The Broken One (Corisi Billionaires, #1)(24)

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be; I’m not.” I sighed. “It used to really bother me, but then I decided that I wouldn’t be who I am today if she hadn’t left me. I’m pretty incredible.”

He gently deposited me on my feet near my bed. “Where do you keep your pajamas?”

“You’re not dressing me.”

“My fantasy of how it would be between us isn’t exactly this, either, but how about I put some clothes on your bed, and you just call me if you need me?”

I sank to a seated position on the edge of the bed. “Top drawer on the left.”

As he set a fresh pair of my pajamas beside me, I blushed because he’d just gotten an up-close look at exactly how unsexy the rest of my sleepwear was. He paused before turning away, and I was struck again by the beauty of his eyes. So intense. Too bad I’d probably never look into them again. I couldn’t imagine him wanting to come back.

“I’ll be right outside the door if you need me.”

I nodded and slumped as soon as I was alone. I hesitated before removing my top. I had a man I didn’t know in my home. He could be dangerous.

I caught a glimpse of myself in my bedroom mirror. My hair had dried in all directions but how I would have styled it. Dark circles under my eyes. Pale, like I was as close to death as I felt. God bless any man this turns on. I’m sure I’m safe.

I stripped, put my fresh pajamas on, and stood.

Then a thought came to me.

A slightly wicked, impulsive thought that had me sitting back down on the edge of the bed. It wasn’t every day that I found myself alone with a man who wanted to take care of me. Was there any harm in letting him do it for just a little longer?

“Sebastian?”

He opened the door and returned to my side.

“Could you get me a brush from my bathroom?”

He was back a moment later, settling himself beside me on the bed. “Turn and I’ll brush your hair.”

He was so gentle, so careful, I started to wonder if I was actually still asleep on the couch waiting for him to arrive. This wasn’t the man who’d dismissed me so completely the first day. It wasn’t the harsh man who’d interrogated me on how I was caring for my child.

I made a sound that revealed my pleasure and didn’t even care if he heard. I would use that moment, that feeling of being cared for so tenderly, as a standard for how I wanted to be treated. I didn’t trust easily and always felt bad about asking anyone for anything. I naturally fell into the role of caretaker, but it felt good to not be the strong one.

When he stopped brushing my hair, I turned around and looked into his eyes. Despite how shitty I felt, there was an intimacy I couldn’t deny. Under any other circumstance, I would have kissed him, and he looked as if he was thinking the same.

“I should go back to the couch,” I whispered.

“I’ll carry you there,” he said with enough fire in his eyes that I felt sexy. He lifted me into his arms again. Strong arms. Rock-hard chest. The world would be a much happier place if we all traveled around in this man’s arms.

I must have been smiling, because he said, “Feeling a little better?”

I laid my head back on his shoulder without answering. If admitting that I was meant he would put me down, I was prepared to milk my illness for a moment more.

We were just entering the living room when I heard Erica say, “Oh my God, I’m sorry. I thought you were alone.”

Sebastian stopped, just holding me in his arms.

I raised my head. “Erica, you remember Sebastian. He came over to make sure I was okay.”

She’d pay for that grin later. “As did I, but it looks like you’re in good hands . . . literally.” She winked.

Sebastian lowered me onto the couch. “Are you the one watching Ava tonight?”

“I am,” Erica said, looking back and forth between us.

He walked over and shook her hand. “Sebastian Romano.”

“Erica Hood. We met the other night. My children nearly mowed you down.”

“I’m sure I’ll see you and them again.”

Erica gave me a pleased look. “I’m sure you will. Heather, do you need anything, or are you all set?”

“I’m good,” I said, shoving my empty barf bowl beneath the end table with my foot.

“I’m sure you are,” she joked as she walked toward the door. “I’ll drop Ava off at school tomorrow morning. Call me if you need me to pick her up in the afternoon.”

After she left, Sebastian headed to the kitchen, and I quickly tidied the area around the couch. He returned with a bowl of ice chips. I accepted it and placed it on the table beside me.

We looked at each other awkwardly for a moment.

“I’m fine if you want to go,” I said.

“Do you want me to?” he asked.

“No,” I admitted huskily.

He sat in the chair beside the couch. “I enjoy sci-fi movies.”

“I do too,” I said in all sincerity.

He picked up the remote for my television and said, “Want to?”

“Yes.” Yes. Yes. Yes.

Now that he was there and not glaring at me, there were only about a thousand things I wanted to ask him. Sadly, though, my body had other plans. Five minutes into the movie, and before I had a chance to wow him with my wit, I fell asleep.