Page 16 of Burning for the Billionaire 7

Chapter 8

Grace

The cold air hits methe instant I step outside, reminding me I’m in Colorado. Still, I continue across the lawn in my jeans, T-shirt, and fuzzy house slippers.

Rowan’s eyebrows snap together when he sees me. “Grace, where the hell is your coat?”

“I thought I was still in California.” I laugh. “It’s okay.”

Immediately, he shrugs out of his leather jacket and drapes it across my shoulders.

“Thank you.” Gazing up at him, I’m not sure what to do or say. He looks like he’s over our earlier tense exchange, but I can’t be sure. He’s holding a brown paper bag in one hand, and I eye it with curiosity. “What brings you by?”

Without a word, he wraps an arm around my waist and pulls me against him. He swallows my surprised gasp, covering my mouth with his. Instantly, I go pliant and open up for his exploration. Our kiss is wild, as if we haven’t seen each other for days rather than mere hours. Maybe it’s my imagination, but it’s also filled with apology.

When he pulls away, I’m breathless and sagging against him. “I’m sorry, too,” I whisper.

A slow smile lifts his lips. “What are you sorry about?”

“For not staying at the hotel to talk things out. I shouldn’t have left.”

He tucks my hair behind my ear and presses his lips to my forehead. “How many times have I called you a saint and an angel? You must be tired of hearing it.”

“Nope. I’ll never tire of it.” I beam, and he chuckles. Just like that, I know we’re okay.

Looking up at the windows facing the backyard, he says, “I’m sorry for coming by without notice.”

I take his hand and lead him to the garden Mom pays a lot to maintain. It’s got trees and tall potted flowers that will keep us hidden from anyone who glances out any of the windows.

“It’s okay.”

“I couldn’t sleep. Not without seeing you and apologizing. I didn’t mean to snap earlier; I was frustrated about something that has nothing to do with you or our relationship.”

I nod.

He takes my chin between his fingers to stare into my eyes. “My attitude earlier doesn’t mean I want you to stop checking on me if I look troubled, and it certainly doesn’t mean I want us to stop talking about things. I appreciate that you care. It’s just, sometimes I want to protect you.”

Super worried now, I ask. “From what?”

He sighs. “I intended to share when we got home. I didn’t want to burden you with my problems when you were so stressed about seeing your family.”

“You can tell me. I’m not so consumed with misery about being here anymore. I’m okay, I promise.”

He looks reluctant, but he tells me about his mother showing up at his job to demand money. I gape during the entire tale, outraged that Devlin and Rebecca would cause him this kind of stress. They’re the worst.

“Oh, my God. Rowan, I’m sorry you have to deal with this.”

“I’m only telling you now to put your mind at ease. I never want you thinking I’m having second thoughts about us.”

My gaze falls away from his, and I feel so silly for being insecure. “I’m sorry—”

He presses a finger to my lips. “We’re done worrying about everything... until we get home. We’ll deal with it together after you’ve survived your sister’s wedding.”

---