Under Pressure (Body Armor #1)(44)

For the longest time he continued to study her eyes, then finally seemed to snap out of it. “I think it’s nice that the stuff is being put to use.”

A very no-nonsense answer. Cat smoothed her hand over the material of the dress. “It’s actually comfortable. Almost like a nightgown. Well, except that I’m showing too much leg.”

Leese said nothing.

The “too much leg” was wasted on him.

They agreed on a comedy. The movie started, but neither of them looked at the large-screen TV.

Stretching out, Cat propped her bare feet on the coffee table, letting the dress fall away to expose both her legs.

True, she was on the slight side, and she didn’t have a lot of curves up top, but she’d always liked her legs. They were long enough, shapely enough, that she didn’t mind showing them off. She flexed her toes—and again caught Leese watching.

Playing it cool, she asked, “Do you know what happened with Sahara’s brother and his girlfriend?”

“Only the very basics.”

“Will you tell me?”

He hesitated, then sat forward and, making her heart beat hard and fast, lifted the material of the dress and tucked it around her legs. “I can’t concentrate with you in this.”

“What if I take it off?”

“Cat.” He chastised her with a frown. “You promised.”

Laughing, she scooted into his side for a hug, and to her pleasure, Leese used one arm to return it.

Rather than push her luck, she leaned away, grinning, and said, “All right.” She left the couch with a yawn and stretch. “I’ll go find some pajamas, and then we can watch the movie.”

“Something really ugly would help,” he called after her. “And make sure it covers you from head to toe.”

In the guest bedroom, Cat realized she was still smiling as she pulled the remaining pins from her hair. If she’d met Leese under different circumstances, she felt positive she would have gone after him. Everything about him appealed to her, including his wit.

But if the circumstances were different, would he have given her a second look? That was anyone’s guess, and she didn’t like speculating on what-ifs, so instead, she concentrated on the here and now.

Locating pajamas wasn’t easy; apparently Scott’s girlfriend like sexy lingerie only. She settled on women’s gray yoga pants and a man’s black T-shirt, the front imprinted with the vintage KISS tongue logo.

She liked Scott’s style.

While she was at it, Cat went ahead and removed the heavy makeup and even brushed her teeth. After another lusty yawn, she returned to Leese and found him sleeping, his head resting back, his wide chest moving with deep, slow breaths.

Guilt held her in the doorway; desire kept her watching him.

She knew he hadn’t slept much the night before and yet she’d insisted on a movie. Thoughtless. Going forward, she’d try not to do things like that. After weeks of concentrating only on herself and what she needed to survive, it would actually be nice to consider someone else for a change.

His disheveled, dark hair looked a little more mussed, as if he’d run a hand through it. With his inky lashes resting on high cheekbones, she couldn’t see the intensity of his light blue eyes, but she’d never forget them. Loosely, his hands rested over his firm abdomen, legs stretched out, his knees relaxed.

Deep inside her, a hot yearning unfurled and spread into every corner of her awareness. Breathing faster, she inched toward him...

Lazily, his voice deep, he said, “You’re not drawing me again, are you?”

Cat jumped. How had he known she was there? Hand to her heart, she accused, “Playing possum?”

He turned his head to see her, looked her over, then met her gaze.

“Better?” she asked.

After his own inspiring stretch, he sat forward. “At this point, nothing is going to be perfect. But yeah, at least you’re better covered.”

With her heart beating a little too fast, she stayed near the door. “Describe perfect?”

“Drab enough that I can keep my thoughts off inappropriate things.”

Happiness mixed with desire in a potent combination. “Thank you for admitting that you’re interested too.”

His level gaze never left hers. “I don’t recall ever denying it.”

No, he hadn’t. He’d just denied her. “I’m ready to keep my promises if you’re ready to go to bed.”

“I thought you wanted to watch a movie.”

She wanted him, but she’d take what she could get. “I’m sleepier than I realized.” And so was he. Holding out a hand, she said, “Come on. We’re both tuckered out.”

After the slightest of hesitations, Leese stood and took her hand, walking silently with her to the bedroom. Once inside, he released her and said, “I need ten minutes. Go ahead and get settled in. And, Cat?”

“Yes?”

“Don’t even think about trying to sneak off.”

Ha! All she could think about was cuddling up to Leese in that big comfy bed.

Deliberately, she patted back a yawn. “No worries. I’m too exhausted for shenanigans.”

He touched her cheek. “Good.” After running two fingers along a lock of her hair, he turned away and went into the connecting bathroom.