“Ohgod,” she moaned. “That might have helped, alittle.”
He kissed her again. Her eyes fluttered open. Large blue orbs blinked back. Her heart skipped a beat. She wanted to get so lost in those eyes, in all of him. But she couldn’t. No way would she allow herself to become emotionally involved with himagain.
“Let’s go home.” With all the confidence and ease of a man in complete control, he slipped back intotraffic.
* * *
Crockett’s head ached.Thoughhe knew what needed to be done, he didnotwant to be the one to do it. But someone had to tell Alex the truth. He had no idea what history haunted the Mitus family because Colton never talked about his past. When they’d been freshmen, Colton mentioned his twin had died and his father had left shortly thereafter. That was all he’d ever said. Not wanting to pry, Crockett asked nothing. And neither Kimberly nor Alex spoke about Cain or Wilson. The only reminder that their brother, Cain, had existed was a single framed picture in Kimberly’s home office. The three young Mitus kids sat smooshed like sardines on a worn, leather recliner, their giant smiles a somber reminder of happierdays.
If Kimberly had her reasons for shielding her daughter from the truth when Alex was a child, he could understand that. But she was a grown woman.A news reporter, for God’s sake.If anyone could handle the truth, he believed Alex could.Goddammit, why in the hell does it have to beme?
He pulled into his condo garage and parked in his spot. As they rode the elevator to his penthouse, Alexandra glanced up athim.
“We should go to Incognito tonight,” shesaid.
“No.”
She blew out a breath. “Ineed—”
“A hot bath and a strong drink.” He hitched a brow. Not that he didn’t want to sink balls deep into her while she ground against him, but tonight was not that night. Her hunch and her need to help Sage couldwait.
They entered his home and, as he strode toward the bathroom, he flipped on lights. After turning on the water in the Jacuzzi, he went in search of her. She stood in front of his gas fireplace, mesmerized by the roaring flames, looking somewhatlost.
“Let’s get you into thetub.”
She flicked her gaze to him. “I don’t want you to see menaked.”
He would have laughed, but her tone and expression were so serious. “Alex,please.”
“If you’re joining me, put on amask.”
She’s a mess.“I’m going to make you a hot toddy, but I’m not going to fuckyou.”
“I can’t make love.” She rubbed her chest, over herheart.
There it is.Did she realize she’d just given herself away? She could handle meaningless screwing but not the deep, emotional connection they’d onceshared.
“No sex. Period.” He was done talking. Grasping her hand, he brought her into the bathroom and stripped her out of her clothing. Though he wanted to pull her into his arms and run his hands over her beautiful curves, he stayed focused on the task. Grabbing the bag of Epsom salts from the bathroom closet, he dumped some into the steamingwater.
“I’m not injured,” she said while tying up herhair.
Like hell you’re not.“You’re tense. This soothes aching muscles.” As he helped her into the tub, he forced himselfnotto peek at her beautiful breasts, her phenomenal ass, those toned legs and that beautiful back. “Push this if you want jets.” He tapped a button on the porcelain. “I’ll be back with yourdrink.”
“Ouch, ouch. Hot.” As she eased into the water, she shot him a quick smile. “It feelsgood.”
He made her tea, added a shot of whiskey to the mug, and returned to the bathroom. Her eyes were closed and he paused to admire her. Beyond the obvious attraction, she looked peaceful. He hated that this feeling would be short-lived.
His head pounded in his temples and he ground his teeth together. He had to make the call and then, he had to tell her. She deserved to know the truth. Kimberly and Colton might treat her like a child, but this breathtaking beauty before him was every inch awoman.
She opened her eyes, studied his face. “What’swrong?”
He forced a smile, hoping to hide his angst. “Here’s your hottoddy.”
“I know you’re doing this because I’d be homeless if you didn’t put me up. So, thank you. But you don’t have to go out of your way forme.”
He kissed the top of her head. “Try to relax. I’ll be back in a few.” He closed the bathroom door to the saddest browneyes.
Guilt filled him with dread. He’d lied to her, too, all those years ago. Even though he’d broken up with her for her sake, he was no better than anyone else trying to protecther.
