Page 14 of Blaze

He shakes his head.“I could go get one of my cousins’ wives to help you, but I’d rather you trust me to do it.”

My breath hitches.He wants to take my clothes off and assist me into the tub?

His gaze slides down my body and then back up.“It’s not as if I have no idea what you look like, baby.You’ve been wearing almost nothing since I met you.”

He drags his fingers along the edge of my sports bra at my shoulders.“This thin piece of Lycra isn’t hiding much, and your tiny nylon shorts aren’t either.I think I’ve made it clear that I’m attracted to you, but right now my only concern is getting you clean, fed, and rested.I’m not going to touch you inappropriately.No more than necessary to help you in and out of the tub and into one of my T-shirts.Okay?”

My breathing is shallow.I’m about to round third base with a man I just met.I never even let David get to first.The thought of that asshole makes me shudder.

“I assume there isn’t a man in your life?”Blaze asks.

I shake my head.“Definitely not.”

“But there was until recently,” he states, eyes narrowed.

I shudder.“I’d hardly call it that, but sort of.”

“You can explain more later.Let’s get you in the tub, yeah?”His hands come to the edge of my sports bra, where he hesitates.“Arms up, baby,” he says in a soft voice.

Trembling, I lift my hands, biting my lip as he eases the tight, stretchy material over my head.It feels so good to be relieved of the confining garment.I should be embarrassed, but it’s damn near impossible with this man.He has a way of making me feel calm.In fact, as he tosses my filthy bra to the side, he cups the back of my neck and kisses my forehead.

He doesn’t pretend my breasts aren’t exposed.Leaning back a few inches, he trails his fingers down my arms as his gaze lowers.

My nipples are hard points.I find myself wishing he would touch them.I’d really prefer it if he’d lean forward and suck them.Where the hell are these thoughts coming from?

His voice is gravelly when he speaks again.“Can you brace yourself with your hands on my shoulders and stand on your good leg so I can get your shorts off, baby?”

I nod.Responding verbally doesn’t seem like a possibility.My tongue is stuck.

Blaze lifts my hands and sets them on his shoulders before gripping my hips to help me to my feet.

I’m faint, and it has nothing to do with my ordeal.It’s entirely because this man I met a few hours ago has his face inches from my breasts and he’s about to remove the rest of my clothes.

I’m sure I smell disgusting.I’m covered in dirt as though I rolled in the mud.Even my hair is matted.It’s going to take me an hour to comb through the curls.I’m not sure I have the energy to do that right now.

Holding my breath, I stand on my one leg while Blaze lowers my shorts and panties to the floor.

I’m naked.With a man.A much older man.I should think of this clinically as if he’s a doctor or something.Surely he sees me as nothing more than some girl he rescued who needs help.He can’t be looking at me sexually.

But I’m lying to myself.I know he sees me as a woman.The evidence is in his smoldering gaze.Not to mention he’s practically told me so.

The next thing I know, he’s lifting me off my feet and lowering me into the tub.The water is already very high.It’s been running all this time.And it feels like heaven.

“Hold your leg up, baby.Prop it on the edge of the tub.”

A few hours ago, I thought I would die at the bottom of a ravine in the desert.Now I’m lying in a warm bathtub being doted on by the sexiest man I’ve ever seen.

Blaze turns off the water.

I set my heel on the porcelain, lean back, and moan.My body is covered in warmth.That’s not keeping him from seeing me, though.There aren’t bubbles or anything.

“Feel better?”

“Heavenly.Thank you.”

“After we get you into bed, I’ll prop your leg up.It needs to remain elevated.”

I look toward the bathroom door.When he says he’s going to get me into bed, does he meanhisbed?I saw a lot of doors in this hallway, and he told me there are tons of bedrooms.“Is this your room?”I ask.I know the answer, but…