Savor the Danger Read Online Free PDF Page A

aspirin and prayed for even a kernel of memory. I got jack-shit. Nothing.”
    And yet, when he should be resting in his bed, all he wanted was…her.
    Her heart softened more, and her reservations waned. “Why do you think you’ve forgotten?”
    Frustration clenched his jaw. His head dropped back on his shoulders, eyes closed. “You’re not going to let this go, are you?”
    How could she, especially with him looking so sick? “Of course not.”
    His eyes narrowed, and that, too, looked painful, prompting her to change tactics.
    â€œThis is ridiculous. You need to sit down.” She took his hand and led him back to her living room. At the couch, she stopped and pressed against his chest. “Sit.”
    After a heartbeat where he looked as if he might argue, he more or less fell into the cushions, his strong limbs lax, his entire demeanor devastated. And the enormity of it all hit her, really hit her.
    Even the strongest of men had moments of weakness. Jackson always seemed so indomitable, so confident.
    But for right now, he needed her, in more ways than one.
    Maybe she hadn’t been the only one played last night.
    Sinking down next to him, Alani touched his forehead. As if surprised, he went very still.
    â€œNo fever.” She cupped his jaw, and felt it firm under her fingers. “Although you are warm.”
    Warily, Jackson watched her.
    She smoothed his unruly blond hair. It was a little too long, bleached by the sun. Cool and silky. Such a contrast to his inner strength and his external hardness.
    Alani made up her mind. “We’re definitely going to talk about this, Jackson, you can believe that. But first I’m going to get you something to drink, and then something to eat. When did you take the aspirin?”
    One eye twitched in rebellion. “Don’t start mothering me, Alani. That’s not what I want from you.”
    She smiled at his surly tone. “Consider it friendly concern, okay?”
    â€œCall it whatever you want, but I’d rather you lift up that dress, skim off those panties and straddle my lap.”
    His audacity stole her breath and her aplomb. “Forget that idea.”
    â€œWith you touching me? Not likely.”
    â€œIt’s not my touch that’s doing it.” Playful, hoping to tease him into a less sexually aggressive mode, she nudged him with her shoulder. “It’s from all the provocative talking you’re doing.”
    Slowly he shook his head. “It’s from you, babe. Talking to you, thinking about you.” His eyes closed for only a moment as he whispered, “Remembering you naked.” He rested a big, hot hand on her thigh, just under the hem of her sundress.
    â€œYou need to focus, Jackson.”
    â€œI’m focused, believe me.”
    Boy, was he ever. “On something other than sex.”
    â€œI’m focused on you, and thoughts of sex automatically follow.” He tugged her closer. “But you know, I could be a lot more cooperative if you’d help me take the edge off first.”
    And exactly how did he think to do that?
    His hand slid higher while his voice went lower. “Just let me touch you—”
    She grabbed his wrist. So thick, so solid. Dangerous waves of desire weakened her resistance. “We can’t do this.”
    â€œWe sure as hell can.” And then, “We already did. Right?”
    Unnerved by how tempted she felt, Alani shook herhead. “ I can’t do this, not right now. So tell me, when did you take the aspirin?”
    He stared at her mouth, and his fingers contracted. “Before I headed here, ’bout three hours ago.”
    Relieved that he’d finally let up, she released a tight breath. “All right. I’ll get a couple more. Do you want to take off your boots?”
    Slowly he nodded. “And my shirt.” His gaze came up to snare hers. “Maybe my pants, too.”
    That was his most