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I let my hand slide up the side of his chest, feeling the hairs there against my fingertips. His chest is hard like the rest of him. I run my fingers up but stop when rough scars greet the tips. I want to pull back to see what is marking his skin, but before I can move I’m flipped. My back hits the soft blankets, and Bannon looms over me with a look I’ve never seen on his face.
No, every time I’ve seen him in town he’s had soft smiles and warmth to him. The things people said about him rang true. I only got quick glances of him before I slipped away, trying to stay off his radar. I didn’t want to draw his attention to me because Bannon tries to know everyone in town. He takes his job as sheriff seriously. I wonder if he’ll arrest me when he finds out what I’ve been doing.
I stare into his deep gray eyes. I never knew what color his eyes were. I’ve never been close enough to get a look. I didn’t think eyes this color were real. It’s hard to focus on the hard look on his face when all I can do is get lost in his eyes.
“Hi.” It’s all I can think to say. His face doesn't change and he still doesn't say a word. His eyes are still locked on mine. He shifts a little and my legs open a little more, letting him slide deeper into me. His eyes closed as if he’s in pain.
I reach up and wrap my arms around his neck, scared he’s going to pull away from me. I don’t know how I’m so bold. Maybe because this feels right. Or maybe because so much has been taken from me I don’t want this taken, too. I’m latching on and not letting go.
I’m worried of what he’s going to say or what he might ask me, and that fear of him pushes me away. I just want to lie back down, fall asleep on him and not think about anything.
He opens his eyes and he looks a little more in control. He takes a deep breath and his face softens. “How are you feeling?” he asks. His words come out gruff, and I don’t know why, but my cheeks pinken.
“I’m naked,” pops out of my mouth, and my cheeks heat even more.
“Yeah, sorry about that. I needed to get you warm, and the hospital was too far away, so I brought you home.” He delves a hand into my hair. He softly brushes some of it away from my face and strokes it. “You look like a little doll. Your cheeks are still pink. Are you cold still?”
I shake my head. My cheeks aren’t pink from the cold. In fact, I’m quite warm at the moment. I don’t know if it's because of his body heat or the feelings that are coursing through me in this moment. I’ve never felt like this before.
“Hungry?” At the mention of food, my stomach growls and Bannon smiles.
I close my eyes in embarrassment. Of everything—my nakedness, our closeness, my pawing at him... I feel him chuckle against me.
“How about you take a nice warm shower and I’ll make us something to eat?” I nod my head in agreement. “Open your eyes, baby. I like seeing them.”
I do as he commands. Something inside me wants to please him. “You’re safe here with me. I’m the sheriff,” he tells me.
“I know who you are, Sheriff Bannan.”
“Cole,” he corrects. “Call me Cole, sweetheart.”
“Okay, Cole,” I agree.
“How is it you know who I am but I’ve never seen you before?” he asks.
“Everyone knows who you are, sheriff.” His eyes narrow on me. “Cole,” I amend.
“I don’t think I would forget seeing you. Your eyes...” He stares at them. My eyes are a deep green like my father’s. In the light they change to a softer green, but I know right now they are dark. I bite my lip, unsure what to say, but he pushes. “How have I not seen you?”
“I made sure you didn't,” I finally admit after a beat, knowing he isn't going to let it go. “Am I in trouble now?”
“No,” he snaps. “If anyone is in trouble it’s me.” He mumbles the last part so low I almost don’t hear it. I start to ask what he means, but he’s pulling me to my feet before I can get the words out. My knees give out a little and he catches me before I can crumple to the floor. I wrap my arms around his neck tightly, scared I’m going to fall. Scared that I’ll never get to be this close to this man again. Scared to lose all these things he’s making me feel.
He pulls me into him, lifting me a little. Instinctively I wrap my legs around him. It's hard to get my legs all the way around, but he slides one of his hands under my ass to keep me in place. I feel a soft squeeze on my bare cheek, reminding me once again I’m naked. I bury my face in his neck.
