Dire
“Are you that averse to sleeping beside me?”
“I don’t know you. Of course I am.”
“Then I’ll sleep on the floor.”
“Why are you doing this?” The plan was to play along, but I couldn’t hold the questions back any longer. “If you’re going to sleep on the floor then why make me stay in here?”
“I’m trying to keep you safe.” He pulled off his navy shirt, and I looked away.
“I’d be safe in the guest room.”
“Mary Anne?” He said my name so softly that I had to turn to look at him. I wished I hadn’t. His broad chest was on display for me, and I noticed that he had a faint scar over his chest that matched the one on his face. How had he gotten the marks?
“I know you’re not going to believe me, but I am trying to keep you safe. You and Gage.”
“Somehow I doubt you’re concerned with Gage’s safety.”
“Not the way I am about yours, but I’ll give the guy some credit. He’s more determined to protect you than I would have expected.”
“Will you let us leave tomorrow?” He seemed saner at the moment, and although I still planned to leave that night, it seemed worth trying to talk some sense into him.
“Sending you out right now would be signing your death certificate, or worse.”
“What’s worse than death?” I shivered. Just the thought of it messed with me. I was so ready to be home.
“You don’t want to know.” He pulled back the quilt and sheets.
“I really don’t mind sleeping on the floor.”
“But I mind you doing that.” He stared at me with an intensity that frightened me. “I will always provide you with a warm, comfortable place to sleep. I’d prefer if it was at my side, but if you don’t trust me yet, I can wait.”
“How could you expect me to trust you?”
“Why wouldn’t you? If I was going to hurt you wouldn’t I have done it already? Wouldn’t I have gotten rid of Gage and had my way with you already?”
“Maybe you have your reasons.”
He stepped toward me, backing me up to the bed until my only choice was to sit down on it. “I’m attracted to you, Mary Anne. My body aches to join with yours, but that doesn’t mean I’ll listen to that desire. I can control myself, and I’d never force myself on a woman. I have patience.” He leaned over me, his hands making imprints on the bed on either side of me. “But what I can’t control is my need to protect you. That need isn’t one that can be pushed away or denied. I cannot, and will not, allow something to happen to you.”
“You don’t even know me. Is this just because I’m a girl?”
“I would protect anyone worthy, but I’d go farther for you. You’re exactly what I’ve spent years waiting for.”
Now he was getting creepy again. “I take it you don’t get out much?”
He chuckled and moved to standing. “No, I don’t, but don’t think my lack of a social life has anything to do with how attracted I am to you.”
“Listen, Hunter.”
He sat down beside me. “That’s the first time you’ve said my name.”
“Oh. I guess so. I just think we need to set some things straight.”
“I already know what you’re going to say.”
“You do?”
He nodded. “You were about to tell me that I’m an attractive man, but you’re not interested. You have a boyfriend, and you just want to get home.”
“How’d you know?” Either he was perceptive or he could read my mind. I really hoped it was the former.
“It’s written all over your face.” He stood up and put a hand underneath me, shifting me so that I was underneath the covers. “But that attraction will grow given some time.”
“I’m leaving tomorrow, Hunter.”
He kissed my forehead. “If it’s safe.” He pulled an extra blanket over me. “I wish you’d let me warm you up, but if I can’t at least you have enough blankets.” If the guy wasn’t crazy, he might be considered sweet.
He lay down on the wood floor right in front of the door. “You can turn off the bedside lamp when you’re ready.”
What? He was going to sleep on the floor? With no blankets? And in front of the door? That was the worst part. There was no way I was going to be able to get out without waking him up. I shut off the lamp so I could give myself the privacy of darkness to plan. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Mary Anne.”
I lay there in the darkness thinking about Gage and my family. I watched the flickering of the fire and imagined all the stupid holiday traditions I’d never take for granted again. I thought about going home, and I made a risky decision. “Hunter?”
“Yes?” He called from the floor.
“I changed my mind.”
“About?”
“It’s cold.”
“Do you want more blankets?” He stood up, his bare chest illuminated in the firelight.
“No. I uh, I want you closer.”
“You want me to lie next to you?” There was such hope in his voice. Despite how creepy he was, I felt bad playing with him this way, but I had no choice.
“Yes, but I’m not interested in doing anything.”
He walked over and pulled back the blankets on the other side of the bed. “I already assured you I wouldn’t try anything.”
“Please remember that.”
“But I can’t keep you warm from this side of the bed.” He rolled over onto his side and looked at me. “Would it bother you if I came closer?”
“Not too close.”
“You’d enjoy sleeping in my arms, Mary Anne.” He shifted closer. “You’d be warm and secure. You’d feel and hear my heartbeat, reminding you that you’re not alone. Never alone.”
His words were seductive, like they were being woven into a lullaby. My eyes blinked. I was suddenly so tired.
“There’s nothing to worry about when you’re with me, Mary Anne. You’re safe.” He shifted closer.
“I can’t. Gage.” I was so tired, I could barely get the words out.
“He’s not really your boyfriend.” He said it as a statement.
“Yes, he is.”
“Shh. Mary Anne. I know. I can tell. You gave yourself to him, and now you don’t know what happens. I already told you he’s using you, and you admitted you were doing the same.”