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But what scared him most was what she may have seen in his own eyes. He knew what he’d been feeling when they’d been together. Even if he was only admitting it to himself, he was feeling more for Zara than just physical attraction.
Raking a hand over his face, he reached to the bedside table for his phone and turned it on. The battery was starting to get low, but as soon as the phone powered on, his texts lit up. Apparently the road level was downgraded, and he could get out now. Did he tell Zara, or did he continue to stay here and search her house? He’d found the one tube that could be holding a scroll and he desperately wanted to get it into Mac’s hands.
The electricity was still out, but maybe the electric company would be coming through soon, since there were no driving restrictions now.
His entire home had a backup generator. Possibilities swirled around in his mind. Zara nestled closer to his side, a soft sigh escaping her lips. When her warm breath fanned across his bare chest, he knew right then that he would be going home today...and she’d be coming with him.
That primal, territorial need he had for her had intensified. The ache to see her in his home, in his bed was nearly all-consuming.
Braden shot off a quick text to Mac that he would be home later with Zara and the container. Yes, it was presumptuous to assume she’d be coming with him, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer. He saw exactly how much he affected her, he felt it, and after last night, she may wake up more confused than ever; but until Braden knew what the hell was going on between them, he wasn’t about to leave her alone to start thinking of all the reasons they wouldn’t work.
Not to mention he didn’t want her out of his sight until he learned what was in this tube, because if it did indeed hold one of the scrolls, he would have to search this house again.
Braden set his phone back on the nightstand and turned toward Zara, wrapping both arms around her. As he pulled her body flush against his, he couldn’t help but wonder how he’d gotten so far into her world. He’d started with wanting to gain enough trust to get into her home, and while she’d interested him from the start, he’d be lying if he said he hadn’t wanted to sleep with her; but no way in hell had he planned on getting emotionally involved.
Damn it. This complicated things.
“I’m getting spoiled,” she mumbled against his chest. “Waking to a warm, naked man who’s holding me. Not being able to work, eating junk all the time.”
Braden raked his hands up her back, loving the feel of all that smooth, silky skin beneath his palms. “Get dressed. The roads are better so we’re heading to my house.”
Zara jerked back. “Your house? Are you going to ask or just demand? I’m fine right here, you know.”
“My house has a backup generator, so we’ll have full amenities.” He kissed her temple, hoping to soften her even more. “You’re more than welcome to stay here, but why don’t you come with me until your house is up and running?”
She tensed beneath him, and he wasn’t about to give her the chance to back out. Softly he covered her lips with his. “I want you in my bed, Zara,” he murmured against her. “I need you there.”
Knowing he was fighting dirty, he allowed his fingertips to trail back down. Cupping her bottom, he pulled her against his hips. “But if you don’t want to join me, just say so.”
Zara groaned. “You’re not playing fair.”
“I’m not playing at all.” He nipped at her lips. “I have some work to do, but I promise we’ll pick up right here later.”
Her brows drew in slightly. “I don’t know, Braden.”
“I do.” He rested his forehead against hers, knowing she needed tenderness. “If we didn’t work together in anyway, would you come to my house?”
She hesitated.
“I’m not asking for anything more,” he added. “I’m just not ready to let you go.”
“You make it impossible to say no.”
Braden laughed, kissed her softly and tipped her face up. “That’s my plan. Now let’s get dressed and get out of here.”
As he rolled over and came to sit on the edge of the bed, the cat darted out and rubbed against Braden’s ankles. His sister would definitely take this little guy in if Zara didn’t. That girl took in so many stray animals, she needed to live out in the country where she had land for such things. Having a home in the middle of Boston wasn’t ideal for a makeshift animal shelter.
