Joss. This

, all the turmoil boiling

ot for any reason. Not until this is decided between you and me, and I hope to hell that, even if you don't choose me, that you won't go there on

. "You want me to promise that if I don't choose you, I'l

tching the flash of surprise in her ey

f everything else the evening had wrought. She needed time to ponder other matter

he opportunity-the exclusive opportunity, if you will. Because I've already said that I would have suppressed my need to dominate if that's the only way I could have you. You knocked me for six when I saw you walk through the door into the common room an

ng moment before finally a

furrowed brow, trying to relax the lines that

you can trust me. I hope to hell you already do. And that's a huge step over any other man you would have chosen and a hell of a step up from the guy you came into the common room with. Because, honey? I care about you

oing. His impassioned speech had spoken to

eaning on you. Time to let you get on with your life. I can't imagine you've had any long-term relationships. Most women wouldn't appreciate you dropping everything to comfort your best friend's widow. I thought I was doing you-and myself-a favor by picking up the pieces and st

t as I said, if it turns out that this isn't what you want, then it doesn't have to be

to be someone you aren't. That's as bad as if I'd expected-demanded-something from Carson I knew he wasn't w

etly into his body that it was all he could do not to sweep her into his arms and carry her

rifices for Carson? That's what love is, honey. You wanted and needed s

both arms around her, anchoring her there, simply enjoying the feel of her in his arms in a way he'd never been able to enjoy before. Because now she knew where

ut that

time to sort through all of this. It's been a difficult day for me, and everything I tho

to speak, but she co

ho didn't mean anything to me. But I won't use you. Not you. I won't use you as a cru

se me. As long as the end result is having you. I've used all manner of women over the past few years. I'm not pro

re me?" she whispered

ith other women. And maybe it changes the way you'll look at me. It's a chance I have to take. But I won't lie to you. T

d, how could I? I was married. I would have never expec

? Once I have you, there'll never be anothe

once. Her eyes dulled and went hazy with shock. Her body trembled and she

o stay here t

med on her lips. And then he cupped her

t room. I'd feel better if you weren't alone. I'll make us breakfast in the morning and then I'll take you home. And then I'll give you time. In the

decision in her eyes. Her weighing her option

d, angling his head

be enough. He wanted to taste her everywhere. Her breasts. He wanted to get between her legs and savor every inch of her feminine flesh. And then he wanted to brand her. Pos

as he reluctantly ended

aled it in a long wave, her shoulde

she conceded.

either had he. How could he when he was imagining her in the next bedroom? So f**king close and yet a world

fate was playing on him. Dangling the proverbial carrot in front of his nose only to cruelly yank it away. Wh

hance with her. But now? Now that he'd kissed her, had tasted her, had held her

nted. He hadn't wanted to form relationships even though not doing so was torture in itself.

't, when he was lonely and aching for what could never be, he'd gone to T

hope. If willing it made it happen, then she'd have al

n't even cover it.

t came to Joss. And he

ring one of his T-shirts, a fact that made him absurdly happy, and a pair of pajama bottoms s

, baby," he said

eyes, but not before he saw

call me that,"

't think. I'm sorr

arson had alw

other endearments I'l

a smile flirted with t

. Surely it wasn't

a huge shock. And on the anniversary of Carson's death. He inwardly winced, but then timing wasn't always his friend.

n," she admitted, bring

er eyes as pleasure washed away

" she said, lo

t I int

ht wasn't a

-face, their gazes locked. "It was a dream. My

ound so simple

orward guy, but then you know that already. I've waited long enough, so

as surreal. It was in the abstract. Not real and in my face. I fantasized. I wondered. I even conjured up

any question you want the answer to. But as I warned you last ni

nt the reality. I need to know what thi

"Head over to the breakfast nook. I'l

er palms as if trying to infuse her entire body with its warmth. He'd much rather