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decent time. Damn those margaritas .
    On the ride back to her place, she cloaked her invisible armor back around her shoulders. “Thanks for lunch. You really don’t have to help me finish painting.”
    James reached over and stroked her hair. “Try to stop me.” His gaze was intense, focused. She felt like a wildebeest facing a hungry lion.
    Something fluttered in her stomach. Involuntarily, she leaned into his hand that petted her head.
    What is it about this guy? Earlier when he called her doll, her blood had warmed all the way down to her toes. Even though the idea of her being a doll was comical.
    Over the next couple of hours, they finished painting. There wasn’t much conversation, but the connection in the air between them was electric. Several times Marley looked over and saw him staring at her.
    “Stop it,” she finally said, laughing.
    “Stop what?” He feigned innocence, but they both knew he wanted her. Hell, she wanted him too.
    “Stop looking at me like that.” She wielded her wet paintbrush in her hand, threatening to flick him with it.
    “Like what?” He sidled up to her and took the brush out of her hand, setting it on a tray. When he moved, she caught a glimpse of the muscular physique that lurked beneath the thin fabric of his shirt. The scent of his deodorant mixed with sweat tickled her nose as he came closer.
    “Like you’re a tiger and I’m your dinner.” Her voice faltered when he took her face in his hands and kissed her.
    The velvety softness of his face and lips told her he must have shaved before coming to see her. That gave her a little thrill. He dipped his tongue between her lips. Surrendering to him, she kissed him back with a ferocity that surprised her.
    As quickly as he advanced upon her, he let her go. Raising his eyebrows, he turned away and picked up his paint roller, returning to work.
    It took a moment to catch her breath. Gathering herself, she returned to painting too. A bit dizzier, and a bit giddier.
    Watching him roll the paint up and down the wall, she swallowed. The sensuous movement sent a shiver through her.
    It had been so long since someone had helped her with anything. Not since Paul.
    Her brother forced his way into her consciousness every day. She’d see something to remind her of him, or she’d think of a joke they’d shared. When you grew up like they did, you banded together. And they had. Even though she couldn’t count on her mom, she’d always been able to count on her big brother. He sheltered her, made sure she was safe and cared for. As she grew older she had done the same for him. They had each other’s backs.
    When he died, he left a hole in her heart so big she wasn’t sure it would ever close.
    “Almost done,” James said, jolting her back to the present.
    “About time. This was a bigger job than I thought it would be. I’m glad you were here.”
    He put the finishing touch on his section, and she did the same on her wall. “Whew! Want a beer?” she asked.
    “Sure.” Stretching his arms, he walked over and sat on the edge of the futon.
    She took two cold ones out of the fridge and sat down beside him. They each took a long sip. Her body relaxed and she linked her arm with his.
    He didn’t seem surprised. We have already been naked together , she reminded herself.
    His eyes met hers. “Marley, I’d really like to play with you today.” There was a raw honesty there she wasn’t accustomed to.
    “Okay,” she said reflexively. The heat between them was palpable. Why am I throwing caution to the wind?
    Because you need to experience life every once in a while instead of always holding back , a voice inside her answered.
    He took her hand. “I need you to be submissive to me. Is that a problem?”
    Butterflies took flight in her stomach. She shook her head no.
    “Good.” She could tell by his sly grin that he was practically licking his chops with anticipation.
    Reclining on the futon, he ordered her in a firm, low voice,