“Mmum,” she muffled through the sandwich.
“First, I wasn’t joking, young lady. If you need a good bottom-warming, I won’t hesitate. Second, you don’t have to adult with me. I’ll help you and if everything gets too much for you and you’ve had enough, I’ll take over.”
Addi clasped her lip between her teeth. He can’t possibly be serious about spanking me and taking over, can he? Before she could ask, though, he moved on.
“Have you decided when to have the funeral?”
Addi looked at her lap, fiddling with the quilt. “They’re putting the obituary in the paper for tomorrow. I’m going to skip the option of visitation. Uncle Ray would hate to be on display.” She smirked. “Like a trophy fish.” Drew laughed and she continued, feeling somber again. “The funeral will be on Saturday.” She looked up at Drew. “I feel like there may be a lot of people that went to the camp as boys that may want to make the trek here to pay respects. I’m going to start going through the files and see if I can’t contact some of them.”
“I can help with that,” Drew said.
She nodded, giving him a small, sad smile before looking around the cabin again. “I’m so tired. I know it’s early but I just need to rest. Does my uncle’s office pass inspection? Does it still have the old couch in it?”
Drew’s finger found Addi’s chin and he tilted it so she looked at him. “Why, baby girl? Don’t you like your cabin?”
“I don’t want to sleep in here. I don’t know.”
“What if I stayed until you fell asleep?” He let go of her chin and pointed to the floral upholstered chair by the books.
Her heart swelled at his sweet offering.
“Why are you single, Drew? Shouldn’t someone have snapped you up by now?”
“Sweetheart, that’s a story for another time. Up you get.” His big, warm palm swallowed hers, and her heart tripped in her chest. He stood and pulled her with him.
Addi looked at her suitcases and gathered a breath. She was too damn tired to unpack, but she needed something to sleep in. He followed her line of sight and looked at the bags over his shoulder. Nodding at her, he reached over his shoulder and yanked off his t-shirt. He held it out to her, but she only stared at his hard chest.
She was grieving and vulnerable and certainly not in her right mind because the sight of him half naked before her made her middle spasm with need. She licked her lips, wanting to taste the nipples that were hard beads over brown flat disks, the hollows of his neck and, God, the trail of hair that disappeared beneath his belted jeans.
“Here,” he said, placing the shirt in her hands. “No need to dig around in those bags now.” His shirt was warm and as she clasped it to her chest, she could smell him. “Do you want some privacy?” he questioned when she hadn’t moved for several moments.
Addi shook her head, closing her eyes. She couldn’t stand the thought of being alone, even in the tiny bathroom. Modesty be damned. When she opened her eyes to look at him, his brows peaked in the middle of his forehead and his mouth formed a frown of concern.
“Did my uncle really ask you to take care of me?”
He swallowed hard, shoving his hands through his hair before burying them in his pockets. She saw her own want in his eyes. There was something psychological that happened in times of loss—something that drew people together, made them crave human touch, understanding, and physical comfort, especially from those who shared their loss. That’s all this was between them, and she was okay with that. He was the only other person in the world who loved her uncle like she did. They shared that, and that was more than enough.
“Yes, Addi. Made me swear I would give you whatever support you needed. He loved you so much. He knew you’d need someone once he was gone.” His voice lowered to a whisper. “Someone like me. Who could not only read through your tough girl act, but deal with your stubborn side.”
“Then take care of me Drew. Please.” Her words came out on a whimper, but not the kind that stemmed from a grief-stricken heart; it was one of want, intense need, and carnal urges.
His breath quickened and he looked hesitant, almost tortured at first before he took a step closer, placing his hands on her blouse. By the time he pulled it off her arms, her nipples were tight and begging for his touch. He stared, looking pained again as his jaw clenched. He reached behind her and unhooked her bra. She mewled, arching her chest toward him. His tight expression turned to anger and she blinked in confusion. His hand threaded through her hair and she gasped as he tightened his grip and pulled her head back to devour her mouth roughly. The kiss was thorough, lengthy, and it melted her bones.
“Turn around.” His voice was gruff with arousal and demanding. She bit her lip and did as she was told. He ran a hand down her back and she heard nothing but his ragged breathing and her own heart pounding. He took the bra straps in his hands and slid them down her shoulders and off. Her eyes fluttered closed, anticipating his touch—feeling wet and greedy for more. How long had it been since she’d been touched? So, so, long! She held her breath…waiting.
His touch didn’t come. His shirt was over her head and on her before she could stutter the question she begged to ask…
Why not?
Was he not attracted to her?
“Stay.” He lowered her bottoms down her hips and made her step out of them. “Okay, you can turn back around.” He pulled back the duvet and sheets. “Let’s get you tucked in, baby girl. The last thing you need is an ass like me taking advantage of you.”
Addi climbed into the bed, her clit aching, and turned toward the wall. Drew covered her, tucking the blankets tight around her.
“Drew, I understand why you won’t…” She cleared her throat. “But, will you lie with me?” Her voice was small and vulnerable and she hated it, but she didn’t want to be alone—even after his rejection.
She heard his whispered curse and it stabbed through her like an arrow. He tucked the blanket around her tightly and climbed on top of the covers. She should have known he’d be repulsed by her. She sniffed.
“Angel, you have no idea how hard it is for me to keep my hands to myself right now. I’m trying to be the good guy for once.”