“Sure.” Ames stood slowly, startled by her abrupt announcement and his realization that he wasn’t ready to let her go. He thought she’d want to finish the bottle with him, maybe sit in the living room, light a fire...
And?
Aw, hell. He still wanted her. In fact, he wanted her more now than he had the night she’d shown up naked in his shower. He wasn’t sure what had happened in the intervening days. He hadn’t seen her, hadn’t spoken to her. Maybe it was just that tonight had been more intimate. They’d shared fear, shared relief, shared some of their vulnerabilities, their family and job experiences. He felt as if they’d been dancing toward something inevitable.
Apparently he’d been dancing alone.
“Okay.” He took his plate into the kitchen, loaded the dishwasher while she put away the lasagna leftovers and recorked the wine.
It felt good hanging out with her again.
He should at least go down with her and get her a cab.
He opened his mouth to offer.
“Do you want to spend the night?”
8
DO YOU WANT to spend the night?
Eva was glad she couldn’t see herself just then, because she was undoubtedly looking as if someone had hit her over the head with a brick. She could see Ames, however, and it was obvious he’d hit himself with the same brick, stunned by asking nearly as much as he’d stunned her. Maybe he hadn’t meant to ask, but he wanted her to stay. Instinct always won out.
A few days ago, she would have taken his request as a victory—aha! She’d called it! The one night they’d had together hadn’t been enough.
But tonight something had changed. She hadn’t expected the degree of sweetness and tenderness Ames would exhibit when she’d felt so threatened. Or the way he’d rushed in to protect her without asking questions, for all he knew putting his life on the line.
Even more startling were her emotions when she’d thought Drunk Creepy Guy might hurt him. Eva had been beyond terrified, approaching panic. Several men had made their way into her heart, and every single time she’d been hopeful something wonderful and lasting would come out of the relationship. But when nothing did, she was philosophical, focusing on how much she had enjoyed the guys, the sex, the company and the thrill of a new romance.
Never had she felt that if her chance ever to be with any of them again ended decisively, her entire world could explode. Even now, a couple of hours later, understanding that the emotions sprang from a moment of extreme stress, possible danger—not at all the norm of her previous dating life—she was still uneasy, unsettled, a little wobbly, as if one strong push could send her toppling.
Into what or where, she had no idea.
Did she want to spend the night with Ames? Yes. It would save her a vulnerable-feeling trip back into the dark and cold, and she could sleep a little later in the morning before she had to be at work.
And yes, after her scare, she wouldn’t mind being in a pair of strong male arms tonight, particularly those belonging to Ames.
And yes, she’d wanted their affair to resume, had counted on it, really, even when he’d insisted they were stopping after one night.
But—and she couldn’t believe she was thinking this—tonight for some reason home seemed...safer. Even with nutty Natalie around.
“The guest room is made up.” Ames pointed to the third bedroom. “It’s no trouble.”
Oh. Guest room. Oops.
Eva sighed, a combination of relief and, yeah, a little disappointment—even if she’d been considering turning him down, who didn’t want to be wanted? So Ames wasn’t changing his mind about drawing the line at one night with her. At least, not yet. That was okay. In fact, emotionally it was probably better. She’d be able to put this disorienting evening behind her and wake up back to her old indomitable self. “Thanks, Ames. I would have been fine, but I admit I wasn’t excited about going out there again. It’s nice of you to offer.”
“You’re welcome.” He looked vaguely troubled.
She forced a smile. “In fact, you have been the most remarkable knight in shining armor all night, and I so appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome again.” He rubbed his hand over his face. “Do you need anything? A toothbrush? Pajamas?”