“Then why are you shaking?”
“I’m shaking because I’ve never been in a situation like this. I’m scared.”
Slowly he walked toward her, set the suitcase on the floor, and gently drew her into his arms. She didn’t protest, and for a long while he simply held her, feeling her body’s warmth caress him. The brave woman who’d fought against her attacker and verbally sparred with him earlier tonight, now felt fragile and vulnerable. And with it, his protector instinct surged.
He ran his hand over her hair. “Everything will be fine.”
“Thank you,” she murmured into his chest, and the vibrations of her voice made his entire body tingle and awaken a desire he knew he couldn’t act upon.
With regret, he released her from his embrace. “Let’s get you settled. You need to rest.”
8
She hadn’t told him the entire truth.
Yes, she was scared for her friend, but the reason she’d been shaking was because she was scared of her reaction to Blake. She’d never felt this kind of intense physical attraction to any man, particularly not to one she knew nothing about. There was absolutely no reason whatsoever for her to be drawn to Blake like a moth to the light, especially considering her trust issues.
As she followed him up the stairs into the house, she couldn’t help but admire his strong legs and flexing butt muscles. Damn, he filled out a pair of pants like nobody she’d ever seen. He was the epitome of strength and power. And he had a soft side, one she hadn’t expected. His embrace had been comforting and gentle. And just about as platonic as it could be. Which drove home another reality: the first man she was interested in since her last relationship two years ago, wasn’t interested in her.
Lilo stepped into the hallway as Blake flipped the light switch, illuminating a large entry hall with a mahogany staircase, a long hallway, and an open arch leading into the living room.
“Wow.” The word just slipped out.
Stunned, she let her eyes roam. She’d known that San Francisco was famous for its architecture, but she’d never actually been inside one of the gorgeous mansions portrayed in movies and on TV. The period detailing was intricate and beautiful. It lent the house instant warmth. This was a true home.
“You actually live here?”
Setting down her suitcase, he nodded and pointed to the living room. “Sorry, it still looks a little bare. But I only bought the place two months ago and I’m still waiting for a few more pieces of furniture to be delivered.”
“It’s beautiful. I suppose being a bodyguard pays well.” She wanted to slap her hand over her mouth, but it was too late. It wasn’t polite to talk about money, but she couldn’t imagine how a man of Blake’s age—he had to be in his early thirties—could afford a mansion like this.
“Well, my salary didn’t pay for this,” he said, suddenly looking at his shoes as if embarrassed. “I inherited a trust fund from my family.” He took an audible breath. “Well, how about I show you the guestroom?”
“Could I maybe get a glass of water first?” Her throat felt like sandpaper.
“Of course.” He motioned to the end of the hallway, when a sound from the front door made him spin around.
Alerted by his sudden reaction, her heart thundered, and she snapped her head in the same direction. A gasp escaped her throat.
A tall bald man stood in the open doorway, a pissed off look on his face, two bags in his hands.
Instinctively, Lilo grabbed Blake’s forearm.
“You were supposed to pick up the boys from my house,” the stranger growled and set down the luggage.
“Sorry, something came up,” Blake replied.
“Yeah, I can see that!” The man glared at her, before stepping aside to let two boys in their early teens enter the house. A young woman followed them.
The boys immediately sauntered toward the living room.
“Nicholas, Adam, didn’t I teach you better manners?” the dark-haired woman—who couldn’t possibly be their mother, not unless she’d had them when she was ten—called after them.
The younger boy looked over his shoulder. “Sorry!” Then he glanced at Blake. “Hey, Blake.”
“Hey, Adam,” Blake replied.
The older boy looked stopped, too, tipping his chin in Blake’s direction. “Hey, Blake, okay if we play Xbox?”
Blake grinned and winked at the bald man. “Only if your dad says it’s okay. Right, Zane?”
Zane rolled his eyes. “As if you care what my sons are allowed or not allowed to do. Every time they stay with you, they come home acting like they were raised by wolves.”
“You exaggerate.” Blake walked toward the woman and gave her a quick hug. “Hey, Portia.”
The woman looked past him. “Don’t you wanna introduce us to your friend?”
Suddenly all eyes were on Lilo, and she felt like she was on display.