Page 40 of One Forbidden Moment

Chapter 16

Jillian

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The pattering of rainagainst the roof woke Jillian.She blinked into the darkness, disoriented for a moment, until she realized the other side of the bed was empty and she was in her house.

"Moe?"she whispered.

She rolled out of bed and walked into the living room.He never left her in bed alone.

He stood in the open doorway, framed by the storm.Bare-chested, jeans slung low on his hips, feet planted on the hardwood like he was bracing against the weather.His hair was damp from the night air, his shoulders tense, every line of his body alert.

He wasn't looking at the rain.

He watched the sky.

Jillian crossed the room, not wanting to startle him, but he stiffened the moment her hand touched the warm skin of his back.

"What are you doing?"she said softly.

His voice was low, rough."Watching for the veil."

She stepped beside him, following his gaze into the dark.Sheets of rain fell in silver streaks, the wind changing the direction of the downpour.

"It's just a summer storm," she murmured."This is the Pacific Northwest.It rains off and on until the Fourth of July.You're safe."

His jaw worked, muscles tight, like he was fighting something inside himself.Jillian slipped her hand into his.

His fingers closed around hers.She pulled gently.

"Come back to bed," she whispered.

He turned toward her.The streetlight lit his face for a heartbeat.There were shadows under his eyes.He was troubled.

"Sweetheart, if I get back in that bed with you..."He swallowed, eyes dropping to where their hands were joined."...we won't be sleeping."He inhaled a ragged breath."I can't keep doing this."

The storm rumbled overhead.She caught her lip, raking her teeth over the sensitive skin.It wasn't like she hadn't thought of having sex with him before.They'd slept together in Everstill until she'd gotten used to having him hold her hand.

Seeing her mom tonight pushed her toward Moe.She sought him out for comfort and support.In the veil, he'd saved her life.

She had no one but him, whether they were in Everstill or in Vancouver.

He let go of her hand slowly, as if it cost him everything."I'd never hurt you," he said, voice barely above a whisper.