“Mother, please open the door.” A pause. “Jesus, is Haddon in there with you?”
Haddon shot her a triumphant look.
This was, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the most embarrassing and shameful moment of her life. Her son was about to open the door and see Marissa with her lover.
No. Not her lover.Such a moniker proclaimed a relationship. An understanding. This was adalliance. She wrinkled her nose. The entire room smelled of sex. There would be no doubt as to what had taken place last night.
Repeatedly.Just the thought sent a flood of arousal through her.
And Brendan wouldknow. She wouldn’t be able to make an outlandish excuse about Haddon merely stopping by to take her for an early morning walk or something else equally unbelievable. She shot a pointed look at her lover, who was still naked.
Dalliance.
Haddon’s beautiful,skilledmouth twisted into a mischievous smile.
“This isn’t the least bit amusing,” she snapped at him, grabbing the robe flung over the back of a nearby chair. Careful to keep her body hidden behind the pillow, she put her arms through the sleeves, only releasing the pillow once she was assured she was covered.
“You’re being ridiculous. I’ve explored every magnificent inch of you, Marissa.” His voice softened. “I find you beautiful. Doesn’t that matter?”
Belting the robe, she shot him a pleading look. It was a lovely, thrilling thing for him to say, and Marissa’s heart would have swooned had her very large grown son not been demanding entry.
Haddon shook his head at her before walking around the bed, unmindful—or at least uncaring—that his own body was so exposed.
And why should he?
Even in her mounting anxiety and mortification, Marissa couldn’t look away. He was such a gorgeous male animal, all sleek lines and elegant strength, dusted with dark hair. Gentlemen she had...dallianceswith weren’t even the same species as Haddon.
He reached down and pulled on his trousers, taking his time to do so while Marissa gritted her teeth, resisting the urge to hurry him along. Throwing on his shirt, he picked up his boots and regarded her again, brow raised.
Oh God. He was going to walk out of here in his bare feet. Why not just announce to the entire house party he’s been in my room? Perhaps mention it to everyone over breakfast?
“Brendancan’tsee you,” she whispered, wondering if she would expire on the spot from embarrassment. “Please hide,” Marissa implored again. “Under the bed, perhaps?” She gestured helplessly. “I think you’ll fit.”
“He already knows I’m here, Marissa.” Haddon stalked toward her. His fingers brushed against her skin as he pushed aside the top of the robe with his free hand. Teeth nipped at the exposed length of flesh between her shoulder and neck. She gasped at the sudden stinging sensation before Haddon pressed an open-mouthed kiss to the spot.
A bolt of pure lust shot down between her legs, further stoking the frustration of her body still clamoring for Haddon’s mouth. His hands.Anything.
“We aren’t done, Marissa.” The words were deceptively calm.
“But you have to hide,” she whispered.
He looked down at her intently before his eyes widened slightly. “Are youashamedofme?”
“It isn’t shame,exactly,” she started, hating the way his face clouded at her words. More like mortification. Or horror. Marissa wasn’t completely comfortable with her children knowing she sought male companionship on occasion. The current situation was made worse by the fact that Brendan and Haddon were friends.Andhe was so much younger. “I only—”
The line of his jaw hardened. Pink stained the very tops of the magnificent cheekbones. Apparently, she’d flung the worst possible insult at his exotically handsome head.
Haddon’s eyes never left hers as he walked to the door with purpose, stood to one side and verydeliberatelyflicked the lock.
Marissa’s mouth gaped open in astonishment, rendered speechless. She pulled the robe tighter. One hand went to the tangled nest of her hair. Could she fluff the pillows to dispel the shape of Haddon’s head and pull up the sheets before Brendan glanced at the bed?
The younger of her two sons flung open the door within seconds and stomped into the room. Brendan was a big man and looked larger still in the space of her guest room. Scowling at Haddon, his fingers curled into fists at his thighs. Brendan liked to brawl and, given his stance, seemed about to throw a punch at Haddon.
“Brendan,” Marissa stuttered hoping to avoid bloodshed. “How unexpected to see you so early.”
“Apparently,” Brendan growled, shooting another murderous look in Haddon’s direction.
Haddon stared back, seemingly unconcerned that he may be beaten to death at any moment.
