Her Diamond in the Rough by Kristi Avalon

Author:Kristi Avalon
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2012-08-26T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 4

Chills raced down Kate’s spine, as the heat of their sex dwindled. The cool breeze intensified, along with mixed feelings roiling inside her.

Turning slowly, she forced her gaze to meet his. A gasp caught in her throat. She staggered back, shoulder blades bumping paisley swirls on the wallpaper.

She read the emotion in his dark eyes. His chiseled face softened when he gazed at her. All his hard edges smoothed with the expression on his face that offered complete and sincere devotion.

He exposed the truth she hadn’t wanted to see before. In herself or in him.

Were they falling in love?

No. No, this can’t happen. Shit.

A burning knot of longing tightened in her chest. She swallowed hard, crossed her arms stiffly, dropping her gaze. “I wish you wouldn’t look at me that way.”

He admitted, “I’m not the type to wear his heart on his sleeve, but that’s changed since we met.” He huffed a self-deprecating laugh. “Trust me. If I could stop it, I would.”

Frustrated, tormented, she shoved a tousled hank of blonde hair behind her ear. “Try harder.”

The smile died on his face. “Look at me, Kate.”

Instead she brushed past him, collecting her skirt and blouse. Walking into the furnished and carpeted portion of the ladies lounge, she tossed her stoic professional wardrobe onto a velvet-upholstered swooning couch. She stood in front of the full-length gilded mirror beside it, preparing to dress.

Jack wasn’t letting her off the hook. He tucked his package back into his fly, buttoning his jeans with the easy sexuality of a Levi’s cover model. Then he spanned the distance between them in four strides.

She reached for her shirt. He caught her hand mid-air, using her momentum to tip her off balance. She landed in his arms, and he refused to let go.

In a whisper laced with curiosity, he asked, “What are you afraid of, Kate?”

“Not up for discussion.” Digging her heels into the carpet, she struggled against his embrace. “It’s none of your business and not your problem.”

“Maybe.” He strengthened his hold. “But when you care about someone the way I care about you, you forget who the pain belongs to, because you feel it just as much. All I want to do is heal the hurt.” He leaned in, the tips of their noses touching. “I’m here, Kate. Whether you want me to be or not.” Securing her waist with one arm so she couldn’t retreat, he reached for her chin and tilted it up. “Talk to me. Tell me what’s tearing you apart.”

She stared at the tan hollow of his throat. She fought the urge to bury her face against the warm column and inhale his soothing scent. She fought tears, and how much she wanted to confide in him.

“Look at me.” This time it was an order.

When she brought her gaze level with his, her breath stopped. The dark calm in his eyes reached inside her. For the first time in ages—ever?—Kate felt safe, cherished, protected. Loved.

In his eyes, she saw everything she’d ever wanted.

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