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“Jesus, sweetheart.” He stepped forward and placed a gentle hand under her chin, examining her cheek.
“How bad is it?” she asked, still stunned anyone would hit her.
“Just a light handprint,” he said through gritted teeth.
She sensed from his rigid stance, he was holding back his anger while he took care of her and she was so grateful he’d shown up when he had.
“Come on. Let’s get you some ice.” He put his arm around her waist and led her to her kitchen. She directed him around the apartment and soon, he had an ice pack wrapped in a soft T-shirt and pressed it to her cheek. “Okay?” he asked.
“Yes. I can hold it.” She gingerly took over. “What are you doing here?” she finally thought to ask.
He was leaning against the wood cabinets, his gaze on hers. “I’ve been worried about you. What you would be going through when you faced Jeremy again. Turns out I was right to be concerned.”
She still felt the anger in him pulsing beneath the surface but to her, he was sweet and kind. “I’m glad you were here,” she admitted.
Though Jeremy appeared stunned after he’d slapped her, she was aware enough to realize if he did it once, there was a good chance he’d do it again. She shivered at the prospect.
Dex stepped closer, his scent delicious and arousing. “I want to kill him for hurting you.”
“Why do I find that sexy?” She ran her tongue over her bottom lip.
He reached for her chin again and rubbed his thumb over her jawline. “Once again, we have bad timing.”
“I’m not drunk,” she said, staring at her lips.
“No, you’re hurt.” He dipped his head and brushed his lips over hers. “Don’t worry. There will be a right time. I intend to make sure of it.”
Her entire body trembled with need but her cheek throbbed and she knew Dex had a point. How could she think about him when Jeremy and her messy life stood between them? On the other hand, how could she not?
Chapter Ten
Dex helped Samantha settle. He stayed for dinner to make sure she ate something, but mostly so she wasn’t alone. It also allowed time for him to calm down. If he’d walked out of the apartment in the spiraling state he’d been in, he’d have gone after Jeremy Rollins and that wouldn’t have helped anyone, especially Samantha.
They sat side by side on the couch after agreeing on a Fast & Furious movie. But instead of watching, she lowered the volume. “I’m sorry, Dex. I’ve been nothing but trouble for you since the day we re-met.”
She looked so vulnerable in the pale yellow pajama shorts and matching sweatshirt she wore. The hood wasn’t over her head but the way it curled around her neck seemed to help cuddle her in its warmth. The desire to pull her into his arms and finish the job was strong, but as usual, it wasn’t the time.
She had things on her mind, incorrect assumptions he needed to correct. “Who says you’ve been trouble?” He leaned in closer. “I’ve enjoyed almost hitting you with my car, saving you from the unwanted wedding, joining you in the Bahamas, and playing your knight in shining armor again today. I just wish I’d arrived sooner. Today, I mean.” Reaching out, he wound a strand of her hair around his forefinger and rubbed his thumb over the soft piece.
“I think you were just in time.” Her palm went to her cheek and she sighed. “He’s never raised a hand to me before. Nobody’s ever hit me before.” She tucked her legs against her chest and wrapped her arms around them.
“Nobody should hit you ever.” Dex flexed his fingers and reminded himself she didn’t need his anger. “I think you should call a lawyer. See if you can get a restraining order to keep that bastard away from you.”
“Ian gave me the name of a corporate attorney to discuss breaking up the partnership.”
“Good. And I’m sure he has a partner who does domestic law. Why don’t you give him a call in the morning?”
She nodded. “I will. Now, can we stop talking about Jeremy?”
“Sure. Want to watch the movie?” He gestured to the television. “I can start it over.”
She smiled at the offer. “I’ve seen it, but thanks. Can I ask you some questions, instead?”
He didn’t know what she had in mind but if it soothed her nerves, he was all for it. “Sure. Shoot.”
She slid her feet down until they hit the floor and turned toward him. “If you don’t want to talk about these things, it’s fine. And I know I’m being nosey, but I’m curious.”
Now she had him curious.
