“Thanks,” he said in a gruff voice. “Are you all settled in?” he asked, changing the subject.
She nodded. “Except for the clothing situation, but I have personal shoppers who will be sending things over this afternoon so I’ll be set for a while. All my stuff is boxed up at my mother’s, and it was just simpler to handle it this way.”
“Do you have a plan? I know you said you’re taking this week off from work. To do what?” he asked.
“I was just thinking about that,” she murmured, not quite ready to share her dreams and fears with anyone. “And I’m unsure.”
He nodded. “Then let’s tackle something simpler. How about dinner? Want to go out or order in?”
She knew the answer without having to think. “Order in. I’m not ready to face the world.” She’d seen the gossipy mentions of her situation online and hated it.
“You got it, princess.”
She liked the nickname he’d given her, not for the name itself but the fact that he was using one.
They agreed on Chinese food, and her clothing came while they were waiting for the delivery. She hung everything in her closet, planning to try things on and get back to the stylist in the morning. At least now she had seasonal clothing to wear.
She joined Beck in the kitchen, and they shared a meal of delicious General Tso’s chicken, fried rice, pork dumplings, and she had an egg roll, her favorite part of any Chinese dinner.
Feeling full, she turned to him. “Are you finished?”
He nodded. “Totally full.” He grabbed his plate and she shook her head.
“I’ve got it. I need to earn my keep,” she said, only partly joking, as she rose to her feet.
His frown was as sexy as his smile. “I offered you a place to stay. You don’t have to earn anything.”
“Well, then just let me help.” She picked up his plate and hers and walked over to the sink.
After rinsing them off and putting everything in the dishwasher, she turned to find him placing the leftovers in the fridge. One container was still left on the table.
She grabbed it and came up behind him. “Here’s the last one.” Reaching around him, she placed the box on a shelf at the same time he turned her way, bumping into her.
His hand snaked out and grasped her waist, and they were face-to-face, their bodies in close contact. Heat erupted between them despite the chill of the refrigerator.
Her lips parted and she said the first thing that came to mind. “Thank you for being here for me.” Which sounded much better than Oh my God, you’re so hot.
He raised his hand, brushed her hair off her face, and cupped her cheek. “You’re welcome.”
She lifted onto her toes, intending to press her lips to his jaw. A little thank-you. Instead he turned his head and her lips met his.
She hadn’t meant to kiss him, but with the firm touch of his mouth on hers, she couldn’t bring herself to move away. Neither did he, and what began as an accident quickly accelerated into something more. Something intense, unexpected, and wholly new, and at the touch of their tongues, sparks ignited.
Beck’s hand came to rest on the back of her neck, gripping her possessively and holding her in place while he kissed her for all he was worth. Enjoying every moment, she slid her hands through his hair and pressed herself against his hard body.
He groaned and delved deeper into her mouth. She wasn’t sure how long they stood entangled in each other, but she was aware of two things. She’d never been kissed like this before, and she wanted more. More of the rising desire inside her and more of Beck.
Without warning, he braced his hands on her shoulders and broke their connection. “Chloe, no. This is wrong.”
She blinked in surprise. Cold, refrigerated air replaced his warmth, and the recognition of another rejection rushed through her. “You’re right. This was a mistake.” Wrapping her arms around herself, she stepped back.
He followed and closed the refrigerator door, obviously taking a moment before turning back to face her. It hadn’t been enough time for her to pull herself together and fake being unaffected by his brush-off. It didn’t matter. Considering she’d not only instigated the kiss but was a guest in his home, she owed him an apology.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have kissed you. I only meant it as a thank-you, but you turned your head and…” She trailed off, not wanting to rehash her embarrassment. “You’ve been kind, and if I made things awkward and you want me to leave, just say so.”
“You’re not going anywhere,” he said in a gruff tone. “And you have nothing to apologize for because that kiss wasn’t a mistake.” His green-eyed gaze met hers, and it was anything but disinterested or dispassionate.
“Then why did you say it was wrong?” She cocked her head to one side, waiting for him to explain.
“That’s easy. Because when we sleep together, and we will, it won’t be because you’re grateful or on the rebound. It will be because you can’t think of anyone but me.” His heated stare raked over her, his desire for her unmistakable, before he turned and walked out of the room, leaving her stunned. And more than a little bit turned on.
Chapter Four
A week had passed since Chloe moved in with Beck. A week during which she’d given herself permission to grieve – not Owen but the life she’d thought she’d be living. Yes, a part of her wanted marriage and children with the right man, and she’d thought she’d been taking her first step in that direction.
Instead she was forced to confront her choices, and she wasn’t happy with what she saw. A woman who’d graduated from college with a major in interior design but who’d taken the easy route, going into the family business and listening to her brother’s dictates on layout, color schemes, and style. A woman who did as her family expected. One who chose a man because he was unlike her father in his moral compass, or so she’d thought, not because she was madly in love with him.
When she looked back, she realized Owen had talked her into the engagement, using all the buzzwords he knew would entice her, from them being a good fit to their wanting the same things to the fact that her parents approved. And when her father had been diagnosed with dementia, she’d fallen back into the pattern of a girl wanting to make her dad happy. She’d been holding on to the ideal of a parent who loved his family but lacked the ability to be faithful. But her brothers hadn’t liked Owen, and that should have been her major clue.
She just hadn’t wanted to hear it. Basically she’d been dancing to everyone’s beat but her own.
She hopped off the bed and picked up the box with the samples that had been delivered midweek. Having already looked them over, she knew she’d chosen well. From tile to paint and everything else, she’d touched, ensured they were perfect.
Screw it, she thought, grabbing her laptop and pulling up the entry form for the contest that was already filled out and saved. She just needed to hit send, pay the fee, and when she was ready, forward her submission.
It was time she stood on her own two feet, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t nervous and scared about taking that step away from her family. She was well aware of how sheltered she’d been and wanted that to change. But, though she knew what she had to do, she wasn’t about to share the news with anyone. If she failed and didn’t final, let alone win, nobody had to know but her.