Page 20 of The First Day of Breeding Season
“No,” I say quickly, shaking my head. “I’ll be fine.”
He doesn’t look entirely convinced, but he nods anyway, his hand still resting on my calf like he isn’t ready to let go. “All right. But we’re still gonna take care of it. Come on.”
Before I can protest, he slides one arm behind my knees and the other around my back, lifting me off the ground.
I squeak, my hands instinctively gripping his shoulders as he cradles me against his chest. “I can walk.”
He doesn’t argue that point, but he doesn’t put me down, either.
As he carries me inside, his muscular arms holding me securely against his chest, I don’t protest again. Why would I when he’s so warm and strong, the heat of his body radiates through the thin fabric of my sundress? It’s so nice, it helps me forget about the aching sting.
And makes me very aware of other aches, higher up my legs.
He takes me all the way to my room and sets me on the bed.
I lean back on my elbows and look up at him as he braces himself over me.
He’s so close I can see unexpected little flecks of gold in his eyes as his gaze searches my face like he’s making sure I’m really okay.
“You didn’t have to carry me,” I say softly. “But thank you.”
“I’ll get you something for it,” he says.
But he doesn’t pull away.
For a moment, I forget how to breathe altogether. I think he might kiss me, and I can’t pretend I don’t want him. I want him to kiss me more than I want my next breath.
CHAPTER 10
DREW
It’s so hard to rip myself up off her soft, trembling body. The yearning in her eyes was an invitation I wanted to grab with both hands.
But she’s my responsibility, and I have to deal with her leg first.
“I’ll be right back,” I say thickly.
Her gaze drags down my body as I stand, to where my erection strains at the front of my jeans.
My tongue isn’t the only body part that’s grown heavy just from holding her.
She’s hurt, and I’m hard as rocks.
Great.
Just fucking great.
My cock has simmered down to an aching half-chub by the time I return with tweezers, a bowl of soapy water, a cup of tea because I’ve heard tea bags help with the swelling, and an ointment that will take the sting away.
She’s rolled onto her belly, her one remaining booted foot cocked in the air precociously, her bare leg extended straight out.
“Ready for my first aid,” she says brightly as I kneel beside her with my supplies.
I laugh under my breath. “I’m glad to hear it doesn’t hurt so much you can’t be cute.”
She twists her head to look at me. “You think I’m cute?”
I grunt.
