Then she goes still.
My eyes fly open, but I dare not move a muscle.I feel her body release into sleep again in just minutes.
I lie there wondering how the fuck I’m supposed to navigate this.Phoebe’s heart is tender, and her affection is wholesome.Her trust in me is absolute.
And she’s under the impression that I’m a very good man.
Holy hell.
Responsibility, protection, trust.
Ask me how bundling can save you hundreds!
CHAPTER 23
Phoebe
I wake up.I don’t dare move.
I’m in danger.
Not from the winter storm raging outside, still beating against this old cabin.The danger is of my own making.
Thin, gray daylight is creeping in, mixing with the low firelight behind me.Evander’s holding me in his arms and clutching me tight to the front of his body.My face is smushed against his chest.
I’m on the verge of doing something truly stupid.I’m right on the edge.I feel it.This is not a situation I ever thought I’d have to deal with, not in my wildest dreams.
Okay, fine.Maybe in my wildest dreams, since they’ve gotten fairly wild lately.But this is not a dream.Our situation is real.Evander’s real.I feel him right up against me.
And I’m about to throw myself at him.
His hard, masculine body cradles me like I’m something precious.Precious to him, personally.I don't think a man has ever embraced me like this.He's curled around me like it's his job to keep me safe and protected from anything outside our private cocoon.
I bet that’s exactly what’s going on.He sees me as his job.I already know that’s the kind of man he is.It’s in his DNA.It’s how he was raised and how he’s been trained.It’s how the MacLaines go through life—as heroes.
I admit I like the idea of that.It’s comforting knowing that I'm not alone, that I don't have to deal with this intense situation by myself.I know I can count on him.
And yet…
I don’t want to be hisjob.
I’d rather be his lover.
His woman.
How wonderful would it be if Evander was determined to keep me safe and protected because of how much he loves me, not because of some overblown sense of duty?
I stifle my sigh.
His breathing is steady and deep.I just felt his hand twitch on my back.He’s asleep and dreaming.I wonder what he dreams about—not me, obviously.
Maybe his dreams are of wrestling bears or saving an endless line of drowning victims, but as soon as he drags one to safety he’s got another one screaming for help.I guess that’s more of a nightmare, really.
I bet he’s dreaming of one or more of the many glamorous women he’s had in his life.I don’t know them, but I don’t like those women.
So, I could really go for it.I could do itright now.I could shift in his embrace just enough to throw my leg over his thigh and offer myself to him.
And then what, Phoebe?
