She had to get out of here. Rachel brushed a shaky hand against her hair. So what if the offices didn't close for another hour? This was an emergency. If anyone asked, she'd come up with a good lie about why she cut out early.
Rachel hurried to the bank of elevators and pushed the down button several times. She had to put as much distance as possible between herself and Justin. Her control was slipping and it wouldn't take much more to throw caution to the wind and do something reckless.
She crossed her arms and looked around. There were colorful and festive decorations everywhere. Multicolor stars dangled from the ceiling, and a Christmas tree stood in the corner next to the bank of elevators. Everywhere she turned, there were wreaths and ornaments. Rachel focused all her attention on the black elevator doors, willing one of them to open.
At least she hid her disturbing reaction from Justin, Rachel thought as she impatiently tapped her toe. If he had an inkling of the lust coursing through her veins, of the wrenching longing, of how close she was to mounting him for a rough ride, she would be in big trouble.
But he would never know. She kept her head down these days and she didn't attract attention. Not anymore. The more invisible she became, the safer she was. If only she were invisible to Justin. It was like the man had radar. No matter how quiet she tried to be, or how often she tried to blend into a group, Justin O'Rourke always knew where she was and what she was doing.
Rachel went still when she heard the familiar footsteps. She lifted her head like an animal sensing danger. As much as she wanted to look over her shoulder, she remained still. She knew Justin was walking to the elevators.
Maybe if she didn't move, he wouldn't notice her. . . . No, he would notice her. Maybe this time he'd leave her alone.
Justin stood right behind her, although there was plenty of space in front of the elevator. Rachel pressed her lips together as her muscles quivered. She would not give in to temptation. She was stronger than this need for him.
She inhaled the faint spice of his aftershave. He smelled so good. Rachel wavered, leaning toward Justin. She just wanted one taste.
She kept her tongue cleaved to the roof of her mouth. No tasting, no licking, no laving. Hadn't she learned her lesson the last time? Her tongue was going to remain firmly in her mouth at all times.
She closed her eyes and tried to gather the last of her self-control. Rachel tried not to inhale his scent or remember the taste of his skin. She wasn't going to look at him and imagine him naked. She refused to think about how powerful she had felt, how his muscles had flexed under her touch.
Wow, they really needed to turn down the thermostat in this building. No, wait, it was just her. And Justin. The heat rippled between them.
She didn't know if she should make a run for it or brave it out. If she ran, he would follow. If she stayed, he would touch her. Whatever she did, there would be only one outcome.
His gaze felt like a caress. There was something different about the way he looked at her. This time he was pursuing her. This time he wasn't going to hold back.
She sensed Justin's tension, and she felt him shift. Rachel knew he was going to pounce. Her skin tingled and her breath caught in her throat.
"Rachel." His voice was raw.
She turned and grabbed him by his shirt, creasing the fine cotton. She flattened her body against his, hip to hip, chest to chest.
She tilted her head to grind her mouth against his. She paused when she saw his face. No longer was he playing the charming flirt. The severe lines in his face were uncompromising. His eyes were the darkest blue. This wasn't just a game to him. He was serious in his pursuit, and he was determined to catch her. The unconcealed longing in his eyes matched what she felt.
The elevator bell chimed.
It took her a moment to understand the significance of the sound. No, no, no. Frustration pulsed through her. She wasn't going to pull away. She couldn't hold back anymore.
Rachel took a few quick backward steps and dragged Justin toward the Christmas tree. She heard the elevator doors open just as she felt the prickly branches against her back. She yanked Justin behind the tree and noticed he didn't resist.
Justin didn't question or make any remark. He held his arm up, protecting her face from the sparkly ornaments and pointy lights.
The fir branches scraped at her clothes and skin. Her hair caught on one of the ornaments. There was hardly any room between the tree and the corner, but Rachel didn't care. They were hidden. That was all that mattered.
She leaned against the wall and pulled Justin closer. His strength excited her, but it was his unexpected gentleness that made her shiver. He sank into her, cradling her face with his big hands and kissing her with a passion and intensity that made her ache.
She opened his shirt, pulling and tugging, but her fingers couldn't move fast enough. Tearing at the buttons, she slid her hands against his hard chest. Touching him was addictive. She sighed against his mouth and rubbed her hands along his compact muscles and warm skin.
Justin tilted his forehead against hers and looked deep into her eyes. "You don't know what you do to me," he said in a low, husky voice.
"Show me." She grabbed at his belt and unbuckled it with fumbling fingers.
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