Page 51 of Unpredictable
Harrison pulled me into his arms, holding me close, giving me strength. He sat with me, giving himself for as long as I needed. And when my sobs finally quieted to hiccups, I felt a sense of calm I hadn’t before. As awful as reliving the memory was, telling someone was cathartic.
“I’m so sorry,” he said. “I’m sorry for your loss. And I’m sorry you had to endure something so horrific.”
“Thank you.” I wiped away my tears. So many people had uttered similar sentiments in the wake of the tsunami. But for the first time, I felt like Harrison actually understood—that he connected with me on a deeper level.
“And you’re a wedding planner? Shit.” He wiped a hand over his mouth. “I already suspected you were a bit of a masochist for dealing with bridezillas, but now…” He shook his head. “How the hell do you plan weddings after…” He trailed off, and we both knew the words he couldn’t bring himself to say.
After losing the man you were supposed to marry.
I lifted a shoulder. “It’s my passion. And celebrating life’s biggest moments became even more important to me in the wake of his…loss,” I said, still unable to say “death.”
“It might seem silly or trivial, but it’s important to celebrate the good,” I said. “To be grateful for every moment because you never know what will happen.”
He nodded, and a look flashed through his eyes that I couldn’t quite decipher. An owl hooted in the distance, the quiet peace of the country blanketing the room. I wanted to push my bad dream aside and soak in the tranquil environment, but spending time with Harrison was bringing so many feelings to the surface. Feelings I wasn’t prepared for. Some I hadn’t even realized I had.
“You…” He peered into my eyes with a look of such admiration, of reverence, it stole the breath from my lungs. “You are an incredible woman, and I’m honored to know you. Thank you for sharing your story with me.”
“You know,” I said, needing to lighten the moment. “You are a good listener.”
“And a good kisser.” He gave me a mischievous grin. “Don’t forget that.”
I couldn’t have, even if I’d wanted to. The memory of our kiss—our night together—was seared into my brain. His lips on mine, his hands canvassing my skin. I was hit with a pang of desire.
“I’m good at other things too,” he said, bringing me back to the present.
I gave him a playful shove, and he fell off the bed with a grunt. I laughed, but when he didn’t immediately get up, I leaned over to check on him.
“Are you okay?” I asked, noting his pinched expression.
Before I realized what was happening, he tugged my hand. I gasped, tumbling from the bed and into his arms. He tickled me, and I batted away his hands, even as I laughed and squirmed.
“Stop,” I cried out, though I really didn’t want him to. Especially not when he pulled me on top of him, my legs bracketing his waist. His hard-on seeking me out, nudging my center through the silk of my shorts. Making me even wetter.
“Harrison.” I was breathless with laughter, and I couldn’t remember the last time I’d laughed so hard.
I leaned forward, my blond waves cascading over his face. With one hand still firmly planted on my waist, he lifted the other to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. In that moment, everything stilled. My heart slowed, my stomach bottoming out. He curled his hand around the back of my neck, applying gentle pressure to pull me toward him. He hadn’t needed to—I was drawn toward him like a magnet, unable to resist the allure.
Our foreheads kissed, our noses brushing against each other, his breath fanning over my skin. Apart from that night at the wedding expo, this was the closest I’d been to a man in years. And this time, there was no alcohol clouding my judgment. No excuses. Nothing to blame my actions on, other than raw desire.
Just when I thought he was going to close the distance and press his lips to mine, he groaned. “I really want to kiss you.”
My body screamed that it was ready, but I was emotionally drained after my nightmare and then the retelling. The memory and Ryan weighed heavily on my mind. And the idea of kissing Harrison while thinking about Ryan didn’t seem fair to either of them.
“But I won’t.” Harrison’s voice was gravelly, eyes dark with need. “Not yet.”
I nodded, resting my head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. I wasn’t sure whether I was relieved or disappointed. A bit of both, I supposed. But I also wasn’t ready for him to leave.
“Stay with me?” I whispered.
“I don’t know if that’s a good idea.” His erection dug into me as if to prove his point.
I lifted my head, peering into his eyes. “Please? I don’t want to be alone.”
“Just to sleep.”
I nodded, and he let out a heavy sigh, a muscle twitching in his jaw. “One day, you’ll be ready for more than just sleep. And when that day comes—” He gripped my hips tighter, shifting so I could feel his hard length. I gasped, clutching his shoulders, the feel of my nipples brushing against the silk negligee so erotic. I’d forgotten what it was like to be intimate with someone, to feel their skin against mine. Their heart beating in time to mine.
“When that day comes…?” I breathed, reveling in his closeness, his scent.
