Page 66 of Burning For You

“I would have thought you got all your sarcasm out today with your family.”

They got inside her place. “Just guessing or do you know?”

“I was summoned by your brother.”

“Which one? You need to be more specific,” she said, crossing her arms and tapping her toe.

Not what she needed. Maybe she should have left him down there.

“Corbin. Your other brothers wouldn’t have a reason to reach out to me.”

“Tate saw you here,” she said.

“That’s right and you explained it away. But here’s the problem. Corbin knows me better.”

She didn’t groan. Though she wanted to.

Instead, a strangled sound ripped out of her as she fisted her hands in her hair and gave it a hard yank. “Did you tell him we kissed?”

“Do I look like I’ve got a death wish?”

Before she could spiral further, he caught her wrists, tugged her hands free, and pulled her into his chest.

He held her. Really held her.

Arms firm and steady. Like he was anchoring her in place while the rest of the world tilted.

She hadn’t felt comfort like this in years. Hadn’t wanted anyone to even give it to her.

But Ash? She let him just do it.

And to feel it with Ash?

Of course. Why not pile one more complication onto an already impossible night.

“What did you tell him?” she asked quietly. “What did you talk about?”

“I asked what he knew from Tate. But let’s be honest, I was his best friend long before you were his sister.”

His hand was rubbing up and down her back.

It was more of a caress now. Igniting things in her body she hadn’t felt in so long.

Mixed in with thoughts of the kiss they shared.

Yeah, she was in big trouble.

“So what happened?”

“There is no hiding much from him. Just like he wouldn’t be able to do it with me.”

“And what does that mean?” she hedged.

“That he remembers I’m the one who asked you to end up with his family. Not like he’d forget it. He remembers I had my eye on you long before your life... changed.”

“But I didn’t have it back.”

“My ego is only lightly aching over that.”