Besides, accomplishing that kept me from thinking about her naked, lush curves wet under the shower spray, touched by nothing but suds and her soft hands.
Not going to lie, busting down the door and kissing her senseless crossed my mind.
At her quiet greeting, I nod absently and launch a search on my phone for restaurants in the area. “Groceries should be ready for pickup in a few hours. You’ve got to be hungry now. I’m starving. How about we call for a pizza? We can cook dinner later. Does that sound—”
My words seize up when I turn and see her. No way I can finish my sentence. I can’t speak. I can’t think. Hell, I can’t even breathe. What I can do? Stare.
She crosses her arms to cover her lush breasts and taut nipples. “I know everything is tight and transparent. It was the best I could find since this stuff belongs to a girl.”
“And you’re most definitely a woman.” The words slip out.
“Yeah, I am.”
Fuck, I can’t stop myself from prowling closer and staring. “I don’t mean to be unprofessional. I’m sorry if I’m gawking.”
“I’m used to it.”
That’s not all I want to do to Sophie, but I’m riding a dangerous line. She needs me to protect her, not seduce her—no matter how badly I’d like to try.
Get real. She’s a famous celebrity dating an equally famous celebrity. Why would she be interested in an average guy like you?
“I’m sure you are. I’ll try not to be annoying.”
“You’re not. And I swear I’m not trying to flash you.”
I bite back the reply that she doesn’t need to try too hard to stop on my account, but that’s inappropriate, too. “Pizza okay?”
“Sure.”
“After that, we’ll pick up the groceries I ordered. Then we should be set for a bit. The housekeeper comes tomorrow. I’ll see if she can get you some clothes then, too.” I can’t go out and leave Sophie unprotected. And I’ll have to figure out how to get more cash since I don’t dare hit the ATM. But I have ideas and resources. I’ll get it done.
“Great. Do you know if there’s a jacket or anything around here so I can cover up?”
That’s a good idea since it will keep me from staring at her. Kind of. “I’ll look. In the meantime, what do you like on your pizza?”
We agree to toppings while I manage to find a kid’s cardigan in gray. It’s too small, and the edges cling to her breasts in a way that only accentuates her assets. But it covers her nipples, so I’m hoping she sees that as helpful. I also find a pair of flip-flops that almost fit. At least the ball cap I scrounged up will hide her face when we retrieve groceries later.
Sophie sinks onto the sofa and seems to curl into herself. I call for the pizza. They’ll also deliver a two-liter bottle of soda with the pie in the next thirty minutes.
“I’m going to grab a shower before the delivery. The doors and windows are locked, and almost no one knows we’re here. You should be safe, but if anything happens, come get me.”
She nods. “Thanks.”
I hate leaving her alone, but this is the best opportunity, so I disappear into the bathroom and start the shower. Fuck, I can picture her standing in the claw-foot tub, water sluicing down her lithe body. I jerk my pants down in an effort to undress, but my cock stands straight up.
Son of a bitch.
Steam rises. As I step in, I contemplate soaping up, taking my cock in hand, and finding some relief, but I don’t dare leave Sophie alone any longer than necessary. My fantasy tour between her thighs will have to wait.
Quickly, I lather up, rinse, and get out. I wish I had clean clothes, but these will do. I need to check on Sophie, then start grilling her about her enemies. No way will I repeat my past. I won’t lose her.
As I’m tugging on my pants again, her tube of fuck-me red lipstick pokes me. I set it on the edge of the sink, wishing I could do exactly what the color suggests, but my phone buzzes. I’m not shocked to see it’s one of my brothers calling. I’m only shocked I haven’t heard from one of them sooner.
“Hey, Rush.”
“Thank God you’re okay. What the fuck is happening out there? I just saw the news.”
“I’m fine. How are you?” I toss back.
“Glad to hear you’re alive. Not that you called to let any of us know.”
“What were you going to do from Florida?”
“Get on a plane to help you if I had to.”
He’d do it, no doubt. “It’s under control, bro. I promise.”
“I didn’t think twice about you working that parade until I heard just now that shots were fired. Who were you protecting?”