Page 43 of Unpredictable
But it was more than that. More than his looks. Clearly, he was hot—that was a given. And a good father—kind, caring, and compassionate. He was also generous, involved with a number of charities in the city. And he’d asked me to help plan one of their annual events. He was also smart, attentive, and patient. Despite not knowing anything about weddings, he was interested and invested in planning this one with me.
I stood, removing my sunglasses and setting them on the table beside me. “The doctor said to take it easy. I’d say lounging by the pool is about as easy as you can take it.”
I headed for the pool, eager to cool down. Harrison was… He was too close. He saw too much. And the way his eyes devoured me made me want to give in.
“Where are you going?”
“For a dip,” I threw over my shoulder, gratified by the fact that his eyes were glued to my ass.
He stood, growling my name. “Juliana.” It was a warning.
“Some Zen master you are,” I teased, descending the stairs to the pool. The water was cool against my skin, refreshing after the long hike and the hospital visit. It was just what I’d needed.
If I’d thought the hike would help me clear my mind or in some way lessen my attraction to him, I was wrong. Despite his spontaneous, carefree attitude, he’d been thoughtful and prepared. And it didn’t hurt that his backpack had been full of some of my favorite snacks.
He followed me with his eyes, and I relished the feeling of being watched. Of being wanted.
“If you’re so concerned about my well-being, maybe you should join me.” I spun away so I wouldn’t have to see his reaction.
“Is that an invitation?” he rasped.
I didn’t answer, letting him read into my silence what he wanted as I paddled around the pool. I felt the water shift before I saw him. He swam beneath the surface, popping his head out just before he reached me. His hair was darker, water sluicing down the hard planes of his face.
“You couldn’t just sit by the pool, could you?” he teased.
“You took away my tablet. And my phone. What was I supposed to do?” I pouted.
“Relax.Be.” He smoothed his hair away from his face, his green eyes more intense than usual.
“I’m not sure I know how,” I admitted. “But I’m working on it.”
“Good.” He placed his hands on my shoulders. His skin was warm, his grip firm. It was comforting, yet… His touch sparked something in me—awoke a desire. “Juliana, you scared the shit out of me.”
It was the first time I’d really looked at him since the incident, and his concern was clear. It was etched into his face, evident in the tightness in his grip.
“I’m sorry. I rarely have a reaction that severe, fortunately.” I wasn’t going to admit how scared I’d been for a moment. My throat closing in on me, feeling dizzy and weak.
“Hey.” His voice was soothing as he smoothed his hand down my arm. “Are you okay?”
“You heard the doctor,” I said, unable to bear the intensity of his gaze—this moment—any longer. “I’m fine. I didn’t mean to scare you. I also didn’t mean for you to carry me down a mountain. I’m not some damsel in distress.” I stuck my tongue out at him, needing to lighten the moment.
“I know you’re not. But you can’t blame me for wanting to protect you.” He pulled me into his chest without another word, holding me tight to him. His body was wet but warm, and his heart beat a steady rhythm.
For a moment, I let myself give in. I closed my eyes and wrapped my arms around his waist, and I allowed myself tofeel.I allowed myself to imagine what it would be like to open my heart again. What it would be like to love someone again. And while I wasn’t sure if Harrison was that person, it certainly felt like he could be. He was kind and compassionate. He was courageous and selfless. And he was good at helping me let go, at getting me to relax.
His skin was so smooth, and I was tempted to get lost in him. Surely, he could feel my nipples pebbling against the thin material of my swimsuit. I could certainly feel his arousal poking my stomach. But instead of pushing for more, he backed away. His eyes darted to my chest, and my nipples seemed to harden even more under his gaze.
“So…” He cleared his throat.
“So,” I said.
“I guess I now know why you cater to clients with specialty diets.” He rested his arms on the edge of the pool.
I ached for his touch, craved it. And yet I knew it was for the best that he’d put some space between us.
I nodded. “Having food allergies isn’t easy, especially as a kid. I can’t tell you how many times kids made fun of me or I had to miss birthday parties or social events because of it. My parents did their best, but it wasn’t easy.”
“I bet. Kids can be vicious. I was lucky most of Olivia’s friends were nice.”
