Page 42 of Sheltered by the Lawman

Cull knew exactly what he needed. He searched the cabinets until he came to the bottle of whiskey he had hidden there, uncapped it and poured himself a shot glass full. He kicked it back in one gulp and it burned all the way into his stomach, but at least he no longer felt the chill of turning Monica away.

Fifteen minutes later, he was sitting at the table when she stepped out of the bathroom. He blew out a long breath and swiped a hand down his face. She was wearing a short, white nightgown and her wet hair hung around her shoulders and down the front. He believed this wasn’t intentional, but she turned him into a blubbering idiot.

“You’re still here?” she asked in confusion.

“Yes, I told you I was staying,” he said in a hoarse tone. “Did you have a good shower?

She frowned. “No. Just like all of the other hours of the day. I spend it wondering who I am—but all the thinking never gets me anywhere. I have moments of clarity when I think I remember something, then I hit a brick wall. I can’t begin to explain how this all feels, Cull.”

His chest tightened. “I get it, but give it some time.”

“It’s been forever already.”

“It’s been a little over a week.”

She brushed by him, the scent of soap and coconut shampoo intoxicating his senses. He closed his eyes for a moment, breathing her in, feeling an overwhelming desire in his body, praying that he wouldn’t give in to the boiling need. He could lose himself in her smell, her touch, her…Just her. Why? How? Was this some sick joke on fate’s part? Wrap him up in her web only for him to face heartbreak when she got her memory back. He’d kept a steel wall up all these years, protecting himself, and now those inner walls were crumbling.

How long could he keep her there?

“One minute I think you want me here and the next I think you regret asking me to come.”

His throat constricted. “I don’t want to take advantage of you.”

She turned and smiled. “I’ve made it obvious how I feel. I wouldn’t consider that you taking advantage of me.” She placed a small glass in front of him. “Care to share some of that liquid therapy?”

“Are you sure?”

She laughed. “Yeah, more than sure.”

He poured her some and watched her bring the glass to her lips and take a sip. She squinted. “Holy crap. I didn’t remember that taste.”

Cull laughed and poured himself another. “Have a seat. Take a load off.”

“Fine.” She took another sip and this time she didn’t react so strongly.

Once they were sitting, he rubbed his whiskered jaw. “This isn’t so clear-cut and I do owe you an explanation. I want you so damn much that I’m afraid every time I’m around you, I’m going to blow my top. I can’t allow these emotions to get out of hand, not when I feel like...” His heart pounded. Three shot glasses later and he was feeling less tense but he still couldn’t figure out what to say.

Several seconds passed as well as many different expressions. She reached out and cupped his cheek, her eyes burrowing into him. “I might not have my memory, but I am an adult and I can make decisions for myself. You are the only one I truly know right now. I realize you want to protect me, but I feel as if you’re keeping something from me. You get close and then it strikes you. I believe it has something to do with why you were at the apartment.”

He blew out a frustrated sigh. “You just make me nervous.”

“You? Nervous? I find that hard to believe.” Her smile returned.

“I am a gentleman. I want to do the right thing.”

“You have been a gentleman, but sometimes a woman needs a little dirty in her life.” She laughed and downed her whiskey. She reached for the bottle and poured herself another.

His cock jerked. Hell, he’d loved to give her dirty, but an image of Yates flashed through Cull’s mind. What if she got her memory back and she realized she was in love with the man? What if she did play a role in his death? No, Cull didn’t believe it. “We all need a little dirty at times.”

“Where’s the but?”

“Excuse me?”

“Come on, Cull. It’s you, me and a bottle of whiskey. Let’s be honest.”

“In time, I’ll tell you everything.” He shifted, remembering that he was still damp. “I better get out of these clothes before I turn into a prune.” He stood and started for the door, ready to get out before he did or said something stupid. Here lately he’d been disproving the fact that he’d graduated top of his class and aced every test he ever took. He realized this was what his brothers were taking about. Caring for a woman could do crazy things to a man’s brain…and his heart.

At the door he turned and looked at her over his shoulder. “Take it easy on the bottle, baby. I have a feeling you haven’t drank in a while.”

---