Tired of playing games.
Tired of pretending.
Even more tired ofClaypretending.
She lifted her head and looked up to see his eyes on her.
“This is the first you’ve shown any signs you’re upset over it.”
“Because I carry it well doesn’t mean it’s not heavy,” she said, blinking the moisture out of her eyes.
She could handle a room full of screaming kids who were hot, hungry, and waiting for the bell to ring with a smile on her face.
She practiced patience for years. Or pushing off her frustration and annoyance until it evaporated on its own.
But this just wasn’t drying out. The things happening around and to her weren’t vanishing.
There was no way to keep it in any longer.
And that also meant what she was feeling for Clay.
If all it was, was a physical release between them, she’d accept that. She just needed something.
Anything to feel as if she had some control of her situation.
He ran his hand over her head. “Yeah.”
“You know what that’s like,” she said. “Holding it all in and shielding those around you.”
His eyes were searching hers in the dim light of the kitchen, the sounds of nature not that far away outside.
“It’s better for everyone that way.”
“No,” she said. “It’s not. I’m exhausted from it. I need to be swept away. I needyouto take me away from it.”
“What are you asking me?” he asked.
“I’m not asking you anything. I’m telling you what I need. What I want.”
“You’re going to regret it,” he said. “I don’t want that.”
“Regret in itself is toxic. Why fight what your body needs to possess?”
“This is your last chance to change your mind,” he said. His voice was rougher than it’d ever been. Hoarse as if he was forcing out each word and trying to make a point for her to walk away.
It wasn’t happening.
She was in his arms and not leaving them anytime soon.
“I’m not changing it,” she said. “If you’re trying to be a gentleman, just stop. I can’t get any clearer than telling you to take me to your bed.”
He picked her up under the arms, her legs going around his waist.
Oh geez. The skin of his belly was scorching her inner thighs.
“The last thing I am is a gentleman. Don’t confuse me with lovers in your past.”
“Now you’re trying to scare me. You should know by now it won’t happen. I’m not afraid of you, Clay.”
