Page 66 of Scandalous Lover

When Naomi finally looks away, I’m almost grateful. I have no idea where that would have gone.

“What time is it?” she asks.

I slip my phone out of my pocket and grimace as the screen lights up. “Shit.”

Naomi just turns back to the suitcase, throwing things in by the handful. I try to be helpful by gathering a few items draped over the desk chair. I should leave, but once again, I don't want to. Especially not when she told me she wished I’d stayed that morning. All I want to do is stay, even if it’s the stupidest move right now.

I watch as she uses her full body weight to press the top of the stuffed suitcase and runs the zipper easily along its track, standing the roller up on end. She glances around the room, and I do as well.

“I’m not going too far if I forgot something.”

She’s not looking at me, so I surprise her just a bit when I come up behind, pulling her back to my chest once more.

“Naomi, I…” I trail off, resting my head on the top of hers. I watch her hair ripple gently with my breath, unsure of what to say.

“I know, Sam,” she says quietly.

I’m sure she’s just trying to make me feel better about this whole thing. The last thing I want to do is leave with so much unsaid, but it’s hardly the time for whatever we need to talk about. Dom will be here in less than five minutes. He’s not the kind of guy who runs late.

“What do you know?” I ask, refusing to allow her shifting body out of my tight grip.

“I know that this whole thing has to be kept secret, can’t be anything more, and I’m stupid to get attached.”

I close my eyes at her words, spoken so matter-of-factly.

“I’m an adult, Sam. I get it.”

It’s the resignation in her voice that breaks me. “Naomi, I’ve never wanted anything in my life as much as I want you to be mine.”

I feel her knees go soft and her breath catch as my words land.

“But?” she offers, and I can hear the bitterness in her voice.

I relax my grip and take a tiny step backward, creating enough space between us that I can turn her around and look down at her. When she refuses to look up, I tilt her chin up with one finger. Our gazes lock, and I can see the war of emotions she’sfighting.

“But this is complicated. There’s no doubt about that,” I say softly.

“Because of my scary brother?”

I cock my head to the side, considering. “Because of choices I’ve made over the last decade. Ones that involve your brother, yes.”

Her eyes cast downward, and all of a sudden, the only thing that matters to me is not leaving this room with her thinking she’s somehow not good enough.

“I get the feeling that you don’t always feel as strong and amazing as you portray yourself to be. As you are,” I start, and it’s all I can do to speak the words, knowing what they will cost me. “But I see you, Naomi. And I know how amazing you are. So, if you forget, you can always come ask me.”

She groans against my chest. “Why do you have to be so perfect?”

Her words are muffled, but still surprise me enough that I laugh softly. “Born this way, I suppose.”

She looks up at me then, not laughing. “I want you. I want this. I’m not going to pretend I don’t.”

I let my eyes close for a moment, the weight of her words heavy on my mind. “I want it, too, Naomi?—”

I don’t get to finish my thought as a booming knock echoes through the room. Luckily, I suppose. I have no idea what I was going to say.

Naomi laughs nervously and wriggles out of my arms. “Now that’s a Dom knock.”

“I guess I can hear the difference,” I whisper.

---