“I’m not …” She closed her mouth, realizing she sounded defensive.
He stepped forward, somehow managing to look imposing even in that stupid old Donald Duck robe. “What about me is so scary?”
Your damned looks and wild sex appeal, that’s what.
She held his gaze. “I fear nothing. You know that.”
“Prove it.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Why do you want to come in?”
“I already told you. To see you.”
“Why?”
He seemed to think through his response. “Because I missed my chance in high school, and then again in Vegas.”
“Your chance to … what?” She didn’t need this. Didn’t need him looking at her like … like that.
“To get to know you.”
In Vegas, she’d been disturbingly attracted to him. Even now, despite her messed-up mental state, he made her feel …
His steady, hopeful gaze disarmed her. Before she could rethink it, she pulled the heavy sliding door open and stepped aside.
“Fine. But only because you need to dry your clothes. You can’t stay long. I’m tired.”
She saw his skepticism; she knew damn well he didn’t believe her when it was obvious that she’d just rolled out of bed. Those dark eyes sparked flame as he crossed her threshold, his sensuous lips curving into a satisfied little smile.
“Where’s Cujo?” he asked, glancing around.
Her lips twitched. “In his crate. Don’t worry, he won’t bite.” She paused, then added, “Unless I tell him to.”
His answering smile was a bit tight. Nick followed her inside, and she acutely felt his presence behind her.
She motioned to the cognac leather sectional in the corner. “Sit.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He eased onto the sectional with smooth grace and sank into the cushions.
She ignored his sarcastic amusement and went to lock Rolf’s crate. Sure enough, he was in there, and she gave him a quick chin scratch before securing the latches. “Such a good boy.”
Returning to the family room, she plucked the remote from its charger, holding it out to Nick. “You can watch TV. I’ll throw these in the dryer, and then I’m going to take a shower.”
He nodded as if he approved. God, did she stink?
She likely did. The last time she’d bathed was Thursday night after work.
“I have some slides that might fit you. Look in the closet by the side door.”
Casting one last glance his way, she ducked into the bathroom.
Jannie shook her head. Nick had settled comfortably on her sofa as if his presence here were normal.
Wearing her favorite robe.
In spite of herself, a little smile tugged at her lips as she turned on the water, stripped, and stepped under the warm spray.
Nick
