Page 41 of Torqued

“I suppose I deserve that. For the record, I have never asked a woman back to my room. They come willingly, knowing what they’re asking for.” The lines in his face deepen. He really is bothered by this.

I hold up my hand, stopping him. “You don’t have to explain anything to me. I only ask that you keep that part of your life out of the papers and off the gossip sites.”

“I’m only trying to say that I haven’t been with as many women as is perceived.” His brows furrow, gutting me. He’s offended by something he’s embraced over the years.

I tilt my head, getting a better visual on his face. “Am I to understand you don’t like being seen this way?”

“Yes.” He rubs the back of his neck. “I have a mother; you know she reads this stuff. How would your mom feel?”

I half shrug, avoiding his gaze. “I wouldn’t know. I never got the chance. She passed after my birth.”

“I’m so sorry.” Rush pales, pulling his brows tight. “I didn’t realize, Spencer.”

“You’re fine, not many people do.” I avert my eyes again when he begins to study me.

He walks across the room, staring out the window. “I’m not much of a city person. I’m much happier at home.”

“Are you telling me that The Rush Hatcher is a homebody?” I giggle, joining him to look out over downtown.

He grins, bobbing his head. “I am actually.”

“Now, who’s surprising whom?” I elbow him for a laugh, but when we touch, our connection sizzles.

He turns to me; our bodies close enough that I can feel the heat from his. “I tried texting you. I even called, but you never answered.”

“It’s dead. I forgot to charge it last night.” I sweep my tongue between my parched lips. His eyes dart to my mouth, tracing the line like the tip of my tongue.

“I have to admit, I was going to do this over the phone. Can you believe it? Just like a real gentleman.” His head falls with a shake.

“So, you came all this way for what?”

Rush lifts his head, our eyes lock, and I know I’m about to cross every line in the business. But I don’t give a damn. I want this man, and what’s more, I need him.

“I never meant to make you feel inferior or less than anyone. I think you’re simply amazing, and I apologize if I’ve ever made you think anything else.” Rush raises his hand, slipping it around my back, and I gasp from his touch.

“You didn’t have to come here, but I appreciate it.” I rasp as my breath hitches. Rush pulls me tight against his chest, making the hair on the nape of my neck stand. My lips part and his gaze drops to my mouth.

“I’ve thought of nothing since tasting you.” He leans in, brushing his lips over mine. “I want you and everything about you.”

“Is this enough for you? Right now, just us and no one else.” My heart clinches, waiting for him to tell it to beat again—the corner of his eye’s wrinkles, laying heavy on me that this isn’t what he wants.

“I’ll take you any way I can have you, Spencer.” Rush’s mouth crashes into mine, sending me spiraling into a frenzied desire.

I fist his hair, wanting to get closer to him. Rush’s hands run over my hips, cupping them as he picks me up. He presses my back to the wall, and I wrap my legs around him.

Rush grinds into me, rubbing me in all the right places, and my nipples harden. The friction from our bodies where they meet is setting fire to our need for the other. His tongue swirls mine, earning him a moan.

“Mmm,” My mumbled word escaping from between our mouths.

He pulls back ever so slightly. “Trust me, I could take you here and never look back.”

The crackle from the intercom rings through the room, breaking into our world. “Spencer, the Charlotte Warehouse needs to talk with you at your earliest convenience.”

“Give me five minutes, then connect me.” I breathe heavily.

Rush runs his nose along my jaw, placing a kiss just beneath my ear lobe. My head falls to the right, giving him free rein. He groans with unfettered access.

“Please come to Daytona early. I need you there with me.” His breath sweeps past my ear, warming my heart. There’s something to be said about a man who doesn’t care to admit when they need someone.