I dont think youre damaged, he said.
You dont have to live with losing your dreams.
He leaned close, pressing his palm against her cheek. Then, without thinking, Cameron brushed his lips across hers. There are a lot of other dreams out there, Sofie, he murmured. You just need to go look for them.
He saw the tears flooding her eyes, and he turned away, upset that hed brought her to this emotional state. I think youre a pretty amazing woman. Ive only known you a day. Just think how Ill feel after a week.
Youll want to catch the first bus back to Seattle, she said.
He steered the Jeep back onto the road. You really have five brothers?
Sofie smiled. I do. And they insist on interrogating any man that kisses me. So you better stop that right now, or youre going to be in big trouble.
You think they could take me? he asked.
Hell, I could take you, Sofie said.
Id like you to try, he challenged.
The mood between them shifted again, and Cameron had to wonder why it was so easy to talk to Sofie. Hed never been much for conversation with other women. He usually hated idle chitchat. But with Sofie, it was like a game between them, a game he was coming to enjoy.
I can take care of myself, Sofie shouted.
Cameron arched his brow. The thought of being overpowered by such a beautiful creature created a delicious fantasy in his head. But his thoughts were interrupted by a loud bang.
The Jeep jerked and then swerved on the rough asphalt road. Cameron gripped the steering wheel tightly as he slowed to a stop, a plume of dust rising from the skidding tires.
Flat tire, Sofie muttered, cursing beneath her breath in Spanish.
Cameron chuckled softly. I suppose the auto club doesnt come out this far. No worries. I know how to change a tire.
Sofie jumped out of the Jeep. So do I. These desert roads are notoriously bad on tires. She strode to the back of the vehicle and squatted down to examine the rear wheel. She straightened, then kicked the tire. It was brand-new.
As Cameron stood behind her, his attention was caught by the curve of her backside as she shoved her hands in the pockets of her jeans. Though she wore simple work clothes, there was no disputing that they hid an incredible combination of curves. And the more time he spent with her, the more curious he became about the body beneath.
Cameron sighed softly. This was not the time to be thinking about seducing his boss, especially one who probably knew how to kill him with one quick chop to the throat. And yet he couldnt seem to help himself.
Sofie spun around, catching him staring again. Are you going to just stand there with your mouth hanging open, or are you going to help me?
Help, he said, quickly moving past her. Cameron noticed that she carried two spares in the cargo compartment of the Jeep. He found the tire iron and jack next to the spares and pulled both of them out. Why dont you just let me take care of this? Cameron said.
I can help, she replied. She reached for one of the tires and tried to pull it out of the back of the Jeep. Cameron dropped the tire iron and jack. Here, let me get that.
I can get it, she said stubbornly.
He reached around her. Its heavy. It would be easier if you opened the tailgate.
I can get it, she insisted.
But their arms and feet got tangled, and when Sofie finally pulled the tire over the edge of the cargo compartment, the weight of it knocked them both off balance. He grabbed her waist and yanked her out of the way as the tire fell on the dusty road.
They tumbled back onto the hard ground, Cameron taking the weight of her body in the fall. She ended up lying on top of him, his hands spanning her waist. Their eyes met and Cameron was afraid to speak, knowing that it might break this strange spell that had fallen over them both.
Hesitantly, she leaned closer, her lips just inches from his. And then closer again. He drew one more ragged breath then slipped his hand gently around her nape. He waited, hoping shed take his touch as an invitation to go further. And when she did, the breath rushed out of him as her lips met his.
This time, the kiss was filled with all the repressed desire that theyd both tried to deny. She surrendered her body to his touch as Cameron explored her mouth more deeply. His tongue delved inside the sweet warmth and she didnt resist. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer, rolling her onto the ground beneath him. Slowly, his hands smoothed along her hip. He pulled her thigh up along the length of his leg.
She drew back and he saw the desire clouding her gaze. As much as shed maintained a careful distance since theyd met, Cameron suspected that there was an attraction that shed been fighting as hard as he had. He smiled, reaching out to cup her cheek in his hand. That was nice, he murmured.
Sofie nodded. Yes, she replied.
He leaned in for another kiss and they lost themselves again. Her hands clutched at the front of his shirt, holding on to him as they rolled around in the dirt.
And then, as quick as it had begun, she stopped and yanked him upright, scrambling to her feet. She pulled him up with her. A moment later, she brought her foot down on the ground where theyd just been lying. Scorpion, she murmured.
Cameron gasped. What? Where?
Under my boot. You have to be careful around here. In the morning, shake out your shoes and clothes. Dont walk around barefoot.
Are they poisonous?
They wont kill you. But the bite is pretty painful. She dusted off her clothes then strode to the spot where the tire had come to rest. She hefted it up and rolled it toward the back of the Jeep, as if she was glad to have something else to focus on.