Page 69 of Burning For You

“I can do that. But we’ve got to come to terms here. I don’t want regrets.”

Her smile dropped.

“I wouldn’t do that. Not to you or anyone. Especially not myself. I’ve had enough regrets in my life.”

He wouldn’t touch that now.

“Okay. I’m exclusive. This isn’t me scratching an itch.”

“Got it, Ash. You’re really ruining the mood. The fact I haven’t had sex in three years should tell you where I stand with that.”

Shit.

Maybe he would have been better off not knowing that fact.

“Then why now? Why me?”

“Because you’ve always wanted me.” She held her hand up when he went to open his mouth. “It’s not a game. I don’t play those games. Hell, I don’t even know how to play them.”

He’d have to take her word for it. “I’ve never played them regardless of what you’ve heard about me.”

“I haven’t heard much. I didn’t pay too much attention in high school, and after, well, I was gone.”

“That’s right. But you’re back. And right now, you’re asking me for sex.”

Not making love. Not yet at least.

And that the idea popped into his head said he might be in more trouble than he realized.

It’d have to be his secret for now.

Hell, they hadn’t even talked about what Corbin said to him earlier.

If her brother knew what he might be doing with Skye right now. Yeah, best not to think about it.

“I didn’t really want to ask. I thought we could...you know, just fall into bed and spontaneously combust like people do.”

With the day she had, she might need it.

But he didn’t want to be used that way.

If she hadn’t kissed him before. If she hadn’t let him get a taste of what she had simmering below the surface, then he might have his doubts.

Yeah, he still had them, but he’d clear them up as best as he could.

His fingers slid into her hair again.

He looked into her eyes, saw her look of victory that she was getting her way.

But she wasn’t. Not yet.

“Tell me this,” he said, his voice low. “Is this just tonight, or the beginning of something you’re not ready to name? Because I won’t be used. I can’t do that.”

Her expression sobered. She searched his eyes, really looked at him this time. Whatever she saw there must have been enough.

“I want to feel,” she said honestly. “Tonight. I don’t want to think or plan or promise anything I can’t guarantee. But I don’t use people, Ash. Ever.” She swallowed. “I’m not going anywhere. Whatever happens in the morning, we’ll face it. I’ll still be here.”

The weight in his chest eased. Just a little.