Fast Burn (Body Armor #4)(79)
He wanted to say he’d hesitated because he’d known she would interfere. But as she turned, the look on her face stopped him. “We’ve been a little busy, if you’ll recall. I couldn’t see confusing things even more.”
As if she’d hoped for something different, she briefly closed her eyes, then opened them again and forced a small smile. “Yes, it has been chaotic.”
“Exactly.” He started to close the space between them. Suddenly it felt like more than just a few feet.
Sahara stepped back, and that stopped him—just as she’d intended. After a deep breath, she said, “I’m not sure I can change.”
He didn’t understand her or this uncertain mood, but he knew one thing for sure. “You don’t need to change.”
“But we’ll keep butting heads if I don’t.” She bit her bottom lip. “I don’t know what to do.”
For Brand, it felt like he was fighting for something very important, so he hoped he got the words right. And fuck the distance. He took two big steps to reach her and drew her against him. Hugging her, he whispered, “You don’t need to do anything, babe. We’re in a relationship, and sometimes that requires adjustment.”
Her hands fisted in his shirt. “I’m not sure I like the idea of constantly having to adjust.”
“Why not?” Her hair and skin smelled of the sunshine and fresh outdoors. They’d gone from him being annoyed to her being distant—and yet he felt lust stirring. He couldn’t be near Sahara without wanting her. With a grin, he said, “I’ve sure as hell had to adjust.”
“You? Why would you have to?” Again she pushed back to see him. “You’re perfect as you are.”
A rueful laugh took him by surprise. “Perfect? God, Sahara, I’m so far from perfect, half the time I don’t even know what I’m doing.”
“You always know what you’re doing.”
He shook his head.
“And I used to, until lately.”
“Until me?” Damn, he hated that idea. Brand cupped her face and bent his knees to look right into her eyes. “Let’s agree that we’ve both blundered a little, okay? I know it’s an uncomfortable feeling, but I’m not giving you up.”
“You’re not?”
“Hell, no.” Set on convincing her, he took her mouth in a firm kiss. Sahara sank against him, returning the kiss with urgency. As he eased up, he whispered, “It’s been a long day, so how about we draw some guidelines and going forward, we’ll both do our best to stick to them.”
Her eyes searched his. “And if we don’t?”
She meant if she didn’t, so Brand kissed her again. “Then we’ll each try harder to understand.”
Very slowly, a smile curled her mouth. “In that case, would you like to shower with me?”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
SAHARA AWOKE BEFORE BRAND. She sighed as she nuzzled against the side of his broad, warm chest. Her right hand rested over a hair-dusted pec and, careful not to wake him, she let her fingers tease through the crisp hair.
He smelled incredible, a scent unique to Brand.
Even in sleep he held her close, his strong arm around her. Brand slept on his back, the covers down around his waist. She was on her side, tucked against him, one leg over his, the inside of her knee against his groin.
They were both naked.
Last night had been beyond amazing. Sahara didn’t know if it was the excitement of the day or their personal conflict, but Brand had been especially attentive, leaving no part of her untouched. He’d been in a take-charge mood, a little dominant, and she’d loved every second of it. He had a way of issuing sensual orders that stole her breath and heightened her anticipation. Even before he’d thrust into her, she’d been on the verge of release, but he’d held back, content to watch her climax...then he’d made that happen two more times before he finally let himself go.
It was no wonder she’d awakened with a smile in place.
Even more important than the incredible sex was that Brand hadn’t let her ruin things. He’d taken her doubts and somehow reassured her without letting her off the hook for meddling in his private business. Now, after a good night’s sleep and a new perspective, Sahara was so glad.
They’d still have to talk about Becky, but at least she felt he’d listen to her explanations and maybe give her ideas a chance to work.
She also thought about his denial at being perfect. Without the glum attitude of yesterday, she could think about that more realistically.
Brand was right; he wasn’t perfect.
Suddenly he stirred, his arm tightening around her in a brief hug before he even opened his eyes.
Sounding sexy and sleepy, he rumbled, “Good morning, gorgeous.”
“Morning.” She half crawled over him, her elbows on his chest. “Sleep well?”
“After the way you wore me out? Yeah.”
“Me?” She gave him a laughing kiss. “I’m the one who was tortured with orgasms.”
“Tortured, huh?” His lashes lifted and his dark, smoky eyes met hers. “I love watching you come, Sahara.”
“In that case, feel free to do a repeat whenever you want.”
His hands slid down her back to her bottom, and she quickly found herself completely over him, her legs trapped between his. “I don’t suppose we have time this morning?”