On the Prowl by T. J. Michaels Page B

he did, even the best-laid plans could be changed, namely hers.
    He leaned against the mantel, his eyes glued on the stairs as he waited for Delaine to descend. She made her way down, completely composed and distant. It was second nature for an agent to hide behind a mask of calm acceptance, and he understood that. Understood her life firsthand. Never having the luxury of getting close to anyone. Sometimes moving from place to place, either to chase down criminals or for your own safety. But the thought of her disappearing from his life after he’d just found her…Nope, not gonna happen.
    A bomber jacket tucked under one arm, she stuffed her hands into a pair of navy leather gloves and headed directly to the door without even looking at him. An icy chill slipped up his spine followed by a tide of emotion that washed over him so completely, he felt like he was drowning in it. Such depth of feeling all because of this one woman? He could deal with that.
    He marched across the room and swept her into his arms. His mouth crashed down over her, desperate to wreak havoc on her senses, needing her to want him the way he wanted her. By the time he let her up for air, one of her legs was wrapped around his calf as she moaned softly into his mouth. After another kiss, this one sweet and calming, he spoke softly from his heart.
    “Delaine, I know we’re just getting to know each other, but don’t pull away from me. Don’t shut me out.”
    She didn’t answer, but the question in her eyes was clear.
    “I saw it in your eyes when you came down the stairs,” he said against her temple.
    She met his gaze and looked deeply, trying to decipher the raw, open expression in his glittering eyes. Justin was the type of man to bare all, but he wanted her to see what he was feeling, to see what he wanted. As much as he liked her, he hoped she could give him what he asked for.
    “Look, Justin,” she said, trying to push away. He didn’t let her. “It’s been a long time since I’ve done the dating thing and I’m just a little unsure.”
    “I understand. Just give me a chance, baby, that’s all I’m asking.”
    A double assault, she thought with a wry grin. Justin pressed her gently from the outside while Sapa pressed from the inside. Well, at least the lioness liked him. That alone almost made up for not knowing him. Delaine sighed, laid her head against his chest and snuggled into his arms for a warm hug. She could really get used to this. Damn. She would have to meet someone like him while she was on assignment.
    * * * * *
    “Girl, you are really feeling this man, aren’t you?” Pam asked, her eyes wide as she questioned her friend.
    “Yes, ma’am, I am definitely feeling him. Pam, he’s smart, funny and not to mention gorgeous. And it’s all your fault. If you hadn’t talked me into going to that professional single mingle group thing, I don’t think I ever would have met him.”
    “Hey, if you want to give me the kudos, I’ll sure take ’em! So what’s his name?”
    “Justin.”
    “Justin what?”
    “Pam, you’re the second person to ask me that.”
    “Huh?”
    “Never mind. He and I are having dinner tonight. At my place,” Delaine waggled her eyebrows.
    “Isn’t that moving a bit fast, Del? I mean, what do you really know about this guy?” Pam asked, not really sure why.
    “Concern about moving too fast? From you?”
    “Look, I’m known for doing the dip-n-dash on a first date. But this is you, Delaine. You’re the cautious one. The careful one…”
    “The divorced-after-eighteen-years one,” Delaine reminded her. “Hey, I’ve been careful all my life. What did it get me? And this conversation is getting old fast. One more guilt-inducing word and you won’t get a tip, woman.”
    “Okay, okay,” Pam conceded, raising her hands in friendly defeat. Besides, Delaine deserved some happiness after having her life shattered by that nincompoop Gary. Without faith, strength and money of her own, his