Her body, as if pulled by some unseen force, moved closer to his chest.
Somehow, the closeness felt like home, comforting and secure, making her curse herself for wanting to stay there, wrapped in the safety of his powerful arms.
When her bra fell between them and her nipples brushed his skin, he drew in a breath, the sound of it sending a jolt of heat straight to her core.
Jamie inhaled, stepped back and took her hand, helping her balance as she stepped into the cubicle. Warm water hit her cold skin, and she closed her eyes for a beat.
Jamie stayed back, his arms crossed over his chest, his hip resting against the narrow vanity.
“I’m gonna need that name, Shannon.”
“Leave it, Jamie.”
He gave her a moment to adjust to the warm water before crouching down, selecting a half empty bottle of lavender body wash from the tray. He squeezed a small amount into his hand and began rubbing it in slow, circular motions, the soft scent filling the air.
Her eyes widened when he stood, her chest tightening. She was naked, vulnerable, and at his mercy.
Knowing Niall was gone for a few days made it easier to relax into his touch, even if only for a moment. Even though Jamie was with her again, she couldn’t let him in.
However, this final moment together would be her secret, one that Niall would never know about.
Jamie’s hands moved over her skin with the care of someone who had no intention of crossing boundaries.
His palms glided across her curves, never straying too far, never rushing. He hesitated, his breath ragged, as though he fought an internal battle to keep his hands steady.
Her heart raced, her emotions swelling in her chest, and they hadn’t stirred from lust. No, Jamie McGrath was being careful, nurturing her in a way she’d never experienced.
Slippery soap slid over her shoulders, and she shivered at the divine sensation. When his hands lathered her thighs, she leaned into the touch, her fingers pressing into the tiles for balance.
“This isn’t a good idea, Jamie,” she whispered, her voice strained. “You shouldn’t be here.”
“Yeah, I should,” he said. “I won’t do anything. Keep your hands on the wall, take deep breaths and relax.”
As his hands lingered on her skin, Shannon’s heart waged war with her mind.
Every part of her screamed for the independence she had fought so hard to maintain, yet the warmth of his touch, the gentleness in his care, made it harder to hold on.
This isn’t who I am.
I don’t need him to ruin everything.
I’m stronger than this.
“After this, Jamie... I need you to leave and never come back.” She forced the words out, trying to regain some control of herself.
32
Jamie
His hand reached out, cupping her chin to tilt her head up, so she had nowhere else to look than at him.
“I won’t leave until we talk about this. You need my help.” His tone softened, but the authority never left. “Don’t push me away. Not until I know you’re okay.”
Shannon looked away, her body stiffening in resistance. Jamie could sense the unspoken push she was sending him, trying to distance herself.
She didn’t pull away, though.
“Talk to me, love.”
