“Gavin.”
“Layla.”
“And I’m Tammy,” the younger woman quickly said, not waiting for an introduction. She flashed Gavin a huge, flirty smile.
Gavin switched his gaze from Layla to Tammy. “Hello, Tammy.”
“You look good on your horse. I would love for you to give me a ride.”
Gavin released a smooth chuckle. “Sorry. Acer is temperamental. I’m the only one he lets on his back.”
“Um, I’m sure there are other ways we can ride,” Tammy purred suggestively. “Without your horse.”
Layla cleared her throat. Did the young woman have no shame? Tammy had pretty much offered herself to Gavin. Talk about being over-the-top brazen. The smile, she noticed, didn’t leave Gavin’s features when he said, “Thanks. But no thanks.” He then turned his full attention back to Layla. “Have dinner with me tonight.”
Layla swallowed. “Dinner?”
“Yes. I figured we could grab a meal in town.”
Before Layla could say whether she would go or not, Tammy spoke up in an irritated tone. “Dr. Harris is in charge of this project, and I’m sure she has a lot to do tonight since we start digging in a few days. There are preliminary reports she has to complete and soil samples that need to be reviewed. But I’ll be glad to go out with you tonight.”
An annoyed frown replaced the smile on Gavin’s lips when he turned to Tammy. “Are you her spokesperson?”
It was obvious Tammy had been caught off guard by Gavin’s question. “No.”
“I didn’t think so. As far as taking her place, I didn’t ask you to, did I?”
He couldn’t have been I’m-not-interested-in-you plainer than that, Layla thought. Rage appeared in Tammy’s face, making it quite obvious she wasn’t used to men rejecting her and she didn’t appreciate Gavin doing so. Instead of answering his question, she turned and angrily strutted off.
Layla watched her go and then turned her attention back to Gavin. “You might have hurt her feelings.”
He shrugged massive shoulders. “She’ll get over it. Besides, someone needs to teach her some manners.” He leaned back. “So what about it? Will you have dinner with me tonight? We can even take in another movie if you like?”
Layla nibbled at her bottom lip. Tammy had been right about her having a lot of work to do to prepare for the start of the dig. But then hadn’t Tammy also reminded her that although they were dedicated to this dig during the day, the nighttime hours were theirs to enjoy? Besides, after witnessing Tammy come on to Gavin the way she had, Layla had realized something. He could have taken Tammy up on her bold offer but he hadn’t. He had even made it crystal clear that Layla was the woman he wanted.
Though she had convinced herself that she could do without him even if she wanted him, she now knew she couldn’t. And why should she? She’d spent her whole life proving she could accomplish what she set her mind to. Now, she was setting her mind to finishing this dig and having Gavin, too.
She had set her target and she was going after what she wanted. In other words, she was about to become Viper Jr.
She met Gavin’s gaze. “Dinner and a movie sound nice. Yes, I’d love to go out with you tonight.”
The moment Layla walked up the porch steps her nerves tightened. Was she doing the right thing? Was following her desires rather than common sense the best move for her tonight?
Her gaze swept over at the man at her side. Gavin had been quiet since parking his truck. Now he was walking her to the door and she knew it would be her decision how tonight would end. He wouldn’t even kiss her good-night unless he knew for certain more came with that kiss. Was she ready to give him more?
They had been careful not to touch all night. Holding hands would have led to heaven knows what. The sexual chemistry between them was that explosive. She had been aware of everything about him all evening. His breathing pattern, the sexual vibes that poured off him and the heavy-lidded eyes that stared at her.
Even now, there was this sensuous pull of desire between them. She was aware of it and she knew he had to be aware of it, as well. That consciousness was a slow roll of longing in her stomach and a throbbing intensity at the base of her throat. Never had she felt such primal awareness of a man before.
When they reached the door she turned to him. Although his Stetson shaded his eyes, she felt his stare. She inhaled his masculine scent. The man was a living, breathing sample of testosterone at its best.
Drawing in a deep breath, Layla tightened her hands on the shoulder straps of her purse. “Dinner was wonderful. So was the movie. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a musical.” His taste in movies surprised her. Last time it had been a chick flick and tonight a musical.
“Glad you enjoyed both.”
She smiled up at him. “I did. Thanks for asking me to go. To be with you.”
He nodded. “I can’t think of any other woman I’d rather have been with tonight, Layla.”
His words sent profound happiness spiraling through her. He could have spent the evening with Tammy, who was almost six years younger, and to Layla’s way of thinking, a lot prettier. But she was the one he’d asked out. “Thank you for saying that.”
“It’s the truth.”
When she didn’t respond, she heard Gavin draw in a deep breath before saying, “I know you have a lot of work to do so I’ll let you get to it.”
He was giving her an out. He wouldn’t pressure her. He’d stated days ago where he stood. If things between them escalated it would be up to her.
Swallowing deeply, she asked, “Would you like to come in for a drink, Gavin?”
He held her gaze for a long moment before smiling. “Yes, that would be nice, Layla.”
As she opened the door to let him in, Layla knew it would be a whole lot better than just nice.
* * *
Gavin followed Layla inside. Removing his Stetson, he placed it on the rack by the door. She walked ahead, toward the living room and his groin tightened with each sinfully erotic sway of her hips.
“Beer or wine cooler?” she asked over her shoulder.
“Beer.” He closed the front door. He actually needed something a lot stronger. A straight shot of bourbon might do the trick, to stop his testosterone from overloading. But then he figured there wasn’t a drink on earth that could deaden his desire for Layla. It went too deep. He could actually feel a throb in his veins. Drawing in a deep breath he inhaled her scent.
“Here you are,” she said, reentering the living room.
He recalled the last time she’d offered him a beer and what had occurred when their hands touched. What he’d felt. Would she avoid touching him this time? There was only one way to find out.
When she handed him the bottle, he deliberately held her gaze. Intentionally, he rubbed his finger against her hand. Hearing her sharp intake of breath, he’d gotten the reaction he’d hoped for. Unlike the last time she didn’t wipe her hands on her jeans.
Still holding her gaze, he opened the bottle and took a huge gulp. He then lowered the bottle, licked his lips and asked the same question he had asked that night. “Want a sip?”
He’d given her an