Page 12 of Jagger

Her approach minutes later was nearly silent, but I sensed her before she cleared her throat.

“You didn’t need to do that,” she said. The animosity was gone from her tone.

“Yeah, I felt like I did. It’ll be cold.” With the fire roaring, I stood.

“Thanks again for bringing in my bags.”

“You don’t have much.” I walked closer.

She backed away. “I don’t know how long I’ll be away from… home.”

The word was tough for her to say as if she didn’t have a home. “Well, since you’re on vacation, if you need anything, the town isn’t too far away. You’ll find most things there. Just beware of the weather. I think there’s a weather station in the kitchen. They were installed in every cabin.”

“Oh, okay. I got it.” Bella wasn’t going to be but so forthcoming. “You’re limping. Is there anything I can do?”

“It’s nothing. An old injury.” Injury, my ass. I was lucky I had use of the one leg.

“Don’t forget a heating pad will help and since I guess there are sporting goods shops around here, the cheap gel hand warmers work really well.” She laughed. “I don’t mean to intrude.”

“Nah. It’s fine. Good thoughts.”

She nodded, but remained silent.

I took a step toward her again and she tensed. “Okay. It’s time for me to leave you alone.”

“Thank you for everything.”

“No problem.” There was something to be said for a pregnant pause in business, but not in this case. I found myself walking even closer, trying to corral my raging libido.

Bella was more nervous than before, still unable to look me fully in the eyes. “I just need a good night’s rest.”

When I was standing only a few inches from her, I expected her to bolt away like a terrified filly.

She didn’t.

She finally locked eyes with mine and I sensed so much of her life had been painful. Well, I wasn’t the man who could comfort her. “Thank you again. I really do appreciate all you’ve done.”

Her repetitiveness indicated continued trepidation.

I’d been a man who hadn’t been able to express any emotion but anger for so long that when I brushed my knuckles across her face, I was more shocked than she was. She didn’t flee, didn’t strike me with her hand. She looked hopeful, but not for a night of romance. One of peace instead.

I knew I needed to get the hell out before lines were crossed and something occurred we’d both regret. Sadly, being around her meant a loss of my control and a need that furrowed so deeply inside I was completely and utterly lost in the heat of the moment.

The moment I lowered my head, we both stiffened, but without thinking about it too much, I pressed my lips against hers. The electricity we’d already experienced was definitely still there, but the hesitation coming from two people who didn’t know each other clawed at the surface. The taste of her was sweet, her slight moan jerking at the man inside of me.

Only a few seconds later, Bella pushed one hand against my chest. Not angrily. Certainly not because she was repulsed at my actions. Just because she was hurting from something that had nothing to do with me.

My gut told me that.

I didn’t apologize although I took a step away. Her incredible scent lingered and would for some time.

The warm glow of the firelight highlighted a slight blush on her cheeks and that was the moment I felt like a shit. “I should go.”

“Yes, you should.”

Sighing, I headed for the door, stopping the moment I wrapped my fingers around the handle. “I think you’re in some kind of trouble. I’m no hero, but if I can help with anything, just let me know.”

“I’m in no trouble, Jagger. If you don’t mind, stop butting in. I can take care of myself. I have for a very long time.”

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