Finding Her Son(28)
She nodded as he tugged her toward an overstuffed sofa that looked like it might swallow her up. She settled on the edge, awkward and tense. He rested his hand on her back and circled in slow, deliberate movements. Her back stiffened, muscles tightening, but she didn’t pull away.
“We’re safe here? Really?” she asked.
Mitch nodded. “Yes.”
“I could use a shower....” Her voice trailed off. “Except I don’t have clothes or a nightgown or a toothbrush. Or anything.” She looked at Mitch. “I feel like I’m drifting…rudderless,” she said finally.
Mitch couldn’t bear it. He reached for her hand and held it tight. “Look at what’s happened in the past two days. Most people would’ve broken, but you’ve been astonishing. Strong. Tough.”
She pulled away from him. “I don’t feel tough. I feel as if I could shatter into a million pieces. That’s not like me. I need to pull it together.”
Mitch leaned toward her and twisted the soft strands of her hair, taking in the dark circles beneath her cobalt eyes, the strain around her mouth, the tension in her neck. “You need food and sleep.”
He brushed his thumb against the soft skin of her temple, and she closed her eyes.
“Not yet,” she whispered. “Can you just…be with me…quietly for a minute? ’Til I relax.”
He shifted and lay down on the huge soft cushions with her tucked against him. “Like this?”
With a sigh, she sagged against him, her softness pressed close. “Yes.”
They lay there silently for several minutes. He relished just holding her. Any other time, he would’ve been desperate to kiss her, to have her beneath him, passionately holding him, but he simply studied her features and enjoyed the feel of her against him.
How long had it been since he’d cuddled next to a woman and said absolutely nothing? How comfortable. How strange.
And yet, intense desire throbbed just beneath the craving he now had for her. One touch, one kiss, one seductive glance and his instincts would take over.
He shifted his hips away from her so she wouldn’t feel the power of his desire. She didn’t need anything but to feel safe.
She opened her eyes and stared at him.
“I’ve thought a few times that you might kiss me,” she said softly.
“Have you wanted me to?”
“Sometimes,” she said. “But my emotions are all over the place. I’ve been alone so long, I’m not sure I remember how to handle any of this. Or to know if you’re even interested in me.”
He shifted his body, and her eyes widened as he let her feel his need. “Don’t ever doubt that I want you, Emily.”
Nervous, she raised her hand to his cheek. “You need a shave. That will tickle.”
“Let’s check.” Mitch nuzzled her neck, and she giggled. Within moments, her laughter gave way to sighs as he let his lips softly explore her jaw, her cheek, until his lips finally found hers. His body sang as she opened to him and he delved inside, exploring her sweet honey. It was as if he’d been waiting to taste her for his entire life.
She eased beneath him, and his hips settled into the cradle of her.
He raised his head and stared into her eyes. She wanted him, but something made him pull away.
He touched her hair and closed his eyes and the silky strands slid through his fingertips. With a gentle kiss he rose from the couch and held out his hand.
“The shower’s down the hall, second door on the right. Go.”
“Did I do something wrong?”
“No, Emily, and I don’t want to, either, so take a hot shower. I’ll take a cold one.”
Her gaze dropped down his body, and he knew he couldn’t hide his reaction to her. Her cheeks blossomed, and she quickly headed for Noah’s hallway.
“Mitch?” she said, turning back to him. “I still don’t have anything to wear.”
“I’ll find some of my sister Sierra’s clothes and leave them beside the door. Towels are in the bathroom.” He nodded toward the guest room. “Go on. Afterward, help yourself to whatever is in the fridge. I’ll probably soak in the hot tub for a while.”
“Okay. Thanks.” Emily’s gaze slid southward again, triggering another response from Mitch, and she all but ran down the hall.
Cursing his suddenly chivalrous streak, Mitch turned away. He could’ve seduced her. Why hadn’t he? She could be beneath him right now, writhing under his caress. He knew how to please a woman, make her want him, make her glad she’d spent the night with him as her lover. And he’d pushed her away. Why?
Because she’s not ready.
And she’s not a woman to make love to for fun. She was a forever kind of woman.
Off-limits. Unless he wanted more.
He clutched at his leg and massaged the sore thigh muscle. He couldn’t want more. Not until he was whole again.
Not until he discovered who was after her. Not until he found her son.
Not until he could tell her the truth.
From the guest room, a shower turned on. Emily was in there, undressed, wet, waiting. And off-limits.
EMILY LET THE STEAMING water sluice over her, relaxing her neck, her back, her arms. Finally, she’d eliminated the smell of burning plastic from her nostrils. As she soaped her body, she remembered Mitch’s hands on her, his gentle touch, his tenderness.