Stealing Hearts (Wild at Heart #1)(44)

“I’d love that.” It’s early by most people’s standards, barely eight in the evening, but since I get up so early, I can’t stay up late or I’ll be dead on my feet in the morning.

I toss her the remote. “Pick something. I’ll be back in a sec.” I take a lightning-fast shower. I ignore the erection I sprang when I saw Paige’s nipples poking through the thin fabric of her shirt. I’m tempted to jerk off, but then I’ll crash as soon as my head hits my pillow, and I’d like to spend some time with her.

I’m out in less than ten minutes. I’m scrubbing a towel over my head when I return to the bedroom.

“What are you in the mood for…” Her voice fades away as her eyes trail over me.

I’m wearing pajama bottoms, which is what I always wear to bed, but since we’re hanging out, maybe it’s not appropriate. “That’s a loaded question, wildflower.” I chuckle as I reach into my dresser for a shirt.

“Don’t feel the need to get dressed on my account,” she teases as she eyes my chest.

Well then. Forgoing the shirt, I head for the bed. She’s sitting on the edge, perched like a little bird about to take flight. “Make yourself comfortable. Should I turn off the lights for the movie?”

“Yes, please.”

I flip off the light switch and cross the room. I pull down the top sheet and comforter because, chances are, I’ll knock out in a bit. After I flop on the side closest to me, I adjust my pillows and then pat the space next to me.

She lies down and turns to me. “Can we watch a chick flick?”

“Whatever you want.”

“Really?”

“Why do you look so shocked? I’m sure I’ll enjoy whatever you pick. After that great dinner and dealing with my office all day, you deserve it.”

“It’s just…” Her pretty brow crinkles. “Marcus hated chick flicks and anything with a hint of romance.”

“Which is probably why you dumped him.” Douchebag.

She stares at the ceiling. “He wasn’t terrible, but I needed more than he was able to give.”

“You deserve someone who’ll treat you right.”

Her voice gets so soft, it’s barely a whisper. “It’s funny that you treat me better than he did, and you and I aren’t even together.”

Why does everything feel so fucking tragic when she says shit like that? “Come here.” I hold out my hand, and she immediately scoots closer and settles in the crook of my arm. I turn my head to kiss her temple. “You just haven’t met the right man yet, sweetheart.”

It kills me to say those words.

Because someday she’s gonna meet someone who’s smart enough to snatch up this sweet beauty.

She snuggles into me, and I reach down and pull the covers over us because she has goosebumps. “Cold?” Paige shivers as she nods, and I pull her closer. Her arm wraps around my chest. Having her in my bed feels so right, I close my eyes. “I might not be able to stay awake. I’m too comfortable, and you feel too good like this.”

She lets out a relaxed sigh. “Can I stay here for a bit? You’re so warm.”

“Stay as long as you want.”

Even if that’s past December.





21





PAIGE




I don’t bother with the movie because Rhett is asleep within minutes. His deep breathing is soothing, and it makes me sleepy too.

It feels so good to be held, it chokes me up for some reason. I don’t remember the last time someone held me like this. Marcus never did it. Neither did any of my previous boyfriends.

Rhett isn’t even doing this for sex. He’s out for the count.

I never got hugs growing up except from Danny. My dad wasn’t very affectionate, and Irma always hated me. Not sure why. I never did anything to her except breathe. My dad always said I looked like my mama, so maybe Irma was jealous? But that’s a weird thing to be upset about. Unless she just didn’t like sharing his attention with another female, even his daughter.

My lips tug up when I think of how Rhett held Irma’s feet to the fire when we were at the ice cream shop earlier this week, and my heart swells with affection for this man.

Rhett is such a sturdy, safe presence next to me that I finally start to relax. With my nose pressed to his chest, I revel in his woodsy, masculine scent.

Soon, I’m drifting off too.

I wake with a start a few hours later with his big body spooning me. His thick thigh is tucked between mine, his arm is thrown over my waist, and his face is buried in the back of my neck.

I should go. I should get up and march to the couch. Rhett has no plans to stay married, and if I go down this road, I’m only going to get more attached.

But then he groans and pulls me tighter to him, and I’m greeted with his thick erection against my ass.

My breath catches in my chest.

Images from our night at the cabin run through my mind. The way he held my legs open and fingered me to the best orgasm of my life. How he could do that with just his hand is crazy. And then that blow job. Dear God, that blow job. I was throbbing all over again when I went down on him.

I shiver and try to block that out. I told him sex was a bad idea.

Why does my husband have to be so damn tempting?