Chapter Three

 

Kieran was charmed by the blush on Dr. Adorable’s cheeks as she took his hand. It made him wonder if she was as innocent as she seemed. Perhaps she just wasn’t used to being around men? Whatever her deal, her untutored reactions to him were a breath of fresh air.

He knew when he arrived that whoever was in charge would more than likely throw the most beautiful and probably the most available woman his way in hopes of securing a donation—it had happened more times than he wanted to recount—but one look at Dr. Lily Cole had him standing at attention. And not just in his pants. He was sure her clear discomfort and disdain for him were a smoke screen for the heat he caught a flash of when she looked at him. When they touched, however, he knew she felt the same desire he had.

Not that she was going to give in. She seemed determined to keep things professional while he, on the other hand, wanted to see what would happen if he got her to release that pent-up tension. All over him.

He coolly let her lead the way through the line of interlocked buildings, grateful that she hadn’t pulled her hand out of his grasp. He was curious, however, when she slowed at what looked like a dorm room door, opened it, stuck her arm in, and pulled out a pair of glasses.

Her blush darkened as he watched her put them on. When her gaze connected with his, her eyes widened. Had she seen him clearly before? The thought that she was blown away by what she saw now made him want to preen, but he schooled his features into blank serenity while she looked her fill.

Feminine interest sparked in her eyes an instant before she quashed it. But he’d seen it and knew what it was. That was something he could use, at least.

Lily was about to shut the door when he wedged his arm into the gap. “Mind if I have a look? I’ve never been to a place like this before and was curious about how you live.”

Because it looked like it was on the tip of her tongue to deny him, Kieran gave her his most disarming smile.

She fidgeted, clearly not wanting to open the door. “I wasn’t expecting company. It’s not exactly show worthy. I can show you another that’s empty so you can get a feel for what it should look like…”

He shook his head. “I was given a room to use during my stay, but I want an authentic view of what it’s like to live here.”

Lily inhaled a slow, deep breath. “All right. Just keep in mind that I spend most of my time in the lab.”

He hid his chuckle as she opened the door wider and waved him inside.

What he saw wasn’t terrible. While it was obvious that she didn’t give much thought to keeping the place pristine, it wasn’t a landfill either.

Just the product of a mind busy with other matters.

Kieran did a slow twirl. It wasn’t bad. His first dorm room had been smaller, less furnished, definitely messier and had come with an insufferable roommate and a strange smell. This, in comparison, was the lap of luxury. She had everything she needed, with a bed, a desk, and a wardrobe, minus the irritation of sharing.

When his attention returned to her, he caught her trying to kick a pile of clothing under the bed.

He didn’t comment. Not on that.

“This isn’t half bad. Are all the rooms singles?”

She shook her head as she tried using her small frame to hide the collection of mugs on the corner of her desk. “I’m one of the lucky ones. Being here for most of the year seems to have given me seniority.”

“From what Dr. Cameron has told me you deserve all the perks he can provide.”

Her eyes widened. “Really? I didn’t think he thought that much of me and my work.”

“He speaks the world of you.”

There was doubt in her eyes. Had the man really not told her? Before he arrived, Kieran had had a closer look at the research done at the facility, and she had stood out like a shining beacon in the night. Her ideas were light years ahead of any of the kind he’d seen before. In fact, she’d been the reason he’d already made his mind up to donate. The purpose of the visit was to see if he could discern any other areas that were wanting. That, and he wanted to meet Lily in person. The fact that the manager of the place thought he needed to force her into a song and dance infuriated him even more.

A woman with her mind and talent shouldn’t have been reduced to the role of seductress, especially when she was so uncomfortable with the whole thing.

He’d have a talk with the man later. Right now, he was more interested in spending time with the enigmatic woman in front of him.

“Why did you take your glasses off?”

She pushed them up her nose nervously. “Most people don’t find glasses attractive. And, if you remember, I was supposed to charm you.”

He chuckled. “I’m not most people.”

Lily turned those dark brown eyes upward to meet his. “I’m starting to see that.”

“Good, because the last thing I want is for you to think I’m some rich dilettante who only wants to watch smart people grovel for my money because I’m too stupid to do anything on my own and want to claim your achievements as my own.”

The color rose in her cheeks again, letting him know he hit the mark. “I apologize. Again. But, if you don’t me asking, what is your field of expertise?”

“A little of this and a little of that.” He stepped closer. Kieran watched as her eyes dilated until they were almost black as he pressed closer. “What I’m most interested in right now is the physiology of touch.”

She’d stopped breathing but hadn’t backed away. Kieran knew she wanted him as much as he did her.

****

Lily couldn’t get her lungs to work for a long moment. Her attraction to the man was the most intense she’d ever experienced. The fact that he had a fascinating mind underneath all that muscle had her wanting to climb Kieran like a tree.

An urge that wasn’t great when so close to a bed.

At least not until she got to know him a bit better.

She took a breath and put some space between them. “Well, that’s all there is to see in here...”

Lily carefully steered him out of her room. Thankfully, Kieran didn’t have any objections.

What could she show him…

Lily didn’t need any specimens at the moment. She’d only gotten some during the early morning. It wasn’t like she was going to show him her personal routine.

They walked past a small alcove that served as their gym and she waved at it. “We all try to get some regular exercise here.” She let her gaze wander over him. “Something I’m sure you approve of.”

“I do my best. You seem to spend some time in there, huh?”

Not as much as she should. There were certainly parts of her that jiggled more than she liked.

However, those seemed to be where his eyes returned to most often. Her body responded to his stare instinctively, throbbing with awareness as if he’d touched her physically. As if he’d run those hands, that mouth, over her bare skin…

Biting her lip, she continued the trek through the building.

It was when they passed a window that an idea hit. It would show him around and put some much-needed space between them. Not to mention several layers of clothing.

She peeked over her shoulder at him. He was still wearing his coat and boots. “Why don’t I show you around outside?”

The downward quirk of his lips put a smirk on hers. “What? Too cold for you?”

The words might as well have been a blatant challenge the way his expression changed from slight dismay to determination. “Not at all.”

“Come on, then.” Lily smiled as she led the way back through the building. “Where are you staying?”

She caught the devilish glint in his eyes while she rolled hers. “Because you’ll need more than a jacket if we’re going out there.”

“This is what I have. I didn’t exactly plan on traipsing through the wilderness when I arrived.”

“That’s okay. You can wear something of mine.”

****

If anyone he knew saw him wrapped up in a rainbow scarf and lavender bunny hat, he’d never live it down. Then again, the obvious delight it gave her to see him dressed so ridiculously would have more than made up for it.

Kieran found that making her smile had climbed to the top of his priorities. At least for the duration of his stay here it was going to be his main goal. That and making her scream in ecstasy.

But first things first.

Lily led him around the bleak scenery, and while it was pretty spectacular in its own right, he couldn’t keep his attention on it. Not while Lily was nearby. She was breathtaking, especially when she was relaxed and in her element. Even bundled up and behind goggles as she was. It was clear in every glance and thoughtful little smile that she loved it there.

It all only made him fall harder.

He hoped he was right that she was interested in him. Kieran could feel it. Lily was. Very much so. She just needed to get used to the idea. Being as shy as she was, it would probably take a miracle to convince her to get naked with a man she’d only just met.

But he was ready to do just about anything for her. Even for nothing more than a smile.

Kieran certainly wasn’t smiling, however, when a handful of snow smacked him in the face.

Spluttering, he wiped the rapidly melting ice off his face to find her almost gleefully grinning up at him.

“Now that I have your attention. What are you thinking about?”

Her. Naked. Under him.

“Nothing much.” He shook his head. “You were saying?”

“Just pointing out the scintillating fact that this is where I fell on my butt the first day here and humiliated myself in front of everyone.”

Lucky ground. His hands were itching to curl around the tempting curves. He flexed his glove-clad fingers before jamming them in his jacket pocket.

“Getting cold?”

“Nope. What else have you got to show me?” Kieran was very interested in hearing everything she had to tell him.

“Well, we’ve already seen where we keep the snowmobiles… Showed you the other buildings… Where I go for solitude… There’s only one thing left.”

They’d been outside fifteen minutes max. It had taken them longer to get dressed. “What’s that?”

An armload of snow hit him square in the face.

“A snowball fight!”

He wasn’t going to let her get away with it this time.

Enjoying the fact that she was letting loose around him, Kieran shook off the snow before lunging for her and was surprised when she twisted out of reach and charged through the snow like she was born to do it.

What choice did he have but to pursue?

His long legs aided his chase, and it wasn’t long before he caught up to her and managed to cage her with his arms.

Unfortunately, Lily twisted in the same moment in an attempt to get away and they ended up entangled and tumbling into the snow.

Kieran curled around her, doing his best to take the brunt of the fall.

He needn’t have worried. The snow might have been hard, but it was more than sufficient as an airbag.

Unwinding himself from her, he found Lily laughing. Her cheeks were pink from the cold and probably her mirth, but she looked truly happy.

“This is the most fun I’ve had in months.” Her watch started beeping. “It’s time to head back.”

Not wanting to ruin the moment, Kieran shook his head. “Why?”

“Dinner. And we’ve been out here long enough. I wouldn’t want to be blamed for freezing the assets of the man who could save this place.”

He chuckled as he looked at the sky. The sun hadn’t dimmed. It all looked as it had when he’d arrived. Then he remembered. There were only two seasons here. Summer and winter. Six months of daylight and six months of darkness. It was nearing the end, but it was still summer.

What would night look like?

Kieran found himself wanting to find out.

They quickly headed back inside and deposited her things back in her locker. The trip back through the building was quiet and quick now that he had some idea of where everything was.

He wasn’t sure what he’d expected when they arrived at the kitchen. Kieran knew that they employed a full-time chef during the busy season. But now that everyone was gone?

Lily walked straight into the kitchen and through to what appeared to be a large pantry.

“What do you feel like eating?”

So, they’d be catering for themselves. Interesting. “What’ve you got?”

“It won’t be what you’re used to—”

“I’m sure it’ll be great.” He peeked at the shelves behind her and retrieved a box. “Why don’t we have this? I’ll even make it.”

Lily spun to look and burst out laughing. “Absolutely.”