Page 31 of Bewitched By the Siren
We start and stop like dysfunctional robots as we both go in for a hug, then pull back like we’re not sure if it’s appropriate. Heaving a sigh, Brendan takes over, pulling me into his arms and holding me tightly against him for several long moments. I sink into the embrace, listening to his heart pound against my ear at an elevated rate.
He releases me and leaves without a word, and I watch him go before slowly closing the door. Leaning back against it, I heave a sigh. I could tell Brendan didn’t really want to leave. That he wanted to stay and experience all the things our kisses promised. I don’t know what his internal reason was for leaving, be it some chivalrous instinct or a healthy respect for the fact that my mother lay sleeping in the other room, but I wish he’d ignored it and taken everything I was offering.
Of course, he wouldn’t be the man I know him to be if he’d done that.
Blowing out another harsh breath, I push myself off the door and head for my room. Stripping naked, I pull on a pair of satin sleep shorts and the matching camisole before heading into the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth. I smooth some moisturizer onto my face, chest and arms before flicking off thelight and walking toward my bed. I throw myself down onto it before rolling onto my back and staring up at the shadowed ceiling.
My skin still feels hot, and there’s a throbbing in my core that won’t go away. I consider grabbing one of the toys from my nightstand and taking matters into my own hands, but the prospect doesn’t appeal to me. At all.
I want Brendan.
I want to feel him moving over me. Inside me. I want to feel his breath skate across my skin and hear his breathy moans in my ear.
But he made his choice, didn’t he? He didn’t say no, verbally, but his actions proved he’s not interested in taking me to bed despite his hungry kisses. Was he pretending? Faking it when I all but attacked him so my feelings wouldn’t get hurt?
No. I don’t believe that. His erection was proof-positive that he was into it. As was his harsh breathing and elevated heartrate. But for whatever reason, he didn’t want to go any further than we did.
And I have to respect that.
But I’m still burning with need, and there’s no way I can fall asleep like this. I reconsider using my battery-operated boyfriend to take care of the problem, but when it still holds no appeal, I climb out of bed with a huff.
Padding through the house on bare feet, I open the back door and step outside. The November wind is cool and crisp coming off the ocean. I brace my hands against the porch railing and let it cool my heated skin.
Maybe I should go for a swim. The cold water will certainly douse the fire burning inside me.
The possible dangers scroll through my mind at the idea, and I disregard it. I don’t need to swim again so soon, and I shouldn’ttake the risk. Besides, I can already feel my nerves settling and my need ebbing.
Stepping back, I sit in one of the chairs and pull my feet up into the seat. Wrapping my arms around my legs, I prop my chin on one knee and stare out at the dark, vast waters.
I gave it a shot, and Brendan didn’t want to go there. It’s fine. I’m fine. Everything is fine.
He’ll be gone, soon, anyway. And then he’ll be nothing but a fond memory.
Yeah. I’m completely fine.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Brendan
Well,that was a near-perfect end to a great night. Hali’s mother is a delight, and I honestly felt right at home in her kitchen. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so welcomed and accepted by someone outside my own family. I was able to relax, and I actually forgot for a while the whole reason I’m here, on this island, to begin with.
Then, Hali kissed me.
Not only did she kiss me, but she climbed into my lap, making me hard as a rock as she surrounded me with her warmth and light. I lost myself for a while there, kissing her back with all the pent-up desire that’s been building this week.
I didn’t want to end the kiss.Fuck, I didn’t.
But something in my gut told me I should. Probably because her mother was in the next room.
A harsh laugh bursts through my lips at the thought, and I pull my shirt over my head and toss it into the basket by the washing machine on my way to my bedroom. It wasn’t because of her mother. Hell, I heard her with my own ears saying Hali should go for it with me.
It was because I knew if I were to sleep with her, signing her on as a client would make things messy and complicated. And even though she’s assured me she’s not going to sign and given me several good reasons why she can’t, I still have a shred of hope that I can change her mind.
Stripping out of my pants and leaving them on the floor, I pull on a pair of athletic shorts and walk into the bathroom. I can barely look at my own reflection as I brush my teeth and wash my face. I don’t know whether I should feel proud that I acted so responsibly or ashamed that I denied us what we both obviously want for my own selfish reasons.
If I could go back, would I make the same decision? I don’t know.
Hali is… She’s amazing. Beautiful. Kind and funny. Generous. Loving.
