electricity singing through her from his touch at her elbow.
Holy crap! Her nipples were suddenly hard and tight, her breasts aching and her cunt that had been neglected for so long was throbbing with unexpected need.
Jesus, Georgie! Get a grip on yourself.
“Yes. Sorry.” She blew out a breath. “Thank you. I can’t believe I did such a dumb thing. But I’ll be okay in a minute. Just let me sit.”
“Better let me have a look at it.”
He squatted down on his heels, lifting her injured foot to his thigh so he could ease off her sneaker. If it weren’t for the sudden pain shooting through her foot, she’d ask him if they could stay like this all day while he cupped her foot in his warm, masculine hand.
“Uh!” she squeaked as he pulled off her shoe and the fabric rubbed over her toes.
“Looks like you have terrific aim, Deadeye. You hit the middle toes square on.” He stood. “The first thing you need to do is get off this foot and elevate it.”
“No. Wait!” Oh, hell. “Let me sit for a few minutes and I’ll be fine.” She heard the desperation creeping into her voice.
“Miss Zielinski.” He looked at her in frustration. “Georgie. You need to get ice on that foot as quick as you can, or you’ll be in a real mess.” He peered into the dining room. “I hope you’ve got a couch in one of the other rooms where you can elevate this foot.”
Couch. Right. Uh huh.
“Um, no couch. Please. Just go back to work. I’m used to taking care of myself.”
He studied her, a world of understanding in his eyes. “I’m sure. And if you want to keep on doing that, then you need to get off this foot. So where can you lie down?”
“My bedroom.” The words came out in a whisper. No way could she let this man into her bedroom.
He lifted his eyebrows. “I’m sorry. Did you say your bedroom?”
She cleared her throat. “It’s the only place I have furniture besides the kitchen. Didn’t you notice that when you came in for morning coffee the first time?”
He shook his head. “To tell the truth, I was so focused on behaving myself and doing a good job, I didn’t pay attention to much of anything.” Before she could protest he lifted her out of the chair into his arms. “Which way?”
Oh, God!
She had no choice but to hold on to him as he carried her through the house. She was taken with a sudden desire to lean into his shoulder and nestle her head against his neck. The hard wall of his chest pressed into her arm and the erotic scent of his male sweat tantalized her nostrils.
Damn, Georgie. Now you’re getting turned on by sweat?
“Okay.” They had reached her bedroom and he stood there, holding her, looking at the mattress on the floor. An upended box next to it held a small lamp and across from it on one wall was a scarred dresser that had been left here. A television sat on one end. “You’re not kidding that you don’t have any furniture. Wasn’t there anything else left here?”
“Most of it was junk that I had someone haul away.”
“What about the stuff you already had?” he persisted. “Didn’t you bring it with you?”
“I, um, sold it.” To a thrift shop. So I could get the hell out of town.
“And you didn’t consider replacing it when you moved in here?”
She huffed a breath. “Listen. I appreciate your concern, but furniture isn’t at the top of my list right now. Getting this place in shape first is. I have a mattress to sleep on and a table and chairs for meals and that’s all I need. That and running water and electricity. So if you’re offended by my situation just drop me on the mattress and go about your business. I can take care of myself.”
“I’m sorry.” He placed her on the mattress with unbelievable gentleness. “That was very rude of me. I have trouble not being an asshole, as you can tell. Let me get you some ice.” He looked at her foot. “Those toes look swollen and they’re starting to discolor. They may not be broken, but you
Tom Lichtenberg, Benhamish Allen