Page 101 of Miss Trust

“Getting ready for bed. How about you?”

“Same. Want to join me?”

“You’re here?”

“Only one way to find out.”

My heart beat faster when the door cracked open, and her blond head poked in.

A tentative smile curved her lips as she closed the door quietly behind her. “You are here.”

“I am.” And I was already walking towards her so I could touch her.

But she wasn’t exactly falling into my arms. “Last time we spoke, you weren’t in the best mood.”

“I’m sorry. I’ve had a lot on my mind. I saw you at the beach today. You’re quite the surfer.”

The tension left her face, replaced by a smile. “I’m out of practice, but thank you. I didn’t see you there.”

“Reid and your sister were there, so I didn’t want to interrupt.” Telling her I’d had words with my brother would cause tension I didn’t wish to create.

She put her hand on my chest. “I’m sorry. If it helps, I think he misses you.”

I wouldn’t be so sure. “Did you miss me?”

She hesitated, causing me to wish I could retract the words. A swift subject change would have to do. “I bet Penny is happy to be spending time with her aunt.”

“She’s over the moon. Reid has been terrific with her too.”

“He’s a good guy.” Unlike me. Suddenly a lump formed in my throat. I knew the right thing to do was to let her go find a man who could give her the kind of autonomy and selflessness she deserved. Yet the words wouldn’t emerge. Instead, I let my body convey all of my yearning emotions, starting with a kiss.

My lips met hers with urgency while my hands tore at her clothing. I was overcome with a frantic need to be closer to her. It wasn’t until I’d pushed deep inside of her and felt her legs wrap around me that I expelled a sigh of relief. I needed this. Savored the heaven of this connection. My body moved slowly, my kisses long and deep, as if I could memorize every perfect thing about her. Her lips, her taste, her incredible body.

Her response was to rake her nails down my biceps, meeting my thrusts and taking me deeper. My heart felt like it was about to explode. I couldn’t quit touching her. Not even after she’d orgasmed and I’d emptied myself deep inside of her did I want to break the connection.

My hand skimmed down her naked back as we caught our breath, and I gently eased out. “I may have to head out of town for a while.”

“Oh?”

I’d hoped she might ask more questions. At least about how long I’d be gone. Then again, my presence in Los Angeles complicated her ability to spend time with her sister and Reid. She certainly hadn’t indicated she’d missed me over the last two days.

“Where are you going?”

Where, not when. Not for how long. Not “do you want me to come with you?” “Does it matter?”

She pulled out of my embrace. “Guess not.”

I raked a hand over my face. “I’m sorry. It’s been a rough couple of days.”

She paused. “Why has it been a rough couple of days?”

Because I’d missed her. Because I missed my brother. Because even though I’d always been the black sheep of the family who marched to my own beat, I actually felt left out. The sensation was a first for me. But instead of confiding any of this, I simply said, “I don’t want to talk about it.”

She climbed out of bed and began searching for her clothes. “Sorry I asked. I guess have a good trip, and I’ll see you when I see you.”

I was losing her. Panic stirred me, idiotically, to seek reassurance. She wasn’t giving me the right cues, but I persisted. “I was thinking about our agreement to stay exclusive.”

“You want out of it?”

“Do you?” My breath held hoping—no, praying—she’d say no.

“It probably doesn’t make sense to keep our agreement if you’ll be gone for a while.”

It wasn’t at all the reaction I’d wanted. If only she’d said yes, I might have felt some hope we could make a go of things despite Reid’s concerns. But it was clear she wasn’t invested. I held the anger and hurt inside. “Right. Not like this was heading anywhere.”

“No, it wasn’t.”

I had to bite my lip to keep myself from doing something stupid like admitting I’d been falling for her. Clearly, she didn’t return the sentiment. Hell, she couldn’t even tell me she’d missed me. She obviously had no plans to make a commitment for the future. And what kind of future could I give her? The fact was Reid was correct. I was selfish and not about to change.

She had been busily getting dressed but then stopped. I wished I could see her face better in the dark. See if there was a shred of hope left. “Take care, Chance.”

I couldn’t respond. Couldn’t trust my voice with any words.

As she walked away, out of the bedroom, a piece of my heart went with her.