“It’s my computer,” she insists.
“It’smy family,” I growl harshly.
She inches back, her eyes wide and her eyelashes fluttering. A flash of discomfort wafts over me. It’s similar to the unease I felt when I realized I’d held her hand too tightly earlier and hurt her.
Sure, she kissed me as “punishment.” But a kiss can’t compare to leaving bruises on a girl’s delicate skin.
I pause a beat and then, swept away by the adrenaline coursing through me, I do something I almost never do.
I act on impulse.
J’s head lolls back as I lean forward, hovering over her. The plump pink lips that got my attention earlier part on a gasp.
I slide one hand around her waist, jerk her to me and then spin so I’m the one sitting in her chair. She’s light as a feather when I sweep her off her feet and deposit her—not so gently—into my lap.
J sputters. “What are you?—”
“You said I could touch your computer if you got to sit in my lap.” I jerk my chin down to where she’s perched on top of me. Her hospital gown rides back, revealing pale thighs.
My chest constricts when I realize she’s not wearing tights under this makeshift dress.
I swallow down the heat rising in me and focus on what matters.
Bringing my sisters-in-law home.
Chapter Ten
J
I sit, stiff as a board, on Finn Cross’s lap. He’s so tall—even when seated—that my feet dangle at least two feet off the ground.
His arms enclose me on either side, and as he works the keyboard and mouse, his chest brushes my back and shoulder. I’m stuck to him, like another layer of skin.
Much paler, much sweatier skin.
But still…
I inhale deeply to calm my nerves, but one deep drag brings the scent of Finn’s cologne to my nose. For someone covered in bruises and bandages, he smells amazing.
My watch blares out a warning. I slap my hand over it to hide the bright yellow tide that’s filling the screen. Thankfully, Finn isn’t paying any attention to me. He’s focused on fighting his way back into the system.
“Can you keep it down?” he growls. “I can’t hear myself think.”
I’dloveto.
But he’s so hot. And firm.
And masculine.
I’ve never been this close to a guy before. Much less one as stunning as Finn. He’s like an expertly crafted sculpture come to life. Perfectly made, every angle of his jaw chiseled, every inch of his skin smooth and flawless.
Counting backward from ten doesn’t work. Unfortunately.
So I break out the big guns.
Inhale.
“Be still,” I hear my Gran’s voice.
