Page 29 of Believing in You

“It doesn’t sound like it!” Harrison could almost picture the pout that she had perfected. The one where she stuck her bottom lip out slightly and batted her long, fake eyelashes.

Those days of caring what she thought or what she was trying to get were over.Done. He was finally moving on, and a weight had been lifted off him. He felt lighter.

When Veronica started saying something else, Harrison cut her off. “Thanks for calling, Veronica. I’m glad we had a chance to talk, but please delete my number from your contacts. We’ve said all we need to say to each other. Have a good night.”

After disconnecting, Harrison released a contented sigh and headed to his bedroom. His therapist’s words played on loop through his mind.

It’s all part of the healing process.

Now, there were a few other steps he needed to take to rid himself of the burden he’d been carrying for far too long. In the meantime, he’d continue getting to know the beautiful Nyla. He had a feeling being with her was going to be exciting as well as adventurous.

Chapter Fifteen

Good afternoon, Sleepy Head. I hope you slept well. I had to make a quick run to the office, but I’ll be back soon. In the meantime, there’s breakfast in the kitchen. Make yourself at home and don’t leave! Also, in case you need something else to wear, here are some sweats. Remember, don’t leave! H.

Nyla laughed and looked down at the red rose that Harrison had left next to the note on top of the clothes. It was after twelve and apparently, she had slept as soundly as usual since she hadn’t heard Harrison enter the room.

Don’t leave, his words made her smile.

Leaning back against the headboard, she brought the rose to her nose, loving the wonderful fragrance. She was glad Harrison wasn’t ready to get rid of her. Spending time with him last night had been just what she’d needed after a long week. It was fun getting to know him. His sense of humor had been on full display, and he’d been a good sport about playing twenty questions.

Then there was that heated kiss they’d shared. The one that led to heavy petting. Even thinking about it had Nyla squeezingher thighs together to tamp down memories of the delicious ache he’d sparked between her legs.

The man could turn her on with just a look, but having his mouth, his tongue, and his large hands on her body had her wanting a repeat. If he hadn’t stopped last night, they would’ve ended up naked because Nyla had no intention of stopping.

She wanted him. All of him. When he was on top of her, she had felt every inch of his strong, solid body. But it was his thick erection pressed against her lower stomach that almost had her coming without him being inside of her. Even now, it was as if she could still feel his mouth on her. The way his lips had caressed her skin, and the way his tongue had teased each nipple made her…

“Ahh, hell. I need to stop this,” Nyla murmured.

Thinking about Harrison, his dick, and that tongue of his wasn’t helping. No, she needed to get up, get dressed, and see what was in store for the day. Besides, she needed to mentally brace herself for the talk he’d wanted to have last night.

It had been easy to see that he hadn’t been ready to bare his soul to her. Which was why she’d initiated the twenty questions game. She figured she’d give him an out because, whenever he did decide to open up to her, Nyla wanted him comfortable. Well, as comfortable as talking about prison and murder could be.

She stared down at the rose again, and her heart squeezed. What if whatever he told her brought up so many bad memories that he’d retreat from her again? She wanted to see where their attraction could take them, but she knew her heart couldn’t take another rejection. Doubts about not being good enough for him were already trying to sneak in, but if his past made him take a step back from her…

“Don’t go there,” she mumbled.Just stay in the right here and the right now, she reminded herself.

She was crazy about the man and didn’t want whatever this was building between them to be over before it got started. At least it was safe to say Harrison trusted her. He left her in his home alone, and she was sure that wasn’t a norm for him. No, he didn’t trust easily, so she’d look at it as progress.

Nyla set the rose on the bed and headed to the attached bathroom. Maybe a shower could help clear her mind. Overthinking was new for her, and she was pretty sure she hated it. She needed to channel her free spirit, go with the flow persona if she was going to enjoy her time with Harrison.

A short while later, Nyla finished rolling up the pant legs and sleeves of the sweats that Harrison had given her to wear and went downstairs in search of a vase. When she finally made it to the kitchen, she couldn’t help but laugh. In the middle of the center island was a crystal vase that held at least two dozen roses. Or maybe twenty-three of them since she held one in her hand.

Grinning like an idiot, she hurried to the island and buried her face in the beautiful bouquet. The scent was amazing. Seeing a small card with her name on it tucked between the stems, she plucked it out and read:Just because…

Gawd!This man was too good to be true. She loved flowers, especially roses. Sadly, it had been years since she’d received any, and Harrison’s thoughtfulness hit her right in the feels. If he was trying to make an impression, it was working. Last night he had her feeling desired, and today she felt treasured.

I’m going to have to do something special for him, she thought as she poured a cup of coffee. There were pastries on the counter and a scribbled note that said fruit and juices are in the refrigerator. There was also a covered dish, and whatever it was smelled delicious. She couldn’t wait to dive in, but first, she’d start with coffee.

After adding sugar and Irish cream creamer to the aromatic dark brew, Nyla took a tentative sip and moaned with pleasure. “Excellent.”

As she leaned a hip against the counter, she glanced around the open space. The house was quiet, except…

With her mug in hand, she strolled to the window, surprised at all the snow. It had started coming down on their way to Harrison’s house, but she hadn’t expected to see what looked to be seven or eight inches. What surprised her more was Harrison outside shoveling. He was in the process of clearing the walkway that led to the detached garage.

Nyla smiled as an idea bloomed inside of her. Another few sips of her coffee, and she set the mug down and went in search of her coat and boots. Minutes later, she stepped outside. It wasn’t as cold as it had been in the past week, but it was cold enough to have her shivering despite the layers of clothes.

Harrison kept shoveling, then suddenly stopped and turned as if sensing her. A slow smile spread across his mouth, and he let the shovel fall into a pile of snow.

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