His blunt statement jolts me back to reality.
I clear my throat.“Sorry for trespassing.”I place the glass on the table beside him and attempt to stand.
“No, that’s not what I meant—”
My knees give way.I stumble forward, palms landing against the hard plane of his chest as his hands dart out to steady my waist.His breath mingles with mine, warm and dangerously close.Caught between his parted legs, his fingers digging into my hips, electricity shoots through me.His features are even more striking up close.His head dips, his gaze dropping to my lips.A low hum of protest escapes my lips.I shut my eyes, turning my face away.
He clears his throat and releases me, hands rubbing his face.
I step back and make my way to the door.My bag and shoes are near the base of the staircase.
“I’ll be gone as soon as I find it.”The thought of the ring brings a fresh wave of nausea.
“You won’t find anything in that darkness,” he counters, following me.
“I can’t go home without it.”Desperation edges my voice.
“So don’t.”
I spin around, frowning.
He holds up a hand.“You can stay in the guest room.Get the rest you clearly need.”He pauses.“I’ll help you find your ring first thing in the morning.”
I shake my head.
I can’t possibly…
“You can lock the door.It has an en suite bathroom.You’ll be perfectly safe,” he adds.
“It’s not that.I don’t mean to—”
“I get it,” he interrupts gently.“But I assure you, this is a safe place.”
I meet his gaze.
His expression softens.“I can’t in good conscience let you go back out there at this hour, knowing you have nowhere else to go.”
His concern feels…
Real.
Those intense green eyes make me feel seen for the first time in a very long time.
“Are you a doctor?”I blurt out.
“Lawyer,” he replies with a light chuckle.“Matthew.”He extends his hand.
“Amy.”His hand engulfs mine.
Warm.
Solid.
Heat spreads through me, chasing away the night’s chill.
“Amy,” he repeats, his gaze lingering.“Let me show you to your room.”He picks up my handbag and shoes.
I follow him.My steps are hesitant, but with each one, a fragile sense of security takes root.
