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Xander tips his head back as he laughs in a deep rumble that I swear vibrates straight to my clit. I’m mesmerized by the bob of his Adam’s apple and the flex of his throat muscles. Shit. So hot. How can I make him do that again? Something tells me he doesn’t laugh often.
Amusement dances in his eyes. “What the hell is a snake milker?” He holds up a hand. “Wait, don’t tell me. I can guess. But no, I can categorically say I’ve never milked a snake.”
“Hmm.” I tap my chin and eye him thoughtfully. “Professional cuddler?”
That elicits another rumble of clit-vibrating laughter. I may spontaneously orgasm before this date is over.
“Sorry to disappoint you, but no. I was a cop.”
My eyes widen. “Oh. Not much call for snake milking or cuddling there, I guess.”
“No milking, but plenty of snakes,” he says darkly.
“Wait, you said you were a cop?” I ask, hoping he’ll tell me more.
“A police informant double-crossed me. He tipped my partner and me off about a drug deal, but they were waiting for us. Took a bullet in the shoulder,” he says, rolling his left shoulder slightly as if recalling the pain.
“Oh, shit. I’m so sorry. And your partner?”
“He was fine. Not a scratch on him when backup arrived. I must’ve passed out because when I woke up, I was in the hospital. My fiancée was there. When the docs told me I might not regain use of my arm, Karla waited all of five minutes before telling me she couldn’t be stuck with an invalid and was leaving me for one of her lovers.”
My mouth drops open. “You were engaged? She was cheating on you?”
Xander’s laugh is devoid of humor. “With three other guys.”
“Dear God. And she just up and left you after you were shot?” I ask, outraged at the thought. “Was she stupid? Blind? Clinically insane?”
This time, his laugh is genuine. “You look so angry on my behalf, Firecracker. That’s why you’re different. You genuinely care.”
“Did you love her?” I force the question past my lips, not knowing if I want to hear the answer. Xander isn’t mine, but I can’t help the spike of jealousy at the thought of him with someone else.
Xander frowns. “I thought I did, or I wouldn’t have asked her to marry me. But looking back? No. Call me sentimental, but I wanted the home with the wife and kids. I want what my parents have. They’ve been together for almost forty years.” Xander shakes his head ruefully. “Can’t believe I told you all that. I don’t open up easily but with you…” He shakes his head again as if searching for the answer.
“I’m sorry your ex-fiancée was so short-sighted that she didn’t appreciate what she had. And I’m glad you proved her wrong.” I point to his shoulder, which seems to have healed with no lasting damage to his arm. “You deserve someone far better.”
“I’m beginning to realize that,” he says softly, his eyes warm as he laces his fingers with mine.
I lick my dry lips. “So, uh, how did you go from cop to security for a boy band?”
“I was put on indefinite desk duties when I returned to work. I’m not designed to sit behind a desk, so I reached out to an old school friend. He owns Ryder Operations here in Denver. He set me up with a job. That was seven years ago.”
I smile. “From drug busts to protecting the bodies of the rich and famous.”
“I can think of another body I’d like to protect.”
I fall into his gaze… and keep falling. This connection is crazy. Dangerous. Beautiful.
Our pizza arrives, bursting the bubble. My mouth waters as I look at the masterpiece of dough, melted cheese, and savory toppings.
Xander invites me to take the first slice and watches as I take a bite. “What’s the verdict?”
I moan and close my eyes as the melty goodness explodes on my tastebuds. “God, so good.”
Xander’s eyes kindle. “If you keep moaning like that, we’ll be taking this pizza to-go.”
I almost choke and grab my glass of water, taking a gulp. “Why me?” I ask with a wheeze.
He frowns, pausing with his slice of pizza halfway to his mouth. “What do you mean?”
