Sin’s lips curved.Jesus, she knows me well.
“Out with it.”
“She’s different. I like that.”
“And?”
“She’s a client now. She’s relying on me to fix her problem.”
“So, do that, but let your heart lead.”
“I don’t have a heart. You know that.”
Carly rose. “The little boy inside you is still fighting his demons. The man you’ve become wants to fix everything for everyone else. I get you, Sinclair.”
He hugged her. “No fooling you.”
“Show her the real you. The one so few of us get to see.”
“That might scare the hell out of her.”
“She’s strong, smart, and independent. Plus, she’s a kick-ass agent. I think it would take a lot to scare her away.” Carly took a few steps toward the kitchen, then turned back. “I’m going to help Warren clean up. You rode your bike tonight, didn’t you?”
He nodded.
“We’ll drop your presents off at your house on our way home.” She paused for a second. “Think about what I said. She’s pretty awesome.” And with that, Carly left him alone with his thoughts.
He pulled on his leather overpants, shrugged into his leather jacket, said goodbye to his family, and jumped on his Ducati. The quiet streets were a rarity. He kicked the bike into low gear and rocketed for the district.
When he spotted Evangeline in her car across the street from his club, adrenaline surged through him. He pulled up behind her, cut the engine, and removed his helmet. After getting out, she stashed her handbag in her vehicle before sashaying over.
She brushed her windswept hair away from her face and her bright eyes blazed with mischief. As she stalked closer, her swaying hips snagged his attention. But it was her sexy smile that sent a surge of electricity buzzing through him.
“If you’d told me you owned a motorcycle, I’d have met you anywhere.” She eyed the shiny, black bike. “She’s beautiful.” When she trailed delicate fingers over the gas tank, a groan escaped his throat.
“You ride?” he asked as he dismounted.
Her lips curved. “Is that an invitation?”
“It might be,” he said and waggled his eyebrows. “I’ll buy you some riding leathers.”
“Don’t you have any I could borrow?”
“No. I’ve never taken anyone on my bike before.”
She couldn’t contain her surprise.God, she is so fucking beautiful.Unable to resist, he placed his hands on her cheeks. “Merry Christmas.” He dropped a soft kiss on her luscious lips and a torrent of powerful memories came rushing back.
Their past caught up with their present and he wanted to resurrect what they’d once shared…and so much more.
“Bah humbug, Sinclair Develin.” Her subtle smile was dispelled by a gust of wind that had her closing her unbuttoned coat.
“Let’s get you inside.”
After unlocking the unmarked fire door, he yanked on it, but it wouldn’t budge. On the third try, he got it open, then gestured for her to enter. “This has gotta get fixed first thing tomorrow.”
He turned off the alarm and flipped on the lights. Side by side, they walked down the hallway. There was so much he appreciated about this woman. She didn’t chatter away. She didn’t play games. Her quiet strength had always turned him on in ways that went far beyond the physical. Being around her both heightened his desire and soothed his soul.
They entered the empty lounge. After she draped her coat over a chair, he paused to check her out. She looked smokin’ hot in a pair of ass-hugging jeans, a simple black sweater, and a touch of makeup. “You look great.”
