Once they arrived at the hotel, Alec guided her inside. Their rooms were on the same floor, and he walked her to her door. “Good night.”
She echoed the words, but he still appeared exhausted. For a moment, she watched him return to his own room through the peep hole. Though Sarah told herself that it was likely nothing, a part of her didn’t quite believe it.
She showered and changed into yoga pants and a long T-shirt, pulling her hair up into a bun. But after she brushed her teeth, she stared at herself in the mirror, wondering why it felt so wrong to simply go to sleep.
You’re overreacting and being stupid. And yet, her gut instinct warned that she shouldn’t leave Alec alone. He looked ill, and the least she could do was bring him some ibuprofen. She put a few bottles of medicine into a clutch purse, tucked her key card inside, and slipped on a pair of flip flops. Then she picked up the key card to Alec’s room, staring at it. This was such a risk, barging in on him. He might be angry with her for intruding.
And yet…she couldn’t walk away from him. There was no question he wasn’t feeling well. He had become her friend, and didn’t friends look out for one another?
Her decision made, she closed her room door and walked down the hall. His room was one of the larger suites, and she knocked lightly. She pushed back the rise of nerves, telling herself she could leave if he was fine. When there was no answer, she inserted the key card and opened the door a crack.
“Alec, it’s Sarah,” she murmured. “Is everything okay?”
The entire room was dark, and she thought she heard the rustle of bedcovers. “You didn’t seem well when I left. I thought I would come and check on you.”
He mumbled something she couldn’t hear, so she flipped on the bathroom light to see. Alec was sprawled across the king-sized bed in his boxer shorts, looking as if he’d been knocked unconscious. He let out a groan when she closed the door.
“Migraine,” he muttered. “Sorry.”
Sarah hurried to his side. Her brother had suffered from migraines when he was a teenager. “What can I get you? I have ibuprofen, or I could find you something else.”
“The medicine is in my luggage. Couldn’t find it. Too tired to search.” His voice was rough with pain, and she was suddenly glad she had invaded his room. There was a short window of time when prescription migraine medicine could break the headache cycle, and she hoped it wasn’t too late. After that, his medicine would do nothing.
“I’ll find it,” she promised.
Sarah rolled his suitcase into the bathroom, not wanting to switch on any overhead lights. She remembered that light and sound were triggers, and she closed the door behind her while she searched. Eventually, she found a bottle of prescription medicine at the bottom of the suitcase. It must have gotten separated from his toiletries. Sarah recognized the drug as one her brother had taken, and she shook a pill into her hand and filled a glass with water. It would still take an hour to ease the symptoms, and it might already be too late to do any good. Even so, she brought it to him.
“I have your medicine,” she told him as she sat on the bed. “Here, take this.” She helped him sit up, and he sipped the water and swallowed the pill.
“Sorry to bother you.”
“After all you’ve done for me, I’m glad to help you in return,” she whispered. “Lie down, and I’ll bring you some ice for your head.”
She found the ice bucket and lined it with the plastic bag. Then she took his key card and went back down the hall to fill the bucket halfway with ice. Her brother had often made ice packs for the back of his neck.
Within minutes, she returned to Alec’s room with the ice. She made an ice pack with another plastic bag, wrapping it in a hand towel. “Try this,” she offered, pressing it to the back of his head.
“Thanks.” He barely moved at all, and she sat down on the bed beside him.
“Is there anything else I can get for you? More water?”
“No.” His voice was still weighted with exhaustion, and she went to shut off the bathroom light.
Before she left, she reached out to squeeze his hand. “I’ll let you sleep now.”
His fingers curled around hers. “Would you stay?”
She hesitated while her brain reminded her that this was a very bad idea. And yet, she understood that he was in no condition to call out for help if he needed it. Once his migraine medication began to work, he wouldn’t even be aware of her presence. Her brother had always slept as if he were in a coma when he was recovering from a migraine. Alec was no threat at all. After all he’d done for her, it was the least she could do.
“If you like.” Sarah started to pull away, but he kept her hand in his. With a sigh, she added, “But if you snore, I’m going to kick you.”
“Thank you,” he said softly. He rolled to his side, keeping the ice pack pressed to the base of his head. She took the other side of the bed, careful to keep her distance. You’re sleeping in his bed, her brain warned. It’s not a good idea.
But she silenced the voice, knowing how much pain he was enduring from the headache. Every sound, every piercing light would bring him more pain. Every sense was heightened.
Just as hers were now.
Sarah was fully aware of his bare skin lying a hand’s distance away. And though it was wrong on every level, she wished she could reach out to him. She wanted to soothe him, to lie close and feel the simple comfort of his steady breathing.
She closed her eyes and pulled the coverlet over her. Her heart was beating faster, while she questioned what she was doing. There was no denying that she had come to care about Alec Harrow. Not only had he given her sanctuary, but he had given her a reason to smile again.
It wasn’t about the fancy dinners or the trip to Paris—it was about watching movies on the couch with a cat between them while eating pizza and cookies. She could be herself around him, without questioning if she was good enough. They had both come from humble beginnings, and she didn’t care about trying to impress him.
The problem was, her defenses were falling fast. And while she didn’t want a rebound relationship, she couldn’t deny her own attraction. She wouldn’t mind cuddling up to Alec, feeling warm arms around her while she fell asleep.
With reluctance, she turned away from him and closed her eyes, wondering how she could guard her wayward heart.
CHAPTER SIX
In the morning, Alec rolled over and a light floral scent caught his attention. Sarah was sprawled asleep on her stomach, and her hair was tucked in a messy bun. She wore yoga pants and a T-shirt, looking as if she’d spent the night watching over him.
His head still ached, but it wasn’t nearly as bad as it had been during dinner. The migraine had struck ruthlessly, and he’d been so grateful for her help in finding the medication. For a moment, he watched her sleep, marveling at the softness of her face. Whether Sarah knew it or not, she took his breath away.
For a moment, he imagined what it would be like to have this woman beside him. If she were his, he would draw her into his arms, kissing her. The very sight of her in his bed aroused him, awakening the fierce need to claim that mouth and make her burn the way he did.
Was it so wrong to tempt her? Would she push him away?
He slid a fallen lock of her hair behind one ear, and she opened her eyes, turning to face him. For a moment, she looked surprised at her surroundings, but then she met his gaze. Her green eyes studied him, and he sensed the heat building between them. She reached up and covered his hand with her own, saying nothing at all.
It was the only invitation he needed. Alec leaned in and kissed her gently. Her lips were as soft as he’d imagined, and she didn’t push him away. Instead, she yielded, as if she wanted the kiss. And the knowledge only flared his desire hotter.
He pulled back, studying her to see if he’d made a wrong move. Her cheeks reddened, but she didn’t tell him to stop. Instead, she held his gaze with hers.
Alec kissed her a second time, in an offering
meant to entice. He drew his mouth to her jaw, tracing a path to her throat. Sarah shivered at the sensation and reached out to rest her palm on his bare chest. His heartbeat quickened, and the slight touch told him that she wasn’t objecting to his invitation. Instead, she seemed curious, almost intrigued by him. She ran her fingers over his pectoral muscles, and his body responded instantly, as if she had brought her hand lower. He didn’t want to frighten her, so he didn’t press for more. But he yearned to pull her body against his, running his hands over her curves.
His body was rock hard, and the thought of her softness pressed against him was enough to make him grit his teeth. Get yourself under control, he ordered. You can’t frighten her. She’s been through enough.
And though he wanted to strip off the barriers between them, kissing her naked flesh, he captured her in another kiss before pulling back. “Merry Christmas,” he murmured against her mouth.
She ventured a smile. “I’d forgotten. It is Christmas morning, isn’t it?”
Then he glanced up. “Invisible mistletoe. You can’t see it, but it’s there. That’s why I kissed you.”
“Oh, okay.” Her smile deepened, and he warmed at the sight of it.
“When a man wakes up and finds a beautiful woman in his bed, it would be a crime not to kiss her.” Or touch her. Right now, his body was rigid, his mind barely keeping it all under control. It took every effort not to drag her atop him, tearing off her T-shirt and tasting that delicious skin.
“I didn’t mind.” Her voice was the barest whisper, almost shy. The answer only deepened his discomfort, and he shifted beneath the covers. “How is your migraine?” she asked. “You look like it’s still bothering you.”
It wasn’t the headache at all—only the ache of sexual frustration. But he answered, “It’s better than last night.” Though the headache wasn’t entirely gone, the distraction of her presence was making it easier to endure. “I’m glad you came up to my room. It would have been terrible without your help.”
“All I did was give you medicine.” She let her hand slide back to the sheet, and he took her palm.
“And ice,” he reminded her. The cold ice had soothed the massive headache. “You were here in case I needed anything.” He stroked her cheek with his knuckle. “It was kind of you.”
“I wasn’t about to leave you alone. Not when you needed someone to stay.” She leaned on her side and regarded him. “Is there anyone working in the hotel today? It is Christmas, after all.”
“We have a bare minimum staff. Anyone who chooses to work can work a half day at double the hourly rate,” he said. “Some of the younger staff members who don’t have children are glad to have the extra money.”
“Should we go down and look at the breakfast buffet?” she suggested. “I’m getting hungry.”
“Room service,” he countered. “My head can’t take the noise.” The truth was, he wanted more time alone with Sarah. He wasn’t certain whether anything had begun between them, or whether she wanted to deny it.
“I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking. Good idea.” She rolled out of the bed and handed him the menu. “Will you put in the order? I don’t care what it is, as long as there’s some fruit and coffee.” Then she passed him the cordless phone. “Do you mind if I take a shower?”
“Go ahead.” He would just lie back and try not to imagine her naked with water streaming over her bare skin. It seemed that this Christmas involved nothing but physical torment.
“Thanks.” Sarah grabbed a bathrobe from the closet. “I have a confession to make. I do have presents for you, but they’re in my room right now.”
“I bought you some presents, too,” he admitted. “We can exchange gifts after breakfast if you want.”
“That sounds nice.” She disappeared into the bathroom, and he called in the breakfast order. While she showered, he found himself wishing he could open the door and join her. He envisioned sliding soapy hands over her smooth skin, making her feel the same desire rising within him.
This was a torture he had never expected. He knew Sarah was wary of all men right now, and she had a reason for it. But the past few days he’d spent with her had brought him an unexpected sense of companionship. Despite the migraine, he had enjoyed seeing the wonder on her face at the sight of Paris.
He decided to bring out the presents he’d ordered for her. They had arrived at the hotel late yesterday, already gift-wrapped.
He checked his cell phone and saw that he had a few missed messages from his assistant, Lacey. She had texted that his meeting with Carnell would be next week. It seemed that he hadn’t abandoned the business deal after all.
Alec sobered at the reminder that there was more at stake than his own personal desires. He couldn’t afford to walk away from this option if they could reach an agreement, but Sarah might get the wrong idea if she found out about it.
She came out of the shower with her hair wet and combed back. She wore a white fluffy bathrobe, and he was drawn to the bare skin beneath her throat. “The bathroom is all yours,” she offered. “What did you order for breakfast?”
“I asked for crepes,” he said. “Also some cheese, fruit, and croissants.”
“It sounds delicious.” She went toward the chair on the opposite side of the room, and he stood from the bed.
“I’m going to take a shower now.” The sheet slid away, revealing his boxer shorts. Her gaze passed over his body, and he turned to hide the effect she had on him. Even so, his mind returned to the earlier fantasy of her joining him in the shower. As he walked toward the bathroom, he remembered their stolen kiss, and he couldn’t deny that he wanted more.
Sarah wasn’t married to Ben Carnell and never had been. Ben had abused her, tricking her into a false relationship and never treating her as she deserved. Alec was torn between wanting to avenge her for what she had suffered…and wanting to show her what she’d been missing in a relationship.
He glanced back and saw her face flush as if he’d caught her staring. All he had to do was cross the room and take her face in his hands, kissing her deeply. He could claim that mouth again, pulling her body close until he lost himself in her.
The moment stretched between them, beckoning toward something more. His pulse quickened with the need to go to her.
But he didn’t want Sarah to feel as if he were forcing her into something she didn’t want. Upon her face, he saw uncertainty, like a woman too nervous to move.
With reluctance, he turned away and closed the bathroom door behind him.
Sarah sat up on the bed, her heart pounding. She pushed back the uncertain feelings, not knowing what had begun between them. In the bathroom, she heard the spray of the shower, and the sound conjured images of his bare skin with water droplets spilling down his chest. She bit her lip, forcing the thoughts away. Beside her, the sheets were still warm from Alec’s body heat. Sarah lay there for a moment, questioning what she was doing. In the past few days, she had escaped a controlling husband, only to learn that they had never been married at all.
And now, she had spent the night with a man she barely knew and had kissed him. Don’t do this. You know nothing about this man. Don’t get involved.
But she closed her eyes and inhaled the lingering scent of his skin. When he had kissed her, it felt as if every part of her had come alive. Her skin was incredibly sensitive, and she was shocked by how badly she had wanted him. It was as if she were starving for affection. And if she stayed with him, it would only result in bad decisions.
The shower spray stopped, and she was tempted to return to her own room before she succumbed to temptation. But before she could do anything, there was a knock at the door. She went to open it, and the room service attendant greeted her. “Bon matin.” Sarah opened the door wider, and he wheeled in a cart covered with a white tablecloth. He spoke in French, which she didn’t understand, but she motioned for him to set up the breakfast on the other side of the room. He uncovered each of the dishes, smiling as he presented
them, “Voila.” She tipped him, and he thanked her, leaving the room.
A moment later, the bathroom door opened, and Alec walked out, wearing a towel. “I should have brought clothes inside with me,” he apologized. “I wasn’t thinking.”
“It’s all right. I can turn around while you get dressed.” She took a chair and sat facing the wall, while she chose a plate. “But I may eat all your food if you take too long.” Her voice came out sounding too cheerful, almost as if she were in denial about the earlier kiss. It would be best if she forgot about it, pretending it had never happened.
She heard the sound of the towel dropping to the floor and a suitcase unzipping. She poured herself a cup of coffee, and suddenly realized she had a perfect view of Alec’s body in the reflection of the silver coffee pot.
Do not look at him, her brain warned. And yet, Alec Harrow was a gorgeous man. She couldn’t help but sneak a peek at him. It was a shame to put a shirt on that body. She realized that in the midst of her distraction, she hadn’t chosen any food. Quickly, she used the tongs to serve one of the crepes. She added fresh raspberries and a warm vanilla sauce, quickly eating a bite to make it seem as if she hadn’t been ogling him.
“What do you think?” he asked, coming up from behind her.
“It’s delicious,” she said, only half-referring to the crepes and mostly referring to him. Her cheeks were burning, and she added cream and sugar to the coffee, feeling as if she really ought to go back to her own room.
His hair was wet from the shower, and she could smell the fresh scent of pine and soap. “Merry Christmas,” he said quietly. He was wearing a T-shirt and jeans that encased his thighs in an amazing way.
“Merry Christmas,” she answered. “Do you want to exchange gifts now? Should I go get mine?”
“You can finish eating first, if you like.” He poured his own cup of coffee and took a crepe, along with a warm croissant. “There’s no rush.”
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