There was a little rumble between the ‘E’ and the ‘v’ as he drew out her name, the warning clear. It did funny little things to her breathing and her heartbeat.
Funny little things she’d not object to experiencing again with him.
“You’re not sleeping out here,” she said. “I don’t want you falling off it again.” This time she reached up and cupped his cheek, easing him close enough so she could brush a light kiss on his lips.
“I don’t want you hurt,” she added softly. When there wasn’t an immediate protest, she pushed a little more. “I promise I won’t have my wicked way with you.”
His lips twitched. “But what about me?”
“Anytime you want.” She rose and walked backwards. “Are you coming or not?”
He was on his feet in a flash, and before she knew it, he’d drawn her into his arms. He tilted her head back. His eyes were in the shadows, but she could imagine them being a deep forest green.
“I want to take this slow.” He traced her lips gently with the tip of his finger. “I’ve waited a long time for you. I’m going to enjoy every minute, and no step in this relationship…”
Frown lines creased his forehead, and she wanted to kiss them away.
“You do want a relationship, right? With me?” he asked.
Evie didn’t need to think. “Yes.” Her heart spoke for her. Frankly, she was tired of fighting it over this man. Something had shifted tonight. Her heart had won.
“Then slow.” Brennan pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Thorough.” A kiss to the tip of her nose. “And perfect.” Lips to lips. And not anywhere near long enough. Before she could steal a kiss of her own, he scooped her up into his arms. Hers shot around his neck and she held on tight.
“I’ve got you, Evie,” he said. “I’ll never let you fall.”
“Not even for you?”
He turned his head, lips so close, but she didn’t take advantage. “I’m hoping you’re already there. I know I am.”
Oh boy. Was she in trouble? Or the luckiest girl in the world? Either way, she’d take it. “Brennan?”
“Yes.” He set her on her feet beside her bed and reached down to toss back the covers.
Evie stood there, staring at him in the dim light from the lantern. He raised an eyebrow but didn’t rush her. Just waited patiently for her to speak.
“If I am,” she said, “can I keep falling for a bit longer? I like this feeling.”
“You can fall forever, if you want. I’ll always be here.”
CHAPTER 9
Evie’s breathwhispered across Brennan’s skin. Her hair softly tickled his shoulder, and one leg rested across his. She was tucked safe and warm against his side. And for once, he didn’t want to get up and start the day. He was totally content lying there with her asleep in his arms.
It was new, exciting, and oh so right, all at the same time. Never had he felt so comfortable with someone in his personal space like this. He wasn’t a monk, shyness notwithstanding, but he’d never wanted to just stay put. Nor had he had such a strong desire to simply watch a woman sleep in his arms like he did right now.
It shouldn’t surprise him, since very little about his feelings, or their progression, for Evie had been normal. From the instant desire for a connection with her at that first meeting, the awareness of her whenever they were in the same space, to the protectiveness, and the possibly overblown fear he’d experienced in her studio last night.
Was it only last night he’d arrived to find her so lost in her art, oblivious to the life-threatening danger sparking right behind her? In barely twelve hours, his world had shifted. He’d found courage, trusted his heart, and taken a huge leap. Beingcompletely honest, he’d fallen in love with her that first night. He’d just been too stubborn to admit it. Whether Evie was ready to hear those words was an entirely different matter. After last night, he hoped she would be, but in the light of day, things could be different. It would crush him in a way he’d never experienced if she changed her mind.
“You’re thinking too much.” Her whisper broke into his thoughts. “I hope it’s good.”
“It’s about you.”
Evie shifted enough that he could see her face. “Doesn’t mean it’s good.”
“You’re better than good.” His fingers moved to her chin and lifted it so he could press a kiss to her lips.
“Good morning,” she whispered.
