Page 8 of Drawn to You
Andrew is inside, and he’s topless. He might be wearing nothing at all, but I can’t see what’s below water.
I freeze where I am, but he spots me. “You want to join me, Britt? It’s nice.”
My heart does a series of somersaults. Ohmygod. Is it an invitation? I’m dying to say yes, but I hold back my urge. Getting in the tub with Andrew, inches away from his tan, muscular body, all alone? No. It’ll be insane, however tempting it is. I’m going to act silly, and it’ll be embarrassing. “Err, thanks, not today. It’s time for me to go to bed,” I say and almost run back to my room.
In the shower, I keep thinking how good it would be to be in the tub with Andrew. Damn. Why did I say no? Coward.
Chapter 4
Andrew
Immersed in soothing hot water, I spread my arms and exhale deeply as I gaze into the night sky. This is the moment I enjoy the most every day: relax in my private hot tub on top of a gorgeous city. I’m normally able to unwind, let go of a day’s stress and forget about my troubles. But today, my relaxation doesn’t last long, and soon my mind turns to Brittney. I recall the moment of our connection at dinner and my foolish behavior. Did I really hold her hand and kiss it like old-timey gentleman? Damn.
The girl threw me off balance. This was not what I had in mind when I agreed to hire her. Shit. I’ve lived alone since I graduated from college six years ago and enjoyed my bachelor’s lifestyle. I’ve had women over for dinner before but haven’t appreciated it so much. But earlier with Brittney, it felt almost as if we were a family. Maybe it was because she was Dana’s friend and I had known her since we were both children? No, it was more than that—my boner was proof. I’m attracted to her. Dammit. I’ve got to put a stop to this.
I’m still scolding myself when Brittney’s balcony door slides open, and she saunters out into the garden. She gazes up at the sky and the night view as she strolls along the garden path and into the open space in front of the hot tub. She hasn’t noticed me yet, and she stretches like a carefree cat and sighs contently. I forget to breathe as I observe her. I have the odd feeling that she’s the owner of the house, and I’m a peeping Tom because she looks as if she belongs here. The house behind her seems to be warmer with her presence—it hasn’t felt like a home at all until today. This is crazy.
My arms fall into the water, making a sound that gets Brittney’s attention. She freezes when her eyes find me. I’m self-conscious at once. I’m wearing briefs because she’s around, but she probably thinks I’m naked, and the thought probably makes her uncomfortable.
I invite her to join me, to put her at ease, knowing she probably wouldn’t accept it. Even in the dim porch light, I can see her face is flushed. She can’t keep her eyes off me, and there is a gleam in those beautiful green eyes. Holy shit, there’s little doubt she likes what she sees. The jolt of my manhood is so obvious that it doesn’t escape her eyes. She bites her lips as if battling with her wish, and then she turns to go. I watch her escape into her room like a frightened deer. Damn. What the hell have I done? I’ve scared her. I must look like a predator to her. Part of me is glad she refused me, and the other part is disappointed.
I get out of the tub soon after she’s gone and take care of my erection in the shower, and then I go to bed. Needless to say, my dreams are filled with Brittney’s sparkling eyes.
My stomach grumbles when I wake to the smell of fried eggs. I blink and realize what’s happening. My houseguest must be making breakfast.
I get up and head toward the kitchen. Sure enough, Brittney is standing in front of the stove, wearing my apron. The sight of her makes my heart flutter—she’s so goddamn beautiful.
“Good morning, Britt!” I say to her, resisting the urge to go to her and hold her. “Need help?”
She turns to me immediately and throws me a smile as bright as the sunshine. “Good morning, Andrew. The eggs are done, but I can’t figure out how to use the coffee machine. It won’t turn on.”
I laugh. “That’s because it’s out of order. I should throw it away, but it sometimes works,” I say as I press the buttons. “Well, no luck this time. I haven’t used it for a while because lately, I like getting my coffee from Starbucks on my way to work.”
“Oh. I see. I guess I’ll have milk for now,” she says, opening the fridge door.
“And I’ll have orange juice.”
Brittney finishes her breakfast quickly and stands up. “We start at nine, right? I’m going to get dressed.”
“Take your time,” I say, knowing girls can take a while to get ready.
A moment later, when I come out of my bathroom, clean-shaved and dressed, I’m surprised to see Brittney standing in front of the glass door in the living room, gazing at the view while waiting for me, purse slung on her shoulder, all ready to go. I gaze at her profile as my breathing quickens. As promised, she wears a professional outfit—a fitted cotton white shirt and a beige skirt that hugs her curves, pantyhose, and block-heel pumps. Goddamn. Although not exposing much of her body, she looks even hotter than yesterday when she was in that cami top and shorts.
While I’m still gawking, she turns and smiles. “Do I look okay?”
You look fantastic. I want to say, but the following words come out of my mouth instead, “You look good, but don’t you have any trousers or jeans?”
She frowns. “Why?”
Because I don’t want anyone else to stare at your legs like what I’m doing now. “The gym can be cold, especially if you sit all day long. We set the temperature low for the workout.”
“It didn’t feel cold yesterday,” she says.
“That’s because you were there for only half a day.” I insist.
She considers for a moment and nods. “I’ll be right back.”
Damn. I’m such an asshole. What’s gotten into me? Why am I feeling so protective of Brittney? Well, she’s Dana’s best friend, and she’s away from her family for the first time. There are too many random people in the gym, and I have to make sure she’s safe. I tell myself and feel better.
