Page 24 of Blind Attraction

She let out a defeated laugh, but didn’t speak.

He wiped the stray hair from her face. “Tell me what’s wrong.”

“I don’t know… Everything. Anything. I’m out of my element. I don’t know what I’m doing, and I’m sick of trying.”

“Trying?” He peered into her eyes and wished he could read her thoughts.

“I’m trying not to be anxious and apprehensive. I’m trying not to feel vulnerable and needy. And I’m trying damn hard not to be a burden, but I can’t see a thing, and I don’t want to annoy you.” She wiped her hands over her face and looked in his direction. “But most of all, I’m trying to appear indifferent and act like every second with you doesn’t scare the hell out of me.”

His breath caught in his throat, and he wiped away the lone tear paving a glistening trail down her cheek.

“I’m not used to this, Mitchell. I’m not like you. I’m probably not like anyone you’ve ever met. My life is different…solitary.” Her gaze fell and she hung her head. “I think I should call Kate to come and get me.”

He clutched her to his chest and hushed her words, trying to calm her down. He’d find out what she meant later. Right now he had to stop her thoughts of leaving.

“Do you really want to go?”

Silence.

He placed a finger under her chin and peered into her unfocused eyes.

“Allie?”

She shook her head and swallowed. “No.”

A flicker of hope ignited in his chest, one he’d never experienced before. He held her close for long, silent moments, enjoying the smell of her hair and the pliancy of her body.

“I don’t even have clothes to wear. Or a tooth brush.” She sighed and relaxed into him. “I’m used to taking care of myself. I don’t like being dependent on anyone, especially you.”

He pushed back, gripping her shoulders. “Especially me?”

“You’re famous, and I’m a no-name country girl with issues beyond your imagination. You don’t need me here wasting your time.”

“And what if Iwantyou here? What if I enjoy having you around?”

Her gaze dropped. “Like I said, I’m different. You’re used to spending time with women and forgetting about them the moment you leave. It won’t be the same for me. If I stay, I’ll become attached, and that’s the last thing we both want.”

Having a permanent woman in his life had never been an option or a preference. Right now though, he wanted nothing more than to spend a few more days with Alana. Her hand reached up to lightly stroke his chest, her fingers outlining the different rows of muscles in his pecs and stomach.

Mitch mimicked the simple way her fingers traced around his body, doing the same to her legs. “Why do you keep saying you’re different? You seem normal to me.”

She let out a derisive laugh. “I’ve been cocooned from the world for most of my life.” She spoke slowly, as if choosing her words carefully. “My mother has issues from her past and hasn’t been able to overcome them.” Her fingers dipped to his waist, teasing his hips, making his cock pulse. “She wanted her own world, so I suppose she kind of created one.”

He trailed his fingers higher, to the tops of her thighs. “And this makes you different how? Lots of people live on farms and rarely get to socialize.” His hands dipped between her thighs, spreading them further apart and she sucked in a breath.

She let her head fall to his chest and slowly exhaled. “You’re the fourth man to ever touch me.” Her voice was a whisper. “Ever.”

He paused, waiting for an explanation.

“And I’m not just talking about sexually.”

He stopped breathing.

“There’s been no uncles to play football with, no cousins to chase around the yard, no teachers or coaches to tap me on the shoulder for a job well done. You’re the fourth, Mitchell, and the only man that has ever given me pleasure.”

His heartbeat echoed in his ears, loud enough for the world to hear. He didn’t understand. She had flawless beauty, a natural allure which didn’t need make-up or fancy clothes. Shit, even sleep deprived and dressed in his baggy T-shirt, she still made him harder than set cement. And yet he was the first man to bring her pleasure? “I don’t get it.”

She slid her hands around his waist, and drew patterns with her fingers on his lower back. “My mother used to live here in Richmond, that’s how I know Kate. Our moms grew up together. And when my mom was in her early twenties she was...” Her fingers paused. “She was attacked by a man.”

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