Page 62 of Nothing to Fear

“No,” he said, unfazed, sauntering around the couch. “I said you didn’t know it, didn’t I?” He stopped within a few inches, forcing her neck to crane. The pad of his thumb traced her jaw. “You’re beautiful.”

Dipping her chin, she caught his thumb’s caress with her kiss. Desire enveloped them, squeezing her, holding her right there beneath his gaze.

“Help me out, baby,” he murmured. “How do I lock this down?”

Could this guy be for real? She couldn’t believe it. If one of them didn’t remind them of the itinerary, they’d never leave that spot. Though, in truth, that didn’t sound so bad.

“Where are we eating tonight?”

“It’s a surprise,” he said, taking her hand. “Are you ready to go?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” she said, then felt like an idiot.

Credit to him, he didn’t laugh or sneer, just led her outside to follow Ferguson down to the street where he put them in the back of the car. All the while, Darroch kept hold of her hand.

“Would you like something to drink?”

He reached over to open a concealed fridge.

“Not if you want me to keep my hands to myself.” It was the quick shot of shock he flashed over his shoulder that forced her words to sink in. “Sorry, I shouldn’t—I don’t know why I—” she squeezed her eyes closed. “I’m doing it again.” Getting all tongue-tied around him. “I slept too well… which isn’t my fault. Your bed’s too comfortable—”

“Whoa.” He dropped back into the seat. “My bed? You slept in my bed?”

“I… I think it was yours.”

“By special request?”

That really would make her a crazy stalker. “No! No, no. I didn’t figure it out until this morning. It might not have been yours, maybe I made it up in my head—”

“Second floor. Right at the top of the staircase then a left? The east wing, second door down?” She nodded and hesurprised her with a quick kiss. “Man, I wish I knew that last night.”

“I didn’t mean to—I didn’t ask to sleep at the house. In fact, I was more than a little mortified when it came up, but your dad was just so… Your mom said you wouldn’t be home…” Now it was clear why Alice pointed that out. “She said you had something important on today.”

“Not more important than you in my bed or you in need of support and affection.”

“What was it?” she asked. “What were you doing today?”

“Had my first student.”

“You’re a teacher?”

“Flight instructor.”

Damn, that was impressive. “Wow, you’re a pilot?”

He shrugged. “It’s a hobby.” He brought her hand to his lips to kiss the back. “Leif bet me I wouldn’t do it.”

Those competitive brothers again. “Leif? Another brother? How do you keep track?”

“A lot of practice. Mom has flash cards.”

“Where are you in the lineup?”

“Third… or fifth, depending who you talk to.” Okay, she didn’t quite get it. “We battle over age and maturity.”

What a family. They might be alone in the back of that car, but she could feel he carried the others with him.

“Teaching people to fly takes maturity, I’d think.”

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