Page 51 of Play Dirty

She’s shivering, and all I want to do is comfort her.

“But he’s not here,” I say. “Not in this house. Definitely not when you’re with me. Because even if he did show up… I will slay all your dragons, Stevie—even the ones in your nightmares.”

Chapter16

Stevie

The weirdest feelingwashes over me. It’s an unfamiliar combination of contentment, comfort, and…arousal? I’ve never felt this safe with a man, or this relaxed. He demands nothing, he isn’t judgmental, and he’s protective in a gentle, loving way. We’re not dating—not really—and I’ve been clear that sex isn’t an option, yet he’s still here. In my bed, listening to me talk about my lunatic of an ex and the lingering effects of what he did to me.

Part of me never wants to move from the warmth and safety of his arms—the rest of me wants to jump his bones in a way I haven’t wanted a man in a long time. Maybe never.

“Marty, I…” I tip my head up and bump it on the bottom of his jaw.

He looks down and our faces are almost touching, his lips so close I can feel his breath. I lean forward, pressing my lips to his.

I need this.

I need to feel alive again—to remember that I’m still a flesh-and-blood woman with wants and needs and…a healthy libido.

Our kiss is chaste at first, a gentle, unhurried coupling of lips. His mouth remains closed as we explore, light kisses and nibbles, our noses brushing together at the same time.

“Stevie.”

“Hmm?” My eyes find his.

“Not like this.”

I freeze, mortified.

“I thought…” I start to pull away, but he stops me.

“I want you,” he whispers. “More than I’ve wanted anyone in a long time—but I don’t want us to make love when you’re feeling scared and vulnerable. If you still want me tomorrow, hell, even tonight, I’m all in. But not when you’re dealing with all the emotions of retelling the story of what happened.”

I’m torn, because I know he’s right, but I’m also disappointed.

Frustrated.

A little embarrassed.

“Don’t,” he says, his eyes never leaving mine. “Whatever bad thing you’re thinking, that’s not what this is. This is me being a gentleman, not taking advantage of a woman who’s vulnerable.”

I’m not sure what to say, so I don’t say anything at all.

Instead, I drop my head to his chest and focus on the steady beat of his heart.

I know he’s right.

I know he’s being a gentleman.

I appreciate it. And him.

But I can’t remember a man ever turning me down before.

“Stevie.” His voice is a rumble when he says my name. “Look at me, baby.”

I slowly lift my head.

“It’s almost noon so we were going to get up anyway. Come home with me. Spend the day with me and my family.”

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