Hands Off Read Online Free

she’d hoped. All she could do at this point was lay it all out there. Let him in on what her thought process had been up to now. Maybe then he’d understand.
    She cleared her throat, thinking fast. “You know I haven’t been able to taste, truly taste, anything in a long time, right?”
    “You mentioned that before. What does that have to do with this?”
    “It’s all related. Bear with me?”
    He nodded stiffly.
    “You know the hobbies I used to adore—reading, hiking, skiing, wine tasting—I stopped caring about them. And the career I used to love has become monotonous. It takes days to sketch out a design when it used to take hours.”
    She’d never thought she’d grow bored of designing clothes, but her flair and passion for the creative had come to an abrupt halt after Davis had died. Luckily she had a good work ethic and persevered. Otherwise, she’d have to literally start from scratch. Her burgeoning career would’ve been ruined.  
    “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you were still so unhappy.” He rubbed his thumb against her palm. His expression softened. “You should’ve told me sooner.”
    “I’m not trying to make you pity me. I’m trying to make you understand.” And seduce you in the least seductive way, apparently.
    Shoot. She ran her hand over his chest again. The solid wall of muscle, of strength. She hoped this wasn’t the last time she’d be able to touch him like this.
    “I’m listening, Naomi.”
    Okay, here it goes. “Several months ago I started feeling again. I started craving. But the craving wasn’t for food or anything quite that simple.” She gulped and willed the warmth from her cheeks. “It only happens when I’m around you. I began to notice you... as a man.” Her fingers trailed along his tense shoulder. His broad shoulders and back were her favorite parts of him. This week.
    “As a man?”
    “Probably sounds silly.” She opened her hands and tried to explain. “Lately, when we hug... I don’t want it to end. I love being wrapped up in your arms. Sometimes I notice how you look at me from across a crowded room. And I like it. I imagine you’re thinking not-so-innocent thoughts about me. Which might be ridiculous but...”
    She dropped her hand to cradle his, avoiding eye contact, yet pausing to see if he’d say something. When he didn’t, she continued. “I began to look deeper. At every angle, every muscle, your hair, your lips, your cheeks, your jaw, your scars, your scent, every quirk and nuance. And each time I observed you, my body heated, my nerves tingled, and I felt alive again. Finally. You ask ‘why me? ’ and all I can think of is how obsessed I’ve become with you.”
    She belted out a nervous laugh, then stopped herself when he didn’t smile, nor did any of the tension ease from his body. His thumb had stopped rubbing her hand and was now pressed solidly against her palm.
    “Do you know what I mean, Jude? I’m not asking for forever. Just one night. But I won’t beg.”  
    Stop embarrassing yourself, Naomi.
    Too late for that, she thought when he dropped his gaze. He couldn’t even look at her. Her cheeks blazed and she stood to get some distance from the huge mistake she’d made. How could she unstitch this one? She should’ve known better than to take advice from Millie.
    “You know what? Never mind,” she said, heading toward the door. Her embarrassment was quickly transitioning to anger. He could at least let her down easy. “Aren’t you going to say something? Anything?”
    Naomi turned on her heel and was startled when she found Jude standing directly behind her, a peculiar smirk on his lips.
    “I’m not sure you know what you’re asking for,” he said, his voice unusually hoarse. His large frame was a bit intimidating as he inched closer, backing her against the door. “I don’t want to take advantage of you when you’re not at your best.”
    “I wouldn’t have said anything if I couldn’t handle the