Page 5 of Lead Me Knot

My heartbeat thumps heavier in my chest as the thought of being held in strong arms and falling asleep next to someone speaks to the loneliness I’ve been feeling so much more lately. But it’s Baylor . . .and he’s annoying.

I scooch backward just a bit, tired of using my core to hold me on the edge of the bed. “We’re not sleeping together.”

“Then come closer and let me hold you.” I hate how tempting that particular offer is since I really do hate summer storms here in the Hill Country. “Nothing will happen, Lauralee. I promise.” The mattress shifts under me, and his hands slip around my waist. And I don’t stop him.

He stills, but the heat from his hands makes me tempted to squirm.

“Okay,” I whisper. He pulls me against his chest, my back warming from the contact.

His breath caresses my neck, and he whispers against the shell of my ear, “Unless you want it to.”

“I knew you couldn’t resist saying that.” I try to push out of his arms, but they’re wrapped around my middle like an unbreakable lock.

He laughs. “I’m kidding. I mean, if you want to do something, I’m up for it, but I promise you’re safe with me if you don’t.”

“I don’t.”Firm. Clear. Decisive.

“Then it’s settled. Tonight, we’ll stay platonic.”

I hate how much I like the feel of him around me.No giving in, I silently remind myself. Baylor Greene is the last person in Peachtree Pass I should be having sex with. Even ifthere aren’t currently many,or any, other options. Technically, he’s from New York these days—Ugh!No. Before I can change my mind, I reply, “Perfect.”

“Yeah,” he adds as if he must get the last word in, “perfect.”

“What do you mean tonight? That makes it sound like we might not stay platonic another night.”

“Never say never.”

I barely stop the small grin wanting to grow. Pursing my lips to the side, I say, “Never, Baylor.”

He sighs, the laughter almost all gone. “Received loud and clear.” But then he kisses the top of my head like we’re more than just platonic friends cuddling together because a bad storm rages outside. What is more concerning is that I kind of like it. “Good night, Lauralee.”

And that, too. Dammit.

Never.I remind myself again as if I have no self-control when bumped up against a hot guy’s hard-as-steel and built-to-impress body.Especially because it’s Baylor Greene holding me.Nothing good would come from us hooking up.

I’ve solidified my stance, but I remain right where I am. I can enjoy the creature comforts of his muscly arms latched around me like I’m his for the night without having to overthink it. I close my eyes, holding the covers to my chest, as his warmth blankets my body, and reply, “Good night.”

It could be seconds passing, but the quiet in the room keeps me awake with so much running through my mind about the man behind me that there’s no way to find sleep in these conditions, these blissfully snuggly conditions. Simply because Baylor isn’t a one-night stand, which I’m not opposed to having.

My thoughts scramble, and my heart starts to race. I partmy lips to get more air into my lungs, but I know what the issue is. I just don’t want to accept it.

I want him.

I want Baylor Greene.

God, I’m a terrible person. This is my best friend’s brother. By that association alone, he’s off-limits. But would it be so awful for her best friend and brother to be together? Sexually, of course, and only one time. She doesn’t even need to know about it. Oh my God, am I talking myself into having sex with him?

Don’t do it, Lauralee.

“Can’t sleep?” Why does he have to sound so rugged and sexy?

“No,” I reply, keeping my voice quieter between us. “You?”

“I was exhausted when I got here, but it seems I have a second wind blowing through my bones.”

I shimmy back just a smidge, tucking myself deeper into his arms, but stop when I feel one of those bones against my backside. Knowing how well-endowed he is after seeing him . . .it, in the flesh, I take a deep breath and exhale even slower.

Would it be so awful?

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