He walked down the hall, stopping in front of her bedroom.
Tap-tap-tap.
Nothing.
As he made his way back toward the kitchen, the bedroom door opened, Brit stepped into the hall. Light from the room spilled into the hallway. She was still dressed in her street clothes.
“Can we talk?” he asked.
“Joaquin—” she protested.
A few easy strides had him by her side. Her eyes were red. Had he made her cry? His guts roiled. He had to do right by this amazing woman.
“Please,” was all he said.
Then, he waited.
His future was in her hands.
20
LATE-NIGHT BONDING
Britain
Brit hated that her emotions had gotten the best of her, but sometimes a good cry helped.
“I don’t have anything to say,” she pushed back.
“I do.” Then, he offered a coaxing smile.
Her traitorous heart melted.
“I’ll hear you out,” she murmured.
He gestured toward the living room. They walked down the hall. She wanted to touch him, but she couldn’t tell him she wanted to keep thing between professional, then cozy up to him. Her heart wanted one thing but his words had pushed her away.
The spacious living space was now dark. Rather than sit, she stood in front of the windows. Him by her side. His confidence and commanding presence rolled off him. The desire to be near him had her inching closer.
He peered over. His essence had her breathing deep, his manly scent filling her soul with everything Rebel.
Confident, fearless, and laid back were strong traits for one man to possess.
She stared straight ahead, fearful that if she turned toward him, it would be all over. She would let her heart lead, then, she’d have sex with him. She’d feel better in the moment, but the high would fade, only to be replaced with the realization that he wasn’t looking for anything serious.
I know how to pick ‘em, don’t I?
A shiver had her crossing her arms.
He left her standing there alone. The familiar feelings of abandonment rushed in. Seconds later, he covered her shoulders with a weighty blanket, gently freeing her long hair from beneath it.
Her heart fluttered.
For a long minute, they stared out at the black water. The buildings across the river were peppered with lights that brightened the night sky.
“A little over a year ago, I started seeing someone,” he said, breaking the silence. “I’d been super busy at work, and I’d just purchased the hotel. On top of that, I had the club. I told her I needed to keep things casual between us. She said she was seeing other people, so she was good with that. Six months into it, she told me she wanted to be exclusive. It came outta nowhere. She said she loved me—was in love with me. Another surprise. I knew my feelings for her wouldn’t change. I didn’t want to string her along, so I broke it off.”
Tight muscles had him kneading the back of his neck.
