Page 33 of Wild Desire

"I'm sure you have to get back to training and work. You'll be gone before you know it," Eli said dismissively.

That was something I'd hoped for not too long ago. But now I wasn't in a rush. I was enjoying this time with Noelle. It was a refreshing change of pace.

Noelle curled a hand around my elbow. "I'd better get him to bed. He needs his meds."

Eli grinned, and I rolled my eyes. "Yes, please put this one to bed. He can't be up late. He gets grumpy."

"So true," Noelle said with a laugh.

I took a few steps with my crutches, and Noelle's hand fell away.

"I don't appreciate you ganging up on me with my brother," I told her.

Noelle waved a hand at me. "It was fun though."

I gave her a look but couldn't stay mad at her. I liked seeing her laugh. It should happen more often, and I wanted to be the guy who made her feel good.

My knee throbbed more with each lumbering step. By the time we got back to my room, I was sweating. I eased myself down on the couch. "Can you grab the pain meds and some water. Please."

"On it," Noelle said as she grabbed the items from the kitchen. She dropped the pills in my hand and then handed me a glass of water.

I washed them down, and then Noelle helped me move my leg onto the couch. "Can I get you anything else? Ice? Heat?"

"I'm okay for now." I grabbed the remote and searched for the local station that always carried the high-school ski races and put it on.

"This is better than being outside in the cold." Noelle pulled off her jacket, then sat in the armchair to watch.

I patted the space next to me on the couch. "Sit here. It's a better view of the TV."

"Okay." She moved slowly over to me, sitting on the end of the couch where my foot rested. "I'm not jostling you, am I?"

I shook my head no. I wouldn't care if she was. I had this need to keep her close.

The pain meds kicked in, and I couldn't help nodding off. For the first time in a long while, I felt content, happy even. It was hard to believe I could feel that way when my professional life was in shambles. I never thought I could be content living at the resort, but I was. At some point, I sensed a blanket being thrown over me and maybe even the brush of lips on my forehead. Then I swear Noelle said, "Sweet dreams."

I must have been dreaming because there was no way Noelle Richards would tuck me in and kiss me like that. Not after my nonreaction to her kiss. She'd never forgiven me for that, and I couldn't' blame her.

9

NOELLE

The next morning, I swayed on my feet as I watched the donuts fry in the pan. I'd stayed way too late at Killian's apartment last night, reveling in being close to him. He'd nodded off fairly quickly, but I didn't feel great about leaving him on the couch.

He'd be more comfortable in bed, but I couldn't move him. When it became apparent he wasn't going to wake up, I covered him with a blanket and then left. But not before I kissed him on his forehead.

He'd looked so peaceful while sleeping. His skin wasn't creased in pain, and every muscle was relaxed. I wanted to touch the planes of his muscles and feel the heat emanating off his body. The only way to create distance between us was to leave.

Things had gotten way too intimate while I was sitting on the snowmobile between his legs. He'd leaned close, whispering in my ear. It felt like I was his girl, which was ridiculous. Killian went for the flashy blondes who looked perfect on his arm. Not the dark-haired girl from his youth.

He saw me as a family friend he wanted to help. He probably felt badly that he was so successful while I stayed home to care for my family. He wanted to release that guilt by helpingChristopher and Winnie. I was going to let him because they'd benefit from that assistance. But he didn't want me. Not as anything more than friends.

I had to keep reminding myself of that. I was his employee, his friend, but nothing more.

My phone buzzed at six a.m. when I was almost done with the donuts. I needed to pack them and drive them to Cal's and then the resort to start my day with Killian.

Killian: Thanks for tucking me in.

Warmth spread through my chest.

---