Page 43 of Carnal Risk

“I saw her.”

“I would never do that to you. What you saw was her coming on to me. I swear I had nothing to do with it.”

“Garrett,” she began.

“Selby, I know we haven’t known each other very long, but I meant what I said. I want to get to know you. Now, do I know where this is going? Not a fuckin’ clue. But I told you I wouldn’t hurt you and I meant it.”

Selby put her head in her hands and sighed. Garrett recognized that she was softening her position and moved to kneel before her. Gently, he spread her knees open, settling himself between her legs. He took her cheeks in his hands, wiping the tears brimming from her eyes.

“I’m sorry about what happened last night,” he apologized.

“Why did that woman think she could do that with you? Is she your girlfriend?” Selby asked, her voice uncertain. She clutched his wrists and closed her eyes.

“I’m not going to lie to you. We both have pasts. Have I had sex with Blaire? Yes, but it was a long time ago. Over a year, as a matter of fact. But we never dated. She is not, has never been my girlfriend.”

“I haven’t dated a lot of people,” Selby confessed. “I don’t do what you do. I can’t just be okay with you…”

“I know you think you know me, the rumors. When you start to let me in, I’ll let you in. But for now, whatever you think about me, I’m not some asshole who fucks a different woman every day of the week. And I’d certainly never do what you think I was doing. That’s not me,” he whispered. Garrett’s head moved toward hers until their foreheads met. “I’ve meant every word I’ve said to you since we’ve met. Do I want to push you…test your limits sometimes? You bet your sweet little ass I do. But I’m not playing games. I would never do that to you. Please, I’m sorry about what happened.”

“I’m sorry, too.” Her eyes locked on his and they held a long gaze.

“She’s nothing to me. A friend, that’s it. You, on the other hand…I can’t get you out of my head.”

Garrett stared into Selby’s green eyes as if they answered all of life’s questions. Sensing she’d forgiven him, he gave her a small smile. The strong soul inside her had recognized the truth in his words. She blinked, and his heart tightened.

As silence set in, Garrett thought of all the reasons he should let her go. He’d promised not to hurt her and setting her free would ensure that would happen. But as his eyes fell to her lips, he wondered if he was the one who’d be destroyed.

As Garrett kissed her, Selby’s defenses shattered. She’d never been so aroused, so devastated, so out of control. His strong lips took hers, penetrating through any doubt she’d had. She was exhausted and confused, but his kiss erased the hideous events of the evening and brought forth the rush of desire she’d repressed. Selby gave in to her deepest craving, allowing him into her heart.

His tongue gently probed her mouth, and she moaned at his soft intrusion. Underneath his gentle kiss, an explosive sexual tension simmered. As she moved to reach for him, he wrapped his fingers around her wrists and retreated. Breathless, she opened her eyes to see him staring at her. A long moment of silence lay between them and her heart pounded against her chest as she wondered what he had planned.

“Don’t stop,” she heard herself saying.

What was it about this man? Like a drug, she needed him now. She’d never been jealous, desperate for someone. But when he’d come for her at her apartment, she hadn’t thought twice about going into his arms. Despite what she’d witnessed, he represented strength and security. Realizing he hadn’t been with another woman, she was slightly more terrified of her growing emotions.

“I’d love to continue, but I’m thinking maybe we should take a shower. Your dress…” He reached for the torn hem. “And I’ve been in these clothes all night.”

“Okay.” Her voice was soft as she agreed. Selby’s body tingled in anticipation, aware she hadn’t seen him naked yet.

“Can you walk?” he asked. He shoved up to stand and brought her hand with him. “I can carry you.”

“No, I’m okay.” Selby slowly stood. A tremor of dizziness ran through her and she grabbed his arm. As soon as it came, it left and she went to release him.

“Hey, I’ve got you. Come here.” Garrett lifted her, cradling her against his chest.

“You don’t have to carry me.” Embarrassed, she buried her face in his shirt. God, she’d never felt so weak in her life.

“I’m going to, though. Even though the doctor said you looked okay, we need to watch you for signs of a concussion. I plan to keep a close eye on you.” He gave her a wicked smile and carried her into his bathroom.

“A close eye, huh? Is that what you call it?” She rubbed her fingers over his wrinkled shirt and breathed in his masculine scent.

“Yes, close eyes. Close hands. Close lips.” He kissed the top of her hair. “It’s all good.”

“So that’s how they’re treating head injuries these days. Warm showers? Tell me more, Dr. Emerson.” She laughed.

“I was pretty good with a pair of medical scissors, wasn’t I?” Garrett flicked on the lights and carefully set her on her feet.

“Yes, I suppose you were…” Selby lost track of what she was saying as she took in the sight of her surroundings. A gas lit fireplace roared to life against the far wall. Its flickering light illuminated the black soapstone walls of the bathroom. She heard Garrett give a command and soft red lights glowed in the ceiling, while water rained down from all sides of the shower. Through the spray of water, the orange fire danced in the background.