* * * *
AS BROOKE AWOKE FROMa deep sleep, awareness surrounded her. Strong arms wrapped tightly around her while she was curled next to a nice warm man with her head resting against his solid chest. The steady heartbeat beneath her ear soothed her, and her first reaction was to pull away. But remembrance quickly returned, and she sighed heavily, smiling.
When she recalled Justin’s reaction to hearing about her past, her heart began to finally mend. He hadn’t judged her. Instead, he shared her pain. Without question, he’d believed every word she said.
Relief and gratitude welled in her chest, and an exciting thrill shot through her. Was it love or merely thankfulness she felt? Either way, Justin was so very different from Chuck, and she loved the differences.
She never thought she’d feel this peaceful again. Justin wasn’t like other men. He was one in a million... maybe even a billion.
Easing away from his chest, she lifted her head. He smiled, and his bright brown eyes twinkled. Puffy bags surrounded his eyes as if sleep had taken over him, too.
“Did you sleep well?” he asked.
“Yes. I slept very peacefully. How about you? Did you fall asleep?”
He chuckled. “Yes. I can’t believe I did, but I felt drained after what we’d shared, and the few winks of rest I received were plenty. I’ve been running ragged since my father died, and it was nice to sleep without stressing over the major decisions in my life. Now I feel revitalized.”
“Me, too.” She smiled. “Thanks for giving me a shoulder to cry on. I feel so much better now that I’ve told you my story. Do you know, you’re the first person who hasn’t blamed me? You’re the first person to believe in me and actually feel my pain. Thank you, again.”
“Did you see a counselor or take the matter to the police?”
“Yes, but nobody believed me. Chuck is from a prominent family, so naturally, they’d believe his political father over me. It’s been a long time since anyone has given me the chance to explain, and then believed me.”
She leaned up and briefly kissed him on the lips. When she tried to move away, he tightened his hold.
“You know,” he said, his voice lower than before, “I think I like having you right here next to me. It’s nice.”
Her smile widened. “Really? You think so too? I thought I was the only one who thought it felt good.”
“There are lots of things you do that feel good to me,” he whispered.
Tingles danced over her skin. She knew what he meant. She, too, noticed the remarkable way she fit into his arms, and especially the way their mouths fused together in passion. “Justin? I want to thank you for not taking advantage of me. Most guys would have tried, I’m sure.”
He nodded, his smile disappearing. “I’m not like most guys. And it’s like I told you earlier – I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I made you hate me.”
She lowered her gaze to the front of his shirt, her hand touching his chest. “Why do you feel that way when we’ve only just met?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know.” He stroked her cheek with the pad of his thumb. “It’s like I’ve known you forever. Like were kindred souls or something.”
Her cheeks flamed, but she kept her eyes on his warm stare. “Funny, because I feel the same way.”
His gaze flew to her lips and her heart quickened. She prayed he wouldn’t resist the urge to kiss her. Desire roared to life inside of her, and she wanted him like never before. His chest lifted and fell in quick rhythm, and hers was a perfect match. She knew he wouldn’t make the first move. It had to be her choice.
Swallowing hard, she forced the lump of unknown fear down her throat. She’d been hurt terribly before, but Justin didn’t seem like that kind of man. Chuck had always been rough and disrespectful. She’d seen the signs before they had even dated. Yet now, something deep within her told her she had nothing to worry about with Justin.
Leaning forward, she made the first move. Luckily, he brought his mouth down and touched her lips. She let out a sigh, but before she could wind her arms around his neck, he pulled away and stood.
“Well, we better get busy if we don’t want to pass the rest of the day in leisure.”
Her heart sank. Hadn’t he wanted her just then? Yet his eyes were dark the way he stared at her now. She recognized the look. He desired her just as she wanted him.
She licked her suddenly dry lips. “What have you got planned?”
He smiled. “How about going outside and having a snowman building contest?”
She laughed. “Are you kidding? What am I supposed to wear?”
His gaze slid over her body. “For starters, we’ll find some pants for you.”
