“Sounds good.”
We head for the bench, and I brush up against him unintentionally as we walk together. “I haven’t told Allie much, although she’s likely to ask how we met and how long we’ve known each other.”
His hand falls to my lower back, and I inhale sharply, remembering his body tangled up with mine last night.
“How about we start with the truth?”
His suggestion makes the most sense, but I don’t want Allie to think I brought home a guy I barely know.
“She’s not ready to hear that I found you with a gunshot wound to your head,” I say. Allie is tough and strong, but I don’t want to worry her. “How about a compromise? I tell her the truth that I met you while she was at summer camp. And if she asks us during the date, you can ask her all about camp and turn the conversation on her.”
The corners of his lips curl upwards. “I’m betting you’ve done this before.”
Does he think that I’ve slept with lots of men and had to hide them from my daughter? “No, this is the first time.” I don’t elaborate. It’s embarrassing enough to think about. I don’t want him poking fun of me next.
He grabs a seat on the wooden bench, and I sit beside him. Already, I miss the warmth of his touch on my lower back. I refrain from scooting closer and leaning against him. We’re not an item.
He’s doing me this favor to help me because I saved his life.
“Relax, it’ll be fine,” Dmitri says.
“You’ve been around teenagers before?”
He clears his throat. “Not really, but I’m sure I can handle whatever questions your daughter tosses at us.”
Dmitri has no idea what he’s in for when it comes to Allie. “Okay, good,” I say, and force a smile.
He stretches his arms and rests them against the back of the bench. He’s quiet, brooding, and I can’t help but wonder what’s going through his mind.
The silence tingles over me like a cool breeze. Dmitri’s fingers graze my shoulder and then my hair. His eyes study me as I glance at the trees dead ahead, the forest, everywhere but his steady gaze.
It’s too much to meet his stare. He’s too intense, and I’m not ready for that. This is all just pretend, but I don’t want to admit I enjoyed last night a lot.
I lean back, his fingers strong, warm, and his grip dominant as he shifts closer and tugs a fistful of my hair to lean my face upwards to meet his stare.
“Before last night, when was the last time you were with a man?” Dmitri asks.
I inhale a sharp breath. “Was it that obvious?” I gasp. The air is hot and stifling, and I want to drown myself in the nearest pool of water. Hell, even a puddle would suffice.
“Answer me,Malishka.” His gaze is steady and unflinching as he stares at me, waiting for my response.
“It’s been a while,” I whisper. I don’t want to be ashamed that I’ve put my daughter first, but he’ll think I’m crazy if I admit how long it’s been. Too long is a better answer. It’s vague and more than accurate.
“Months?” he asks, his voice low and raspy.
I shift slightly, but it’s more of me squirming under his scrutiny while he holds my head in place. He takes control, demands it, and I can’t ever remember any man I slept with acting in such a manner.
Dare I say it’s hot and highly arousing. Or maybe it’s just that he unleashed the sleeping beast inside of me.
“Longer?” he asks.
He won’t let the question go.
“Yes, but it’s not a big deal. I put my focus and priority on my daughter.”
“Last night was different.” Dmitri isn’t accusatory. He’s just pointing out the facts. His hold on me loosens as he plays with my hair. The gesture soothes my racing heart.
“Last night, she wasn’t supposed to be home. I had her spend the night down the hall with a friend, but that was my mistake.” My cheeks burn just thinking about what it must have been like when Dmitri met Allie. “Was it awkward?”