As she stared into Justin’s deep brown eyes, she noticed the top of her head came to his mouth. A strange cozy sensation swept through her as she stood in front of him while his hands gently rubbed her shoulders and neck. The peacefulness in her chest took her completely by surprise. Fright diminished the longer she allowed his tender comfort.
“I’m sorry, Justin. I’m not ready to talk about it.”
He blew out a gush of air. “Well, Brooke, my dear, we have all night and probably most of the day tomorrow by the looks of the weather. So, if you ever feel the need to talk, don’t hesitate.”
She gave him a small smile. “Thank you, and I will. I promise.”
His thumb caressed her cheek with softness. “But in the meantime, if I hear you calling yourself worthless again, I’m going to give you a major butt-whoopin’. Do you understand?”
She laughed. “A butt-whoopin’? What’s that?”
“Call yourself worthless and you’ll find out.”
“Ooh, I’m sooo scared.”
He chuckled as his hands wandered down around her waist, then pulled her closer. “You’d better be scared, because I’m not going to let you do those... Kung Fu moves like you did earlier.”
When the front of her body touched his, she stiffened. Fear lodged inside her chest, but once again, his comment and calming voice made her relax.
“Kung Fu?” She laughed. “Those weren’t exactly the Kung Fu moves I’d been taught.”
“They weren’t?”
“Earlier this year I took self-defense classes, but up until now, I didn’t think I learned anything.”
His dark eyebrows rose. “Have you tried your talent with other men, or can I be considered lucky enough to be your first?”
His hands made circular motions up and down her back, and strangely enough it didn’t bother her. “Yes, you are lucky enough to be my first. I’ll confess I was surprised it actually worked.”
His laugh deepened, and tingles multiplied over her skin.
“I think you’re a very adept student,” he said. “You did quite well, especially for a woman your size.” He tightened his hold, making her heart pick up rhythm.
She rested her hands on his arms and beneath her fingers, his muscles flexed. Heat spread over her. She sucked in a breath, amazed at her body’s reaction. Although he was very muscular, she was actually comfortable in his arms. It was almost pleasant. Dare she admit she enjoyed being in his strong hold? Gazing up into his amazing eyes made her mouth dry.
“Thank you. I take that as a compliment,” she replied, referring to her size.
“It is. Don’t you know all good things come in small packages?” His hands caressed her softly.
Chuckling, she tried to ignore the pleasurable sensations shooting through her body. She also tried not to listen as her head screamed a warning.
“That’s what I’ve always said.” He grinned.
In a flash, the memory of Chuck entered her mind. Bitterness crept into her thoughts, trying to ruin her mood. But, the longer she stared into Justin’s incredible, warm chocolate eyes, the more her mind cleared of all logic.
Her heart pounded, and yet she couldn’t move out from his embrace. By the rise and fall of his chest, she suspected his temperature had heightened, too.
Warning bells exploded in her head. She didn’t need another man making her feel worthless. But a nagging voice in the back of her mind whispered this man might be different. This man just may be the one who’d tear down the wall of ice she’d built around her heart.
His gaze fastened to her lips and his head began its descent. When his lips hovered over hers, the alarms in her brain won and she pulled away.
“I better go call my sister again.” She turned and hurried into the kitchen.
Leaning her heated face against the cool wall, she calmed her breathing. What was wrong with her? Hadn’t the past taught her anything?
She took a fortifying breath. From here on out, she’d keep her distance from Justin even if it meant closing herself in the bedroom until she found a ride home. She wouldn’t let his charming smile and intoxicating good looks convince her to weaken her soul.
Brooke massaged the back of her neck as she tried to stop a threatening headache. She picked up the phone and dialed her sister’s number. One way or another she had to get out of here as soon as possible. If Tiffany wouldn’t answer, Brooke had to think of somebody else to call. On the sixth ring, the phone picked up and her sister’s voice echoed on the other end of the line.
