I rubbed the back of her neck with my thumb, easing the tension there. “You sure? Because I’m willing to do some physical labor as recompense. Offer up a back rub, maybe.”

She huffed out a laugh and melted into me. “I’m not going to object to that.”

We grew quiet and held onto each other. I had no idea it would feel so good to simply hold a woman. Then Parker stirred.

“I didn’t expect this,” she said.

“Neither did I. You were supposed to be a snobby, rich woman of loose morals.” I laughed when Parker poked my side, and then I snuggled her closer. “Not a gorgeous, quirky environmentalist with excellent taste in motorcycles.”

“My taste is excellent in everything,” she said. “And you were supposed to be a boorish, money-grabbing jerk.”

Aside from the money thing, she wasn’t far off. But I wasn’t stupid enough to mention that. I nuzzled her hair instead, drawing in her scent. “Just because we didn’t plan on this doesn’t make it any less real, though, does it?”

“No, it doesn’t.” Her arms wrapped around my waist and it felt like heaven.

“I’m not taking any money from you,” I said into her silky hair.

“Then it’s a good thing I never got around to paying you.”

Laughing softly, I leaned back enough to see her face. She smiled up at me, a little hesitant but no longer angry. My fingertips traced the line of her jaw. “I won’t take the money, but I’m going to help you. We’re still partners. Just ones who are into each other.”

Warmth bloomed over her face. “All right.”

My hand slid to her cheek. “You mean something to me, Parker.” Because she had to understand that, and I didn’t know how to say it any better. “I want to know you.”

Her lids lowered as she leaned into my touch. “Crazy thing is? Right now, you already know me better than almost anyone.”

Hell. My heart gave a meaty thump and my throat closed.

“You do too,” I rasped, sliding a hand to her nape.

Before, when I’d kissed her, I’d done it in a lust-induced haze or under the guise of practice. Now there was just us. No bullshit. Just need.

My lips caressed Parker’s, drinking in her sigh. I explored her with slow strokes, gentle glides. When her lips parted, I slid my tongue in to taste her. The feel of her mouth sent a lick of hot pleasure through me.

Bending down further, I gathered her up and lifted her against me. Parker was tiny, and she was perfect. Our kiss turned deeper, stronger. I felt it everywhere, in the backs of my knees, in my heart that was beating faster. Her kisses made me weak, made me want in a way that was equal parts terrifying and exhilarating.