“I’m fine.” Fury coursed through him. He’d wanted to punch that asshole senseless. But he’d learned to manage his anger by controlling his actions. And he’d achieved his primary goal. Get Alexandra out of thathellhole.
Crockett set her things on the back seat and settled in behind the wheel. After a quick glance at his passenger, he started the engine, flipped on the windshield wipers, and drove. “That is one fucked-up guy. I take it you’d never methim.”
“No, I hadn’t. I’d only seen Mandy twice before tonight. She pretty much lives withhim.”
As Crockett meandered out of the sleepy neighborhood, his sense of calm returned. He’d rarely had to use his martial arts, but it always served him well. And for that he wasgrateful.
Though Alexandra didn’t know it yet, Crockett would accompany her when she went back to get the rest of her things. Ben had been humiliated in front of his friends and Crockett had a feeling he’d want to retaliate by hurting Alexandra. He tightened his fists on the steering wheel. She could never return there alone. And no way in hell could sheeverstay there again. His guts churned at thethought.
In the darkened truck, Crockett peered at his beautiful passenger. Though she appeared somewhat shaken, she’d fared well. Truth be told, he could stare at her for hours. He used to tell her she was the most beautiful girl on the planet. She was every bit a woman and more breathtaking now than she’d been backthen.
The GW Parkway hadn’t been plowed, so Crockett proceeded with caution, as did the other vehicles on the dark road made brighter by the snow. “You doingokay?”
“I’ve been living alone and wishing my roommate would spend more time there. After seeing that crowd, I dodged abullet.”
By the time he pulled into his penthouse parking spot, it was after two thirty in the morning. When he cut the engine, the last remaining traces of fury rolled off him. She was safe. Nothing had happened to her and nothing ever would. He’d make sure ofthat.
“Your black belt moves were pretty hot, Crockett. I’ve never seen anyone react that fast.” Alexandra shot him a sly smile as she exited thetruck.
He lifted her bags from his back seat and strode toward the elevator. That was the first compliment she’d given him in eleven years. Given the sultry look in her eyes, it wouldn’t be thelast.
13
The Sleepover
In the quietofthe night, Alexandra stared out Crockett’s floor-to-ceiling windows. Lamplights twinkled across the Potomac River while the nation’s capital slumbered beneath a blanket of cottony white. She wished the picturesque landscape could calm her rattled nerves. But the whirlwind of activity had frazzled her and she huggedherself.
After everything Crockett had done for her in the past two hours, she owed him a debt of gratitude. But she needed to keep things real.This isn’t the beginning of anything. Yes, he’s a good guy, but he’s not my good guy.She rubbed her chest, but the ache wouldn’t go away. In her heart of hearts, she wanted to throw her arms around him and tell him how much she’d missed him.Snap out of it. He ended things a long timeago.
He stood beside her. Their shoulders brushed. This time she trembled for a very different reason. His confidence and magnetism excited her. The man he’d become didn’t just own the condo; he owned the space, the air, and every damn move he made. And he owned her, too. How long could she concealthat?
“I envy your view,” shemurmured.
“It isspectacular.” Crockett’s deep timbre sent sparks flying through her. She turned to find him studyingher. A few seconds passed, the familiar zing of attraction skittering through her. He offered her a steaming mug. “Drink this. It’s a hottoddy.”
The kick from the whiskey burned a welcomed trail to her stomach and the hot liquid soothed her nerves. She had no contingency plan and was desperately trying to come up with something—anything. Tonight, she’d crash on his sofa, then seek refuge at Colton’s or her mom’s until she could find another place tolive.
His delicious scent surrounded her and she breathed him into her soul. Why did he have to stand so closely? She should have moved, but she didn’t. Couldn’t. Her feet kept her anchored in place. He’d removed his suit jacket and tie, sipped what might be whiskey from a lowballglass.
“Is that helping?” heasked.
Is what helping? His arm pressing hers? The way his steely gaze soothed her soul? How her heart leapt every time he smiled at her? Or that her insides turned to jelly from his deliciously sexyaccent?
Arching a brow, he peered into her mug.Oh, of course. Thedrink.
Her cheeks warmed. “Yeah, it’s great. Thanks. I could use a shower.”Solame.
After grabbing her duffels, he guided her around the stacks of moving boxes. “Moved in a few weeks ago. Unpacking hasn’t been a priority.” They entered his bedroom. He flipped on a small desk lamp, snatched a pair of flannel pajama bottoms. “Make yourself athome.”
“No, you stay. I…I don’t want to put youout.”
“I’ll shower in the hall bath.” Stepping close, he stroked her cheek with the back of his finger. “I want you in mybedroom.”
Those words undid her. Her body hummed from the gentle way he caressed her skin. But she stepped back, severing their connection. While he didn’t appear affected by their chaotic evening, she wanted to bury her face in his chest and sob. But Mituses were pros at concealing their emotions, so she forced a grateful smile. “I won’t belong.”
“Fresh towels in the linen closet. You seem to have a thing for those and, lucky for you, mine isn’t even locked.” With a playful wink, he closed the bedroomdoor.
Sucking down a jittery breath, she crumpled onto his bed and dropped her head in her hands. To say she was a wreck was an understatement. A kaleidoscope of emotions swirled throughher.