Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 91357 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 457(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91357 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 457(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
She washed up and changed into a pair of boy shorts and tank top for bed, then opened the bathroom door and paused in the doorway. Sam had stripped down to his boxers and stretched out on the queen-sized mattress.
She couldn’t help but take in the sight, and her gaze slid over his tanned, muscular legs, up to the bulge in his boxer briefs, and over the flat planes of his stomach. Her nipples tightened and wetness pooled between her thighs, desire for him overwhelming everything else she’d been thinking and feeling.
Yes, she was so weak that despite the unanswered questions, despite her jealousy over Sara and her exhaustion from the day, he could make her forget everything but him. Her only consolation was that he studied her the same way, his hot gaze perusing every inch of her body as he leaned back against the pillows, one muscular arm behind his head.
But she refused to allow attraction to distract her. She wanted to talk, and she hoped he’d explain about Sara without her having to ask like the jealous woman she’d suddenly become.
“There’s a big pool out back, so you’ll be able to relax tomorrow,” he told her.
She blinked in surprise. “Seriously? That’s what you have to say to me?” She leaned against the doorframe and folded her arms across her chest.
“As opposed to what?” he asked.
Dense man. “Like why aren’t we staying in a hotel, for starters.”
He raised his shoulders. “It’s racing season. I couldn’t get a room, and then I realized it made more sense to stay with a friend where we’re not registered anywhere. No credit card, no trace.”
That made sense, she silently acknowledged. “Why didn’t you tell me ahead of time? You’ve never mentioned Sara before, yet she’s obviously a very good friend.”
His eyes narrowed at her tone and emphasis on that one word. “She is. We go way back to high school.”
Nicole sighed. Obviously he was going to make her drag it out of him. “So just who is she to you? And what’s with the I owe you, no it’s the other way around stuff?”
His gaze shuttered. “It’s ancient history.”
Hurt worked its way through her at his refusal to share. “Not so ancient it didn’t come up tonight.” Her heart squeezed further at his obvious intent to shut her out. “Look, I’m not the type to pry into things you don’t want me to know, but we’re here with your friend who knows about me while I know nothing about her.”
Nicole really resented him for putting her in this position. She really disliked being an outsider, a feeling she suspected would only get worse as the weekend wore on. Unless Sam let her in.
“Come here,” he said in a gruff voice.
She pushed herself off the wall and strode to the bed, sitting beside him.
He placed his hand over hers, and warmth traveled through her body at his touch.
“Sara and I have a deep history. As friends. I made a poor judgment call a long time ago that affected her life and I owe her. That’s all.”
That wasn’t all, Nicole thought, looking into eyes that held hidden stories and secrets. But it was obviously all he’d reveal tonight. They had a long weekend for bigger revelations. She hoped.
“I’m tired,” she said on an exhale, wanting nothing more than to crawl into bed and forget everything that had happened today.
He nodded in agreement. “It’s been a long day.”
“It has. And it’s my fault. I’ve brought a lot of drama into your life,” she said, feeling guilty for dragging him into her problems, which had ended up showing her just how it felt to be on the periphery of his life.
He tipped her chin upward until she met his gaze. “You bring a lot to my life. Period.” Those sometimes green, sometimes brown eyes held an intensity that affected her straight down to her soul.
She couldn’t help but believe him. After all, he’d stood by her through everything. Even when he hadn’t known if she was any different from her twin, he’d defended her against Cole’s accusations, and Nicole had trusted Sam to have her back. And he had. Their connection had been that solid.
But in the present, he fought any emotional bond with Nicole, and she’d accepted that that was how it had to be. Because being left at the altar had scarred him. Yet tonight she’d seen that he shared that kind of bond with Sara. Their relationship might not be sexual, but there was a trust and a commitment between them, and it hurt Nicole to know he wouldn’t open himself up that way to her.
She pushed herself away from him and rose from the bed, pulling down the covers on her side. He stood and did the same. Soon they were under the comforter together, but Nicole wanted the same distance between them physically that he’d put up emotionally.