Page 24 of Mistletoe Omega
“I just wish I could do it over again. I would be different.”
I tightened my hold. “I know.” His vulnerability broke my heart. I’d have never suspected all these painful emotions were hidden under his stoic demeanor. He’d always been upbeat and positive. Realizing this deep sorrow had been there all along made me respect him even more. “It’s okay, Graham.”
He exhaled and pressed his face against my shoulder.
“When people are suffering, they do stupid things,” I said softly, needing him to know that I understood his pain. “It’s not your fault.”
“Feels like it was.” His voice was hoarse.
“No. No way. You’d have done anything for him. I’m sure of it.” He’d been so good to me. So kind. My heart ached with how grateful I felt toward him for taking me in and keeping me safe. “You’re such a good man. Look how you’ve gone out of your way for me.”
He sniffed and tightened his arms around me. “I don’t want anything bad to happen to you.”
“Why?” I laughed softly.
“I don’t know.” He sighed. “I just feel like I need to protect you.”
I smiled and pulled back, meeting his sad gaze. “It must be the alpha in you.”
“Maybe.”
I touched his stubbly cheek. “I’m sorry I upset you.”
“I’m just being a big baby.”
I scowled. “No. You’re dealing with loss.”
“Yeah.Fuck.” He gave a gruff laugh. “It only took four years and a stranger’s shoulder to cry on.” He relaxed his hold on me and started to move away.
I grabbed his hand and tugged him close again. He looked surprised, but he didn’t fight me. “We’re not strangers. Not anymore.”
He frowned. “I’m surprised to hear you say that.”
“I told you. I think you’re someone I could trust.”
He sighed. “That means more than you know.”
I ran my thumb over his lower lip. “I’m glad.”
Wrinkling his brow, he looked uneasy. “What are you doing?”
“I’m not quite sure.” All I knew was I liked him against me. I’d seen a new side to him tonight, and it only made me like him even more. “But I enjoy touching you.”
He swallowed, his gaze pinned on my mouth. “Don’t tease me, Sam. You’re an attractive man, and I’m only a gentleman up to a point.”
I smiled, feeling excited at the knowledge he wanted me too. “I’m not teasing.”
He clenched his jaw. “I’m way too old for you.”
I slid my hand down his hip, slipping around to brush his firm ass. “Says who?”
He stiffened. “Come on, Sam.”
“Come on what?”
Squinting at me, he said, “I’m forty. You’re what? Twenty-four at most?”
“Twenty-five.” I smiled. “But I’ve had a rough life, so I’m really thirty.”
