Chapter Eight

“There are times,” he said, “when mah job could put me in a position out in icy conditions. I know a little bit now, but I know I could learn much more from ya. I’m familiar with basic survival skills, but I could learn how to build shelter much quicker, forage for food better, and what not, if you’d assist me.”

“What is your job?” she questioned.

“I’m with the Teams. And I’m confident with the jungle, the desert, any terrain but the ice. I need your help.”

The Teams. He was a SEAL.

Xaria couldn’t help smiling as his words moved over her. How fucking sexy was it to have a man speaking to her in an Irish brogue and looking like he did. “I can recommend others who can teach you the same thing.”

“Nae,” he said immediately, shaking his head.

She arched a brow. “No?”

“You trained them? These men you’re willing to send me off with?”

“Just about all of them.” She furrowed her brows. “A couple of old timers who helped train me are still around.”

“That means you still know more than most. I don’t want the second best. I want the best.” He reached across the table and covered her hand. “I want you.”

Her insides trembled at the combination of his touch and those words. How I wish you did. “I’m sorry. I can’t. I wish I could help you, but I can’t.”

She could feel his disapproval. It washed over her like a wave.

“You mean you won’t.”

“I’ve been planning this trip for years, Mr. O’Shea,” she snapped, not liking how her guilt made her feel. “I don’t need you to come judge me about whether or not I choose to help out a member of the United States military.” She tugged her hand away from his and set it on her lap. Her nerves were wound tight at just his simple touch.

“If that’s what it takes for you to help me, I’m willing to do it.”

Xaria stared at him. He was handsome enough that she was imagining him in ways she shouldn’t be. There was just something about him that called to her.

No, damn it! I want to go on this trip!

She shook her head. “I’m sorry. I can’t help you. I’d be more than willing to give you some other names, but there isn’t anything you can say or do to make me give up this opportunity.”

“That’s what you think,” he muttered in a low voice.

“What did you just say?”

“You heard me,” he said. “I have no intention of losing out on this opportunity either, Ms. Hummel.”

She groaned softly as he wiped the corner of his mouth with the napkin. The man was a walking ad for sexual allure. It wasn’t anything he tried to do; it oozed from him, as if bred into his DNA. His dark eyes moved over her and left her skin tingling. She swallowed once, twice, and even a third time, but it did her no good. Her throat was still unbelievably dry.

“So that means both of us are sorry. No matter. I’m still going.” She pushed her chair back and stood, wiping her hands on the napkin before placing it beside her plate. “I’ll leave some names at the front desk for you if you change your mind. It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Mr. O’Shea.”

Tossing some money down beside her plate, Xaria left without looking back.

Adrian sat there, elbows on the tabletop, and watched her walk away from him for the second time in less than twenty-four hours. Damn! he thought, running his tongue over his teeth.

He could honestly say this wasn’t even remotely how he’d envisioned things to go. Jötunn, he’d envisioned to be a man, not a woman whose mere presence made all sense leave him. Add to that her flat-out refusal to assist him in his quest. Aidrian had expected this person to jump at the chance to teach him. With a deep breath, he leaned back in his chair and thought again about Xaria “Jötunn” Hummel or Xar as she claimed she was also called. She intrigued him more than he cared to admit.

Aidrian ground his teeth together. He needed this. And I’m going to get it! Pushing up from the table, he went to the elevator and rode up to his room. When he stepped from the interior of the car and headed for his door, a smile crossed his face as his gaze landed on the gentle swaying hips of one Xaria Hummel. She stopped and looked over her shoulder. Her eyes widened slightly before she turned toward him.

“Mr. O’Shea,” she said, walking closer to him. “Were it not for the fact we’re housed on the same floor, I’d begin to wonder if you were stalking me.”

Aidrian smiled again and leaned nonchalantly against the wall, watching her approach. “And you know we’re on the same floor, how?”

Xaria stopped before him, her expression amused. “So you are stalking me.”

His grin grew wider. “Nice dodge. Won’t work, though. This where you saw me and made your assumption of me?”

She lifted a shoulder. “Perhaps.”

Aidrian put one hand in his pocket and withdrew a keycard. Stepping closer to her, he noticed how her breathing increased and her pupils dilated. He leaned down by her ear. “For your information, as a general rule, I have the utmost respect for women. But be assured, Miss Hummel, you and I have unfinished business and we will meet again.” Backing off, he maneuvered around her and let himself into his room. Xaria had turned to watch him and he winked her before closing the door behind him. He sank against it. “Yah should be grateful, I respect women, Xaria Hummel, or you would already be in mah bed.”

He shifted his stance before heading to the table where he had a bunch of books and manuals on ice survival. Picking one up, he thumbed through a few pages before tossing it back down with a low growl of frustration. Aidrian shook as his hands gripped the edge of the table. He needed some release. Changing quickly into sweats and a sleeveless tee, he went back down to the gym and began working out.