Chapter 5
NATE
Ilook over to see Bailey gazing peacefully out the window as I drive to my house.
What the hell am I doing?
I can't stomach that her family abandoned her, but I also can't help thinking it's a stroke of good luck. A sign, maybe. We're both clearly drawn to each other. We should see where this leads if we’re thrown together at my place for a few days.
"Have you called your parents?" I ask. “When your mother finally notices that you're not with them, she's going to freak out."
"That's fine." Bailey shoots me a sideways glance. "The longer it's been, the harder it will hit her. Especially when she realizes she took my purse and left me with nothing."
We pull up to the house, and I grab her bags from the back. Then I yank out my wallet and thumb through the contents. "Here." I hand her three twenties.
"Oh, no. You're already helping me so much. I can't take your money, too."
I shake my head. "Not a request. You can't be walking around with nothing. What if I were called out to an emergency? You at least need cash for lunch and a taxi." I smile at her. "It would make me very happy knowing you had this in your pocket."
She smiles back, her lovely auburn hair swishing around her elegant cheekbones. "Thank you. I mean, I'm not going to spend it, but… Thank you."
When she looks up, she smiles even wider. "Your house is lovely."
I've never thought of it as lovely, myself. More like…interesting blend of traditional log cabin and modern house. But I’m glad she likes it. That feels important.
Once we're inside, I let Bailey putter around the living room while I clear a few storage bins out of the guest bedroom. She looks at the object in my hands as I head back upstairs. "What's that?"
"Come on. I'll show you."
She follows me into the guest bedroom, where I plug it in under the wooden desk. It's a carved mallard, with a couple of tall marsh cattails coming up from the base and arching over its head. When I snap the hidden button, they light up.
Bailey claps her hands in delight. “A study buddy! What's his name?”
As she bounces up and down, I can't help but peek down the front of her t-shirt. She has less than zero idea how sexy she is, which makes her even hotter. Those curves, combined with that sweet smile…addictive.
"You can name him. Years ago I was passing a deserted yard sale and felt obligated to buy something to help. I figure you’ll need extra light for your notes, maybe?"
"His name is Dillard. Dillard the Mallard," Bailey grins, then takes a good look at the room. It's a fair size, with an old gray sofa, small dresser, and antique wooden desk.
“The couch folds out. I’ll get some bedding and make it up for you tonight.”
"Nate, thank you. This is perfect."
"Good. There's no lock on the door, but I will consider it locked at all times, unless you open it." I clear my throat, wondering what the odds are she will invite me in. "Now, get settled and prepare for your study thing this afternoon. How do you take your coffee?"
"Just a splash of milk. But you don't have to—"
I hold up a hand. "Education is important. And I admire your dedication to it, even though it seems everyone else in your world couldn’t care less. Back in a few."
By the time I return to her room with coffee, bottled water and a scrambled egg bagel sandwich, Bailey is already settled.
Her laptop is on the desk with her books and notepads off to the side.
Her suitcase is tucked into the space beside the couch, and a few things are set out on top of the dresser.
Everything is in its logical place. It’s the kind of trait I’ve always admired in people but never expected to find in a partner. It’s why I’ve never clicked with anyone.
Until now. And trust me, this click could be heard two states away.
I set everything down at the end of the desk. "What time is your practice exam?"
"From one until three."
"Okay. I'll go get groceries and be back with a sandwich for you at noon. Then we'll have a big dinner tonight after you’re done. How does that sound?"
Bailey steps in front of me. Having her so close to me, in a small space, totally alone… My heart is racing just from the scent of her hair and the way her cinnamon rose lips curve up when she smiles at me.
"Sounds perfect," she murmurs, blinking slowly, drawing my attention to her dark lashes.
Everything about her is so feminine. The tiny dusting of freckles across the bridge of her nose and cheeks.
The way her hips flare out invitingly in her worn jeans.
The tendril of hair following the line of her collarbone, almost dipping into her cleavage.
"Nate?"
"Yeah?"
"Thank you." Her chest is heaving rapidly, as if she feels this connection, this heat, too. “Would…umm…hugging you be classified as funny business?"
"That's totally up to you. You make all the decisions there. I'm going to provide you with food, shelter, and a calm, quiet atmosphere."
"You don't make me feel calm or quiet," she whispers.
She lifts her hands slowly, as if expecting me to jump away. I wait until her hands touch the back of my neck and slide down to my shoulders. Then my arms wrap around her.
The split second I pull her toward me, my entire life changes. I don't know what it is…pheromones, her magical scent, the sound of her breath catching as our chests press together…
But Bailey is mine. This woman belongs with me and always has.
Her chin tilts up, her inviting mouth just inches from mine.
"Tell me what you want, beautiful." My big voice is suddenly soft. Almost breathy.
She stretches an inch closer, telling me without words that she needs me to kiss her. Well, as of this second, I'm going to give Bailey everything she's ever wanted.
Our lips meet gently. Her body trembles faintly.
Then the heat between us rises fast, hitting me smack dab in the center of my chest before zipping straight down between my legs.
My hunger for her makes my knees unsteady, so I clutch at her, rubbing her back when the kiss deepens, making her moan faintly as I explore her tender mouth with my tongue.
My fingers spear through the back of her hair, angling us together as her fingertips dig into the backs of my shoulders.
Suddenly I realize I'm sitting in the chair, with Bailey standing between my legs.
"Tell me to stop." Even as I say it, my hand slides up and under the back of her shirt to caress her silky skin.
"Never."
She kisses me just as hard as I'm kissing her, her fingers moving up and circling through the back of my hair. We moan together, breathing each other in, the prickle of excitement overheating us both.
She didn't say no. She said never. Bailey is very precise with her words. I think she just said she wants me. But I'm going to be the responsible one and put her work first.
After another full minute of passionate, white-hot kissing, I gently push her away. "You have to study," I breathe. "And I have to get supplies and check in with the town."
Although her smile is sweet, her eyes sparkle with a naughty glow. “Fine,” she pouts.
"See you soon, beautiful."
Some people might be paranoid about leaving a stranger alone in their house. Me, I feel like puzzle pieces have snapped into place.
Bailey belongs here with me. If she’s here, I can care for her while she aces that exam.
And if she’s here, I can make her fall in love with me.