Page 17 of Unearthed Dreams
Kelsey had always thought my books were a waste of space and reading was a boring hobby. She preferred reality TV.
“So, can I read your dragon book?” I asked as Charlie drifted between the stacks, trailing her fingertip along worn spines. All I could picture was her tracing that finger alongmyspine.
“Umm, I don’t know. I’m no Tolkien. You’ll probably hate it.”
“Doubt it.”
I stood rooted to my spot by the door, but my gaze followed her graceful movements through the apartment. Having her here, in my space, was a mistake. Her presence wasoverwhelming me, but I knew better than to do anything about it.
I wasn’t right for her, and even if I was, I was in no position to give her what she deserved.
“I’ll think about it.” She peeked over her shoulder at me and smiled. It was small, soft—nothing fake or forced or manipulative about it—so unlike the smiles I was used to seeing.
It nearly unraveled me.
My control snapped and in two long strides, I was towering over Charlie. She spun to face me, tilting her chin up. I looked down at pretty face and the need to kiss her, to claim her, nearly brought me to my knees. It was like a sucker punch.
What is it about this girl?
Charlie was breathing faster, chewing on her bottom lip. My hand moved of its own accord, thumb pulling her plump, pink lip to free it from the assault. She let out a breathy little gasp and her pupils dilated.
Fuck,does she want me like I want her?
I traced along the shape of her mouth as she stared up at me, wide-eyed and questioning.
I had questions, too. Again,what the fuck is it about this girl?And,why can’t I stop this pull toward her?
But I didn’t have the answers, and I wasn’t sure I even wanted them. I’d long thought the part of me that couldwantortrustorcare fora woman died with Kelsey. But Charlie was proving me wrong because I did want her. Trust was earned. And caring for her? It would be a privilege only she could grant me.
But I could act on thewant, as long as I was willing to risk my balls if any of her brothers found out.
Worth it.
I let my hand slide from her lips into her hair, leaned down, closing the distance?—
—and froze.
Panic had settled over her features like a storm cloud.
“Charlie?”
She opened her mouth to speak at the same moment my phone rang in my pocket, and she jumped back, knocking over a stack of books in the process.
“Oh, shoot. Sorry.”
“It’s fine,” I said as I dug my phone out of my front pocket. It was a struggle, given how my cock was stretching the fabric. She noticed, and her eyes comically widened as a blush colored her face and chest. Smirking, I finally freed my phone and glanced at the screen. My expression fell in an instant at the name flashing there. Pineview Cottage. They rarely called—only in emergencies.
I slid the button to the right, accepting the call. “Hello?”
“Hi, Kai. This is Gladys over at Pineview.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing to be alarmed about, sweetheart. Billy just took himself on a little adventure today. He was a little upset when we had to bring him back to his room, so we gave him a little somethin’ to calm him down. Just following protocol, letting you know.”
“He’s okay, though?”
“Oh, he’s doin’ just fine, sweetheart. As feisty as ever.”Gladys laughed over the line. “He’s a fan favorite around here, so don’t you worry.”
