Abel would much rather have her for dessert than chocolate. Or even better was Erin covered in chocolate. He shifted in his seat, trying to get comfortable. His erection was pushing hard against the front of his jeans, and kept him from offering to help. There was no way he could leave his seat right now without both her and her brothers noticing that his cock was straining against the zipper of his jeans, demanding to be let out.

  Jackson pulled his attention away from her with his next question. “Are you working on a new book?”

  Abel stiffened, not wanting to talk about his work. He never did. But this was different. He knew it wasn’t morbid curiosity that prompted his friend, but a genuine interest in Abel himself. “No. I just finished one that should be out by Christmas.”

  “What’s it about?” As a deputy sheriff, Nathan was always interested in Abel’s opinions on the various court cases he researched and wrote about.

  “The Trenton Slayer.” Everyone was silent for a moment, and then Nathan let out a long, slow whistle.

  “That was a hell of a case. Mark Smithson spent over ten years murdering young girls before they caught him.” Nathan shook his head. “I read some of the reports on that one, and they were pretty gruesome.”

  Erin placed the dishes of dessert on the table in front of all of them. Everyone ignored them as they listened to Abel recount some of the story.

  “Yeah, it was the worse case I’ve ever investigated.” That was saying something, as they all knew that it was his parents’ brutal murder in a convenience store holdup that had led him to his career as an investigative journalist and later a crime writer.

  “I talked to the cops and all the families.” He toyed with the dessert spoon for a moment before looking up at them, and his eyes were bleak. “But the worst of it was talking to Smithson. He’s one sick son of a bitch. It was all just a game to him, and he didn’t regret one thing he did. In fact, he promised to do worse if he ever gets out.”

  Now it was her turn as Erin slipped her hand over to his lap and squeezed his thigh. There was comfort in her touch and he could feel her concern for him. It gave him the strength to pull himself away from the story. If he wasn’t careful, it dragged him down like it had for the last year of his life, eating at him and sucking him dry.

  “Anyway, I’m finished with it. The book is done and I don’t want to think about it any longer.” Abel tried his best to inject some humor into his voice. “I’m looking forward to a long vacation filled with sleeping, eating, fishing, and the occasional ice-cold beer.”

  Jackson teased him in an attempt to lighten the mood. “A man of leisure. If you get bored, come on over here and I’ll put you to work doing a real job. We’ll have those puny muscles of yours built up in no time.”

  They all laughed as Jackson had intended. Abel was more muscular than Jackson was and that was saying something, as there wasn’t an ounce of fat on Jackson after years of hard farm work. “If I ever feel the need to get into shape, you can be my personal trainer.” Abel’s smile was genuine now.

  Reaching down, he grabbed Erin’s hand before she could pull it away. Slowly, he slid it up over the top of his thigh and over his throbbing cock. He knew she could feel him pulsing through his jeans, and her hand automatically covered him and squeezed gently. It was all too easy to imagine her on her knees in front of him opening the front of his jeans. His cock would spring loose and she would take him deep into her mouth and suck him. Hard.

  Abel broke out into a cold sweat as he struggled for control. Maybe it hadn’t been such a good idea to start a game like this. Erin’s touch affected him deeply and his reactions were quick and extreme. Right now, he wanted to sweep the dishes off the table, throw her on the top, and fuck her until they were both senseless with pleasure. It didn’t even matter that her brothers were sitting right there in front of them. He was in way over his head.

  Thankfully, Nathan broke the erotic spell that she was weaving around him when he pushed back from the table. His chair made a scraping noise on the floor as he stood and stretched. “Come on, Jackson. I’ll give you a hand in the barn and Erin and Abel can do the dishes.”

  “Are you sure?” Erin glanced from one brother to the other. “I can help him after I finish the dishes.”

  Nathan winked at her before heading for the back door. “I’m sure. You’ve already had a long day.” Abel realized then that he wasn’t the only one who’d heard the heated exchange between brother and sister earlier. “Besides, I’m bigger and stronger than you,” he teased her.

  “And uglier,” Jackson added as he rose from the supper table.

  “I never denied otherwise.” The screen door slammed behind him and they could all hear him whistle as he walked towards the barn.

  Jackson nodded at Abel. “Come on out if you want.”

  “Thanks,” Abel responded, surprised he could talk with Erin’s hand slowly moving up and down over his cock. “But I’m still beat. I drove straight through last night and only slept for a couple hours today. After I help with the dishes, I’m gonna go on home and make an early night of it.”

  “I’ll see you tomorrow then.” Jackson headed for the door, but turned at the last second and glanced back over his shoulder at his sister. “Thanks for supper.” His voice was gruff and he was gone before Erin could respond.

  She was stunned for a moment before she laughed with delight. “Well, that was a first. You’re obviously a good influence on him.”

  Abel trapped her hand against him and squeezed hard. He wanted her so bad his teeth ached. She was fast becoming an addiction. One taste wasn’t enough, but left you wanting more. He knew he wanted her. Had to have her. But not until she understood where he stood in his life right now. All he had the energy for at the moment was sweaty, grinding, hot sex. And lots of it. The last year had left him feeling raw.

  It took more strength than he thought he possessed to remove her hand from the front of his jeans and place it back on the table. Standing, he towered over her for a moment, soaking in her beauty. “We have to talk.” His voice was gruff as he struggled with the desire pulsing through his veins.

  Stiffening in her chair, she slowly looked up at him. “So talk.”

  Chapter Six

  Erin didn’t wait for him to speak, but stood up and began clearing the dishes off the table. Quickly and efficiently, she scraped and piled plates on top of each other. Carrying a stack to the counter, she deposited them there and returned to the table for another load. Her body was rigid as she moved. Abel could tell he had ticked her off with his actions.

  Sighing, he picked up several of the now empty serving bowls and took them over to the counter, dumping them next to the other dirty dishes. When he turned, he realized that Erin was standing there watching him, practically devouring him with her gaze. The hungry look in her eyes startled him, and then he felt an answering hunger rise up within him.

  She was a tall woman with wide hips and long legs. Swallowing, he leaned back against the counter and closed his eyes to shut her out. It didn’t help. Her image was burned on his brain, and his imagination was filled with erotic pictures of her. He didn’t have to hold back his sexual appetites for fear of hurting her with his sheer size. They fit together perfectly. Those long, luscious legs wrapped around his waist easily, while his hands locked on her ample hips so he could thrust into her. Hard.

  This wasn’t good. He was so primed at the moment, it wouldn’t take much for him to come. For a man who prided himself on his self-control, he was rapidly finding that he didn’t have much, if any, when it came to this woman standing in front of him. He rolled his head from side-to-side, hoping to loosen the tension there.

  Erin continued to move around the kitchen, opening and closing cupboard doors. Abel felt her standing next to him, but before he could open his eyes, she picked up one of his clenched hands, pried it open, and dropped something in it.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to give you a headache.” He could tell by her tone that she was trying to joke with him. “This might help.”

  Opening his eyes, he stared at his open hand, and the over-the-counter pain reliever that she’d put there. She waited patiently next to him with a glass of water in her hand. Again, he felt a tenderness for her well up within him. It had been a long time since anyone had bothered to worry about him.

  “Thank you,” he replied solemnly before popping the pills into his mouth and chasing them down with the glass of water.

  “We can talk tomorrow if you want.” Erin went back to work and he noticed that while he’d had his eyes closed, she’d finished clearing the table and wiping it down.

  “No. I’d rather get it over with. Besides, I told you I’d help with the dishes.”

  Erin shrugged and started running water into the sink. “Suit yourself.”

  “I usually do,” he replied laconically.

  She squirted some liquid detergent into the sink before pointing to a drawer next to him. “Dishtowels are in there.” Turning away from him, she plunged her hands into the water and began to wash glasses and cutlery with a vengeance.

  Abel pulled out a clean towel, picked up a glass and started to dry it. He decided it was prudent to give them both a little space. They worked in silence, but it was a companionable one, and Abel was pleased that Erin was not one of those women who felt the need to fill every quiet moment with mindless chatter.

  Ten minutes later they were almost finished the dishes and Abel was no longer feeling quite so pleased with the quiet. It was almost as if she’d forgotten he was even there. It took him a second to realize that his male vanity had been pricked by her lack of attention and interest. He chuckled to himself. Obviously, he’d never have to worry about getting a swollen ego with her around. Other parts of his anatomy might swell, he thought as he glanced down at the bulge of his jeans, but never his ego.

  Deciding it was time for some action, he dropped the cloth on the counter and moved until he was standing directly behind her. Placing his legs on either side of hers, he crowded her until her stomach was pressed tight against the sink. Bracing his hands on the counter, he had effectively caged her in his embrace. She went motionless.

  “What are you doing?” Her voice was low and her breathing was getting faster.

  Pushing his hips forward, he allowed his rigid cock to push against her ass. She could not mistake his arousal. Leaning down, he whispered in her ear. “Oh, I’m just making sure you remember that I’m here.”

  She shivered before pressing her bottom hard against his erection. “I never forgot for a single second.”

  Now it was his turn to shudder as his dick hardened even more. He was gripping the countertop so hard, he was surprised that a piece didn’t crack off in his hands. Every cell in his body was screaming at him to fuck her. Immediately.

  When she rotated her bottom, grinding against it, he was lost. All logical thoughts of talking disappeared from his head. They were both adults and she was as turned on as he was.

  Dropping his head, he licked the curve of her shoulder and was rewarded when she gasped and tilted her head to one side, giving him better access. He nipped at the fragile skin at the nape of her neck even as his hands reached around her and cupped both her breasts.

  Erin felt as if she’d died and gone to heaven. It had been pure hell sitting at the table during supper trying to pretend that this morning hadn’t happened. Her body remembered all too well what it felt like to have sex with him, and responded to his presence. Dinner had felt more like foreplay. Her skin tingled at his nearness, her breasts felt heavy and tight, and she could feel the creamy heat between her thighs.

  His voice was a low rumble that she felt deep inside her feminine core even when he was just chatting with her brothers. He’d showered and changed since she’d seen him earlier, and he smelled of fresh soap and hot male. It was a seductive combination. His long legs were encased in a faded pair of jeans and his broad shoulders were covered in a crisp white linen shirt. The top two buttons were left open on the shirt, teasing her with a glimpse of his tanned chest, and he’d rolled back the sleeves to reveal thick wrists and strong forearms.

  She loved the way his green eyes grew darker when he was aroused. His lips were sensual and his smile knowing. This was an experienced man who enjoyed his own sexuality, and his whole demeanor promised that any woman in his bed would not be disappointed. Now that she’d had a taste of his passion, Erin desperately wanted to be the woman in his bed. Abel represented her best chance to experience her sexuality fully and completely. She’d been crushed when she’d left his house this morning, but tonight had offered her another unexpected opportunity.

  Rather than being aloof with her as she’d half expected, or worse, treating her like his friend’s kid sister, he’d been attentive. Helping with supper, pulling out her chair, and including her in the dinner conversation were all signs he was interested in her. Or at least she hoped they were.

  She darn well knew he was sexually attracted to her if his performance under the kitchen table was any indication. When his hand had covered her thigh and then moved higher to finger her crotch, she thought she might melt into a puddle and slide to the floor. It was shocking to realize that her brothers hadn’t noticed a thing. Erin felt as if she’d been wearing a huge sign on her forehead with big bold letters proclaiming, “Fully Aroused Woman”.

  The fact that he’d stayed to help her with the dishes had made her both excited and terrified. Excited that he might be interested in her and terrified that she was about to get the “you’re a great girl, but” speech all over again. When he’d closed his eyes and leaned back against the counter, her heart had dropped. She’d given the man a headache. Wasn’t that the oldest cliché in the book?

  Burying her disappointment, she’d given him something for the pain and started washing the dishes. The faster they were done, the quicker he would leave. They’d worked well together, and it had been nice to have him next to her as they cleaned the dishes. It was such a small thing, but she almost always cleaned up after meals by herself. Her brothers always had something else to do, and besides which, having Abel dry dishes was a lot more thrilling than having Jackson or Nathan do them.

  He’d surprised her when he’d moved behind her, encircling her with his body. The heat pouring off his large frame was enormous, but she’d wanted to get closer. After this morning, however, she’d waited to see what he would do first. When he pressed up close to her, she could feel his erection pushing against her bottom. It had been pure instinct to push backwards and then move her hips to circle his hardness.

  His response was electric. When he’d whispered in her ear, desire had shot clear to her toes, and he’d barely touched her. His tongue, slightly rough and warm, had traced a moist path from her shoulder to the nape of her neck. Wanting more, she’d tilted her head to encourage him, but he was already moving. His teeth had nipped at the nape of her neck, and she’d felt both vulnerable and aroused at the same time. The gesture was one of pure male dominance, especially when his hands had come up to possessively cup her breasts. She was totally surrounded by him, and she loved it.

  Her body felt languid and heavy as she leaned back against his chest for support. One hand left her breast and she whimpered in protest. Her disappointment was forgotten in a second when he angled her head to one side and tipped her face towards him. His eyes were blazing as he lowered his mouth to hers and covered it in a searing kiss.

  Her eyelids grew heavy and slipped closed as she lost herself in the passionate kiss. His lips were soft, yet firm, as they enveloped hers. This was no tentative seeking, but a declaration of possession. Abel’s tongue swept into her mouth, claiming it for his own. He sought out and tasted every crevice until he had mapped the entire territory. His fingers tangled in her hair, anchoring her to him, while his other hand caressed both her breasts until her nipples were hard buds stabbing at the center of his palms.

  Abel pulled away from her and dropped his forehead to hers. “I want you.” His voice was harsh and his breathing labored.

  “Yes,” she whispered. She wanted to scream out her answer, but was having a hard time just breathing. Raising her hand, she caressed his face, leaving a trail of hot soapy dishwater on his cheek. She’d forgotten she’d still had her hands in the water.

  Abel leapt back and swore as he wiped soapsuds from her cheek and the corner of his mouth. Erin slapped a hand to her mouth in horror and ended up sputtering herself as soapy water covered her lips. They both looked at each other, frozen in place. One corner of Abel’s mouth quirked up, then the other. Erin felt an answering grin cross her own face. Then they were both laughing.

  Abel grabbed the dishtowel from the counter and swiped at her face before doing the same to himself. All that sexual tension had been converted to humor and neither of them could stop laughing. Abel managed to lean against the counter and support himself, but Erin just slid to the floor in front of the sink, holding her stomach as she laughed so hard that tears gathered in her eyes.

  Finally, she buried her face in her hands, not looking at him, until she gained control over herself. Wiping her eyes, with the back of her hand, she peeked at him from under her lashes. He was still smiling down at her, but he too had gotten a hold of himself.