Page 36 of Winters Heat

“Mia.” He sucked in a raspy breath.

They stood there, not moving until the hot water began to cool. Colby turned the shower off and grabbed a towel from the nearby rack. He wrapped it around her, moving his hands down her back and sides. She was jelly. If he hadn’t held her upright, she’d have melted into the floor.

He held her close, maybe sensing her complete fulfillment, and found his own towel. He ran it roughshod over his body, wicking the wet drips off him more than drying himself.

They hadn’t really bathed, but the hot water more than made her feel clean.

“You’re unbelievable,” she whispered against his shoulder. “I’ve never come like that before. I’ve never…said what I wanted.”

“You did in bed earlier tonight.”

“That was heat of the moment. Here. Now. I was cognizant of it.”

“You and your therapy words. Honey, you’ve been cognizant of us since we first kissed.” He pushed a wet strand of hair behind her ear. “I’ve never wanted a woman the way I want you.”

He wanted her. Simple as that.

“You wore me out.” She smiled at him, a tiny laugh escaping. “I’m exhausted. More than exhausted, really. Are you tired?”

He caught her eye, evidently proud to have done so. His smile threatened his mulish exterior. “You want to stay here?”

Mia nodded. “Where else would we go?”

“We could keep driving, if you wanted us to head home.”

“I want to sleep next to you, with you, in your arms.” Saying it aloud took her breath away. Bravery was a good fit.

Colby stilled and didn’t respond.

Oh no. Maybe it was a very bad fit.

Mia pinched her eyes closed, embarrassed. Why did she confess her secrets to him? That wasn’t smart. No. It was flat out stupid.

“Come on, doll.” He dropped his towel on the floor, standing gorgeous and naked in front of her, and he pried hers loose from her talon grip. A chill danced across her skin. “Dry sheets will be so much better than these crappy-assed towels. Let’s warm up under the covers.”

She took his hand, plodding behind him, dumbstruck. He threw back the comforter on the already rumpled bed, adjusted a few pillows, and lifted her onto the mattress. Before Mia could crawl through the rough fabric to the far side of the bed, his warm body sought and found hers. He pulled her against his arm, flipped another pillow behind his head, and nuzzled against the back of her wet hair.

“That’s not what I thought you were going to do,” she said.

“Welcome to the club.”

“What does that mean?”

“You haven’t done a single thing I’ve expected of you either.”

“Oh.”Oh?That was all she could say? But her mind was exhausted, and he was a puzzle she couldn’t figure out.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Winters was more than aware of Mia curled into the crook of his arm. More than aware of her melodic breaths and the occasional quiet snore that played wrecking ball to his convoluted thoughts. She was beautiful and enticing, guarded and tortured. Hell if he’d let her use her excuses tonight.Heat of the moment, I don’t think so. He didn’t fall for that bullshit. No, when they’d been in bed, they’d been on fire, and it wasn’t just an adrenaline high. He didn’t know what the fuck it was, but it was more than a fast and furious lay, his typical pump and dump.

Warmth continued to roll through him even though she had long since closed her eyes. His tongue was thick, and his jaw was clamped together so tight he should have a headache.Heat of the moment? The accusation killed him.

He had her earlier, in a way he’d never experienced before. Sex, yeah, that was fantastic. But it was iced with a little something more. Something with a flash and bang to it. The hell of it was he wanted more. Like an addiction. And then in the shower… What did he expect going in there with her? He was short a condom, and only by some amazing grace did she give him release. Even now, he craved Mia again. Once wasn’t enough. Twice wasn’t either.

He should have put them in the car, driving to Virginia. But there wasn’t a chance of kick starting the road trip again if she wanted to sleep next to him. She was his for the moment, all gathered up in his arms like an innocent angel.

He smiled, remembering her panic in the bathroom. It took him a stupid second to realize he wanted her fast asleep in his arms. That realization shocked him clear out of his towel. Her adorable face was alarmed, and she tried, in vain, to scurry away from him in bed. It was cute to watch her try but far more fun to ease her worry.

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