Page 84 of Crash Course
"You know," he said, "I mentioned to you that when I was younger, I got in trouble. A lot."
Cilla’s chest collapsed. She’d allowed herself to be vulnerable, to take a chance that maybe, just maybe, having a man in her life, a good, solid man unafraid to take on Darren Randolph, might make her happy, and Cruz wanted to reminisce?
When Cruz didn’t continue, Cilla helped him along. "Yes. Too much energy, you said."
"Yeah. But it was more than that. Ask me why I got in trouble?"
Where the hell was this going? All she needed was a straight answer. Yes, he could deal with Randolph drama or no, not happening. Fairly simple.
However, Cruz, so far, didn’t strike her as a guy who avoided conflict. He ran straight toward it.
Clearly, he was trying to make a point.
"All right," she said, "I’ll play. Why did you get in trouble?"
"I loved fighting. Twisted as it may sound, it released stress. I was good at it. I don’t know why, but I always knew how to win."
"Some people have that instinct."
"Like your dad?"
Whoa. She’d never say that. Two completely different men, and yet, maybe that side of Cruz reminded her of Dad. How they never backed away from conflict. She closed her eyes.Please don’t tell me I’m one of those women wanting a man like my father.
That would put her over the edge.
She opened her eyes. "I’m not comparing you to my father. Totally different. You’re kind. You don’t manipulate situations, at least not that I can see. I’m just saying, some people have that warrior instinct."
Overhead, clouds shifted, blocking the moonlight and plunging them into blackness. He locked his gaze on her and even in the darkness she saw it. That spark of heat.
He held his hand out and, working on instinct, she grabbed hold and he wrapped his fingers around hers.
"I’m one of those people, Cilla. I love battle. And winning. It’s why my folks got me into wrestling. They figured if I needed to put hands on people, maybe I could find a constructive way to do it. They were right. It helped me tunnel that desire. Instead of wanting to pummel someone for no reason, I could do it legitimately and become a state champion. Wrestling changed my life. Anyway, back to you asking me if I’m up for dealing with your father. Darren and me? We share that love of battle and winning." He squeezed her hand. "I understand what drives him, Cilla. I’m not afraid of it. I embrace that shit. And if he does something I don’t like, I’ll throw his sorry ass on the pile with the rest of the guys I’ve kicked the crap out of. So, when you ask if I'm up for dealing with your father, the answer is yes. No problem there. Ever."
Oh.
My.
Cilla suspected that her hormonal function had just gone bonkers, because on a chilly fall night, a furnace blast erupted inside her and sweat beaded on her neck.
And she was way too young for hot flashes.
Cruz Blackwell might be too good to be true. For years, Cilla had dated and experienced Mr. Right Now. Slick-suited men willing to use Darren Randolph’s daughter to further their careers. Then there were the others who wouldn’t go near Dad. Too afraid to piss him off and make an enemy.
Powerful men. Intimidating.
Enter Cruz Blackwell. A guy completely throwing her off her game.
She slid her hand from his and scooted even closer. He brought his arm up, pulling her into him. Curling into his warmth, she rested her head on his shoulder and ran her hand over his chest, her fingers exploring the rock-hard planes of his torso. Oh, she needed to see him naked.
She looked up, taking in his short beard and fantastic curls. Never, ever, would she have expected him. Rough-edged Cruz might be just what she needed.
Once again, she moved her hand over his chest, inching it down and feeling his tight abs through the soft cotton of his shirt. "I like being with you."
"That’s good. I enjoy it, too." He set his hand over hers, stopping its movement. "But, honey, you’ve got to stop touching me like that. Totally killing me."
Didn’t that give her a rush? She straightened up, met his eye, and bit her lip to smother a smile.
She slipped her hand free. "What exactly is killing you?" She stroked down his torso again. "Is it this?"
