It isn't long before she falls asleep, and I keep holding her just waiting for the morning light to come.
5
Emma
I burrow deeper into the warmth. At the groan I hear, I jerk awake and almost fall to the floor. I'm sure I would have if arms didn't go around me to save me.
Wide eyed, I stare at Brett. He looks tired, and it’s then I realize that he's held me all night long, sitting up on the couch. I've been with him less than 24 hours and already I've completely turned his life upside down.
"You okay?" he asks.
I pull away, and he seems as if he's not going to let me go, but eventually his arms loosen. "Yeah, I'm okay. I'm going to go back home and face the consequences. It's the right thing to do."
He shakes his head. "No you're not. I'm going to go and see what's happening. You're going to stay right here and not let anyone in until I get back."
"I can't have you do that.”
I'm doing it, Emma," he says.
He gets up from the couch and wipes his hand across his face. "Can you just promise me you won't go anywhere until I get back? Please."
I've already put more of a burden on this man than I've ever done in my life. I wouldn't be surprised if he asked me to just leave and never come back. I mean, that's what any normal person would do.
I cross my arms over my chest. "Fine, as long as you promise me you'll come back in one piece."
He stares at me, his nostrils flaring. I don't know why it's important to me, but it is. I want him to be okay. "Yeah, I'll come back in one piece."
I pace the room while he goes and showers. A shower would be great right now, but I'll take one later. I want to see him before he leaves. The thought of running crosses my mind, but I have no doubt he’d find me. Another part of me is scared to run. I can’t imagine walking away right now.
When he comes from his bedroom dressed and ready for the day, he watches me closely. "I have Peter and Raymond working the ranch. I sent them both a text, and I’ll be sure to talk to them before I go. They know you're in here and won't bother you. I'm going to go to Mutton Hollow, but I'll be back. Don't leave."
“I won't. I promised I won't and I won't.” Because I'm crazy, I don't want him to just leave. I don’t know him well, but I know he’s a good man.
I walk to him and stop suddenly. He’s holding completely still, no doubt waiting to see if I’m going to freak out – start crying or whatever.
When we’re toe to toe, he hasn’t moved. His hands are down at his sides, and because I can’t resist, I put my arms around his waist and rest my head on his chest. His breathing picks up, and he finally, finally puts his arms around me.
First, his hand wraps around my hair, and he brushes it over my shoulder. Then he rests his chin on the top of my head. “Thank you,” I whisper against his chest.
He pulls back but only enough to see my face. I turn my head, resting my chin on his chest, looking up at him. I’ve never, ever been held by a man before. I’ve never had a man’s arms around me in a hug and now, after last night, it’s like I can’t get close enough to Brett. A man I just met but who is willing to take on my problems.
He stares into my eyes. “You don’t have to thank me.”
I blink and tell myself I need to pull away, but I can’t. I stare up at him and more than anything I want to kiss him right now.
“Brett,” I whisper.
“Yeah, honey?”
“Can I kiss you?”
He lets out a little grunt, and I expect him to say no the way his forehead creases, but he surprises me by nodding his head.
I reach one arm around his neck, pulling him to me as I go on my tiptoes. I don’t know what I’m doing, but I know without a doubt it’s going to be good.
His arms stay on my back, and I know it’s because he’s letting me take the lead. I feel conflicted. I want to take this slow and learn my way, but a part of me wants him to show me what I should be doing.
I press my lips to his. It’s a soft, tender kiss, and that’s all I planned for. But it’s like his lips are magnetic, and I press again. This time, his lips open a bit, and I can’t resist tasting him. In no time, the innocent kiss has become more. His hand goes to cup my jaw, and he angles my head to the side. His lips possess me, his tongue mating with mine. Every one of my senses are on high alert, but I couldn’t stop now even if I wanted to. Kissing Brett Barrett is something I will never forget.