A sigh gusted out of her, and she leaned her forehead against my chest. “Well, as excuses go, I suppose I can accept that.”

I rubbed the back of her neck with my thumb, easing the tension there. “You sure? Because I’m willing to do some physical labor as recompense. Offer up a back rub, maybe.”

She huffed out a laugh and melted into me. “I’m not going to object to that.”

We grew quiet and held onto each other. I had no idea it would feel so good to simply hold a woman. Then Parker stirred.

“I didn’t expect this,” she said.

“Neither did I. You were supposed to be a snobby, rich woman of loose morals.” I laughed when Parker poked my side, and then I snuggled her closer. “Not a gorgeous, quirky environmentalist with excellent taste in motorcycles.”

“My taste is excellent in everything,” she said. “And you were supposed to be a boorish, money-grabbing jerk.”

Aside from the money thing, she wasn’t far off. But I wasn’t stupid enough to mention that. I nuzzled her hair instead, drawing in her scent. “Just because we didn’t plan on this doesn’t make it any less real, though, does it?”

“No, it doesn’t.” Her arms wrapped around my waist and it felt like heaven.

“I’m not taking any money from you,” I said into her silky hair.

“Then it’s a good thing I never got around to paying you.”

Laughing softly, I leaned back enough to see her face. She smiled up at me, a little hesitant but no longer angry. My fingertips traced the line of her jaw. “I won’t take the money, but I’m going to help you. We’re still partners. Just ones who are into each other.”

Warmth bloomed over her face. “All right.”

My hand slid to her cheek. “You mean something to me, Parker.” Because she had to understand that, and I didn’t know how to say it any better. “I want to know you.”

Her lids lowered as she leaned into my touch. “Crazy thing is? Right now, you already know me better than almost anyone.”

Hell. My heart gave a meaty thump and my throat closed.

“You do too,” I rasped, sliding a hand to her nape.

Before, when I’d kissed her, I’d done it in a lust-induced haze or under the guise of practice. Now there was just us. No bullshit. Just need.

My lips caressed Parker’s, drinking in her sigh. I explored her with slow strokes, gentle glides. When her lips parted, I slid my tongue in to taste her. The feel of her mouth sent a lick of hot pleasure through me.

Bending down further, I gathered her up and lifted her against me. Parker was tiny, and she was perfect. Our kiss turned deeper, stronger. I felt it everywhere, in the backs of my knees, in my heart that was beating faster. Her kisses made me weak, made me want in a way that was equal parts terrifying and exhilarating.

I staggered back, my ass hitting the bench, Parker sprawled over me. She laughed into my mouth. The sound lit me up. I grinned in return and nipped her lip.

“You’re wonderful,” I said, hands sliding into her hair.

She laughed at that, a husky sound. She was exploring too, running her palms over my shoulders, down my arms. “You’re magnificent. I could touch you for hours.”

“I like that plan.” My lips trailed down her neck. “Fuck, I love that plan.”

I’d never done this—laughed and teased while making out with a woman. It hit me like a sucker punch that I’d never actually made out with a woman at all. We’d always gone straight to the main event. With Parker, I could kiss her all day, suck on the fragrant curve of her neck, and it would still be pure bliss.

Heat washed over me, and I found her mouth again. Our kiss was more this time. A little frantic. A little wild. The world melted away. There was only her. And more. And now. And oh, fuck yes, right there.

It was so good, so hot, that when the whiny sound of a man’s voice in the room finally registered, I nearly leapt out of my skin. I wrenched Parker to my side, as though I could shield her, and looked around wildly.

But we were alone.

“Mr. Morgan?” the voice said again. Andrew. “Ms. Brown?”

“There’s a house phone,” Parker said, pointing to the spot by the minibar set into an alcove. “He’s using an intercom.”

This fucking place.

My tension eased a touch, but I huffed out an irritated breath. “Little fucker better not be spying,” I muttered before standing and, carrying a squeaking Parker with me, stalked over to the phone to hit the talk button. “Yeah?”

“Uh …” Andrew paused, unsettled, I guess, by my tone. Tough shit. I’d unsettle him a lot more if I found out anyone could overhear us through this system. “Drinks are being served in the living room now.”