Page 30 of Guarded Hearts

He sighed. “Come outside with me.”

When she faced him, her expression made his stomach bottom out like a freight train gone off the rails.

She’d read some of his letters.

Heart pinching, he waved a hand for her to come with him.

Without a word, she followed him outside. As soon as she spotted Oaks, a huge smile spread over her face.

Damn. Carson hadn’t seen her smile like that in forever. The last genuine smile she’d givenhimwas dimmed by the tears streaking her face when they said goodbye—until next time.

Except there never was a next time.

In her bare feet, she hurried down the stairs to greet his brother.

“Oaks! Gosh, you grew up. Alot.” A blush leaped into her cheeks as she looked him up and down.

Carson couldn’t stop the low rumble of a growl. In response, Oaks shot him a grin.

Layne walked up to him and thrust out her hand.

Oaks looked down at it. “Since when do we shake hands? Give me a hug.”

She giggled and wrapped her arms around him instead. Over her shoulder, Oaks met Carson’s gaze.

The asshole gave him a taunting grin. When he got Oaks alone, he would put his brother in his place.

When he got Layne alone, he would remind her whose arms she belonged in.

* * * * *

Layne padded across her bedroom floor. Reaching for the handle, she stopped herself before she opened it.

She wasnotgoing to Carson’s bed.

No way. Once had been enough.

Okay, notenough. But it would have to suffice. If she touched him again, she didn’t think she could control the emotions she’d stuffed deep inside all those years ago. One stroke of his hand over her skin and she’d be his.

Dropping her hand, she spun and hurried back to her bed. She climbed in between the sheets and drew the covers all the way up to her chin. Like the down duvet was any barrier against the lurid thoughts speeding through her mind.

Was he lying in his bed, awake, thinking about her too?

She threw back the covers and rushed to the door. This time she went so far as to twist the handle.

When her heart started pounding with anticipation of the bliss she could have with her lover—former lover—she came to her senses.

What was she doing?

She released the handle, and it made a quiet snapping noise.

In slow, determined steps, she returned to her bed.

This time, she was going to stay there.

But after tossing from side to side for ten more minutes, she knew she wasn’t going to sleep.

Sometimes when she had insomnia, a good orgasm made her relax and get some rest.

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