He nestled his head against the curve of my neck. The brush of his prickly chin tickled, sending shivers tingling along my spine. I relaxed and luxuriated in his arms, hoping he found comfort too.
His skin felt hot and soft against my lips.
“Mari,” he whispered.
I stilled when I realized I’d been subtly running my lips against the muscles of his shoulder.
I’d been taken over by lustful instinct. His hands slid down my arms to grab mine. He laced our fingers together, and the innocent action spread heat through to my core, overwhelming my senses. I wished he would press himself against me. I wished I could feel him hardening as I softened.
“You said you didn’t want this,” he said.
I hid my face. My cheek burned against his warmth. “I did say that.”
“It’s confusing to me,” he admitted, and it was like cold water.
I leaned back to look up at him. His dark eyes were narrowed with regret and lust. He wanted this; he wantedme. He released my hands to tangle his own in my hair, tilting my head back to look at him. His gaze moved, never still, all over my face and neck. His chest rose and fell fast against me. I held on to his back as I studied him. The beat of my heart felt so heavy that it shook my quick breaths.
“I could kiss you. I would love to taste your lips again.” His voice strained as he spoke. His nose ran along the shell of my ear, and I gasped. “But I can’t have you regret it. Or think it was a mistake.”
I nodded, unable to speak. I was torn between giving in to this desire and listening to my rational mind that told me I would regret it. I always regretted needing somebody.
His mouth hovered over the junction of my neck. He exhaled again, lips almost but not quite touching my jaw. My mouth parted to breathe him in like a shotgunned hit. He tilted his head to the other side. Nothing touched me, but his presence was as tangible as if he’d been licking me.
I wanted to be the person who could let my body lead in this instance. Why was it so easy every other time, when my mind clouded over in anger? Why did I still resist when it would only bring pleasure?
Because Leo would get hurt.Iwould get hurt.
I closed my eyes and brought my arms into my body, curling my fingers against his chest. “You’re right.”
His exhalation was sharp and pained.
“I didn’t mean to confuse you,” I said, throat tight.
His forehead dropped to mine.
“If it helps, I’m so confused too.” I felt so vulnerable, so exposed to Leo like I’d never been with anybody else. “I never meant for this...I never meant to make you feelused.”
His arms went back to wrap around my shoulders.
“I only ever meant to help Cath,” I said, exhausted.
“I know.” He kissed my temple.
I closed my eyes and wished I was a different person.
CHAPTER 21
LEO
November arrived and brought with it a new rhythm of life.
I had done an exceptional job of playing the professional.
At least outwardly. I couldn’t control my thoughts or dreams.
The midnight chat in the kitchen was a confusing combination of gratitude and sleep deprivation on Mari’s part. I wanted her. I had incredibly deep feelings for her.AndI was patient. To me, Mari and I were more than a fling that would be shameful in the light of morning. But releasing her that evening had been one of the most difficult things I’d ever done.
Three weeks ago, just before Halloween, she got the news that her car was officially totaled and was written a check by the insurance company. She had yet to drive to Knoxville to look at cars.
