“He’s not trying to win her, Logan. He’s trying to hate her. And if you think you’re going to win her, you’re wrong.”
Ramsay Logan made no reply, but his challenging gaze spoke volumes as he turned away and entered the crowded dining room.
Quinn cast a quick look at the empty stairs, shrugged, and followed on his heels.
When Jillian arrived downstairs, there was no one waiting for her.
Fine bunch of suitors, she thought. First they leave me, then they leave me again.
She glanced back up the stairs, plucking nervously at the neckline of her gown. Should she return for Kaley? The Black Boot was the finest inn in Durrkesh, boasting the best food to be had in the village, yet the thought of walking into the crowded eating establishment by herself was a bit daunting. She’d never gone into a tavern eatery alone before.
She moved to the door and peeked through the opening.
The room was packed with boisterous clusters of patrons. Laughter swelled and broke in waves, despite the fact that half the patrons were forced to stand while eating. Suddenly, as if ordained by the gods, the people faded back to reveal a dark, sinfully handsome man standing by himself near the carved oak counter that served as a bar. Only Grimm Roderick stood with such insolent grace.
As she watched, Quinn walked up to him, handed him a drink, and said something that nearly made Grimm smile. She smiled herself as he caught the expression midway through and quickly terminated any trace of amusement. When Quinn melted back into the crowd, Jillian slipped into the main room and hastened to Grimm’s side. He glanced at her and his eyes flared strangely; he nodded but said nothing. Jillian stood in silence, searching for something to say, something witty and intriguing; she was finally alone with him in an adult setting, able to engage in intimate conversation as she’d fantasized so many times.
But before she could think of anything to say, he seemed to lose interest and turned away.
Jillian kicked herself mentally. Hell’s bells, Jillian, she chided herself, can’t you dredge up a few words around this man? Her eyes started an adoring journey at the nape of his neck, caressed his thick black hair, wandered over the muscled back straining against the fabric of his shirt as he raised an arm for another draught of ale. She reveled in the mere sight of him, the way the muscles in his shoulders bunched as he gripped an acquaintance by the hand. Her eyes traveled lower, taking in the way his waist narrowed to tight, muscular hips and powerful legs.
His legs were dusted with hair, she noted, drawing a shaky breath, studying the backs of his legs below his kilt, but where did that silky black hair begin and end?
Jillian released a breath she hadn’t even known she was holding. Every ounce of her body responded to his with delicious anticipation. Merely standing next to this darkly seductive man, her legs felt weak and her tummy was filled with a shivery sensation.
When Grimm leaned back, momentarily brushing against her in the crowded room, she briefly laid her cheek against his shoulder so softly that he didn’t know she’d thieved the touch. She inhaled the scent of him and reached brazenly forward. Her hands found the blades of his shoulders and she scratched gently with her nails, lightly scoring his skin through his shirt.
A soft groan escaped his lips, and Jillian’s eyes widened. She scratched gently, stunned that he said nothing. He didn’t pull away from her. He didn’t spin on his heel and lash out at her.
Jillian held her breath, then inhaled greedily, reveling in the crisp aroma of spicy soap and man. He began to move slightly beneath her nails, like a cat having its chin scratched. Could it be he was actually enjoying her touch?
Oh, can the gods just grant me one wish tonight—to feel the kiss of this man!
She slid her palms lovingly over his back and pressed closer to his body. Her fingers traced the individual muscles in his broad shoulders, slid down his tapered waist, then swept back up again. His body relaxed beneath her hands.
Heaven, this is heaven, she thought dreamily.
“You’re looking mighty contented, Grimm.” Quinn’s voice interrupted her fantasy. “Amazing what a drink can do for your disposition. Where’s Jillian gotten off to? Wasn’t she just here with you a moment ago?”
Jillian’s hands stilled on Grimm’s back, which was so broad that it completely shielded her from Quinn’s view. She ducked her head, feeling suddenly guilty. The muscles in Grimm’s back went rigid beneath her motionless fingers. “Didn’t she step outside for a breath of fresh air?” she was stunned to hear Grimm ask.
“By herself? Hell’s bells, man—you shouldn’t let her go wandering outside by herself!” Quinn’s boots clipped smartly on the stone floor as she strode off in search of her.