CHAPTER FOUR
SEBASTIAN COULD TELL Brandi loved the opulence of the “cabin” they’d been directed to. But he felt almost rigid with uneasiness. It appeared to be a damn honeymoon retreat, sinfully extravagant and seductive.
The limo had dropped them off at the main lodge where they’d been preregistered. The desk clerk gave them a key and a flashlight then pointed them to a narrow trail that led through the woods, explaining that their luggage would be brought around shortly. A rental car was at their disposal, but wasn’t needed to reach the cabin.
Sebastian had held her hand as they walked through the darkened wood, the flashlight beam bouncing off thick trees and rocks. Brandi hadn’t said a word. She’d been quiet, introspective, her fingers cold in his grip. But as soon as the cabin came into sight, he’d felt her enthusiasm.
He didn’t want to dampen that enthusiasm. It was the first time he’d seen her so excited, and she looked beautiful, her smile wide, her eyes bright in the darkness. Even her wild curls seemed to bounce with energy.
How anyone could call the small rustic house a cabin was beyond him. Set off alone in the woods, it provided picturesque privacy. A floodlight had been left on in front and Sebastian could see an angular deck filled with lavish, well-padded patio furniture. The front room had a skylight over the entrance door and rough quarry stone for a fireplace filled the adjacent outside wall.
With Brandi practically dancing beside him, he had no choice but to unlock the door and step inside.
“It’s perfect!”
“It’s too much.” His grim tone must have reached her, because she swatted his arm.
“None of that now. I know how you must feel, but let’s try to enjoy ourselves, all right? After all, Shay went to all this trouble.”
But to what end? Without an ounce of subtlety, Shay had dropped them into a honeymoon suite, that’s what she’d done. Sebastian kept the thought to himself. Brandi was still skittish with him and he didn’t want to damage the fragile bond they’d forged. But how in hell was he supposed to survive this? Every male hormone in his body had been on red alert since he’d first seen her. The ambiance of the damn cabin would only heighten the feeling.
Brandi had already hustled off, peeking into every room and inspecting every corner. “There’s a water bed in one of the bedrooms, with a private bath!”
Sebastian was still looking around the front room, but despite himself, her awe brought on a small smile. It had been a long time since he’d been able to feel any passion over needlessly blowing money. With Brandi, all he did feel was passion. “Why don’t you use that room?”
She stuck her head out the doorway and grinned at him. “I think I will, but only because the other bedroom has a king-size bed.” Her gaze dipped over his long frame and she cocked one eyebrow. “That’ll suit you just fine, I’m sure.”
She disappeared again, this time through the kitchen and after a moment, he heard, “There’s a hot tub in the back on an enclosed deck!”
Erotic thoughts and images of warm water and nude female flesh—Brandi’s flesh—immediately came to mind. Sebastian had to swallow, and even then, his voice sounded uneven…and very hopeful. “Would you like to unpack and try it out?”
Silence. Brandi came slinking back through the kitchen with her head down and her hands gripped together at her waist. “Um, not tonight. It’s late and I’m really tired.”
She didn’t look at him. Sebastian watched her wrestle with her indecision then finally pry her hands apart in an effort to relax. With a sigh of resignation, he accepted that the Jacuzzi was out for a while. “Maybe tomorrow, then.” He stretched, trying to unknot his own muscles with Brandi watching his every move. She jumped when a knock sounded at the door.
“Our luggage.” Opening his wallet to retrieve a tip, he said over his shoulder, “Why don’t you see what the kitchen has in stock while I carry in our bags? I could use a bite to eat.”
But after he’d put the last piece of luggage in the bedrooms—trying his best not to look at the bed Brandi would sleep in—he found her reading a room service menu that had been left on the small dining table. Frowning, he asked, “The kitchen’s not stocked?”
Brandi waved a hand. “There’s food in there. But I don’t feel like cooking. Let’s just order something.”
He took the menu from her hand and then whistled at the prices. “You’ve got to be kidding. I could eat a week off what they charge. Besides, it’s after midnight. Do you really think they’ll serve this late?”
“Well, maybe not. But if it’s the money, I can…”
“No. Absolutely not.” Appalled by what she’d been about to suggest, Sebastian added, “I can damn well afford it if we decide to order in. It just seems ridiculous to pay those prices if there’s food here.”
“But cooking is so much trouble. And as you said, it’s after midnight.”
Without really meaning to, he touched a knuckle to her soft, warm cheek. “You do look exhausted. Why don’t you go get ready for bed and I’ll get the food together?”
It was probably to escape his touch as much from weariness that she agreed so quickly. “If you’re sure you don’t mind.”
She was already on her feet and heading out, so he chuckled. “I don’t mind at all.”
He wanted her to leave, before she noticed how she affected him. He was half-hard just thinking of her getting ready for bed, wondering what she’d wear, if she’d shower first.
He heard the water pipes hum and had his answer. It took him several moments before he could get his feet to move, and then he went to rummage in the kitchen cabinets. He found canned soup and crackers and cheese. He also found champagne and knew Shay had struck once again. He would definitely have to speak to her about this propensity she had for wasting money.
After putting the soup on to simmer and slicing a few chunks of cheese, he went back to the living room to start a fire. The cabin was set up in an airy, open way. The living room, tiny dining room and kitchen were all open to each other with two bedrooms at the back of the house. Brandi’s bedroom had its own bath, with another full bath at the end of the hall between the rooms.
The ceilings were cathedral with raw wood beams, the floors polished pine with scattered handwoven rugs. A thick cushioned couch and two matching chairs faced the fireplace on one wall, the entertainment center on the other. Ignoring the television and VCR, Sebastian turned on the stereo and found a soft music station.
There was wood already laid in the fireplace and he had a fire blazing in no time. It took the small nip out of the late spring air and added a certain ambiance that belonged in the cabin. The darkness outside was endless. With the floodlights turned off, not even the woods were visible. Inside, the smell of soup and wood smoke scented the air. It was as if they were sealed in together, isolated from the rest of the world, intimate.
He found himself appreciating the cabin, rather than resenting it, because it afforded him the time alone with Brandi that he needed.
Already his stomach was knotting at the thought of the night to come. He would be alone with a woman he wanted more than he could ever recall wanting anyone or anything, yet she froze at his every touch. He had to find a way to breach her reserve, but he didn’t know how. One minute she seemed interested, the next repelled. Somehow both reactions only increased his determination to reach her.
When he stood and brushed off his hands, his peripheral vision caught a smidge of white and he turned.
Brandi stood there, looking uncertain and damp and so incredibly sexy he couldn’t help but react. If she’d been any other woman, he’d have gone to her, picked her up and carried into the nearest bedroom. He could have spent hours making love to her, alternating between the tenderness she instilled and the hot, primal urges that kept surging through him. He could envision their lovemaking as wild and hard, but also sweet and easy. Either way would do a lot toward satisfying the gnawing need in his gut.
But this was Brandi, and he wanted some kind of emotional commitment from her as much as the physical release. It had never mattered to him before, but then, he’d never met anyone like her. Somehow with her sweetness and caring, she’d gotten under his skin, and the thought of sex without emotion wasn’t appealing.
He wanted her. All of her.
He had five days, so he’d be patient—no matter how his body rebelled at the thought. He was a tactician, one of the best. His skill had been honed in the service and on his job. He could ruthlessly plan her surrender with great skill, and she wouldn’t know what was happening until it was too late.
But for now, if she noticed the force of his erection and the taut way he barely managed to hold on to his control, she’d find a fast plane back to Jackson.
He cleared his throat. “The soup should be ready in just a minute.”
She fidgeted with the belt to her thick white robe. It shouldn’t have looked so damn sexy, but it did. Terry cloth covered her from her neck, where she had the lapels folded over so not a hint of skin showed, to the tops of her bare feet. He had no idea what she wore underneath, and that fact almost made him crazy.
She’d washed her hair. The damp curls weren’t quite as unruly as before, but somehow, with the small curls clinging to her cheeks and forehead, she looked even more enticing. She’d belted the robe tightly and he could see how tiny her waist was, but other than that, not a single curve showed through the thick material. She still hadn’t said anything and he stumbled through more awkward conversation.
“You should have something on your feet. It’s a little chilly in here.”
“There weren’t any slippers in my luggage. Whoever packed must have forgotten.”
Her voice sounded strained, breathless, and he stared again, unable to help himself.
“Sebastian?”
“I’ll get you a pair of my socks.” He left the room, knowing if he stood there a second longer, he’d give himself away. Not even Brandi could have missed the way the material of his khaki slacks strained over his zipper. No female had ever had such a profound effect on him. He felt as though he’d been involved in heavy foreplay for an hour. And all she’d done was change into a robe. A robe for bed. A water bed.
He rubbed the back of his neck and cursed.
When he came back with the socks, his libido somewhat under control, Brandi was stirring the soup. He watched for a moment, appreciating the way her hips moved in cadence with her hand. Barbarian that he admittedly was, he found something intrinsically appealing at the sight of a woman in her bathrobe, barefoot, at the stove. He grinned at the thought. The female population of Jackson would string him up if they could read his mind right then.
Almost in silence, he handed her the socks and while she tugged them on he found a tray. He poured the soup into bowls, added the crackers and cheese while Brandi found two sodas in the fridge. He was grateful she’d ignored the champagne.
They carried the whole thing into the living room. Brandi settled herself on the floor in front of the fire, so Sebastian did the same. He was content just to watch her, the way she tucked her slim legs beneath her, how she fluffed her drying hair. She seemed very introspective, her thoughts deep as she started on her soup without comment. After a few minutes, she looked at him.
“This is great. Thanks. Much better than waiting on room service.”
Sebastian only nodded, so turned on he couldn’t think of a reply. Soon he’d be demented with lust, he thought.
She bit her lip, then went on. “I’ve never done this before. I’m sorry if I’m not being very good company.” Her cheeks turned red and she bit her lip again. “I…I have no idea what we’re supposed to talk about.”
“We don’t have to talk about anything.” Ignoring his strangled tone, he set his nearly empty soup bowl aside. “Brandi, I want you to be comfortable, remember? You’re calling the shots this trip. If you want to just sit quietly, that’s fine.”
She too set her bowl back on the tray. “It’s not that. I mean, I want to talk to you. But…have you ever done this before?”
“This?” His heartbeat picked up rhythm, pumping warm blood to places that already felt too full.
“You know. Sitting alone with a woman in a private place. Eating in front of the fire. Struggling for conversation.”
“With the woman in her bedclothes? No, I’ve never done this before. At least, not when we planned to go to two separate bedrooms. This cabin…”
“I know you don’t like it.”
“I like it fine. It’s just that it’s meant as a lovers’ retreat.” He didn’t mention the amount of money it probably cost. That issue was secondary to how he felt right now.
He tried to see her face, to read her eyes, but she kept her gaze averted. “Brandi, I can’t pretend I don’t want you.” His low, husky tone grabbed her full attention. Her head swung around, her expression bordering on shock.
“Damn it.” Sebastian stood, then paced a few feet away. When he turned to Brandi again, she looked…almost fearful. He dropped to his knees beside her and tried to ignore the way she cowered back from him. “I’m sorry. Honey, you have to know how difficult this is for me. You don’t seem to realize it, but you’re a very sexy woman.”
“I am not!”
“Yes, you are.” He smiled now, some of his frustration giving way to amusement. “And here we are alone, in this love pit.”
She raised her brows and a smile hovered on her lips as she, too, started to relax. “Love pit?”
“The water bed? The Jacuzzi? The fireplace? This cabin is meant to seduce. Only I know that’s not what you want. And I gave you my word not to pressure you.”
“And you always keep your word?” When he nodded, she asked, “I’m the one in charge, right?”
He swallowed, not certain where she was going with her reasoning, but he had a few hopeful ideas. So did his body. “Absolutely.”
Her cheeks heated more, and once again her small teeth sank into her bottom lip while she peeked up at him. He wanted those sharp white teeth on him, wanted to soothe her lips himself. Then finally she straightened and looked determined. His thighs tightened in expectation. “All right. I’m in charge. And right now, I think I’d like a kiss.”
After making that bold statement, which seemed to take all her nerve, she lowered her lashes and whispered, “That is, if you wouldn’t mind? I mean, I know that probably wasn’t part of your original agreement, but…”
Sebastian’s brain felt like mush but his body was granite hard. He wasn’t at all sure he’d heard her right. “A kiss?”
“If you would.”
He would all right. Gladly. Even if it killed him, which it just might because a kiss was a far cry from what he wanted, from what he needed right now.
Watching her face for any sign of retreat, he whispered, “There’s kisses, and then there’s kisses. The kind you want may not be the kind I’m wanting to give you. Why don’t you be more specific so I don’t screw this up?”
With her fingertip, Brandi drew an idle design over the rug. She peeked up at him, then away again. “Why don’t you just start with the one you think I want…then maybe we can try the one you want to give me?”
BRANDI WAITED, holding her breath, while Sebastian apparently considered her suggestion. He scooted closer and her heartbeat raced with a mixture of dread and excitement. She really wanted to enjoy his kiss and, so far, the only fear she felt was that she might make a fool of herself. The possibility always existed, and she didn’t think she could bear it if—
His fingertips touched her jaw, suspending all thought. Gently, he tipped up her chin and her vision was filled by him, the heat in his gaze, the tautness of his expression. Gentleness seemed a part of him, incongruous with his obvious strength, his massive size. The contrasts had intrigued her from the start. She could easily picture him defending a person with lethal skill, then soothing that person with his quiet, sure manner.
It was almost impossible not to trust him, because his power was tempered by genuine caring. All his life, he’d been taking care of others. Brandi wanted to take care of him. She just wasn’t sure she knew how.
His eyes closed and hers closed, as well, as she waited breathlessly for his kiss. Then she felt it, the brief, heated touch of his mouth on her own. His breath fanned her cheek, and his lips moved the smallest bit, coasting over hers, teasing.
She wanted to touch him, to put her hands on that broad hard chest, but she was afraid. Afraid of failure, afraid of how he might react. Afraid of how she might react.
Slowly he pulled away, just enough to put space between them but not enough that she couldn’t feel him, his nearness, his heat. Her eyes opened and she saw him watching her, his gaze intent and probing. She swallowed. Her heartbeat knocked against her ribs and there was a queer little tingle in the pit of her stomach, stirred by his hot musky scent. She started to speak, but he laid a finger over her lips.
“That was the kiss you wanted.”
Feeling numb, Brandi nodded.
“Do you want to go on?”
It was the sound of his voice that decided her. Rough and grating, like a man on the edge of control. She licked her lips and accidently touched his finger. His expression hardened even more, and before she could deny him, before she had to stumble her way though an explanation she couldn’t give, he pulled back.
“No. I don’t think we should play this game any more. At least not right now. You might be ready for it, but I don’t think I am.”
His comment about games distracted her from her worries, so that even though he’d given her an out, she said, “I thought it was my decision to make. I’m the one in charge, remember?”
“I have no intention of forgetting.” Then his thick dark lashes lowered and he looked at her through slumberous eyes. “In fact, since you’re the one in charge, why don’t you do the kissing? Then we’ll both know for certain that you’re getting exactly what you want.”
The idea fascinated her. Sebastian leaned back until his shoulders were braced against the sofa. He stretched out his long muscled legs and crossed his ankles, then folded his arms over his chest. He looked negligent and at his ease—not in any way a threat. Except for his eyes. They shone with heat, the green bright and excited. But instead of fear, Brandi was suffused by her first dose of feminine power.
Rising to her knees, she said, “Don’t move.”
His jaw hardened, but he nodded. His eyes never left her.
She inched closer, watching him, but he remained in his contained pose. Carefully she placed her palms on his shoulders. He felt so hard, like warm, smooth stone. The muscles bunched beneath her fingers and she dug in just a little, like a cat testing the texture of his body, but there was almost no resilience here. The man was simply hard all over.
He made a small sound, but stayed completely still. Brandi stared at his mouth. The slight growth of whiskers there looked sexy to her, and she wanted to touch his skin, to taste him and luxuriate in his scent. She hadn’t known a man could smell so delicious. Instead, feeling like a coward, she leaned down and placed a hard, quick peck on his mouth, then looked to see his reaction.
“That isn’t what you wanted, Brandi. Is it?”
Oh, that husky voice, thick with desire, challenging her. Shivering with reaction, she leaned down again. This time she let her mouth linger, each move calculated. Until she forgot what she was doing, until the heady scent of him filled her and she felt drunk and anxious and hot. His tongue came out to glide along her bottom lip and he made a rough sound of pleasure. Brandi gasped. He used that second to lick inside her lips, to explore the edge of her teeth. He kept his hands and body still. Nothing moved except for his mouth, which now slanted against hers.
Brandi leaned a little more heavily into him and he groaned.
Just that quickly, she remembered herself and jerked away. Good grief, she hadn’t meant for things to go so far. She’d only wanted to try a simple kiss. But when she saw how dark Sebastian’s cheeks had become, how hard his jaw looked, the fierce green of his eyes, she knew she’d gone too far.
She came to her feet in a rush. Still he didn’t move, he only watched her. And waited. “I’m sorry. I…I should go on to bed now.”
With his arms still crossed over his chest, he slowly nodded. In a slow, deep whisper, he said, “Good night, Brandi.”
“I…” She wanted to explain, to try to make him understand.
With a leisurely thoroughness that had her stomach doing flips, his gaze moved over her, and he said, “It’s all right. You don’t have to say anything.”
He shifted slightly, uncrossing his ankles and parting them just a bit. Her gaze was drawn downward. She couldn’t miss the sight of his bold erection, pressing taut against his slacks. That part of him looked huge and hard, in concordance with the rest of his big body. Heat washed over her, both from embarrassment and excitement. It seemed impossible to breathe, looking at the length of him, his size. Her lips parted, but no words came out.
She could hear the masculine amusement in his next words. “Like I said, you’re a very sexy lady. And I’m not exactly immune.”
Brandi gulped. “Good night, Sebastian.”
She rushed from the room, but when she peeked back over her shoulder at him, it was to see his head dropped back on the cushions of the couch, one forearm over his eyes. He looked like a man in pain. Or in desperate need.
She didn’t like herself for it, but a small kernel of satisfaction swelled inside her. A man like Sebastian…and he wanted her. She had kissed him. She had touched him. She was on her way to a full recovery.
Maybe this vacation wouldn’t be so bad after all.
“DO YOU HAVE to buy every damn thing you see?”
Brandi tried to hide her grin as she listened to Sebastian’s continual grumping. She’d slept like the dead last night, content with her progress, with her new experimentation. But evidently Sebastian hadn’t slept much at all. He looked tired today and his mood could only be described as grouchy.
“You don’t like the horse? I think he’s kind of cute.”
“The damn thing looks ridiculous. The head is too big, and the color is ludicrous. You paid way too much for it.”
“It’s a souvenir. Of course it cost more than it should.”
He made a sound of exasperation, then eyed her shopping bag. “At the marina this morning you bought fake fish, then at the breakfast inn you bought two milkmaid dolls.”
“Two very cute milkmaid dolls,” she corrected. “And I’ve had a great time today, Sebastian. Even though it was still a little cold on the lake this morning, I enjoyed the rowboat. I couldn’t believe what horrible beggars those big carp were.” She knew her gratitude would only annoy him more. Each and every time she thanked him, he frowned.
“This is supposed to be your vacation, Brandi. You’re supposed to have a good time.”
“And I am. Especially with the shopping.” It was the truth, but she had an ulterior motive, also. Since Sebastian was helping her without even realizing it, she wanted to help him, too. She hoped to get him to loosen up a little about money. Like Sebastian, she didn’t believe in squandering her cash, but neither did she enjoy putting herself on a shoestring budget, not when she could afford better. Sebastian simply wasn’t used to putting his own needs and desires first; his life centered around helping others. It was past time he gave himself some happiness.
“What the hell are you going to do with all that junk, anyway?”
It hadn’t been easy, but Brandi had managed to convince him to go shopping along the main strip with her after breakfast. She’d been forced to resort to coercion, reminding him that she was in charge. He’d given in with little grace, and now they’d been at it for hours, not even stopping for lunch.
She’d hoped he’d get into the spirit of it, but obviously the man did not like to shop. He had no appreciation for the many quaint little speciality stores. Brandi, on the other hand, had bought something from almost every shop.
It had rained first thing in the morning, but now the sun was out and shining brightly and the day seemed beautiful to her, though it still wasn’t overly warm. She was comfortable in a long denim skirt and loose navy blue sweater. Sebastian wore jeans and another polo shirt, this one dark gray. He looked very handsome, if a bit surly.
Still, even with his attitude turned sour, he was a perfect gentleman. Every time she left a shop, Sebastian took her hand. He protected her from the flow of human traffic and steered her around mud puddles. It felt right to have him so close, to feel his warmth and strength.
“If you must know, I want to take a gift back to each of the kids at the shelter. They get so few presents.”
She said it carelessly, but still he looked dumbstruck, then shamefaced. “Damn it. I’m sorry.” He rubbed his eyes with his free hand, then sighed. “I know I’m being a bastard today, but I didn’t get much sleep last night. How ’bout a cup of coffee? The caffeine will do me good, and your feet have got to be getting tired.”
Actually, she felt fine, but he looked ready to drop, so she took mercy on him. “I only have two more gifts to buy. Why don’t you go for your coffee and I’ll meet you there in a few minutes.”
His hand tightened on hers. “I can go with you. I should probably pick up something for the kids, too. I just hadn’t thought about it.”
Her heart softened and the urge to hug him close almost overwhelmed her. “It’s not necessary, Sebastian. I already have plenty of gifts.” He didn’t look convinced, so she added, “Look, right there on the corner is a café. I’ll hit this last shop, grab a few more gifts and then join you. Give me fifteen minutes.”
He still hesitated, probably because she tended to spend closer to forty-five minutes in each shop, but she gave him a look of insistence. “Go. I order you. And I’m the boss, remember? Guzzle coffee. Wake yourself up.”
Finally he nodded and turned away. She watched until he’d crossed the street and disappeared into the crowd. This vacation was turning out to be a revelation. For such a long time, she’d hidden behind her independence and privacy, never wanting anyone to invade her space, to get too close and ponder her thoughts. But now, she already missed having Sebastian at her side.
It filled her with warmth to think of him, which she did. The whole time she considered small collectibles from the souvenir shop, part of her mind was on Sebastian. Their kiss last night had probably not meant much to him, but to her it had been an accomplishment, a giant step forward. Not since she was eighteen had she kissed a man, or even wanted to. The thought had been nothing less than repellent, the memories stored with it, horrifying. But there was nothing repellent about Sebastian Sinclair. The man could make her tremble with just a look.
With her mind half on her newest purchases, and half on getting back to Sebastian, it was no wonder she almost ran into the men. When she finally did see them, it was too late to step out of their way. Within a second, the two of them had crowded her into the store’s brick front.
Brandi felt the visceral panic swell, but she fought it back. They were on a busy street. No harm could come to her. Still, as one of the men gave a long, low whistle, she jerked back, memories assailing her. Both men laughed.
One of them gave her a genuine smile. “You look like you could use some help with that big shopping bag, honey. Why don’t I give you a lift to wherever you’re going? Or better yet, to where we’re going. What do you say?”
She tried to answer, but no words would come, not even a denial. The men were too close, towering over her.
The other one stepped closer still. “She doesn’t want you, Josh. Why not give me a chance?” Then he gave her a wide grin. “How about it, sweetheart? You up for a little fun?”
She shook her head, hating her cowardice, the gnawing fear. The first man frowned, looking concerned and he reached for her. She bolted. Feeling foolish even as her legs stretched out, she raced toward the street, her shopping bag clutched to her middle. She heard the men give a surprised burst of laughter at her mad dash, and tears stung her eyes. Frantically, she searched for Sebastian, but didn’t see him, which made the panic even worse.
When someone took her arm from behind, she started to scream, but the sound was cut off as she was whipped around and both arms grabbed in a tight hold. “What the hell is the matter with you? What’s happened?”
Sebastian. Brandi threw herself against his familiar strength, uncaring that they were drawing notice, or that he might feel her violent trembling. She clung tight to him as she tried to shake the fear. Rather than asking questions, he held her close until she calmed. Several minutes passed in complete silence except for her racing breaths. Sebastian’s big hands smoothed up and down her back, and twice she felt the light touch of a kiss to her temple. When she lifted her face from his chest, he surveyed her, then with a grim look, said, “Come on,” and started them down the street, his arm tight around her waist. She went with him gladly, not even protesting when he pried her shopping bag out of her numb fingers to carry it for her.
Taking them slightly off the main drag, he urged her toward a low stone fence and then lifted her up to sit. Pink-and-white azaleas bloomed all around them, their sweet scent heady in the air. Sebastian stood in front of her, his legs braced apart, his expression enigmatic. “Tell me what happened, Brandi.”
Oh, God, she couldn’t. She closed her eyes and shook her head. Sebastian stepped forward until her knees brushed against the front of his body. She didn’t dare look down to see exactly where they touched.
“Brandi, you’re as pale a ghost.”
“And every bit as vapid,” she said in disgust.
“You want to tell me what that means?”
“Not particularly.” She’d acted the fool, once again. She might as well have been eighteen again, the fear had come back that strong. She was ridiculous and stupid and…
“Brandi? Talk to me, honey, right now. I don’t like this one damn bit.”
She could hear the genuine concern in his words. Reaching out, she took his hands and held them. “I’m sorry. I overreacted, that’s all. Sometimes I can be very silly and foolish.”
“Overreacted to what?”
Uh-oh. He sounded ready to do bodily harm to someone. Eight years of military training and hardness sounded in his tone. The barbarian warrior was back.
But no real harm had been done. The men hadn’t even been all that brazen. “It’s nothing, really. Two men got a little friendly, that’s all. And I…well, it frightened me just a bit. I behaved like an idiot, running off like I did.”
He didn’t look convinced, but he did correct her. “You didn’t run off. You ran to me.”
“Well…yeah, I guess I did.”
“You felt safer with me.”
“I know you, for crying out loud! I didn’t know these men. Don’t make more of it than it is.”
“What did they say to you?”
Now that she was away from them and the panic had ebbed, she couldn’t bear to repeat it all. “They were just two men flirting the way men do. They said a few things, and I should have answered them, to put them in their place. But instead, I just ran off.”
“To me.”
Brandi rolled her eyes. He did seem to be stuck on that small fact. “Yes, to you. Did you expect me to run all the way back to the cabin?”
“I didn’t expect you to be running at all or I never would have left you alone. It didn’t feel right in the first place. I was just coming to get you when I saw you dashing across the street.”
Needing desperately to change the subject, she asked, “Did you get your coffee?”
“No. I saw a sign for an outdoor musical and thought that would work as good as caffeine to wake me up. You want to go? We could grab a hamburger or something there for dinner.”
Surprised, Brandi checked her watch. It was going on five o’clock. The morning and afternoon had flown by and they hadn’t eaten since breakfast. The idea of an outdoor concert was appealing, but she preferred the privacy of the cabin for dinner. “We can check out the concert, but there’s no way I’m going to eat a greasy hamburger. I want real food tonight.”
“Fair enough. How about an hour or so of music, then you can pick the restaurant we eat at?”
“No restaurant. I want to go back to the cabin and order room service.”
At first, Sebastian didn’t answer her. Brandi knew how he felt about the expensive meals the lodge offered, but she needed some privacy tonight, away from the crowds. And she wanted to teach him to take pleasure in the small things, even when they cost a bit more. She half expected an argument from him, especially given his earlier contentious mood. But then he took a deep breath and asked, “Did anyone pack you a swimsuit?”
“I think so. Why?”
“Yesterday you showed some interest in the Jacuzzi.” His gaze dropped to her mouth and stayed there. “I thought maybe after dinner you’d want to try it out. It might help to relax you.”
Heat uncurled, chasing away the last remnants of embarrassment over her flight of terror. “Do you have a swimsuit?”
“No. But I can just wear my briefs.” His gaze held hers, his eyes bright. “As long as you don’t have a problem with it.”
Brandi knew in that instant exactly where her knees touched him. She felt his body stir, felt his erection grow hard and long and knew it was the thought of being with her that affected him so strongly. But she was in charge. She could do this—play in the Jacuzzi, indulge in the special feeling of being alone with him—with no fear of being pushed and no fear of consequences.
She called all the shots, and she trusted him to abide by her rules.
Knowing he expected her to refuse, or to at least look shocked, she lifted her chin and nodded. “All right. We can try out the Jacuzzi. But dinner first.”
Though his expression didn’t change, she saw him draw a deep breath. He lifted her from the wall, then stood there looking down at her. “What the hell? I think I’ll need to restore my energy with a good meal anyway.”