Read Online Just This Once, Contemporary Romance (Last Frontier Lodge #3) by J.H. Croix - Free Book Online

soft, plump lip, and all he could think about was how it felt to kiss her. He lost focus, but then her voice broke through.
    “That’s what I said.” Her tone was sharp, just enough that it rankled and made him want to push back.
    “So you did. You’ll have to forgive me if I’m a little slow on the take here. Still haven’t figured out why you think this is a good idea.”
    Her eyes flashed with irritation, and he almost chuckled. Becca annoyed got his footing back under him.
    “Look, you kissed me first! Maybe it’s crazy, but I figure if you want to kiss me, maybe you want more. If you’re going to be an ass about it, then forget it.” Becca started to push past him.
    He moved swiftly and stepped in front of her, nothing but need driving him. He wasn’t going to let this chance pass him by. She bumped against him and pushed her shoulder against his chest. He curled his hands around her shoulders.
    “Becca.”
    Those blue eyes collided with his, snapping with annoyance.
    “I didn’t mean to be an ass. I just…” He paused and took a breath. “This whole idea of yours took me off guard. I meant what I said the other night, but you threw me with this.”
    He felt her take a breath. She chewed her lips and started twirling her hair around her finger again. “Right. I suppose maybe you think I’m nuts.”
    He shook his head slowly. “No, definitely not. Kyle sure as hell shouldn’t be the last man you were with. If you say tonight, then tonight it is.”
    She nodded quickly. “Just this once. Okay?”
    He arched a brow. “Maybe.”
    He wouldn’t push too hard, but he also wasn’t going to box himself into promises he didn’t want to keep.
    Her mouth curled in a half-smile. “Fine. Come on.” She brushed past him, walking briskly to the elevator. They rode up in silence. Aidan followed her down the hallway to her apartment. He’d been here a few times with Gage and then assessed the building a few months back when she was fielding those threats. He wasn’t too thrilled with where she lived from a safety standpoint. It was a small apartment building in downtown Seattle. It was charming enough and likely filled with artsy, progressive types given its mid-century charm with hardwood flooring and cutesy wooden trim on the high ceilings. Artwork hung on the walls throughout the building with plants in the windows at the end of every hall. Yet, security was non-existent and most of the apartments had only basic locks. With Becca’s grudging agreement and her brothers’ insistence, Aidan had her apartment fitted with high-end locks on the doors and windows and a basic security system.
    He followed her into the small apartment, glancing around at the warm space. She didn’t spend much time here, but she managed to keep it comfortable. The living room had floor to ceiling windows, which she draped with gauzy white curtains. A purple throw rug lay in a circle with a couch and chairs situated around it. The couch was laden with pillows, inviting someone to take a seat. Off to one side through an archway was a small kitchen. On the other side of the room was an alcove leading to her bedroom, a bathroom and a guest bedroom.
    He tucked his hands in his pockets and waited, his body thrumming with tension. Again, he questioned himself, worrying this might be an incredibly stupid idea. He watched Becca set her purse on a table by the door and hang her jacket. She wore a cream colored blouse with a dark purple skirt that hugged her hips and flared around her knees. She kicked her shoes off and strode across the room, flicking on a few lamps. Pausing in the archway into the kitchen, she glanced to him. “I have beer and wine. Any preference?”
    “Beer will do.” He kicked his shoes off and shrugged out of his suit jacket, rolling up his sleeves and loosening the collar.
    She stepped into the kitchen and returned with a bottle of beer. After handing it to him, she sat down on the couch, cupping a glass of red