“What should I do with these?” he asked, lifting the bags.
“I’ll…take them,” she said and cleared her throat. She held out both hands for the bags then she smiled. “I’ll get rid of them. Just make yourself comfortable in the living room.”
As she disappeared down the hallway, bags in hand, Ransom watched her with lazy eyes then sauntered into the living room where he did what she’d instructed. He made himself comfortable on the chenille sofa, leaning against the cushiony back, his legs thrust out before him. It had been a heck of a rough day.
Ransom grinned to himself as he thought about it. He was a real sucker for punishment. If he’d been smart he would have kept his big mouth shut. But no, he had to go and offer to take her shopping, at the mall, no less – the place where you’d find almost a hundred stores under one roof. The ultimate male nightmare.
But he’d wanted to impress her. He’d wanted to seem like he was above that common male phobia. More than that, he’d wanted to spend time with her.
So he was going soft on his neighbor. It looked like he wasn’t going to be able to help that. Not that he wanted to. She was growing on him with each passing day. She’d gone from cantankerous busybody to friend to way more than that within a matter of months.
And now, with what he was feeling for her, he wanted it to go even further. She’d let him kiss her once. Tonight he wanted more of the same.
Within minutes Solie was back and offering him a drink.
“I’ll take the wine cooler,” he said and felt a tickle of amusement when she lifted her brows. Obviously, she’d expected him to go for beer but tonight he wanted no distractions.
When she got back, the chilled bottles and glasses on a tray, Solie headed for the armchair across from Ransom but he was having none of that. She’d already demonstrated that she was not the shy type and he was more than willing to hold her to that standard.
And he knew exactly what would work to get her right where he wanted her.
“I have a dare for you.” He was watching her closely as she rested the tray on the coffee table and picked up a bottle. She looked like she was about to pour but she stopped, his statement drawing the expected reaction. Surprise.
“A dare? To do what?” She tilted her head, giving him a look of suspicion.
“Don’t worry,” he said, his expression bland and his voice mild. “It won’t be illegal but it might be…dangerous.”
That got her attention, big time. Her brows flew up and the hand with the bottle she was holding trembled…just a little, but enough so he could see he’d made quite the impact.
“Dangerous,” she said softly. “How dangerous?”
Ransom didn’t answer. Instead, he took the bottle from her hand, making sure to brush the tips of his fingers against her palm. Ignoring the glass he put the bottle to his lips and took a swig, his eyes never leaving hers.
Then, when he was sure he’d made her wait long enough, stoking the embers of her curiosity, he traced his tongue over his bottom lip, catching a stray drop of the peach-flavored liquid. “Very dangerous,” he whispered and reached out to rest the bottle back on the tray.
Ransom turned back to Solie who still sat there, looking wary. Earlier she’d tried to play boss but now it was time to show who was in charge.
“Come here.” It was not a request but an order, said in a tone designed to shock her into action.
It worked. Almost.
Solie made what seemed like an involuntary move, shifting forward before she stopped short. Then her eyes narrowed. “What about the dare?” she asked. "Tell me what it is.”
Ransom almost sighed. So much for being the big boss. He decided to change tactics, letting a seductive smile slide onto his lips. “Come over here and I’ll tell you about it.”
Solie frowned. “Why should I?”
Ransom’s smile deepened. “Because you want to?”
She seemed to give that some thought then her frown lifted and she graced him with a smile. “Maybe I’ll sit beside you,” she said, “but just for a little bit.”
That was all Ransom wanted to hear. ‘A little bit’ was good because once he had her in his arms he knew there would be no turning back.
Solie got up and took the steps that put her right in front of the sofa and then she sat down, and she didn’t scoot away and seek refuge all the way at the end, either. She placed her butt firmly on the cushion then turned to look at him, challenge gleaming in her eyes. “What’s the dare?”
Ransom chuckled and relaxed against the sofa cushions, regarding her through half-closed eyes. The girl was a brave one, he would give her that, but now it was time to really test her mettle.
“I dare you,” he said, his voice silky soft, “to kiss me like I’ve never been kissed before.”
He was watching her intently, expecting a flicker of fear in her eyes, maybe even a gasp. None of that. Damn, this girl was good.
With nary a hesitation she jerked her chin toward him and the look of defiance she gave him and the newly formed pout on her pretty lips told him her fiery spirit was back. “What do I get,” she demanded, “when I fulfill your dare?”
That made him lift an eyebrow. “Don’t you mean ‘if’?”
“I mean ‘when’.” Her voice brooked no argument. “What do I get?”
Ransom gave her a slow smile. “You get…” he said softly as he began to undo the top button of his shirt, “…me.”
He’d meant it as a joke, of course. He’d merely been teasing her but the look in Solie’s eyes told him she took him seriously indeed.
He was on the second button when she made her move.
Like a woman warrior, fierce and fearless, Solie moved forward and slapped her hand over his, effectively stilling all movement. Then her fingers curled around his and she shoved his hand down and away.
Sleek as a cat she leaned over and slid her body up his, making him stiffen instantly.
Jesus, one move and she had him hard as rock.
Like a master seducer Solie slid her hands along his arms and up over his shoulders then, just like she’d done last time, she slid a soft palm behind his neck, the better to keep him in her control.