The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them. “You’re staying with me.” Every instinct told me this was a bad idea. Bree Taylor under my roof? Sharing my space? No way in hell was I coming out of this unscathed.
But the thought of her staying somewhere unsafe, or worse, with some other guy offering up a room, made my jaw tighten. I needed to keep her close. For Jake. That’s what I kept telling myself as we drove back to my cabin in tense silence, her damp body bundled up in my flannel.
Except it wasn’t just for Jake. My chest was tight, my mind buzzing with thoughts I had no business having. The way her tank top had clung to her in the rain, outlining every curve. Her shorts riding up those thick thighs, ass teasing me every timeshe bent to grab her stuff. I gripped the steering wheel tighter, knuckles white.
She was off-limits. But my body didn’t seem to give a shit.
When we got to my place, I killed the engine and glanced at her. Her teeth were still chattering, cheeks flushed from the cold. Without thinking, I reached over, brushing a damp strand of hair from her face. Her eyes snapped to mine, wide, searching.
I pulled my hand back like I’d touched fire. “Let’s get you inside.”
My cabin wasn’t much, a two bedroom tucked into the trees, with a stone fireplace and enough space to keep me from feeling boxed in. It was simple, but it was mine. Except, now, it was hers too. At least for a while.
She stepped inside, arms wrapped around herself, eyes scanning the place. “It’s nice. Cozy. Dry.”
I grunted, shutting the door behind us. “Bathroom’s down the hall. There are towels and extra t-shirts if you want to get out of those wet things.”
She nodded, disappearing into the bathroom. I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding and scrubbed a hand down my face. This was going to be torture. Minutes later, I heard the shower turn on. I closed my eyes, trying not to imagine the water sliding over her curves, soaking her skin. My dick stirred, hardening against my zipper.
Settle the fuck down.
I clenched my fists, pacing the small kitchen. This was Jake’s sister. The girl I used to protect when she tagged along with us. But the woman in my bathroom right now was driving me out of my goddamn mind.
The soft hum of her singing drifted through the door. Sweet and light, completely unaware that I was out here losing my grip. My mind betrayed me, offering up images I had no business thinking. Bree, on her knees, looking up at me with those wideeyes, my dick filling her mouth as she took me deep, those lips wrapped around me like she was made for it.
Fuck.
I palmed myself through my jeans, desperate for relief, but the guilt crashed over me just as fast. What the hell was wrong with me? This was Jake’s sister. Jake, who trusted me. Who counted on me to watch out for her, not fantasize about her with my dick in my hand.
I forced myself to stop, breathing hard. My dick was still thick and aching, but I ignored it.
The bathroom door creaked open, and Bree stepped out, wearing my hoodie and sweats. Her damp hair hung loose around her shoulders, her skin flushed from the heat. She looked soft. Comfortable. Like she belonged here.
Dangerous thought.
“Thanks,” she murmured, settling onto the couch near the fire. “For everything.”
I nodded, trying to keep my eyes on the flames instead of the way her legs curled up beneath her, bare feet peeking out from my sweats.
We sat in silence, the crackling fire filling the gaps. My mind was still at war. I wanted to keep this professional and keep her at arm’s length, but every brush of her skin against mine, made it harder.
She shifted, leaning her head back against the cushion, eyes drifting closed. Her guard was down, and for a moment, I let myself look. Really look. Full lips, soft curves, the hint of her collarbone peeking from beneath my hoodie. My gut tightened.
I needed to get a grip.
I stood abruptly. Her eyes fluttered open. “You okay?”
“Yeah. Just need some air.”
I stepped onto my porch, letting the cold wind slap some sense into me. She deserved better than whatever the hell this wasbrewing inside me. I stared out into the dark, with one truth settled deep in my chest.
Keeping my distance was going to be the hardest thing I’d ever done.
Chapter 7: Bree
Ineeded a drink.
After everything, the roof, moving in with Scott, feeling like I was teetering on the edge of something I couldn't name, a stiff drink felt like the only reasonable solution.
