Page 36 of Clear Blue Sky

“Why’d you do it?”

He tugged his chair closer and took her hands. “I have no good answer to that.”

“Who initiated it?”

“She did.” He held her gaze. “But that doesn’t absolve me of my actions. She was married. It doesn’t matter what she told me was going on in her life; I should have kept with my original answer.”

“Did she get pregnant?”

“That’s where things get tricky,” he said. “She had a miscarriage after her husband died. Seth had been deployed for a month before I slept with her and the math added up to when we were together, but I can’t be totally sure it was mine.”

She squeezed Nelson’s hands. “I need you to sign that contract. I want you to read that book so you can tell me everything. And I need a stronger drink.”

“I’m not sure I want to,” Nelson said.

She poked him dead center in the chest. “I don’t care. You’re going to do it for me and you’re going to do it tonight.” She jumped to her feet, dropping the fleece to the ground. “I’m going to go get shit-faced. I’m sleeping in your bed, alone. It’s going to take you all night and maybe into tomorrow to finish.”

“Where am I going to get a copy?”

“You’ve got paper and a printer, right?”

“Yeah,” he said.

“Make sure it’s full. I’ll start printing.”

9

Nelson tapped on the master bedroom door. “Brandi? You awake? I’ve got coffee.” He’d respected her wishes and left her alone all night. He’d also managed to skim through Marcus’ massive novel without leaving the house and strangling the bastard.

Although, he did kick a tree.

Throw a chair.

And do two shots before he realized this wasn’t Marcus’ endgame. It was all a distraction.

He heard a groan as he pushed open the door a little wider. “Are you okay?” He strolled across the room, staring at the sleeping beauty, who pulled the covers over her head. Setting down two mugs, he poured the bitter brew from the carafe. “What did you do all night while I read a bunch of crap?” Sitting on the side of the bed, he tugged at the comforter.

“I couldn’t fall asleep, so I drank tequila. There’s a reason I don’t consume that shit.”

He laughed. “I could put some Baileys in this.” He pushed the mug under her nose. “It might help the hangover.”

“No. Some caffeine, water, and something very greasy will do the trick.” She pushed herself to a sitting position, wrapping the sheet and blanket around her waist, showing off a white tank top with no bra.

He forced his gaze back to her gorgeous green-blue eyes. If they could get through the half-truths in Marcus’ book, then there would be plenty of time to explore whatever their relationship would be moving forward.

“What time is it?” She palmed the cup and brought it to her lips. Blowing slowly, she took a sip. “Mmmm, that’s good.”

“It’s almost noon.”

Her eyes grew wide. “You’re joking.”

“Nope. I kept waiting for you to show your pretty face.”

“You should have woken me up sooner.” She reached for her cell. “My dad is probably going nuts. So is my mom. I always check messages first thing in the morning.”

“Lake called me at eight wondering what was going on.”

She glared. “What did you tell him?”

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