Fall Into Temptation (Blue Moon Book #2)(30)

“Usually tea party or dollies,” Aurora said conversationally as she swiped the sopping wet towel through the puddle that had now spread to the refrigerator.

“Okay. Thank you for cleaning up your mess, Aurora. Can you guys thank Beckett for dinner?”

“Thank you, Bucket.”

“Yeah, thanks, Bucket.”

Beckett ruffled Evan’s hair. “No problem. See you around.”

Gia shooed them out the backdoor. “I’ll be right over,” she told Evan. When the door closed behind them, she grabbed the roll of paper towels on the counter and went to work sopping up the puddle.

“You don’t have to do that,” Beckett said, his voice strained.

Gia scrubbed hard at a stubborn stain she found, a flyaway curl tumbling free. “I don’t think my security deposit covers damage to your home caused by my kids.”

“Seriously, Gianna. I need you to get up.” His voice was low, rough.

Gia sat back on her heels and looked up at him. He was looming over her and he was hard. She could see the impressive length of him as his erection strained against his chinos. “Oh,” she said again.

He grabbed her by the elbows and hoisted her to her feet.

“You should go now,” he said quietly.

But he didn’t let go of her arm.

Gia’s body was on high alert. Every thump of her pulse, every shaky breath was magnified. She felt like prey. Prey willing to be sacrificed in the heat of the chase.

“Red, if you don’t go now, I’m going to pick you up and put you on the counter there.” He nodded toward the space next to the pantry. “Then I’m going to put my hands and my mouth on you until you’re screaming my name.”

Her indrawn breath was a squeak. Never had any man made her feel so desired, so craved, so hunted.

She moved her mouth to speak, yet no words came out.

“Gianna,” he said her name like a threat. “I’m trying to do the right thing.”

“Sorry,” she stammered. “You still have my arms. If you want me to go, you’re going to have to let me.”

Beckett loosened his grip and dropped his hands to his side. She felt his eyes on her as she slipped out the door. She didn’t dare to look back, because if she did, Gia knew she’d beg him to touch her.

She waited until she got to her own front door before turning around. He was there in his open doorway, watching her with an unreadable expression on his perfect face.

Gia brought her fingers to her lips and blew him a kiss before darting into the safety of her home.





12





Gia tiptoed barefoot into Beckett’s office late the following morning and waved a greeting to Ellery.

“Morning, El,” she said, taking in Ellery’s pink skull cardigan.

“Hey, Gia,” Ellery greeted her. “What’s up?”

“Is Beckett around?” She pointed down at her feet. “I think I left my shoes in his kitchen last night.”

“You did,” Beckett said, stepping into the reception area from his office holding her sneakers in his hand.

“Oh, thank God!” Gia sighed with relief. “We got a late start today. I couldn’t sleep last night and forgot to set my alarm. So I had to drive the kids to school and we got all the way to drop-off before I realized that Rora’s lunch was at home and Evan’s gym clothes were still in the dryer. So I had to run back home and — oh, never mind.” She took a breath.

She was babbling. But she couldn’t help it. She’d spent all night tossing and turning, thinking of how it felt to have Beckett’s hands and mouth on her. The lack of sleep had left her a scattered mess. And now he stood before her looking perfect and well rested in another sexy suit.

“Why aren’t you wearing shoes?” he asked.

“Because you’re holding them in your hand.”

Beckett frowned. “These are your only pair of shoes?”

“Of course not!” Gia was indignant. “I just can’t find any of the other ones.”

She was becoming vaguely aware of the fact that Ellery was following their exchange with marked interest and a big grin.

“How messy are you? Do I need to do a walk-thru of your place?” Beckett teased.

“Very funny,” Gia said, glaring at him. “I packed them in a box marked ‘shoes’ and haven’t seen them since. I’m hoping they’re at my dad’s house. It’s on my list.”

“Can you find your list?”

“You’re hilarious for an attorney. Ellery, I don’t know how you get any work done with all the laughing you must do here,” she said, snatching the shoes out of Beckett’s hand. She hurried over to the faded couch against the window and sank down to put on her shoes.

“It’s a laugh a minute around this place,” Ellery quipped.

“Thank you for finding them for me, Beckett. I’ve gotta run. I have a class at noon. El, will I see you tonight?” The words tumbled out in a stream. Apparently knowing what it was like to kiss Beckett had made her even more nervous around him. Great, and now she was blushing furiously.

“I’ll be there,” Ellery said, putting her chin in her hand and grinning.

“Great!” Gia jumped to her feet. “See you then.” She dashed out the door only to pop her head back in a second later. “Bye, Beckett,” she said softly.