Page 116 of Let Me Be the One
“That should be my line to you.”
He leaned back to playfully frown at her. “You do realize you aren’t up for sex, right?”
She did, but she wished it was otherwise. Sighing, she said, “I guess not.”
“I know not, and while I could easily take care of you—”
She perked up. “Yes?”
His sexy mouth lifted in a full-fledged grin. “Getting off generally requires stiffening, clenching…” He nuzzled her neck. “Twisting a little—arching a lot.” He kissed the corner of her mouth, then the bridge of her nose. “You did all that, you know, but now it would be damned painful with your arm and leg so banged up. Those are deep contusions and they need time to heal.”
“Total bummer.”
“Let’s give it a few days, okay?”
“You promise you won’t vanish on me again?”
The smile faded from his face, and his eyes grew darker, more serious. He brushed his thumb over the corner of her mouth, then kissed her again. “I’m not going anywhere.”
That was more of a promise than she’d ever gotten from him. For now, she’d have to take it. “All right then, let’s go eat.”
* * *
TANNER WOKE WITHCallie’s warm weight still nestled against him, and of course he was already hard. Her scent alone was enough to do that to him, but her hair, her skin, that perfect backside pressed to him? Pure, hot temptation.
Not that he’d even think about doing anything sexual right now. She’d had a restless night, flinching awake every time she’d moved. It wasn’t until he’d convinced her to try something different that she’d finally gotten some rest.
After he’d helped her to put a smaller pillow under her bruised arm, he’d scooted close to her, aligning hislegs behind hers, curving his arm around her and holding her securely so she couldn’t inadvertently shift too much. He’d surrounded her as much as he could—and within minutes her breathing had grown deep and even.
At one point the arm he had under her head started to tingle, but there was no way in hell that he’d move and disturb her sleep. For a time, he’d just rested there in the dark, listening to her steady inhale and exhale. The scent of her always made him think of sunshine. The reality of her as a strong but gentle woman was better than any of the fantasies he’d concocted throughout his lifetime.
Blu had snored, occasionally yapping in his sleep as he dreamed of chasing rabbits or squirrels, but thankfully it didn’t wake her.
And eventually he’d faded out, too.
When the rude knock sounded on her door, he’d automatically glanced at the time. Barely 6:30 a.m., way too early for visitors.
Why did that keep happening?
She stirred but didn’t awaken, at least not until she started to stretch, then an agonized groan ripped from her.
“Careful,” he murmured. “Let me get up first so I can help you.”
For an answer, she shifted slightly and gasped.
Blu had heard the knock, too, and he was already on his feet, his body rigid as he stared at the hallway.
“Blu, stay.”
Reluctantly, the dog sat but didn’t give up his vigilance.
When a harder knock thumped the front door, Callie muttered, “Damn it. Again?”
“My thought exactly.” Now that he was on his feet, Tanner helped her to sit up. He hated the discomfort he saw on her face. “Want me to get it?”
“Yes.” Gingerly cradling her arm and keeping weight off her leg, she managed to stand with his help. “But can you promise to be nice?”
“To you, sure. Come on.” He helped her into the bathroom, then said, “Take whatever time you need.” She was already limping toward the toilet.
