Olivia ran the brush through her hair before turning off the light and walking out. Her breath caught in her chest when she saw him.
Chapter 17
Jake was lying on thebed closest to the door. He was shirtless and, holy hell, the man looked flawless. It wassonot fair.
Sitting with his back against the headboard, he looked like a freaking underwear model. And the way he was staring back at her...wow.
“Wow,” he echoed her thoughts. “You look...” his words tapered off, as if he wasn’t sure what to say.
“Fine?” Olivia teased, but Jake didn’t crack a smile.
“Gorgeous,” he whispered breathlessly.
The sincerity in his voice caught her off guard. Blushing, she tucked some hair behind her ear. “Oh...um...thanks.”
Hiding her nervousness, she walked around the foot of the empty bed. A soft, rustling sound came from behind her as she made a move to turn down the bedding.
Fingers gently caressed the bruised skin on her arm, the unexpected contact causing Olivia to jump. She felt Jake pull away, and instantly wished she could take back her reaction.
“Sorry.” His voice was low as he spoke from behind her. “Did I hurt you?”
She turned to face him, those damn butterflies swirling around like a hurricane. She inhaled his scent. He smelled of soap and something that could only be described as Jake.
“No. You just surprised me, that’s all.”
Jake’s brow creased as he looked down at her. Cautiously, he moved his hand up toward her face, running the back of his knuckles across her bruised chin and cheek. His touch was so gentle, she could barely feel it, yet her pulse raced from the contact.
“I’m so fucking sorry I couldn’t keep those bastards from hurting you.”
The guilt in his eyes was tearing her apart. Wrapping her fingers around his wrist, Olivia assured him, “I’m okay, Jake. I promise.” And for the first time in a long time, she believed those words to be true.
Without breaking her gentle hold, Jake turned his wrist and cupped the side of her face. “I’ve never met another woman like you. So strong,” he leaned in, their lips nearly touching. “So beautiful.”
The set of crystal blue eyes shining back at her darkened with desire. Olivia’s heart beat with the force of a kick drum as she realized the dream she’d been holding on to all these years was about to come true.
“Jake,” she exhaled his name.
