NINE
JUSTIN HOPED HE’D PROVENhis theory about good guys. Not once did Brooke seem uncomfortable around him, and he was willing to bet her feelings for him were also getting stronger. Although he hadn’t known her for a full day, he’d never forget Brooke or this weekend.
She tempted him on many occasions, and he could tell she wanted to kiss him, but he held himself strong and tried to make their time together productive. They played every board game Brad had in the cabin, and when they ran out of games, they made up some of their own.
She didn’t ask him about his life, for which he was relieved. Brooke wouldn’t take the news about his engagement to Robin very well, so he avoided the subject. Thankfully, she didn’t ask what his last name was, either. He was certain Tiffany had mentioned it.
For dinner, he scrounged through the cupboards and found cans of chicken soup. It had been years since he’d been a regular man who ate out of cans of food. Once his father died and Justin took over the company and increased the profits, Justin didn’t have to worry about grocery shopping or cooking. He found it rather nice to eat like a normal person. Perhaps he should do this more often.
As he prepared the meal, Brooke left to change. He knew the only clothes she had to change into were men’s, so he didn’t panic. Seduction was not on the menu tonight. Although with her, it didn’t matter what she wore. He found her beautiful.
The soup didn’t take long to heat, and he took it off the stove and dished it into two bowls then set them on the prepared table. Just as he retrieved the milk from the fridge, the click from the bedroom door echoed down the hall along with the soft pitter-patter of her feet.
When she entered the kitchen, his attention moved to her. He froze – except for the rhythm of his heart which pounded into overtime. Although she wore another one of Brad’s flannel shirts, this one was much shorter than the previous one. The bottom of the shirt barely covered her shapely thighs, and nothing covered her legs. His mouth turned dry.
He tried swallowing the knot of desire that quickly lodged in his throat, but couldn’t. Heat inflamed his soul to the core, and he didn’t think anything could extinguish it now.
She walked up to his side and stopped. Her smile made his heart jump quicker.
“Dinner smells good,” she spoke, her voice seductively low.
He cleared his throat before speaking. “It’s canned chicken soup. I hope you like it.”
Her smile widened. “It’s certainly soup weather. After playing in the snow all afternoon, soup will hit the spot.” Her tender fingers touched his hand. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
“No,” he replied with a crack in his throat. He shook away the wicked thoughts trying to enter his mind. “The only help you can be right now is to eat this with me.” He pulled out the chair for her and she sat.
On legs that felt like noodles themselves, he sank into the chair next to her. Without another word, he picked up his spoon and dove into his soup, not tasting a thing as it eased down his throat. Desire made it difficult to taste anything or enjoy the rustic living like he’d thought about not too long ago.
His gaze held hers for most of the meal. She had the most beautiful green eyes, and the most heart-warming smile. He was in big trouble!
Pulling his attention from her, he focused on his almost empty bowl of soup. If he could keep his mind off kissing her, he’d be able to control his urges. But when she shifted in her chair and her bare leg brushed against his, he lifted his gaze and fastened it on hers. Innocent green eyes locked with his. They appeared so innocent, and he wondered if she knew what kind of thoughts filled his head.
He swallowed hard. “I think I’m done. How about you?” He glanced at her half-empty bowl.
“I don’t think I can eat another bite.”
