“Shhh. I believe you.” She shivered, so Rowdy pulled her down and wrapped his arms around her. “That’s when you left home?”
“Only a few days later. Fisher had already spread his lies far and wide. I was furious that my friends and family all thought me a nutcase who’d had a jealous fit and attacked poor Fisher. I was humiliated and hurt and I just wanted away from it all.”
“Do you ever think you’ll return?”
She said immediately, “No.” Coming up to see him again, she added, “No, permanently. I meant it when I said I like my life now. I’m...free.”
“And poor.”
“And free.” She kissed him softly. “I have everything I need.”
Was he one of those things she needed? She’d said she loved him, but that could have been desperation, a way to find a safe haven. A way to get protection.
He was more than happy to oblige her. And maybe, even after he resolved the issue with Fish, she’d feel the same. “Stay with me.”
Around a yawn, she said, “Okay.”
It was an enormous step for Rowdy. Gigantic. Mind-boggling. But it was what he wanted. He tucked her hair back, then cupped her face in his hands. “Not just tonight, Avery.” Brushing his thumbs over her downy cheeks, he said again, “Stay with me where it’s safe.”
Surprise parted her lips and widened her eyes. She searched his face. “You won’t go after Fisher?”
Of course he would, but he said only, “We’ll figure it out in the morning. You need to sleep now. You have those dark circles under your eyes again.”
Her smile twitched and she mumbled, “Jerk.” Then reached past him to turn out the light. After a few seconds, she said, “I’ll stay. Thank you.”
Rowdy kept her close. He had a lot to think about. His feelings for this one particular woman. His life.
What he would do to Fisher to keep him away from Avery.
But now that his back felt better, the grinding lust was somewhat sated and Avery was here with him, soft and safe and smelling so damn sweet, he could sleep.
Again.
She was like a drug, the very best kind. She’d turned his world upside down, but for the first time in forever, things were starting to feel right.
* * *
AVERY WOKE WITH the sun pouring through the tall windows. The storm had passed. She squinted against the light, stretched and bumped into Rowdy.
He stirred, turning to his side away from her.
Very slowly, she sat up to look at his broad back. The stitches still looked painful and angry, but the redness was almost gone. He healed remarkably fast.
That thought took her attention to his other, older scars. God, she loved him. It was such an awful thing, wishing she could take away hurts a decade old. The urge to touch him, to kiss his marred shoulder, burned in her heart.
She didn’t want to disturb him, so she tried to sneak out of the bed.
Alert, Rowdy twisted toward her, his hair rumpled, his jaw dark with beard shadow. “Avery.”
Her smile quirked. “Still me.”
His gaze dipped to her br**sts under the T-shirt, and he finished turning to his back, reached for her and hauled her in close. “Where are you going?”
“Bathroom.”
“Ah.” He kissed her neck, his bristly cheeks tickling. “Hurry back, then.”
As she crawled out, he fondled her behind. Unbelievable. He wasn’t even wide-awake yet.
She rushed through brushing her teeth, and even combed her hair. She had whisker burn in interesting places. Muscles that she seldom used ached a little. Deep inside herself, she still tingled.
“Hurry it up, babe.”
She turned from the sink and found Rowdy standing there in the doorway, his boxers tented, his slumberous gaze appreciative.
“It’s all yours.” As she stepped out, he looked her over.
“You don’t need to primp, you know. I’m already as interested as a guy can get.”
“Your eyes aren’t even fully open yet.”
“I see you just fine—and I always like what I see.” He gave her tush a pat and walked into the john.
Smiling, Avery headed to the kitchen to start the coffee. His apartment was chilly, the floor especially cold, so once the coffee machine was set, she went to his closet and found a flannel shirt to borrow, then sat on the side of the bed and pulled on thick socks.
She was back in the kitchen preparing two mugs when Rowdy emerged. He came right to her, hugged her from behind with his hands on her stomach, and kissed her neck. His face was damp, his breath minty, his hands big and warm and bold.
“I like waking with you, Avery, seeing you in this cute getup in my kitchen.” He lightly bit her earlobe. “This could be the start to a new favorite fantasy.”
“A woman ridiculously dressed fixing your morning coffee for you?” She tsked. “Surely you can do better than that.”
“Yeah.” Pinning her against the counter, he lifted his large hands to cover her br**sts. “I can do better.”
A solid erection pressed her backside. His thumbs found her ni**les and, casual as you please, he started a slow, easy, red-hot seduction.
She needed to talk to him, and if she didn’t put a halt to things now, they’d never get to it. “Rowdy?”
“Hmm?” He opened his mouth on her neck.
She already had two hickeys and shivered as he gave her a third. Reaching back, she put her hands over his thighs. “I need a few minutes.”