For now, she needed food and rest, not someone jumping her ass about her home’s lack of security.
Pushing all that shit aside, Gabe refocused his energy on checking out the setup of the other rooms. He steered clear of the room with the double doors, assuming that was Ellena’s bedroom.
If she were any other woman, he wouldn’t even be tempted. But walking in on her while she was getting dressed…that was the one enticing image he’d be powerless against.
Like she’d let you anywhere near her, anyway.
There was a time when all he had to do was give her a look and she’d start stripping down for him. But the cool indifference with which she looked back at him when she’d said goodbye was telling.
Ellena Dawson wanted nothing more to do with him, and he couldn’t blame her.
Not. One. Fucking. Bit.
Gabe finished checking a spare bedroom that looked like it never got used, a full bath in the hallway next to it, and a small linen closet between the bathroom and the master bedroom. The door across the hallway from the guest room appeared slightly ajar, grabbing his attention.
Pressing a hand against the painted wood, Gabe started to push it open just as the door gave way, and Ellena came barreling through. A tiny squeal of surprise escaped the back of her throat as she slammed into him.
“Whoa.” On reflex, Gabe grabbed her shoulders to keep her from tumbling backward. Herbareshoulders.
He swallowed hard.
Wearing nothing but a towel, Ellena’s widened eyes locked with his. Her face was free of makeup, the soft skin appearing even more fresh and youthful than before.
Her sandy blonde hair was damp from her shower, its thick strands tickling the tops of his fingers, and electricity burned the skin on his palms.
Jesus, she’s beautiful.
He dropped his gaze to her mouth. Unable to keep from it, he found himself wondering if she still tasted the same as before.
The tip of her tongue peeked out, wetting the delicate skin there. That one small, innocent movement sent a painful ache through his already swollen dick.
Her lips parted slightly the way they used to right before they were about to kiss. Gabe started to lean inward, more than ready to savor all that he’d been missing, and…
“Sorry,” Ellena blurted, jumping backward just out of his reach. “I-I thought maybe you were already gone.”
With a quick glance at the space behind her, he noticed she’d set this room up to be her home office.
Inwardly cursing himself, Gabe let his hands drop back down to his sides. “Look, Elle. I know I’m the last person you wanted to see, let alone have as a houseguest. But I can’t leave here until I know for sure you’re safe.”
“Okay.”
“You can be pissed if you want, and if I have to, I’ll sleep in the damn driveway, but…” He cut himself off as her response finally sank in. “Wait. Did you just sayokay?”
She shocked the hell out of him by nodding. “Yes. You can stay here.” Ellena licked her lips nervously. “That’s what I was coming to tell you.”
Well, that was a hell of a lot easier than he thought it would be.
Too fucking easy.
Gabe studied his wife closer. Concession to his demand to stay had filtered into her baby blues, but that wasn’t all he found there.
Something was definitely up. Somethingotherthan his dick, which was currently throbbing like a motherfucker.
His eyes narrowed into a suspicious gaze. “Why the sudden change of heart?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, twenty minutes ago you were hell bent on throwing my ass out the door. Now I find you practically sprinting out of your office like your ass is on fire. I also saw the look on your face when you realized I was still here. You were relieved, Elle. I’m asking why.”
