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He holds his hand out to me, helping me step into the steaming tub. The jets are on, and I groan as I let the warm water heat me through, right down to the core.
What I don't see is Brian grabbing one of the handheld jets, adjusting the setting, and sticking it in the back of the tub so it massages my back. And god, it feels so good that I actually moan. He lowers himself into the tub, keeping his distance at first.
"So are you going to tell me what was going on out there or are you going to wait until tomorrow?"
It comes out naturally, not harshly or in anger. Because I am so tired, both emotionally and physically, the truth of it all just spills out of me. Maybe I should have just told Brian about the email first thing instead of trying to handle it myself.
"I'm scared, Brian. Something is going on. Something is wrong."
“Tell me what’s going on, Blair. Leave nothing out.”
Beside me, the man who I'm trying so hard to resist reaches under the water to lay one hand on my knee in comfort, humming low in his throat. It makes a pleasant thrill run down my spine, and somehow, even such an innocent touch from him is attractive. It makes the need to feel his hand in other places all the stronger.
But… I need to focus on what he’s asking me. "It started with this weird email I got earlier today. I think it’s all connected.”
“Have you been harassed, Blair?" Brian shifts in the tub, and I swear I can hear the cogs in his brain turn as he tries to piece it together himself. Brian barely knows me, but I can already tell that he’s possessive.
"Yes. I think whoever it is must be at work. This person… they know that I've been involved with you, and that I...um...dated Tanner before. They threatened to make it public knowledge. I don't even know who it is either. The address was just a string of numbers."
Brian sits up in the tub, running his hands through his hair. "If you can send that information to me, I can start analyzing it to determine what information is being collected. I have plenty of information analysts on staff."
And just like that, he has a plan in place. I stare at him, chewing my lip. Maybe it's the steam in the air or the hot water around me, but his words send a thrill through me. Maybe...
Maybe Brian Beckett isn't just turned on by me. Maybe he cares for me. Deeply cares for me.
He isn't the only one. I care for him too, especially after he just rescued me without a second thought. This is not some small fling. My heart does double time inside of me. What I wouldn't give to have his arms around me, holding me tight. God, my chest aches for this man’s touch.
"You're quiet," he says, brushing my quickly dampening hair over my shoulder. "Why don't you come here and let me hold you?"
Yes. Yes, I want that more than anything right now.
A few drops of water slide from my neck, tracing a path right down my breasts to where they meet the bubbling water, and I want him. There's no use trying to fight it. I know it with every aching inch of my body. This man already has me.
"Come here."
I shouldn't give in. I shouldn't go to him. If I do, there'll be no stopping me. I've come this far down the path of temptation. But as he reaches for me, his big strong body emerging from the water, he leans in and kisses my shoulder, causing an eruption of goosebumps all down my body.
But worse than that, the lips continue, moving up the side of my neck in teasing little nips. Finally, the other half of my resolve melts away into dust, and I'm rising in the water, the last clinging bits of dignity dripping from me as I do just what he asked.
I go to him.
It doesn't matter anymore that I shouldn't do this because he’s whispering against my skin, "This is good, baby," and his hands are framing my shoulders and kneading there. Tired and thrumming with need, I lay my head on his shoulder and sigh. This is wonderful.
Better than I imagined.
"Lean forward," he mumbles into the space behind my ear.
What he's giving me is already so good, causing me to let out a soft little sound of contentment. I know he heard it when his hands slide from my shoulders, going around my ribs and pulling me back and flush against his chest.
"I can just hold you." He breathes the words into my ear. "But I'd be lying if I said I didn't want more, sweet Blair."
I nibble my bottom lip, shifting against him in the hot tub. The city lights twinkle beyond, dangerous and beautiful all at the same time, but I know right here, with Brian, I'm safe.
Safe enough to let him take my virginity, though?
Yes, my heart whispers, acknowledging that I’ve never ever felt this way before. Yes, you do. Throw caution to the wind. Do it, Blair.
I know it's been some time since he made his statement when Brian gently prompts, "Blair?"
