Romance on the Edge 01 - Hooked

wrapping her legs tight around his waist. He groaned and swiveled. Crushing her in his arms, he pressed her against the cold metal side of the Jeep.
    “I’ve wanted to take you into my arms all day.” His teeth nipped down her neck. “Kiss you like this.” His lips conquered as they persuaded. She felt his frustration, his confusion, his need. “I felt impotent standing by while Judd questioned you like a criminal.”
    She giggled like a teenager and it felt fabulous, liberating. “You sure don’t feel impotent now.”
    “Far from it.” He gave her a devilish grin that promised dark and wondrous things.
    They fumbled to free clothing, Garrett cursing the stubborn zipper on her jeans. Salt air had a way of corroding all metals. She didn’t care about the cold air hitting her backside as he freed the zipper and tugged off her pants, not when Garrett made her feel like she was in the middle of a raging bonfire.
    “You’d better damn well have a condom with you this time, cop.”
    “I bought a pack at the cannery this morning,” he panted. “We’re good to go for twelve.”
    She choked out a laugh. It was heady to not think of consequences, responsibility, or restrictions and, for once in her life, just live in the moment.

C HAPTER T HIRTY- O NE
    Sonya straightened her clothes, and watched until she could no longer see Garrett’s taillights on the Jeep they’d just made desperate love against. A tickled smile seemed to be permanently fixed on her mouth. She’d never done anything so reckless. It felt exhilarating, and naughty, and she didn’t even question her reasons for having her way with him. Or did he have his way with her? It didn’t really matter, for they’d both had their way and then some. She turned and found herself humming as she sauntered down the beach, taking pleasure in the magical moonlight, the rhythmic waves, and the stirring breeze heavy with the promise of rain.
    “Enjoy yourself,” Aidan bit out from the dark shadows of the alder bushes that marked the trail leading up the bluff to the cabin.
    Sonya squeaked back the scream trapped in her throat. “Aidan? What are you doing?”
    “Waiting for you.” The tone of his voice caused the hairs on the back of her neck to rise.
    Could Garrett be right about Aidan? Was there another side to him? Because she sure as hell didn’t recognize the man in front of her right now.
    “Why were you waiting for me?” Had he seen her and Garrett together?
    Had he watched?
    Maybe Garrett’s suspicions were correct and Aidan hadn’t been scaring off a bear earlier. She scanned him for weapons but didn’t see anything except the fisted hands at his sides.
    She shivered.
    “I wanted to talk to you.” He stepped from the shadows and the light from the moon shone over the sharp angles of his face, making him look like one of the dark characters in his graphic novels.
    “What about?” She swallowed and yearned to take a step back, but held her ground on shaky legs.
    He motioned to the empty beach behind her. “Doesn’t matter now.”
    “Listen, Aidan, I don’t need to explain my actions to you. I’m free to do what I want.”
    “Right.” He glanced away from her, his nostrils flaring, his jaw flexing, then he turned back to her. “Damn you, Sonya.” He grabbed and yanked her into his arms, his mouth crushing hers.
    Fear surged inside her like a gale storm. Her arms were pressed to her sides with the force of his hold, his body urgent against hers, bowing it until she felt he’d snap her in two. Aidan was stronger, and desperate. They were utterly alone. Breathing became difficult, and she whimpered as she realized how precarious her situation was.
    Suddenly his mouth released hers, and she gulped in air. His bruising hold gentled. His breathing was labored, and his eyes wild. Those eyes searched hers, and she knew he saw the fear and panic swirling in hers.
    “I’m sorry, Sonya. Please—” he closed his eyes as though in pain “—don’t fear me again.” He dropped his forehead to hers and just held her. Gone was the monster and back was the man she’d cared for. “ Damn it ,” Aidan said without any heat and Sonya thought she heard tears in his voice. “He’s a stinking fish cop, Sonya. How is he preferable to me?”
    “I’m sorry.” She tried to swallow her own tears climbing up the back of her throat, but a few slipped past her. “I didn’t mean for this to happen. It just did.” A fat raindrop splattered on