Page 47 of Unpredictable
“Come on.” I stood and held out my hand, tugging her to stand. “Let’s get you to bed.”
She arched her brow, and I grinned. “I’d certainly be happy to join you. But it’s been a big day.”
She nodded, letting my comment slide. “You’re right. I’m exhausted.”
I placed my hand on the small of her back, escorting her upstairs. My room was just across the hall, and I lingered for a moment outside her door. She was so appealing in her floral dress, hair the color of sunshine. Unable to resist, I leaned in and pressed my lips to her cheek. Anything to prolong the moment.
“Good night, Juliana.” My breath fanned against her skin.
I pulled back ever so slowly. If I’d moved an inch to the right, our lips would be pressed together. Her eyes fluttered open, and her smile was relaxed when she said, “Good night, Harrison. Thank you for a nice day.”
“A nice day?” I barked out a laugh, drawing the attention of a staff member walking past. “You had an allergic reaction and ended up at the hospital.”
“Yeah. And apart from your nagging, I really enjoyed myself.” She grinned.
“What can I say?” I leaned in, pressing my hand to the doorframe, caging her in. “You bring out the best in me.”
She laughed, placing a hand to my chest. Her touch singed me through my light shirt, and I wondered if she was just as affected. Judging from the way her eyes widened, I’d say so. Even though it was complicated and a bad idea, I wanted to taste her again, devour her. But she was still grieving Ryan, and I didn’t think she was ready for anything more than friendship. Fuck me. This was going to be a long weekend.
“You know…” I leaned in to whisper in her ear. “I only nag you because I like you.”
She grinned. “You sound like a kid on the playground.”
I tucked some of her hair behind her ear. “You make me feel young again.”
She rolled her eyes, though she leaned into my touch. “Youareyoung, Harrison.”
When she yawned again, I stepped back, giving her space to open her door. Who was I kidding?Just because I felt young with her didn’t mean I was. The reality was that I was an old fool, lusting after a much younger woman.
She was young, gorgeous; she had a whole life ahead of her. She deserved someone who would want the same things that she did—marriage, children. Not a man who was fourteen years her senior. A man who’d been burned. A man who couldn’t give her—or anyone—his whole heart. And to ask for anything more than friendship would be selfish.
I waited until she’d closed her to door to make my way across the hall. Juliana might only be a few feet away, but it felt like we were miles apart. I paused with my hand on the doorknob, tempted to turn back. She shouldn’t be alone, not after what had happened on the trail. But would she let me stay even if I offered to sleep on the floor?
I shook my head. I was being ridiculous, overprotective of a woman I had no right to be. As she’d so clearly told me—she wasn’t a damsel in distress. So, I pushed open the door to my room, ignoring the nagging feeling in my gut. If she needed me, I was just across the hall.
I stripped out of my clothes, brushing my teeth before grabbing my Kindle. Olivia had sent me another book to read, and I was hoping it would be a good distraction. My legs were restless, my mind wandering, and I considered going for a run. My stomach protested the idea, and I frowned down at it. Maybe if I hadn’t eaten so damn much.
A glance at the world clock on my phone told me Olivia would be headed to work soon. And talking with Juliana had made me realize how much I was missing my daughter. It felt like I hadn’t seen Olivia in weeks, even though it had only been days. I sent Olivia a text, wishing her a good day.
I was surprised when the phone rang a second later, her name flashing across the screen. I grinned, tucking the phone between my shoulder and my ear. “Hey, Livie.”
“Hey, Dad.”
“You headed to work?”
“Soon. I’m eating breakfast. This jet lag is murder. What are you up to?”
“I’m in Ojai.”
“That’s right.” She laughed. “God, I’m so confused on my days. How’s it going?”
“Good.” I blew out a breath, wishing it would release some of my pent-up tension. “The weather has been gorgeous, and I’m pleased with the service at the venue.”
“That’s good.” I could hear the smile in her voice. “And Juliana…?”
“What about Juliana?” I asked, hating how defensive I sounded.
“How’s it going with her?”
