Page 44 of Nanny for the Bodyguard
I’m not sure what comes over me. I want to blame it on the concussion, making me a bit too susceptible to acts of kindness, but I’m not sure I can.
In any case, before I can think better of it, I’m taking the two steps forward to close the distance between us, wrapping my arms around Easton’s neck.
“This was way more than I expected,” I whisper, turning my face to plant a kiss on his cheek.
Easton is rigid as a board in my arms, and then it just melts away. He gives into the hug, wrapping his arm around my waist as the other cups my head gently.
“You’re welcome, Haze.”
His voice sounds tight, like he’s speaking around a lump in his throat.
Something about that hits me hard, and a tiny sob escapes me. I bury the noise in Easton’s neck, not wanting him to react to it.
“Are you alright?” Easton leans back, forcing me to look up at him but taking my chin in his hand.
“I’m great. You really didn’t have to do all this for me. But thanks.” I look over at the basket, also noting the way that he’s made the bed and stacked up a plethora of pillows. “You got me Bugles.”
“I know you like them.”
My eyes find his again, and something has shifted. I’m not sure if it’s the nostalgia or the comfort he’s providing or what, but I look at his lips, remembering how close we’ve gotten.
“You remember things about me, huh?” Easton nods, this expression of drunken wonder on his face even though there’s been no alcohol. “Do you remember I like to tease you, too?”
Where the fuck did that come from? Christ, this is…
But I can’t even dwell on the thought, too wrapped up in the look on Easton’s face, the way his arms around me tighten.
“I do. I do remember that. You…” Easton’s voice is soft, his eyes flicking down to my mouth and staying there. “Hazel, I…”
“What?” I prompt, something inside me needing more from him even though I know it’s not smart. “Tell me.”
“I…I almost lost you. Your head…” His hand drifts up toward the bandage, worry furrowing his brow.
“You didn’t. I’m right here.”
God, why does that sound like I’m talking about something else? Am I? What is even happening right now?
“You can’t do that to me again.” Easton’s palm presses against my cheek, and I lean into his touch, remembering how good it always felt. “I won’t make it if something happens to you.”
My heart is hammering against my ribs. Easton’s words are everything. They’re everything I’ve wanted to hear for so long, and yes, I know this is messy.
And yes, I know this is basically a confession given under duress. Easton and I…we’re so twisted up by everything that’s happened; this is hardly the time to be doing something like this.
But I don’t care.
I can’t.
Every fiber of my being craves his touch, craves the comfort and pleasure I know he can give me because he’s done it before.
I don’t want to be brave and logical right now. I want to give in to the need, the call toward him, even if it’s just this once.
“Kiss me.” The words are a desperate whisper, and Easton’s eyes flare as I say them. “Please."
“Hazel, I?—”
“Kiss me, Easton. I need to feel something other than afraid.”
My hands wind up across his chest, pulling on his shirt before I wrap one around the back of his neck, urging him forward.
