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“Offers?” His gaze was completely full of her, and it was hungry. Heat filled her chest and hope filled her heart. Jensen was too classy to ever look like a man who would devour a woman, but he wanted to be with her. That much was obvious by his gaze. Now to get him to admit to it.
“Yes,” she said in what she hoped was a determined and not quavering voice. “You told me you’d delegate to your assistant. I assumed that meant so you could spend time with me?”
She didn’t like the way she’d phrased that. It wasn’t a question. It shouldn’t have been a question. Was it a question? Had she just given him an out? Did he not want time with her?
He only studied her and finally nodded. “I did say that, but I didn’t know Treven Rindlesbacher had escaped from prison and was at large.”
Her hopes wilted. “Oh.”
Would it profit her to ask for time with him, or simply force him to explain why he didn’t have time for her? She wasn’t a needy child, had been independent and on her own for a long time, but she needed Jensen. She needed him desperately.
Instead of fighting for him, she turned toward the door. Maybe after Treven was caught, she and Jensen could have a chance. But no—even if Treven was back in prison, she’d still be the creeper’s target.
Jensen stepped into her space, and his hand cupped her hip. Heat flared through her from the point of contact. That heat grew as she looked up into his warm, brown eyes.
“What would you like to do together if I could delegate some of my responsibilities?”
Kiss for a very long time.
She couldn’t start there. They felt far from those beautiful kisses. If miracles occurred, maybe she’d work him back into that place, but she wasn’t hopeful.
“You told me you’d show me your gun safe and work with me on improving my shooting and fighting,” she reminded him. She did want to be as proficient as possible for when Treven or his people attacked again, but she’d be happy to go on a walk through his property. Anything to be by Jensen’s side, and getting outside after being trapped for four days sounded wonderful.
“I did.” He released his grip on her and stepped back. “I apologize that I’ve been so busy and an awful host.”
Disappointment filled her, and she had no response. An awful host? She didn’t care about him ‘hosting’ her. She wanted him to be comfortable with her, to fall in love with her, to not be able to stand to be away from her for a moment.
“Let me delegate some responsibilities. After lunch, I could set up targets for shooting out back and then we could work on some self-defense moves in my room to add to what you already learned from your cousin.”
She could hardly swallow past the sudden dryness in her throat. In his room? Did that just mean practicing fighting, or was there another reason he wanted her alone, without the cameras one of his officers monitored at all times?
“Thank you.” She clapped her hands together and then impulsively threw her arms around his neck and pressed her body against his.
Jensen let out a groan that caused more visions of them being together. He wasted no time wrapping her up tight and holding her very, very close to him.
Livvy savored every moment of the hug, memorizing the lean lines of his body and his strong arms surrounding her. Who knew when he’d touch her again? She had to cherish each second.
She eased back just enough to look up at him and try to convey with her gaze that she would be happy to kiss him anytime, anywhere. His gaze was concentrated on her, and she didn’t think it was her imagination that his mouth was slowly growing closer and closer and …
Steps sounded through the main area and then a throat cleared. Jensen released her. Livvy bit back her disappointment and turned. Lieutenant Yost. Great. The woman despised her. Her gaze shot daggers at Livvy, but she spoke to Jensen. “Chief. A delivery van is at the front gates. Thompson’s Grocers. It looks legitimate, but …”
“I have a standard delivery every Thursday, but I added items Livvy requested.” He gave her a quick smile. “Will you please ask the guards to carry the groceries up to the house?”
“Of course.” Lieutenant Yost’s voice was icy. “I’ll just inform Val.”
“Thank you.”
Lieutenant Yost strode away, darting one last poisonous look at Livvy.
“She doesn’t like me much,” Livvy muttered.
Jensen looked from Livvy to the door Lieutenant Yost had marched through. “Lieutenant Yost?” He rubbed at his jaw, suddenly looking uncomfortable.
“Did you …” It hit her at the guilty expression in his eyes. “Are you dating her?” Had that come out as a shriek? It sure sounded like a shriek to her. Shoot.
“No.” He shook his head sharply. “We went to dinner a few times when she was working at the military facility for Chad. When she transferred to my department this summer, I didn’t ask her out again.”
Lieutenant Yost’s frosty reception made a lot more sense, and a pit of dread formed in Livvy’s stomach. Was that how Jensen would describe her soon? We kissed a few times, but she was a victim of Treven Rindlesbacher. I didn’t ask her out again.
