Page 33 of Knight's Desire

“I can’t help you if you don’t talk to me.” His voice was low, almost gruff, but with a husky tone that made her shiver.

“You’re already helping me every way you possibly can.” She was unable to get her voice above a gentle whisper. Brick’s broad frame blocked the world around her until she felt only the two of them existed in a bubble meant to keep her protected. She wanted to stay in the bubble, but it wasn’t hers to be in.

She stepped back until her backside nudged her drafting table. Brick dropped his hand and also stepped back. Even with more space between them, she could feel her attraction drawing her to him. She shook her head to clear the haze clouding her thoughts and causing her to react out of character.

“I think it’s time I call it a night. It’s been a long day, and I just want to curl up on my couch with a good book,” she quipped, trying to lighten the mood.

For a moment, she thought he was going to press her to tell him everything. His stare was too intense, toorawfor him not to sense all the turmoil spiraling inside of her. She’d told him nothing, and yet she believed he knew it all. With that one look, he knew her thoughts and feelings without her uttering a word. Finally, he nodded.

“Take all the time you need. I’ll be right out there whenever you’re ready to go.”

He was out the office door before she could reply. She almost called him back, and the unexpected urge left her more confused than anything that had happened lately.

Chapter Fourteen

Hope considered her home the perfect size for her. Though small, it had enough space to serve her well and plenty of windows to feed natural light through. A spacious kitchen, living area, two bedrooms and a sizeable bathroom suited her needs.

To have someone like Brick Coffey walking through her house, his footsteps soft despite his large size, made it seem like the walls were closing in on her. His presence overpowered the space, and he seemed to leave his imprint on every room as he checked her house for intruders. She waited in the living room as he instructed but stood where she could watch his progress. She wondered what he thought of her home with its clean, feminine décor.

Brick stepped back into the living room. “Everything’s clear.”

“Thank you. I appreciate you checking and bringing me home. I—”

A knock sounded at her door at the same time Brick’s phone chirped with an incoming message. She jumped as the noises caught her off guard. Her eyes darted from the door to her bodyguard.

“I’m not expecting anyone.”

“It’s okay. It’s a dinner delivery.”

“Dinner?”

Instead of responding, he answered the door. His body hid the visitor from view, and their voices were too low for her to hear what was said. Their conversation was short, and then he closed the door and walked toward her with a couple of plastic bags in his hands. He held them up as if they explained everything, and he continued to the kitchen.

The smell of the food had her stomach growling and her mouth watering. She followed him, and her eyes widened to see the to-go containers of food that lined the kitchen island.

“Kayla told me you hadn’t eaten much all day, so I figured you needed something filling for dinner. I didn’t know what you’d like, so Isobel ordered a variety of things. I hope the diner is okay. I know it’s probably not as nice as what you’re used to, but the food is good. I eat there most days.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t need to say anything. Pick your poison, and I’ll get us something to drink.”

“You’re staying for dinner?”

“I’m staying. I’m your security detail for the night. Gen will take over in the morning. I can take my dinner outside if you’d rather be alone. I just thought it would give me a chance to ask you a few more questions, but that can wait if you’re not up for it.”

“No, it’s fine. Please join me for dinner. There’s obviously plenty of food. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until I saw it all. It smells delicious.”

He grinned. “It always does. I’m hoping she has some pastries in there too. The diner’s known for them. What can I get you to drink?”

She walked over to the island and peered inside the bags like a child investigating her presents under the Christmas tree. “I have water, soda, wine, beer or even juice, so take whatever you want. I’ll drink water.”

She was carefully opening the containers as he grabbed a bottle of water and a beer and brought them over to the island. She set out the selections including a burger and fries, meatloaf and green beans, baked chicken and baked potato, some type of cheesy casserole with mixed vegetables and roast beef with mashed potatoes. There was also an assortment of desserts that had her sweet tooth taking notice — lemon meringue pie, strawberry shortcake, apple cobbler, butterscotch pudding and the famous pastries.

“Oh, my. It looks wonderful. I’m not sure I can decide. There’s so much.”

“So don’t choose. Take some of all of it. I’ll get a plate, and you can build a sampler.”

She chuckled. “It’s tempting, but I couldn’t.”

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