Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 68743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
* * *
Asher woke up on his back, a warm female body splayed across his chest. Nikki. How the hell had she crawled into his bed without him realizing it? And why? He’d always been a deep sleeper but to not sense her beside him?
Her head was in the crook of his arm, her body curled around his, and she had one leg bent, resting on his thigh. Her knee was too close to his groin and his very stiff erection, pressing uncomfortably against his boxer briefs.
He’d wrapped one arm around her as she slept, and when he turned his head, he inhaled her coconut-scented shampoo. Which made his dick even harder. He’d be lying if he said he hadn’t wanted this to happen, even if he’d promised himself it never would.
After their day together, he’d buried himself in his office to avoid temptation. And when Derek called to check in and thank Asher again, pointing out how grateful he was that he had Asher to count on to take care of his sister, Asher knew damned well Derek wasn’t thinking of this.
“Nikki.” He spoke softly, not wanting to startle her. She didn’t budge. “Nikki,” he said a little louder, jostling her with his arm.
“What? Where am I?” She lifted her head and met his gaze. “Oh my God.” Instead of jumping away from him, she buried her head into his shoulder and groaned.
“Why are you here?”
“It’s embarrassing,” she mumbled.
He shook his head. “Obviously you needed something?” he pushed.
“Yesterday I told you about my personal issues, issues with the women I model alongside. I confided in you about my direction issues and now this. You’re going to think I’m a basket case.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Really? Because I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t have problems in their life. So try me.”
She still cuddled close, peeking up at him. “I have sleep problems. I always have. And I’m petrified of storms.”
She ducked her head again, and he knew better than to laugh even if it wasn’t at her problems. Just how cute she was explaining them.
Before he could reply, she lifted her head again and started to talk. “I remember when I was little, going to my parents for comfort. I walked over to my mom, wanting to snuggle with her in bed or at least get some kind of reassurance.”
Asher’s stomach twisted, sensing what was to come.
“My mother sent me back to my room. She told me to grow up, thunderstorms happen, and I should learn to live with it.”
He was developing anger toward her parents. Why withhold love from a child when they needed it? “I’m sorry no one was there for you,” he said, stroking her silky hair.
“Derek was. I used to go into his room. He had a sleeping bag and I’d curl up on the floor beside his bed. I didn’t always fall asleep, but I was calmer knowing he was there.”
Asher was beginning to understand the closeness these siblings shared. “So last night’s storm. It was bad?”
She nodded. “Loud. I forgot my noise-cancelling headphones. They help mute the sounds. Rain was pelting the windows and the thunder shook the house. I just… couldn’t be alone.”
He understood. “My sister Jade has severe anxiety. Combined with migraines, she often has a hard time.”
“Is that why you aren’t angry I’m here? Because on some level, you get my fear?”
“Yes.” He became aware of her fingers making circles on his chest… and he liked her touching him. So did his still-hard cock.
Something she hadn’t realized. Yet.
She pushed herself up so she had a better view of his face. “I slept,” she said, sounding amazed. “I must feel safe around you.”
Did she have to say everything she felt out loud? Things he didn’t want to know because it brought him closer to her in dangerous ways? Emotional ones. The kind that would let him follow his desire and not common sense.
His body was already primed. He’d inhaled her scent and felt her curves, and his heart had already softened toward this woman who just needed people to understand instead of resent her. Especially her parents.
She stirred not just Asher’s desire but the protective nature he’d usually reserved for family. His father had had his hands full for so many years, Asher had just wanted to help. He’d even gone so far as to create Dirty Dare Vodka and insist they all invest, making sure everyone was set for life. His full siblings, anyway. The others had been too young. But here he was, suddenly feeling that kind of protectiveness toward Nikki.
“You’re starting to get me,” she murmured. “I think you may even like me. So can we agree you won’t turn cold again?” Her fingers still made swirling motions on his chest, and his body liked her touch way too much.