Page 4 of Lead Me Knot

Now I’m left reeling that I’ve exposed even more due to the Olympic-worthy hurtling of my body across the room. I might have been successful in hiding the vibrator, but it makes it worse that I was busted and didn’t even get off earlier.

I’ve lost inspiration. And I was too tired from the long day to chase it. I drop my forehead to the mattress and closemy eyes, unsure how long I’ll need to remain in this position. “Are you looking?” He chuckles. “This isn’t funny, Baylor.”

“It’s kind of funny.”

I slide my head to the side to see if he’s looking. He’s facing away from me, showing off the definition of his broad shoulders and back, and muscular ass and legs familiar with working out. He’s a freaking Adonis standing there like it’s no big deal that I, a mere mortal in his presence, am being granted permission to stare at a Roman god on earth.

I drop my head down again, needing to collect myself. The front never did disappoint. That rugged, hard jawline of his, and a perfect nose that still holds one of the things that makes him even more attractive—the slightest of dents near the bridge from a rodeo accident at thirteen. But it’s the blue eyes that run in his family, competing with the Texas summer sky and always vying for attention.

I’d almost forgotten how potent even a glance from him could be. I foolishly thought we’d made the faintest connection at Chris’s reception a few years back. Guess we didn’t since nothing came of it afterward.

Baylor Greene made me feel special when I was caught in the headlights of his attention. But I wasn’t, I suppose, or there would have been more to the story instead of him returning to his life in New York City and forgetting all about me.

I roll over and sit up on the edge of the bed, setting my vibrator in the top drawer of the nightstand and shutting it. I move to my overnight duffel on the floor and pull out a pair of boy-cut underwear and slip them on. No way am I sleeping in a bra just because he showed up. “Okay, you can look.”

You would have thought I’d said you can fuck me with your eyes by how he turns around and takes me in from head to toe and back up again. I cross my arms over my chest to hide my peaked nipples and jut my hip out. “Were you going to tell me I was showing off everything when I landed on the bed or just stare?”

The tip of his tongue rolls over his bottom lip, and he smirks. “Figured all was fair since you got a good gander at me.”

“Was this after I kicked your ass?”

He chuckles again. “I’m not upset that you know how to defend yourself. Though, check on me tomorrow. I have a feeling this will stick around a few days.”

Thunder rolls over the top of the building, rattling the windows. I duck my head, knowing it won’t save me from anything. Looking at him again, I say, “I’d almost forgotten it was storming.”

“I can be distracting.”

“Especially when you’re breaking and entering.”

“Yeah,” he says on a heavy sigh, “I should have knocked. It was raining and?—”

“It’s okay. You didn’t know anyone would be here.” I shift, tugging on the hem of my shirt. It’s not the sexiest outfit to be seen in by a long shot, but this is Christine’s brother. Who needs to be sexy for him? “Morning is coming sooner than I like.”

“Is that a hint?”

“Not so subtle, huh?” Swinging my hand toward the bed, I ask, “Should we try this again?”

Thumbing over his shoulder, he replies, “I can sleep out here if you want more alone time.” His cheeks split open in a wide, devious grin.

I roll my eyes. “It’s way too early for this, Greene.”

“And here I was just getting started, Knot.”

Marching toward him, I stop and stand toe-to-toe with the big guy. He’s at least six-three to my five-five, judging by how I fit neatly under his chin. I hold his gaze for a few seconds, then grin while cocking my brow. “I have no problem keeping my own company.” I poke him in the chest. “Unlike you.”

I flip out the light and return to the other side of the bed. Sitting, I dip my legs under before flopping on my back and tugging the covers up to my chin. Baylor’s silent, which must be new for him, I imagine. But then his steps cross the room. When he lies down like a log falling in the forest, I fall against his side.

His arm comes around me too quick for me to escape, and his chest vibrates under my cheek. “If you wanted to snuggle, you could have asked. I’m always happy to oblige a woman with desires that need to be met.”

“Ick.” I shove myself off his hard body. “Just . . . no. I had no option. You sucked me into your void.” Anchoring the ball of my feet against his legs, I finally have the leverage to move back to the other side of the bed.

“Sucked you in, or did you gravitate into my rotation?”

I turn my back to him, rolling as far away as I can get. Balancing precariously on the edge of the bed, I shake my head. “For the tiniest moment in time, I almost forgot what a jerk you were. Thanks for the reminder.” I close my eyes and settle in, hoping to get at least two more hours of sleep before I need to get up early to prepare for the Saturday morning crowd.

Lightning startles me, and my eyes fly open to catch the tail end of the window lit up from the outside before it goesdark again. I release a slow breath, and whisper, “I hate storms like this.”

There’s no reply or snappy comeback. I can just hear Baylor breathing before he says, “The offer still stands.”

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