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He’d gone so far as to consider going out on a date as a distraction but couldn't bring himself to do it. During his most recent trip home over the holidays, he'd learned that other women didn't hold the same appeal they once had. At first he thought it had been because he was grieving Sam's death. Battling the guilt over his role in losing his friend. But then he realized it was more. No matter how hard he tried, he hadn't been able to summer the smallest flicker of interest in another woman. Oh, he’d flirted with Krista Vaughn to make his brother Adam jealous, but he hadn’t really wanted to go out with her.
Once he’d dated women whenever the mood struck. But not anymore. He wasn't interested in anyone else.
Only Lindsey.
And that scared the heck out of him.
Unable to bear the closed in feel of his bedroom, he turned and crossed the room. Silently, he opened his door and padded down the hall, passed Lindsey’s and Josh’s rooms to the kitchen.
He knew his way around without using lights, and his bare feet didn't make a sound as he entered the room. But when he bumped into something soft, he abruptly realized he wasn't alone.
Lindsey let out a soft cry, taking a quick step backward. He reached out and grasped her shoulders to study her.
“You scared me,” she whispered in a strangled voice.
“I’m sorry,” he said, immediately contrite. He did feel bad about frightening her. But he couldn't find any remorse over being with her alone like this. Even in the dark, she was the vision of his dreams, her blonde hair falling in waves across her shoulders. Her soft lemony scent muddled his brain.
She turned her face away, the flash of moonlight through the window bathing her profile in a soft glow. He sucked in a quick breath when he saw the glint of tears.
“What is it?” He tightened his grip on her slim shoulders. “What happened? What's wrong?”
“Nothing.” Her denial was too quick and she brushed away the tears, breaking free of her of his hands to turn away.
He didn't like knowing she had been crying. “Please, tell me what upset you. Is it Josh? Something I said? Something I did? What?”
“No, it's nothing like that.” This time, her lips curved in a small smile. “I—had a bad dream, that's all. When you scared me, it came rushing back. It's silly. Don't know why I let a dream get to me.”
A bad dream he could handle, he thought although his heart still squeezed at the way she'd been so upset. He lightly touched her arm, then drew her close, offering comfort. “Hey, it's okay. We've all had nightmares at some point.”
Expecting her to pull away again, he was surprised when she'd leaned into him, burying her face in the curve of his neck, hanging on as if she never planned to let go.
His heart thudded painfully in his chest and he slid a hand down the curve of her back, acutely aware of her shorts and soft T-shirt she wore as pajamas. The warmth of her skin radiated through the thin cotton. His fingers itched to draw her closer.
When her lips brushed lightly against his neck, he froze, wondering if he'd imagined the caress. But then, the moisture of her breath fanned his cheek.
“Lindsey?” Mixed signals clamored in his brain. Was this because of the dream? Or was it possible she wanted the same thing he did?
In response, she tipped her head back to look up at him in the darkness. He slowly lowered his head, giving her plenty of time to pull away, before he captured her parted lips with his mouth, claiming her in a bone jarring, mind numbing kiss.
Chapter Five
Austin’s kiss was so simmering hot, she was surprised her feet didn’t melt into the floor.
Rational thought vanished. She should push him away, but the need clamoring through her had other ideas. Instead, she clutched his shoulders and returned his kiss, basking in the thrill of desire. How long had it been since she'd kissed a man?
Eons. Or so it seemed.
Austin didn't just kiss her, he devoured her with his mouth as if nothing was more important than her lips.
Then he abruptly thrust her away, breathing deeply and holding on to the kitchen counter for support. Despite the darkness, she caught a hint of a dazed expression on his face. “I'm sorry. I had no right to cross the line like that.”
Bereft, she leaned against the sink her knees threatening to buckle. Why had he stopped? She licked her lips, and it took all her self-control not to throw herself back into his arms.
Bad enough that she'd kissed him. Not the other way around.
“Don't move out,” Austin spoke fast as if he was worried she would interrupt. Did he think she was angry with him? A hysterical laugh nearly broke free. “I promise I won't cross the line this way ever again. I never meant to make you feel uncomfortable.”
Okay, then. He obviously wanted to keep their relationship on friendly terms. She should be glad because she wasn't in the market for anything more. Yet there was an emptiness inside where love and passion had once been. Until now, she hadn't missed having a man in her life. She swallowed hard and nodded, hoping he couldn't see her blush in the dark.
