Page 59 of That Time in Venice
Reed rubbed his hand up and down her back, his lids lowering and his voice dropping an octave. “You coming bylater?”
She wanted to. She really, really wanted to, but didn’t think she could handle being in his presence alone. She felt extremely fragile and had a lot to think about, not the least of which was figuring out how to broach the subject of herinfertility.
“No. I’m going to stick around here and help with cleanup, and then I’m going home. It’s been a long day and I just want tocrash.”
“Crash at my place.” He swept his gaze over her body as if he wanted to strip her naked right then and there. The blatant hunger in his eyes made her skin tingle all over. “I’ll sneak you up to my bedroom, and you can stay the night. Leave early in themorning.”
They had decided not to let Brielle see her spend the night at hisplaceyet.
“What if Brielle comes in during thenight?”
“She’s been fine for weeks. No talk about monsters in alongtime.”
Anika slipped out of the cradle of his arm. “That’s a tempting offer, but I want to sleep in my own bedtonight.”
The smile slowly faded from his face. “Iseverythingokay?”
“Yes.Why?”
“I don’t know. You’ve just been acting strange lately. Ever since we had dinner at Ransom and Sophie’s. Did someone in my family say something toupsetyou?”
“Not at all. Every single one of them was very friendly.” They’d welcomed her without any discerniblereservations.
“Yousure?”
“Positive.” His misplaced concern twisted guilt into her gut. He was being so considerate, worried about her needs and happiness. She should do the same for him. Show the same consideration for his needs. Hishappiness.
“Would you tell me if someone said something toupsetyou?”
“I would,” sheassuredhim.
He seemed satisfied with the answer. “On that note, I better leave.” He took her hand in his. “Call me when you getdonehere.”
“Iwill.”
They kissed, but when he went to pull back, Anika gripped his arm in an act of desperation. She held on tight, keeping her mouth pressed to his and forcing adeeperkiss.
When Reed finally lifted his head, he frowned down at her. “Anika—”
“Go. Don’t keep Mrs. Millerwaiting.”
He hesitated. A mixture of confusion and concern filled his eyes, but he seemed to think better of questioning her further. “We’ll talklater.”
He squeezed her hand andwalkedaway.
