Discarding theories, thinking of new ones. Like he knew a damn thing about what was wrong with her. Half the time, she didn’t know.
“My name is Connor.”
Erin went still. Inside and out. She felt warm all of a sudden, like someone had draped a fleece blanket over her shoulders. If she thought she’d had him at least partially pegged, she’d been wrong. He didn’t have to give in to their silly name war. He’d done it because she’d shown a chink in her armor and he wanted to give her a victory.
Connor.
“What about a tiny little kiss?” Shit.
Where had that come from? “No tongue.”
“This isn’t summer camp.” Those hands clenched. Unclenched. “If you want to kiss me, you’ll get everything.
I’m not going to hold back.”
His gruff tone made her shiver. That voice held promises she couldn’t begin to interpret. It had been so long since she’d let a man touch her, but she knew instinctively that Connor would be a whole new experience. One she definitely wasn’t ready for and never would be. Still. She felt as if…gravity were pulling her toward him. She’d originally leaned across this conference table to unnerve him. It worked with most people. Invade their personal space until they back off for good. Now that she was this close to him, though, she found herself wanting to stay there. It didn’t hurt that he’d released her hand without hesitation. Maybe it was premature or bad judgment on her part, but his action had made her feel safe.
She didn’t feel safe very often, if ever.
Deciding to trust the instinct that rarely failed her, she climbed onto the table and crawled on her hands and knees the remaining distance. Connor’s facade slipped just a little, lips parting on a gravelly exhale, broad chest shuddering as he watched her. “That wasn’t a challenge,” he grated.
“Everything we’ve said so far has been a challenge.” Erin knew he liked what he saw as his gaze ran the length of her back, snagging on her ass. She gave it a quick shake. He groaned low in his throat and she was shocked to find herself excited by it. “Kiss me. Just…
don’t touch me, okay?”
“Jesus.” He dragged both hands down his face. “You’ve got the wrong guy for that, sweetheart.”
Of course, that made her want the kiss even more. She was drawn to fire.
Connor had enough inside him to burn down a major city. The fact that he kept such a tight leash on it only made her want to watch it crackle and race. “I didn’t say I couldn’t touch.” She gripped the collar of his shirt and dragged him forward, bringing their mouths an inch apart. “Just you.”
A muscle ticked in his jaw. “I’ll make you beg for my goddamn hands on you.”
Ah, Connor. You have no idea what you’re up against.
“You’re welcome to try.”
UP IN SMOKE
BOOK TWO IN THE
CROSSING THE LINE
SERIES
by Tessa Bailey
Coming June 23, 2015
Available for preorder now ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
A huge, heartfelt thank-you to the following people who were instrumental in putting Risking It All on bookshelves and inspired or helped me along the way.
My husband, Patrick, and daughter, Mackenzie. We’ve become quite a team over the last two years, since I started writing full time. I can’t believe how lucky I am to have you two in my life.
Thank you for believing in me.
My editor, Heather Howland, for dangling the Bowen carrot stick in front of my face. It’s probably why I wrote so many books so fast—I wanted to get to him, this man who’d been dwelling inside my head. I never would have gotten this far without your hard work and foresight. Thank you.
My publisher, Entangled Publishing, and Liz Pelletier for believing in my books.
My assistant editor, Kari Olson, who can brighten any day with one of her tweets/direct messages.
My publicist at Entangled Publishing, Katie Klapsadl, for all the work that goes into promoting my books.
My friends/fellow authors who beta-read/pleasure-read this book when it was just a first draft: Cari Quinn, Edie Harris, Jillian Stein, and Donna Soluri.
Thank
you.
Your
feedback
was
invaluable.
My parents for being proud of me and encouraging me to achieve my goals. I love you both so much.
My neighborhood of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. I know the characters in this book exist because I pass them on the sidewalk every day. This borough is a constant source of inspiration and exasperation. But I love it and hope I never stop using it as a setting.
My Facebook group, Bailey’s Babes, for being so freaking awesome I can’t stand it. Some mornings, you guys are the one thing that gets me writing.
My fellow authors who continue to selflessly support me with tweets and Facebook posts even though you’re drowning in work. Most of my readers have been turned on to my books by you and I’m consistently overwhelmed by the love. Special thanks to: Cora Carmack, Laura Kaye, Sophie Jordan, Sarah MacLean, Megan Erickson, Edie Harris, Bree Bridges, Robin Covington, Cari Quinn, Shayla Black, Monica Murphy, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Katee Robert, Samanthe
Beck,
Phoebe
Chase,
Nicolette Day, Jennifer Blackwood, Christina Lee, and Jennifer McLaughlin.