Chapter 12
The terrified shout repeated, and Juno growled, her muscles bunching as she scrambled down the passage, dragging Maia after her.
Maia stumbled after the powerful dog. Had someone broken into her house?
No, the alarm would’ve gone off, and Henry was a soldier.
Every bit of research she’d done for her writing indicated military men slept lightly.
The cries had held anguish that tugged her heartstrings.
Maia paused in the doorway of her spare room, but Juno didn’t hesitate.
She burst inside, looking neither left nor right.
Taking confidence from the dog’s behavior, Maia followed, the light coming through the single window letting her see Henry on his sleep mat.
He was tossing and turning, his moans painful to hear.
What did she do? Should she wake him?
Judging by Juno’s reaction—yes.
Maia edged closer and used her voice rather than trying to touch him. She didn’t want him to throttle her before he was fully awake.
“Henry?”
His reply was another of those heart-rending cries.
She took a half a step closer. “Henry!”
Juno barked.
Henry shot upward and was off his bed in seconds, his eyes wild and his face etched into savage lines, she could see even in the darkness. Two seconds later, she dropped onto his bed, the air leaving her lungs with a whoosh, a heavy body pressing her down.
A hand gripped her hair, yanking until her scalp stung.
“Who are you?” he growled. “What do you want?”
Juno barked louder than she had before.
The grip on her hair released, and the weight bearing down on her lessened. Henry froze, and Maia hesitated. Did she fight for freedom, start shouting and screaming, or use her voice?
She opted for the third choice.
“Henry.” A noticeable tremor tinged her words, and she cleared her throat to try again. “Henry, it’s me. Maia.”
Henry went rigid. Strong fingers curled around her shoulders and turned her body. “Hell,” he muttered and released another string of curses that made her blink. “Did I hurt you? Fuck, of course I did. I’m so sorry. Why are you in my bedroom?”
Maia huffed out a laugh. “I think you’ll find this is my bedroom. My house, my bedroom.”
“Don’t be a smartarse. You get my point.”
“You were shouting. I thought someone might’ve broken into my house.”
“So you came to investigate?”
“Juno came with me.” She met his gaze. “I’ll admit it mightn’t have been the smartest idea, but I won’t ignore someone in trouble because what kind of person would that make me? Besides, Juno led me straight here.”
“I could’ve hurt you a lot worse.”
“But you didn’t.”
Henry’s gaze swept down her body, making her aware her robe had come unfastened and the T-shirt she’d slept in was short and form-fitting.
Yet, she didn’t move. This grumpy, complicated man drew her, and it was time to show no fear.
Besides, he’d asked her out on a date, which showed interest from his side.
She cleared her throat. “Kiss me.”
His brows drew together.
“In all the romances I’ve read, the hero would kiss the heroine at this stage, and things would progress from there. I wouldn’t oppose action in that direction.”
Henry blinked, and his mouth dropped open. She wanted to laugh but sensed this might make him dig in his heels or flee again.
“What do you mean?” he asked hoarsely. “Spell it out for this dim-witted male.”
She made a scoffing sound. “You’re not stupid. You know what I mean.”
“Why?”
“I’m attracted to you. These days, women can do the asking.”
“And you’re petitioning for…”
“Henry!” The man needed a good shake. “Please, kiss me.”
He dithered as if trying to make up his mind.
Exasperation curled through her, and she rose, stepping into his personal space.
Again, she wanted to laugh at his deer-in-headlights stare.
She edged closer. Until now, she’d kept her gaze on his face.
Now, she wished she’d sneaked a glance at his torso because standing this close to him made her feel feminine and even dainty.
He was a big man with prominent muscles and didn’t spend his days lolling about eating pizza.
“This is a mistake.” His words were low, tortured.
“Why? I repeat, you asked me on a date. Did you not intend to kiss me good night?”
He flinched when she placed her hands on his shoulders. “You don’t understand.”
“I’d like to, and that counts for something.
I might be young in years, but I’ve been on my own since my parents died.
While I had adult supervision, I learned about independence and aiming for my goals.
” She paused because she’d spelled out her wants.
If he intended to run again, let him. She wouldn’t force herself on him. She wouldn’t inflict herself on anyone.
Maia straightened, meeting his gaze and silently reinforcing with her expression and posture that she was serious. It was weird how his eyes glowed golden—a little freaky, even. It reminded her of the other-world characters she wrote.
“I hope you don’t regret this.” He waited for a beat as if he thought she might object.
Not gonna happen.
When she thought he might seize her and act as a caveman, he did the opposite, delightfully surprising her.
He tugged her nearer until her breasts flirted with his chest. She wasn’t wearing a bra, and her T-shirt was no barrier.
Her nipples grew hard, and a shudder worked down her body.
She drew in a sharp breath, and that was the moment he claimed her mouth.
His lips were soft against hers and cajoling rather than demanding.
Maia’s eyes drifted shut, and she pressed closer, enjoying the gentle kiss that weakened her knees. Her stomach fluttered, and she never wanted this kiss to end.
But it did.
Henry gentled his hold and placed more distance between them even though they remained touching.
“You didn’t scream.”
“Why would I? I asked you to kiss me.”
“True, but my mind keeps telling me you’re a kid. No, wait,” he said when she protested. “It didn’t feel as if I was kissing a child.”
“I should hope not.”
Before she could summon more indignation, he kissed her again, and this one contained more passion.
It was a lover’s kiss, and Maia wrapped her arms around his neck and held on tight as she enjoyed the slant of his firm lips across hers.
Henry cupped her head with one big hand, controlling the kiss.
Those flutters in her stomach deepened as he varied the intensity.
He didn’t thrust his tongue into her mouth but paused, going slowly when she opened for him.
Their tongues tangled, and she moaned, relishing this new intimacy.
Her nipples brushed his pectoral muscles, the slow drag adding another layer to the pleasure blooming inside her.
Henry drew back, his golden gaze intense and mysterious. “Fuck.”
Maia grinned. “Yes, please.”
Henry scowled. “That’s not amusing. What about your head wound?”
“It’s a bit funny.” Her grin widened, and she winked.
“My head is fine as long as we don’t get too adventurous.
If I’m experiencing pain, I’ll tell you.
I want to be clear. I’m happy with this interaction between us.
Just so we’re extra transparent, I want more kissing, and I’d like to advance to sex. Hot, toe-curling sex. Got that?”
“Half of the population of Middlemarch heard you,” Henry said drily.
“Excellent, because I don’t want misunderstandings between us or Middlemarch residents. We’re going to date, just like you said. I refuse to hear you mention my age again.”
“Are you always this bossy?”
“When I know what I want.”
“Interesting.” Henry entwined his fingers with hers and directed her toward his sleep mat.
“My bed would work much better.”
Henry paused, tilting his head as if considering her suggestion. “A double bed.”
“Queen size,” she corrected.
“Well, in that case,” he said, lifting her effortlessly into his arms.
“You don’t intend to argue?” she asked as he carried her down the passage to her bedroom.
“Right now, I want to kiss and touch you. Maybe tomorrow. You might come to your senses by then.”
“Huh! I doubt it. Something about you gets to me. No other man interests me in the same way.” When he didn’t comment, she continued.
“You attracted me when I was younger, but I didn’t understand.
Something compelled me to speak with you, and you ran away.
” She hadn’t meant to sound accusing, but that’s what emerged in her words.
Henry reached her bedroom and released her, holding her upright until she stood firm.
“You terrified me,” Henry said. “I can admit that now, but I was running scared. You still terrify me, but I’ve stopped arguing with myself.”
“You promise?”
“If I take a backward step, you can call me on it.”
She beamed at him. “Done deal. So what next? More kissing?”
“What if you have doubts? Second thoughts?”
“Don’t think so.” The memory of meeting Henry all those years ago had stayed with her.
She’d seen his panic before he’d fled and felt the rejection, but she’d remembered him during the intervening years and thought of him often.
When she met him again, those memories surged back along with frustration at him for rebuffing her again.
He’d spotted her in the cafe and practically sprinted out the door. That wouldn’t happen a third time.
“I’ll say this once, Henry. You don’t get another chance if you run from me again. I don’t need that kind of negativity. The aim is to play rugby and give it my full attention. I won’t be home much, but spending time with you and having fun when I’m here would be fantastic.”
His brows drew together, and the ease in his features dissipated. “I’d be your boy toy while you’re at home?”
“Not so much of the boy,” she purred.
“I’m not willing to be a plaything for your convenience,” he snapped.