She’d allowed herself to believe he didn’t really want her, except she couldn’t be sure, when the only time she ever permitted him close was when he had no choice but to rescue her.
He wasn’t the type of man who would walk away from a woman in need. Especially one he’d known from the age of five.
He would never let her down regardless of their fractured relationship.
It wouldn’t matter how badly she treated him—and she was ashamed to admit she’d treated him abysmally at times—he’d always been there for her.
Still was.
Her hand slowed as she reached for a towel. What did that tell her?
Was he always there because she was Wade’s little sister or because he harbored deeper feelings than sisterly love?
Their one night together couldn’t be put in the former category, that was for sure. Her gaze darted to the door.
He waited on the other side.
There was no mistaking the shuffling of his boots on the timber floor.
He’d stayed to be sure she was alright. She knew that as well as she knew her own name.
But was it out of duty or something more?
Grabbing the towel she dried off and wrapped it around herself, then tucked her wet hair into another one. She had to leave the bathroom.
Clean clothes were on the other side of the door—with Brent.
Her throat was scratchy from all the crying and her heart raced at the thought of facing him again, but there was no point putting it off. Stalling would only delay the inevitable.
Taking a deep breath, she straightened her shoulders and, head high, walked from the bathroom.
He paced on the far side of her room, stopping mid-step when he spotted her. His dark blue gaze travelled down her body before coming back up to meet hers.
“You okay?”
She couldn’t speak, not with those eyes glued to hers, so she gave a single nod and headed for her walk-in closet. She knew he could see the evidence of her crying jag. She’d seen her reflection in the mirror.
Hopefully he’d ignore her red, puffy eyes like she had.
Footsteps echoed behind her. She didn’t need his scent to surround her or his breathing to fill her ears to know he’d followed.
His arms wrapped around her waist and tugged her backward until his chest pressed against her back. Heat soaked through the damp towel and sent a shiver along her spine.
Her eyelids drifted closed and she leaned into his embrace.
Neither spoke.
The moment charged with a need that soothed and aroused.
No man ever made her feel the way he did. In all the years she’d convinced herself she was over him, no one had touched her the way he could.
She didn’t know what would happen in the morning, but for now she couldn’t deny she wanted him.
To the depth of her soul she wanted to lie beneath him and let him love her like before.
His erection pressed into the curve of her ass, the hot length promising pleasure and relief from the ache in her core. She tried to turn in his arms, but he tightened his grip and held her still.
“No, not yet.” He leaned forward and brushed his lips over her temple. “I just need a minute and then I’ll go.”
