Rebecca Zanetti - Under the Covers

Juliet tensed the second the outside door clanged shut. So much for her brief reprieve. She turned around and sat on the highest rung of the ladder, her gaze on the hard wooden floor so far below her feet. Paintings still hung on the wall, and she needed to take them down. But first, she had to face the sheriff.

Shed known hed show up after receiving her e-mail. Nerves jumped in her belly as she waited.

He strode into the main room of the art gallery and brought the scents of male and pine with him. Stopping several feet away, he looked up. Juliet.

Sheriff. She took a deep breath, trying to keep her focus on his dark eyes.

But that body deserved a second glance. Tight and packed hard, the sheriff wore faded jeans, a dark button-downed shirt, and a gun at his hip. Black hair swept away from a bronze face with rugged features. Not handsome, but definitely masculine and somehow, tough. Years ago, shed liked tough. Many years ago.

He cocked his head to the side and studied her.

For months, hed been studying herthat dark gaze probing deep, warming her in places she tried to control. But Quinn Lodge was all about control, and the smirk he gave promised shed be the one relinquishing it. Any other woman, Id be worried about that top rung. Not you, though, he murmured.

She smiled to mask her instant arousal from his gravelly voice and resorted to using a polite tone. You dont care if I fall?

I care. But you wont fall. Youre the most graceful person Ive ever met. Ever even seen. Admiration and something deeper glimmered in his eyes.

She swallowed. Thank you. Now perhaps we should get to the arguing part of the evening.

Im not going to argue. Stubbornness lined his jaw, at home and natural along the firm length. Neither are you.

While the words sounded like a peaceful overture, in truth, they were nothing but an order. She clasped her hands together and smoothed down her long skirt. When he used that tone, her panties dampened. If the boys from the private school whod dubbed her frigid virgin could only see her now. Good, no arguing. We agree.

His grin flashed a dimple in his left cheek, and he shifted his weight. Youre not leaving the gallery.

Yes, I am. She should not look. She absolutely would not look. But shed recognized his move when hes shifted his weightyes. A very impressive bulge filled out the sheriffs worn jeans.

She swallowed, her ears ringing. Her thighs suddenly ached to part.

His eyebrows rose. Juliet?

Guilt flashed through her even as her eyes shot up. Yes?

His smile was devastating. Would you like to finally discuss it?

Your erection? The words slipped out before she could think. Oh God. She slapped a hand over her mouth.

He laughed, the sound male and free. Here in the backcountry, maam, we prefer the term hard-on. But, yes, lets discuss the fact that Im permanently erect around you. Tell me youre finally ready to do something about it.

Her heart bashed into her rib cage. Like what? she choked.

Well nowhe tucked his thumbs in his pockets, his gaze caressing up her legs to her rapidly sharpening nipplesIve never taken a woman on a ladder before, but the thought does have some possibilities. How flexible are you, darlin?

The spit dried up in her mouth, while warmth flowed through the rest of her. He wasnt joking. If she gave the word, hed be on her. Shock filled her at how badly she wanted the sheriff on her. Most men would be at least a little embarrassed by the tented jeans. Not Quinn Lodge. He wanted to explore the idea.

While I appreciate your offer, Id prefer we returned to settling the issue of the gallery. Could she sound any less like a spinster from the eighteen hundreds? Im unable to pay the rent, and thus, I need to move on. But where? The upcoming art show needed to be somewhere close by or nobody would attend. While she had no choice but to leave town right after the opening, at least she could leave on a triumphant note.

I dont need the rent. Lets keep a running total, and after youre hugely successful, you can pay me. He ran a broad hand through his hair. Stop being impossible.

She wasnt a charity case. Plus, the last person she wanted to owe was the sheriff. The man viewed the world in clear, unequivocal lines, and she lived in the gray area. A fact he could never know.

Im sorry, but Im not taking advantage of you. She was out of money, and no way would she stick around.

He sighed. Juliet, I dont need the money.

The words from any other man wouldve been bragging. Not Quinn Lodge. He was merely being niceand telling the truth. His family owned most of Montana, and hed invested heavily in real estate. The guy owned many properties, including the two-story brick building that had held her gallery for the past few months, since shed arrived in town.

She sighed. Im not owing you.

His chin lowered.

Hers lifted.

A cell phone buzzed from his pocket. He drew it out, frowned at the number, and then looked back up at her. I, ah, need to take this. Do you mind?

No. Darn if his manners didnt make her feel even more uncomfortable.

Thanks. He lifted the device to his ear. Lodge here.

He listened and slowly exhaled. Thank you, Governor. He shook his head. I dont think so Yes, I understand what you are saying. Dark eyes rose and warmed as they focused on Juliets hardened nipples. Shed cross her arms, but why hide? It wasnt like the sheriff was concerned about the massive erection he was still sporting, and she could be just as nonchalant as he. She dragged her thoughts back to his ongoing conversation.

I would, but I already have a date. That dimple flashed again, this time longer. Yes, Im seeing someoneJuliet Montgomery. She owns the art gallery in town. Of course shell be at the dance as well as at the ride. Thank you very much. He slid the phone into his pocket.

Tingles wandered down Juliets spine. Several of her fantasies regarding the sheriff included being part of his everyday life. Of course, many more centered on his nights. Were dating?

Well now, only a true Montana man could drawl a sentence like thathow about we reach an agreement?

She frowned even as her clit sprang to attention. Her raging hormones would love to reach an agreement. Im not for sale, Quinn.

He lost the smile. I would never presume you were, darlin. Heres the dealwe both need help. How about we help each other?

Without knowing the facts, she knew enough to understand this was a bad idea. No matter how many tingles rippled through her abdomen. Why did you tell the governor were dating?

He tried to fix me up with his niece, and I needed an out. Youre my out. Dare and self-effacing humor danced on his face. How about we date for the next six weeks, just until the election, and you keep the gallery rent-free? Youd really be helping me out.

Quinn was up for reelection for the sheriffs office. She shook her head. You dont need to play games. Everybody loves you.

No. The people in the town of Mineral Lake like me. But Maverick County is a large area, and I need the governors endorsement. The last thing I have time for is campaigning for a job I love when I need to be doing that job.

Considering shed be leaving soon, maybe she should provide him some assistance. You have more money than the governor. Buy some ads.

Im not spending money on ads. Its a waste as well as an insult to hardworking people.