Five Alarm Lust by Elise Whyles (reading cloud ebooks .TXT) 📗

He snorted with laughter, his lips twisting in derision. “Yep, total frump. Man, I never saw anyone so fashionably challenged. Talk about uncoordinated in the closet. Doesn’t she know anything about dressing? Come on, that’s something my granny would wear to church. Couldn’t get a lay out of that one if…” He slapped his hand on his hip.

Jack glanced up, the hairs on the back of his neck standing at attention. His skin felt tight, heart pounding, the roar deafening, and he froze. Gillian stood talking to a tall, lean man, his graying hair slicked back with gel. She wore an ankle-length brown skirt, matching jacket, and a tan blouse. Her dark hair had been pulled back and tied in a knot. The dark-rimmed glasses he remembered perched on her nose, sliding as she bobbed her head in response to something her co-worker said.

He swallowed hard, the force of want like a kick in the gut. He stifled a groan, his body already responding to the play of memories in his head. What surprised him was not all were of the actual sex. More than a few were of the banter, her snarky remarks at the reception. Even the shy, hesitant way she tried to hide right in plain sight. Beneath the surface was a woman unlike any he’d ever known, and he realized with a sudden tightening in his chest how much he wanted her.

“Not everyone strains themselves to be sure their belt and shoes match, Brad.” Jack inhaled slowly, anger broiling through his blood with each snide comment from the young prick. He knotted his fists and shot him a glare. “Listen, you ignorant prick, keep your teeth together, I don’t want to hear your bigotry.”

“Aw, come on, Jack. Even you gotta agree she’s probably an ice queen. I mean, have you looked at her? Get frost bite on my di—”

Grabbing a fist full of Brad’s shirt, Jack jerked him closer, his jaw aching with how tightly he had it clenched shut. “Button up, asshole. She’s not like that and you better watch your mouth. No wonder you can’t keep a lover longer than it takes to get off—you’re about as couth as a gutter rat.”

Brad paled, his chin lifting slightly. “Ooh, getting a bit protective there, old boy. You think it’s worth it? Hell, she’d probably fall to her knees and cry if you so much as asked for a blowjob.”

“Watch it, or I’ll knock that smug grin off your face.” Jack slammed his pack into Brad’s gut before striding up the walkway toward Gillian. Damn idiot. Sure hope she didn’t hear him. She’s hell on wheels and she ought to know it. God, she looks good. Better than I remember.

“The new paleontology program for the middle school will do nicely. You did an amazing job breaking down the terms for the children. We’ll need to look at developing it further, Miss Hilliard, for the next school year.”

For a second, Jack froze, his breath lodged in his throat, listening to Gillian’s words. “Thank you.” Gillian smiled, and he could see her dark eyes dancing behind the lenses of her glasses. “I’ll see to it the final outline is on your desk by the end of the day.”

“Excellent. I’ll look forward to it.”

Gillian nodded, her hair slipping free of the knot. Jack clenched his fist at the urge to straighten it out for her as he paused by her elbow. He shuddered at the brush of her jacket against his hand, only sheer will keeping him from pulling her into his arms. He licked his lips, the ghost of her taste strong on his tongue. “Excuse me, Gilli.”

Shock flared in her eyes as she whipped around to stare at him. Her lips parted on a soundless gasp, her face coloring slightly. “Uh, oh, uh, hi, Jack.”

“Bruce Learner, Dean here. Are you with the fire station currently doing a presentation?” The gentleman offered his hand, moving so Gillian had to back up a step.

“Yes, Jack Payle, assistant chief. I’m filling in for Lenny while he’s away on his honeymoon.”

“They’re back, he hasn’t returned to work?” Gillian sounded confused, her brows drawn together.

“No, he booked three weeks off. He’ll be back in the office on Monday.” Jack smiled, his gaze darting over her, taking in the flushed cheeks, the lack of makeup on her face.

Gillian nodded and shuffled her feet, her fingers plucking at the button at her throat. “Uh, oh. Well, uh, it was, uh, nice to see you. Excuse me, I’ll let you discuss—”

“Actually…” Jack stopped her with a hand on her sleeve. Electricity raced up his arm straight to his groin at the innocent contact. He sighed, grateful for the loose slacks and the long jacket currently hiding his semi-hard cock. “I’d like a moment if you would. It’s nice to see you. I’d hoped we could get together—”

“Oh, I couldn’t, I have to get—”

“Gillian, if you don’t get the report to me today it’ll be fine. Take a few moments to spend with your young man.”

“Thank you, Mister Learner. I promise it’ll only take a few moments. My associate will be happy to get things set up.” Jack glared at Brad’s stupefied form a few feet away. “He’s our PR rep so he’ll be able to answer any and all questions. Brad, you can set up by yourself, right? I’ll be along in a few minutes.”

“Excellent. Come along, Brad. Let’s get you set up and this presentation ready to go. We’ve got the local elementary school coming in for it, as well as a couple of the high school grades.” The Dean’s voice faded as Brad trailed behind him until the crowd had swallowed them up.

“Uh, are you here about…” Gillian rubbed her forehead. “Of course, I didn’t leave any money for the cleaning of your shirt. I don’t know what I was thinking. I’ll just run to my office and grab my purse. Would you mind a check? I don’t think I have any cash…”

“I