Rock Hard

Ms. Baird, no one is good or bad at sex by themselves,” he drawled. “It’s a team effort, and you know I’m a team player.

I just met my new boss,” she groaned into the phone. “Or more specifically, I threw an industrial-strength stapler at his head.

A kiss today, nakedness tomorrow⎯Gabriel liked to think positive and plan ahead.

When did you get so bossy, Ms. Baird?” “Self-defense against a certain T-Rex.

We better get in the car before I back you right into your house and give in to my ungentlemanly side.” Though her cheeks were red, her breath shallow, Charlotte said, “You have a gentlemanly side?

Eyes of steel gray pierced hers. “I’m right here if you need me, and I’m more than big enough to help you fight your demons. Just say the word.” Her heart ached. She shifted closer to the reassuring bulk of him without a word. Expression softening, he cuddled her by curving his arm around her without blocking her in.

There’s nothing wrong with caring for the people we love; the problem only comes when it’s one person giving all the time. When it goes both ways, you have love.

Done and done. You’re mine now, Ms. Baird. And I’m yours. Always.

Dear Ms. Baird,   As of today, you do have a slave clause in your contract. It means you do everything I say. Under no circumstances are you to eat, sleep, take breaks, or check in to hotel rooms with men named Eggplant.   Sincerely, Gabriel

She jumped as her cell phone rang. “It’s His Carnivorousness,” she muttered

She moaned. “We can’t just keep having sex.” “Why not? We’ve got months of frustration built up.

Truth was, she liked that about him, liked that he always treated her as if he believed she had the strength to stand against him.

Come on, Ms. Baird. I promised early on that I wouldn’t bite.” A slow smile. “Unless you make the request, of course.

No one will ever hurt you again,” he whispered against her hair, the promise one he’d kill to keep. “You’re safe.

I love you.” Steel-gray eyes held her own. “You’re my heart.

As long as I can throw you on the bed like a caveman and pummel you to orgasm with my love-club, I’m good.

Be brave. Charlotte had said the same back to Molly, and now her best friend was living a Technicolor life full of adventure, love, and passionate happiness. It was a future neither one of them could’ve predicted. Being brave had its rewards.

Looks like Egor is a quick draw, Ms. Baird. There are pills for that, you know.

Ms. Baird,” he said, using her formal title because it made her pay attention, “have I or have I not made it clear that I would like you in my bed?

Her body didn’t seem to have received the memo that she wasn’t interested in sex with a T-Rex. Probably because she kept fantasizing about all kinds of things that could lead to nakedness with said T-Rex.

She’d never realized how erotic it was to watch a man dress until this precise moment.

Not only had he wanted her in his personal territory, he’d just wanted her with him. Earlier, her quiet, thoughtful care had wiped away the gut-churning anger that had gripped him after his discussion with his mother. His and Charlotte’s resulting conversation had made him remember that he wasn’t that lost, angry boy anymore but a man who had a beautiful, smart, deliciously sexy woman in his life. It had been selfish, but he’d wanted more of her warmth and sweetness around him.

Boyfriend?” Her cheeks heated. “Yes.” “Funny name.” “What?” She frowned. “Ernest is a perfectly nice name.” “Oh, I thought I heard you call him Ermine.

When she came in a week later wearing an elegant black jersey dress that caressed her body, he’d said only, “Nice dress, Ms. Baird,” and left it at that. Even though that dress made him want to stroke her all over, then push her up against a wall and do things that would make her realize once and for all that he was completely uncivilized under the suits.

A smile that made his need to kiss her almost unbearable, his heart doing things inside his chest that he was sure weren’t in the least macho. He couldn’t find it in himself to care, because when Charlotte smiled that way, it destroyed him.

An intriguing mouse was Ms. Baird. Gabriel found himself interested, and he’d never before found a mouse interesting.

He’s a sick old man who’s lost everything and everyone. You have a huge heart, Gabriel—find room in it to be kind.