“It’s my TV.” He grinned and caught the wide smile on her delicate face. “I pretty much know how to work it.”
As the movie’s opening music started, he propped his feet up onto the squat table in front of him. “So, you liked Westerns and war movies as a kid. Tell me what else you liked.”
Callie eased back against the arm of the sofa, sitting somewhat sideways. Noah reached over and slid a hand beneath her thighs to bring her legs up and over his lap. He didn’t know why he did that, but he wanted that additional innocent contact with her. Granted, this wasn’t so innocent considering where his thoughts were heading.
“Well, I wasn’t really popular in school so I was more of a homebody.”
Noah jerked back. “Not popular? How is that possible? You’re outgoing, not to mention stunning.”
He cringed at the same time she did and he knew he’d chosen the wrong words.
“Damn, Callie. I just keep digging that hole deeper.” He shook his head and met her gaze. “Even though you’ve had this setback, you’re still beautiful to me.”
She smiled and rested her head on the back cushion. “That’s okay. It’s not your fault. It is what it is.”
“I plan on taking you to the office next week if you don’t mind.”
Her eyes widened. “What for?”
“A minor microdermabrasion. Your stitches will come out and I’d like to start removing some of the dead skin a little at a time and take this process slowly so we can insure the best results.”
Callie smiled. “That would be great, Noah. The sooner I can see what I’m dealing with, the better.”
Pleased with her eagerness, he settled deeper into the cushions and rested his arms on her legs. “So, what did you do at home since you didn’t participate in school activities?”
“My dad found this old pool table at a yard sale and worked to clean it up. We loved that thing. Every night my brother and I would bet who would win. I beat him nearly every time.”
Noah laughed. “I can see that. You’re a fighter.”
Her eyes held his. “You’re right. Sometimes I forget that.” She offered a smile.
“You’re entitled to, but just make sure you don’t lose it.”
“I won’t.”
Her eyes darted to the big screen as the movie began. He watched her for a moment before he, too, rested his head against the back of the couch and slid his hand down to one of her dainty feet. He began massaging one foot, working her arch, her heel, each of her tiny toes.
She let out a slight moan and he smiled as he picked up the other foot. As she watched her movie, her body relaxed and Noah kept right on massaging her. He wanted her to stay relaxed, wanted her to stay comfortable.
By the time the movie was about halfway through, Noah glanced over and found her asleep. He’d stopped massaging her a while ago, but apparently she’d settled into this state of comfort and let her guard down.
With her slinged arm resting on her stomach and her other arm behind her as a pillow, she looked so innocent, so young. She had bluish circles beneath her eyes and he knew she hadn’t been sleeping well. She was worried about her prospective career and he’d be lying if he didn’t agree that her future in the movie industry was unstable.
But he also hadn’t been lying when he said he’d do everything in his power to make her whole again. He’d make damn sure she had the best treatment and care she needed, and he’d be with her every step of the way.
He slid a hand over her foot, over her ankle and along her shin. She was so soft, so smooth. His hand glided back down as his groin tightened.
God, what a jerk he was sitting here getting hard and stroking a sleeping woman. Seriously? Had it come to that because he couldn’t just admit how much he wanted her and instead let fear prevent him from acting on his emotions? Had he turned into a voyeur?
Her lids fluttered and Noah watched as she awoke and her gaze met his. Slowly she pulled her arm from behind her head and extended it before laying it across her stomach.
Darkness had long since settled, and the only light came from the big flat screen hanging on the wall across the room. Her face glowed in the subtle light and Noah couldn’t stop from reaching out and taking her hand, stroking it with his thumb.
He shifted, placing a knee on the couch between her legs and easing up over her. Keeping his movements slow, he waited for a sign of fear or doubt from her, but the way that pink tongue came out to lick her lips was all the indication he needed. That and the heavy rise and fall of her chest as her breathing quickened.
Reaching for the buttons on his shirt, which she wore so much better than he ever did, he slid one button, then another, then another open until he reached where her sling lay. Her tanned, flat abdomen stared back at him; her belly button held a small blue stone twinkling in the low light.
His hands gripped her waist as he leaned down to kiss her stomach and let his tongue flick the gem. She felt so smooth beneath his lips, he moved lower. Once more he glanced up at her to see her staring back at him, her face flushed, her breathing heavy. How could he not move forward with this? He might regret it later, but he’d had regrets before. And now he wanted to taste Callie the way he’d been fantasizing about for months. This was nothing more than physical. He wouldn’t let it be.