into a box.

“You’re doing a great job. It’s nice to see someone taking the time to sort these.” Gillian patted a half-filled box.

“Oh, I try to be very careful. Sometimes you have to look beyond the surface. If it looks fragile, treat it as such, my mom always says. Course, I don’t think she meant rocks and stuff, but that’s okay too.” Todd buffed a small, fossilized bone. “I’m just glad I can be of some help.”

“You are.” Saddened by his words, she turned away. Did she look fragile? Was there something about her he found delicate that she just didn’t see? Always so careful, so controlled, just like Jack. What would it take to break through that control? Gillian hid her sigh. Turning from Todd, she headed for her office. If Jack didn’t want her, then he was stringing her along and she’d had enough of being led around and offering blind trust to last a lifetime. Ignoring the pile of work, she collected her coat and purse.

“Todd? I have to run out for a few minutes. I’ll be back by five p.m. I’ll drive you home, okay?”

“Sure, thanks, Miss Hilliard.”

“You’re very welcome.” With Todd occupied for a few hours, she hurried through the museum’s back end to her car. A hard knot of tension settled in Gillian’s shoulders as she drove into the fire hall parking lot and parked. Shooting a glance at herself in the mirror, she sighed. Her usual glasses perched on her nose, mocking her attempts to dress in something other than her customary drab attire.

Muttered curses followed her as she got out and trudged toward the front door. With Jack on duty today, Gillian wondered if it