Addy blew out a breath and wondered what the heck she was doing. She’d finally found a man she really liked. A man who might or mightnot be leaving again soon. He had issues. He was closed off. He might, in fact, have fathered a baby with a mysterious woman. And he still posed more questions than answers.
So what did she plan to do about him?
She finally had him all to herself. Whyshouldn’tshe take what she wanted and see where the risks led her? Her father had known the moment he’d met her mother that she wasthe one for him. And he’d moved across the country to be with her. A huge risk.
Then again, Addy had friends on their third marriage, and that after having married and divorced their high school sweethearts. She sighed. What to do? Go big or go home? Did she risk her heart and take a chance on what might prove an amazing night, leading toward an amazing relationship? Or did she stay safeand be cautious? Remain the little school teacher who had nothing but her kids, her books, and a bitter best friend to keep her company?
Deciding to take charge of her life and embrace her strength as a sexual creature who could do whatever the hell she wanted, Addy quietly crept out of bed. She took a quick peek at herself in the bathroom and smoothed down her hair, wishing she lookedsexier and less rumpled, then slid her door open and walked into the living room.
She stood over Noel, draped awkwardly on the couch, his feet hanging over the arm, his chest bared by the blanket tucked at his waist. From the moonlight illuminating the room in a faint glow, she saw his eyes closed. He looked perfect—handsome, muscular, at peace.
Then he opened his eyes, and she wonderedif he’d been asleep at all.
His slow smile caused the heat inside her to unfurl. “What took you so long?”
Noel had been dying inside,minute by minute, waiting for Addy to figure out she needed him. As much as he needed her. It made little sense for a man born to caution, who worried about every last detail, to feel so much for a woman so soon. But in all fairness, he hadbeen—not stalking—investigatingher for years. He didn’t deserve her. That sweetness, that inherent goodness Addy carried around so naturally.
But he craved it, cravedher.
They had bantered at dinner, the conversation never stilted. And that was saying something for a man short on charm. Deacon or even Hammer could have flirted with her all night, seducing her out of her slinkydress. But Noel could only be himself, and he’d been able to relax into his own skin with her all night. That prickle of alarm when in public hadn’t faded, but he’d thoroughly enjoyed her company.
And that affection made him desire her all the more. Her body had tantalized him all night. Every time she shifted and that dress teased at the supple flesh of her thighs. Or when she’d laughand her hair had fluttered over her décolletage, hinting at the fullness of breasts he’d touched just a few days ago.
Fuck.He’d been aroused for hours, vacillating between lust and like as he considered all of Addy’s attributes. A sharp woman who would only let him get away with so much, she’d managed to push past his barriers to get him to open up to her.
And that honesty compelledhim to see the truth. The Business had worn thin years ago. Sure, Noel liked righting the world’s wrongs, but death and destruction were eating at his soul. He couldn’t brush off the kills anymore. He found himself thinking about that drugged-out girl in Bangkok. About the bastard children that Nigerian dictator had left behind after his death. About so much more than Noel could control.
Noel wanted his garden. He wanted his safe home with walls and doors that locked. He wanted Addy by his side. Her softness, her tenderness.
And in the deep secrets he didn’t dare admit out loud, he wanted her love.
She stared down at him, and his heart filled, excitement and nerves jumbling while he waited for her to take that last step.
She frowned. “You knew I’d come?”
He shook his head, aware his erection made a tent in the sheet. “I’d hoped. You have no idea how much I’ve hoped.”
Her frown eased, and she glanced at the rising blanket with a slow smile. “That looks…uncomfortable.”
“It really is.”
She held her hand out to him. “Maybe you’d be better off in bed.”
“Only if it’s with you.” He waited.
Her smile widened. “That’sthe plan.”
He took her hand and shoved off the blanket. His boxer briefs did nothing to hide how much he wanted her.
She swallowed audibly. “You look good in underwear. Sorry my pajamas aren’t that sexy.”
He drew her to him and swore to himself when his arousal grew.Slow down. Ease her into it.“Trust me. I’m not seeing you in anything but skin. I have a great memory, andTuesday night is burned into my brain.”
Her sweet blush made him groan. He had to kiss her. The warmth of her mouth and the taste of minty toothpaste was so wholesome he had to smile.
“What’s so funny?”
“I’m the luckiest guy in the world right now. And I’m not saying one more thing to chance it. Let’s go.” He pulled her with him toward the bedroom, then shimmied out of hisunderwear.
