“Which is what I’ve been trying to say.”
“But on the off chance that he’s not…” Lucky’s deep voice trailed off as he continued moving in slow, unhurried steps. “Listen, I know I’m not your favorite person in the world, but rest assured, my motive for being here is purely protective.”
“You sure about that?”
It was a fair question, given his past attempts to talk her into a date. But the flash of hurt crossing over the former SEAL’s handsome face—along with his faltering steps—spoke to the contrary.
“Cassie and Arch care a great deal about you, Ellie.” Lucky recovered his movements with ease. “The whole team does, andthat’swhy I’m here. To make sure you’re safe.” A muscle in his strong jaw twitched. “That’s all.”
He’s right…freaking again.
Just because the man had asked her out before didn’t mean he’d use a situation like this to make another move. Of course, he wouldn’t. Cassie and Natalie would never be friends with someone like that.
And the fact that she’d made such an assumption about the man simply because he’d shown overt interest in her just proved her thoughts weren’t as in control as she’d believed.
“You’re right.” She pushed herself up off the couch. Ignoring the slight wave of dizziness that followed, Ellie covered the few feet still separating them and stopped directly in front of where he stood. “You’ve been a perfect gentleman, and I’ve done nothing but give you a hard time. I’m sorry.”
“You’re forgiven.”
His response was instant and without sarcasm.
“I am?”
Lucky leaned in closer, his spicy male scent enveloping her with the unexpected move. His stare was so intense that she could almostfeelthose incredible eyes touching her. And no matter how hard she tried, Ellie couldn’t find the strength to look away.
“You know…” The rumbling of his voice seemed to reverberate straight through her chest as his smoldering gazedropped to her mouth. “Maybe one of these days, you’ll see me for who I really am.”
“And who is that?”
“Nah.” A slow, methodical shake of his head. “That part will come later. Though, it might surprise you to find I’m not the philandering asshole everyone thinks I am.”
Later?
Her heart punched hard against her ribs. “I don’t think you’re an asshole.”
“No?” Her answer seemed to surprise him.
Ellie moved her own head in a slow, gentle shake. Cocky and arrogant, sure. Insatiable, absolutely. But he was also strong and funny and kind and…brave.
He could’ve died trying to get to me today.
And yes, she was aware of his reputation with the ladies. But if Natalie could love Lucky like a brother after knowing him for years, then…
Maybe one of these days, you’ll see me for who I really am.
His recent words drove through her mind as she bid him goodnight and disappeared into her bedroom. As she took off her clothes, stood under the hot, steaming shower, and even later, when she climbed under the covers and settled herself in for the night.
And as Ellie closed her eyes and forced the memories of the day away, she fell asleep thinking…
Maybe one of these days, I will.
Chapter 7
Lucky stared at Ellie’s bedroom door, the muted sounds of a running shower reaching his ears through the barrier’s dense, wooden fibers. His fists clenched as they hovered above his laptop’s keyboard.
Block it out, asshole. Block. It. Out!
Despite the mental order, it still took everything in him not to picture the sexy lawyer in there now, standing beneath the shower’s steady rain.