Still, when we finally came to a stop in front of the large mansion and Oliver Brant, the head of their security force, opened the front door, I was so glad Sal and Lany had this place.
I opened the door and climbed out, holding it open for Skip. After Skip got out, I left the door open for the others, placed my hand in the middle of Skip's back, and escorted him up to the front door.
"Evening, Brant."
Brant nodded to each of us. "Officer Wu. Dr. Jones. Mrs. Martinez has prepared food in the dining room, and I've set aside the blue guestroom if you wish to shower. A change of clothes and towels are on the bathroom counter."
"You're a godsend, Brant."
The man didn't even crack a smile. "Of course, sir."
Once inside, I led Skip through the house to the guest bedroom Brant has mentioned. The blue guestroom was the one usually set aside for guests, so I knew right where it was located. I'd stayed here a couple of times myself.
"Come on, babe," I said as I led Skip inside the room and then shut the door behind us. "Let's get you in the shower." I turned to look at Skip when he refused to take a single step. "Skip?"
Chapter Nine
Skip
This was insane.
Absolutely insane.
I needed to get out of there and go home before more than my car exploded. "I need to go," I said as I turned back toward the door.
"Whoa, whoa." David grabbed my arm and pulled me back. "Settle down, Skip. You're safe here."
I started shaking my head. I so wasn't safe. Physically, I might be, but emotionally I was in hell. I realized some of what I was feeling was the shock of Jean being at the hospital and my car exploding, but not all of it.
With my emotions all over the place, I was too vulnerable to the lure of being with David. I needed to get away before I broke and started begging.
It was a very real possibility.
"I need to go."
"We're not going to do that right now, Skip. Let's get you in the shower, and then we'll get some food in you."
"No." I shook my head. "I really need to go."
"Hey, hey." David's hands cupped my face. "It's okay, Skip."
I pulled away from David and then took several steps away from temptation. "Do you understand that I can't do this with you? Do you get that?"
David's brow flickered. "Do what?"
Seriously?
"We are not dating, David."
"I think we are."
"I remember your words very clearly." I doubted I would ever forget them. They were etched in my mind. "One night. No strings. No attachments. Just the two of us enjoying each other for the night. You don't do relationships, remember?"
"I did say that, yes," David admitted, "and at the time, I meant it, but things change."
"What has changed?" I knew I certainly hadn't. I was still the same man who'd woken up alone in my bed after the most spectacular night of my life.
I didn't think David's grimace was good.
