Grant looked up at her but didn’t say anything, so she kept going.
“Sure, you and Jordan have a lot in common, but the difference is youdidmake it out alive. And, I know you may not agree, but I truly believe there’s a reason you didn’t die over there.”
He stood abruptly, his chair squeaked against her wooden floors. As he walked over to the sink, Grant gripped his hands around its edge and locked his elbows. “I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but I don’t believe in all that shit.” He turned his head toward her. “Not anymore.”
“Well, I do.” She stood and went to him. “I know there’s a reason you’re still here.”
He turned and leaned back against the counter, crossing his arms in front of his chest. “First introductions aside, you’ve known me less than a week. Don’t really think you’re qualified to make that sort of judgment about me.”
“Doesn’t matter.” She shook her head. “I see more than you think, Grant. I’ve seen the friendship you have with Derek. The way you risked yourself for me. First when the scaffolding fell and again today.”
He opened his mouth, but she put a hand up to stop him. Moving in even closer, Brynnon left only a few inches between them when she wrapped her fingers around one of his sinewy forearms.
“I would’ve died today had you not been there to push me out of the way. Now, I’m not arrogant enough to think the reason you survived your overseas tours and all your black ops missions was simply so you could save me. But, like it or not, there are people in this world who need you.” One corner of her mouth rose. “I just happen to be one of them.”
Emotion flared behind his guarded eyes and Grant raised his hand to brush some hair from her face. Appearing bewildered, he tucked the wayward curls behind her ear before closing his eyes and leaning toward her.
At first, Brynnon was sure he was going to kiss her again. Instead, he rested his forehead against hers and whispered, “What am I going to do with you?”
With her heart threatening to leap from her chest, she teased, “Pretty sure I could think of a few things.”
Grant’s hot breath hit her chin as he released a silent laugh. Lifting his head, he let one corner of his delectable mouth raise. “Don’t tempt me, Princess.”
God, it would be so easy. All she’d have to do would be to raise up on her tiptoes and take what she wanted. Brynnon had a feeling this time he wouldn’t be so quick to hit the brakes.
He’s hurting.
Damn. That nagging little voice was right. As surprising as it seemed, the gentle giant was in a vulnerable state. If and when the time came to take things further, she sure as hell didn’t want to be something he regretted.
Ignoring the reasons that brought her down here in the first place, Brynnon took a step back. Licking her suddenly dry lips, she forced a smile.
“I guess we should probably try to get some sleep. Can’t very well show up at tomorrow’s ball with bags under our eyes.”
A flicker of disappointment flashed across his chiseled face but was gone as quickly as it had appeared. “Right,” he cleared his throat. “The ball.”
Brynnon chuckled. “Don’t worry, tough guy. You just have to stand there and look pretty. Shouldn’t be too hard for a guy like you.” With a pat on his solid chest, she turned to leave the room but stopped when Grant reached out and grabbed her hand.
Taken off guard, she spun her head back toward him. “What—”
“You never did answer my question.”
Brynnon wracked her brain, trying to remember what he’d asked her. “What question?”
With her hand still in his, Grant took a step toward her. “Are. You. Okay?”
“Oh.” She laughed nervously. “Of course. I’m fine.” Brynnon tried moving again, but he kept her in place.
“Really?” He looked back at her expectantly. “I just spilled my guts like a pansy, and you’re gonna pull the whole ‘I’m fine’ routine?”
She scoffed. “Sharing your thoughts and emotions doesnotmake you a pansy.”
Grant locked eyes with hers. “So why won’t you tell me what really brought you down here?”
Damn.She walked right into that one.
Drawing in a shaky breath, Brynnon let it out slowly before admitting, “I keep seeing that car. Every time I close my eyes, it’s there. And you’re there, and...”
She looked away, taking another deep breath to gain control over her sudden rush of emotions. “I see how close it came to hitting you because I was so freaked out by those damn pictures, I didn’t realize what was happening.” Brynnon brought her gaze back up to his. “I don’t think Wright’s daughter will try anything else, but what if she does?”
