Page 51 of Beauty Beneath the Sorrow
“I didn’t know Brian had another kid,” I reply, a little confused.Oh wait, that’s her sister, Zoe.
“I’m not Brian’s kid,” she quips, tapping her pencil on the notepad beside her.
Lina lifts her head. She’s still burning up. We need to get her out of these clothes. I can feel the heat radiating off of her body. And now I’m beginning to sweat.
“Oh yes, I remember. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Lina’s sister cocks her head to the side. “And you are …?
“Zoe, this is Carter. He’s a pilot for our airline.” Lina lowers from my arms.
Zoe gives me a once over, looking at my uniform. “Clearly.” Then, she arches a brow. “I’ve heard a lot about you too.”
Lina has mentioned me?Probably just as her partner.
“Thank you for bringing me home, but I’ve got to go to bed,” Lina replies, as she heads up the stairs, leaving me alone withMiss Personality.
She stares at me while I stand in the middle of their entryway. Should I follow Lina? She looks pretty sick, and I’d like to stay to ensure she’s taken care of and has everything she needs.
“Nice to meet you.” She fakes, smiling and attempting to dismiss me. Little does she know, I’m not leaving.
I slip off my shoes by the door. “Where can I find a fever reducer?”
Zoe drops her pencil. “What the heck is that?”
“Tylenol?”
“Oh. I’m sure Lina has some in her bathroom.” She closes her laptop and starts to get up.
“I’ll get it,” I say, taking the stairs two at a time. When I reach the top of the stairs, I see a bedroom to the right and the left—pausing momentarily before I knock on one of them.
“She’s on the left,” I hear Zoe call out from downstairs.
Thanks.
I suck in a deep breath and lightly knock.
“Come in,” I hear Lina’s muffled voice.
Slowly, I open the door to find her lying across her bed, still wearing her uniform and heels. She doesn’t move as I approach the edge. “I’m going to start a bath for you.”
I hear a weak “Thank you.”
Her bathroom is clean for the most part, except she has what looks to be face and hair products scattered all over the counter—a small circular mirror holder for perfume andlotions. On the floor in the corner, I spot some clothes and a pair of lacy panties. I think seriously about sniffing them, but that might be going too far.Or would it?
No, Carter.I sit on the side of the bathtub and turn on the water.
From the corner of my eye, I see Lina walk in. Her long blonde hair is tangled, and her hairline looks damp.
“Hi.” I raise to my feet in front of her.
She manages to give me a little smile.
God, it’s taking everything I have in me not to take her in my arms and hold her until she feels better. I bring my hands to her face and run my fingers through her sticky hair. She’s sweating. “Let me help you take off all of these layers.”
I’m surprised when she doesn’t put up a fight and instead raises her arms above her head. Even sick, she’s the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I slowly pull the silk scarf from around her neck and toss it on the floor. Her eyes fall closed—and my pulse quickens. Then, I grip the bottom hem of her sweater and lift it over her head. My cock swells as Lina’s hair falls and bounces against her back.
I don’t know if I can do this.Get yourself together.
