I closed my eyes, forcing him out. “I can’t see anything else.”
“Cass…” My name left his lips like a prayer, and when I didn’t answer, he placed his hand on my exposed knee. “Cass…”
His warmth spread throughout my body, but my heart ached. How was I supposed to let Adam in if I couldn’t control the way I felt? This man was going to destroy me. “I’m sleeping,” I murmured, refusing to meet his gaze.
His finger drew circles over my skin, leaving goose bumps in its wake. “You’re not.”
“I am.”
Adam’s hand curled around the back of my knee. “You’re not.” He ran his finger back and forth over the crease.
My staggered breath confessed my arousal. “I…I’m…” My eyes flew open as the limo jerked to a stop. “I’m getting out.” I launched across the cabin toward the exit. Before the chauffeur had a chance, I opened the door, leapt out, and marched toward the grand doors of Harlow Manor.
Moments later, Adam appeared next to me with his grumbling brother and Josie dragging behind. Throwing me a sideways glance, he slid the key into the lock and pushed open the oversized door.
The hall was dark, but I was used to it now. “Goodnight, guys,” I said, jogging up the stairs.
“Night, Cass,” Josie called out, cradling Harrison while Grayson placed the stroller by the door.
Adam’s footsteps followed.
“Wait,” he called out in a whisper as I opened my bedroom door.
I pressed my lips together and pivoted on his approach. “What is it, Adam?”
“You have my coat.”
“Oh.” I tore it off in a fluster. It was too hot in the mansion anyway. As I passed it over, his gaze held mine. “Thank you for not letting me freeze to death,” I said when he said nothing.
As he stepped forward, I withdrew into my room. “Goodnight, Adam,” I uttered before closing the door. I rested my head against the ornate timber as I steadied my breath. I wasn’t equipped to play this game.
Two creaks led to my door. “Goodnight, Cassidy,” he whispered from the other side.
I jumped back from the door, waiting for it to open. A moment passed before his footsteps retreated, leaving me both relieved and disappointed. My plan failed. We were so busy enjoying each other’s company that I forgot my purpose. I forgot to protect my heart while I reached for his. It was impossible to get close to him without getting burned. I knew that now. Because Adam was the freaking sun.
15
Ithrew off the blankets, desperate to cool down, but it didn’t help. My room was too hot.
Each evening, Max would light the fireplaces in every room, filling them with enough heat to last through the night. Normally, I enjoyed watching the glowing embers die down, but tonight, they weren’t going anywhere, and neither was the built-up yearning of my body. I needed to cool down before I did something stupid—like knock on Adam’s door.
Giving up on sleep entirely, I slipped my silk robe over my matching nightgown and opened my bedroom door. Another enduring wave of desire rushed over me as I stared across the hallway, but I didn’t succumb. Instead, I continued down the corridor to find another solution.
I tiptoed down the stairs, avoiding each creaky step, until my feet reached the cool floorboards of the grand hall. Not wanting to alert the staff, I used the light of the moon and dying fires to guide me through the dark mansion.
Another log burned within the original oven of the kitchen, giving me enough light to find what I was looking for. I opened the large freezer and rummaged through the contents, hoping to find a tub of ice cream to satisfy at least one of my cravings.
“You won’t find the good stuff in there,” a deep voice sounded from the doorway.
I sprung back with wide eyes, too surprised to speak.
Adam leaned against the door frame, in full-length pajama pants, with his arms folded across his naked torso. Add his irritatingly gorgeous smirk, and my temperature morphed into a fever.
“It’s kept under lock and key,” he continued as he entered the kitchen.
I stepped backward until my butt collided with the stainless-steel island bench.
He chuckled softly at my attempt to keep a safe distance. “Luckily, I know where the key is hidden.”