I keep repeating that as I stand under the shower and let the heated water rain over me. I try not to think about Andrew standing in this same spot, the water running down his abs, over his narrow hips, and the chiseled V I know has to be there. Ugh. What the hell is wrong with me? Since I stepped out of that car, I’ve been a mess.
After rinsing the shampoo and then the conditioner from my hair, I wash my body as quickly as possible. All the while, both hoping and dreading that he might walk in and catch me naked. Did they put some kind of aphrodisiac in that lasagna? I mean, it was delicious, but I’ve never reacted to a man like this before. Maybe it’s the mountain. Is it cursed or something? Fuck. I’m just being ridiculous.
I left the towel sitting on the counter, so after grabbing it, I dry off, then wrap another around my hair, because, of course, I forgot to bring my blow dryer. I stare at the closed door like it holds all the secrets to life, but really, all I need to know is whether he’s there, waiting for me on the other side. Did he come back in? Or forget something?
Stupid. Ridiculous. Overthinking like usual. I’m twenty-six years old. An attorney. I don’t let anyone walk all over me. Men have flirted with me before; I handled it then. I’ll handle it now.
After my little pep talk, I pull open the door like it’s going to bite me, then breathe a sigh of relief when the bedroom is empty.
“See, biatch, stop being a Karen. Nothing to see here,” I reprimand myself, then grab the hairdryer and brush from my suitcase. If tomorrow didn’t worry me so much, I’d shove my hair into a ponytail and say the hell with it, but I need to look professional. Sleek hair, work clothes, makeup, heels—my armor—the same as for the office every day. Presenting a polished persona, a mask that hides the former foster child, is always in place—only Cheri ever sees the real me behind the facade.
Hair now dry, I lift the silk gown and slide it over my head and down my body, caressing my skin. My nipples harden and push against the soft material. Catching my reflection in the mirror, I hardly recognize myself—cheeks flushed, encased in blush-pink silk, hair shiny and framing my shoulders. Even my normally dull blue eyes shine with desire. Fuck.
It doesn’t matter whether he’s in the room with me or not. His presence surrounds me. His breath brushing over my skin, the tingle of his touch, and the appreciation in his eyes.
C’mon, Jac, what about our pep-talk? I can’t do this. Closing my eyes, I draw in a cleansing breath to settle myself. Then grab my purse from where I dropped it on the nightstand. I fish my phone out, toss it on the bed, and scramble into bed. The king-size bed is so high off the floor that I need one of those handles, the ones they have in cars to help climb on.
I slide between the sheets that almost rival the silk of my gown and lean against the pillows. It’s firm but soft. I know that makes no sense, but it’s true. It should be perfect, except there’s a huge problem—Andrew’s scent surrounds me like he’s holding me in his arms. Dammit. How the hell am I supposed to sleep in this bed?
Cheri. She’ll talk me off the ledge. I reach for my phone and call my bestie.
“About time, Jac. I was getting ready to call the cavalry,” Cheri answers in her low-pitched, sultry voice. I’ve told her countless times that if the whole writing thing flops, she could always be a phone sex operator.
“What, no hello, even?” I snark at her.
“Not after hours of sitting here, biting my fingernails, and wondering whether you’re alive or dead. We don’t know anything about these Gallants. I was half tempted to call my brothers and beg them to look into them.”
“I’m so sorry, Cheri. I didn’t mean to make you worry, but I haven’t had a second alone to call.”
“Texting works, or were your fingers occupied?” She giggles.
“Umm, no, only when I was eating. But I swear there’s something in the air here,” I say, squeezing my eyes shut but still seeing Andrew’s ocean-blue orbs and his perpetual smirk.
“What do you mean? Tell me everything, don’t leave out anything. I’ll know,” she demands.
She’s right. Cheri can always tell if I’m holding back. I’m not going to lie, it’s nice to know there is someone on this planet who really knows me, though it took some getting used to.
“I don’t know where to start…”
“At the beginning. What happened when you hung up and got out of the car?” The distinct sound of her plopping onto the couch and popping the cap of her water bottle is clearly heard over the phone.
“Okay. Three of the Gallant brothers were waiting for me. Andrew, Aaron, and Adrian. I didn’t meet the other three until dinner. They’re as gorgeous as their photos on the website, and tall like trees. I don’t think one of them is under six five. It’s crazy. I felt like a child when Andrew stood next to me.
“The house is enormous and nothing like I expected. The main house is close to some elaborate lodge that you’d see in the interior design magazines. Inside is stunning but comfy, not like your parents’ mansion.
“We went into their family room, and basically, they surrounded me and started asking questions. They wanted to know about the contract and why I didn’t go to Snyder. Cheri, they think I’m up to something. Andrew didn’t come right out and say it, none of them did, but the suspicion is plain to see.”
She draws in a breath, and I can picture how she’d narrow her eyes and clench her hands, the classic Cheri defensive pose. “I hope you set them straight.”
Crap. I knew she’d ask that, but damn, I hate admitting how I lost it instead of defending myself. “Actually, no.” I sigh. “I wanted to, but I froze up and went into full panic mode.”
“Why?” Her voice is gentle. “Are you okay? I knew I should have come with you…”
“I’m fine, seriously.” I cringe, knowing how she’s going to react to what I say next. “Andrew lifted me onto his lap and hugged me until I calmed down. Talked me through the panic.”
“Merda! He did what? And you were okay with that?” The fact she cursed in Italian tells me how shocked she is. I knew she would be. Hell, I’m still trying to come to terms with all these feelings I shouldn’t be having.
“Surprisingly, I was and am. After I calmed down, I met the rest of the brothers and their wives. Adam, Aaric, and Asher are all married. The women have been really welcoming, but the brothers were slightly reserved.”
