He places our empty glasses on the table, effectively cutting me off from his warm gaze.
But when he looks back at me from under those long lashes, which I’m only noticing now, I’m still staring at him.
What I really want to do is hide in his arms and for him to hold me tight and never let go. I’ve never felt more safe than I felt in his arms in the car. But I wonder what he is seeing in me.
“I’ll make the bed for you.”
My chest tightens, suddenly my lungs feel inadequate as I clutch on the sleeve of his T-shirt. “Don’t leave, Keith. Please.”
“Clementine.” He pulls me in his arms and the calm returns. “I’m here, angel. I’m here.”
I don’t know how much time has passed. But I think I was in a dream where a knight on a white horse saved me from some eye-patch-wearing pirates.
I shuffle around and then come to a sudden halt when I realize I’m lying on top of the solid wall of Keith’s chest. The broad chest that has been the highlight of so many of my dreams in the past weeks.
“Clem,” he groans when I properly settle myself on top of him on the small couch. “What are you doing?” He looks down at me, where my chin rests on his chest.
I don’t reply to his question, because I don’t really know what I’m doing. I just know that tonight, here with him, is my safest place.
I don’t know what overtakes me when I place a kiss on top of his heart. When I glance up, his eyes are closed, as if he doesn’t want me to stop. Or at least that’s what I hope. I crawl farther up, pressing more kisses over his heart. His eyes remain tightly shut.
Between my legs, I feel his hardness pressing against my naked thighs through the denim of his jeans.
My body freezes for a second.
My limited sexual experience has been with boys. But Keith is all…man. I also know he’s the only one who has the power to keep my mind from returning to that warehouse tonight.
On reflex my hips move, and when my head jerks up to his face, he’s squeezing his eyes hard. There is a vulnerability on his face. I’ve seen glimpses of it, whenever he thinks no one is watching.
To see this man who saved me from my worst nightmare so vulnerable cracks my heart. My kisses move farther up until I’m inches away from his lips. He must have felt my breath, as his eyes open, blazing with the turmoil of emotions.
But before he can speak, I plant my lips on top of his.
His grip on my waist tightens, pulling me closer. His lips devour mine and I’m stunned by the intensity of his kiss. But this is not just a kiss. This is so much more. Warmth blossoms inside me and spreads through my body.
My fingers clutch his shirt when he pushes his tongue into my mouth, without giving me much chance to breathe. Only when I’m getting used to his intensity, I’m jerked away and tossed on the couch while Keith stands upright.
“Fuck! Fuck!” He bends forward, trying to calm his raging heart and erection, I guess. “Jesus! I’m sorry, Clem.”
“But Keith—”
“No. You don’t say anything. You don’t say a word.”
His rejection stings and my throat constricts painfully. I bury my face in the couch cushion, trying to hide the shameful tears.
“You’re killing me,” he mutters and the couch dips near my feet before Keith’s fingers curl around my ankles under the blanket, which he spreads over me.
Why does his gentle touch feel contrite instead of wistful?
My face remains buried away from him and I hold my breath for several beats, hoping he’ll say something more. But no words are exchanged further, and the room remains silent.
I don’t remember when I fall asleep, but I know Keith didn’t leave my side. His fingers drifting over my ankles and feet first gave me goose bumps, then slowly lulled me back to sleep.
I stretch my legs, and when I meet the empty end of the couch, I jump up in alarm. Before I can think more, Keith emerges with a take-out tray holding two mugs and a shopping bag.
“You left!” My hammering heart slowly starts to calm.
“Just for a minute. Gavin dropped these off.” He raises the bag in his hand and gives me a heated look before quickly glancing away. Clearing his throat, he passes it to me, all while avoiding any eye contact. “There are some clothes for you.”