m an embarrassment.” She glanced at him. “Sorry. Today was a lot. Guess I’m still a little worked up.”
He hurt for her. Surely it wasn’t true. Woodrow Boone was a hard man, but how could he be ashamed of his daughter? Not want her close by? “That why you’re so determined to get out of here?”
“Would you stay someplace you weren’t wanted? Where you had to be reminded all the time of your mistakes?”
His heart sank. “I guess talking to your dad is out?”
Her smile was hard. “He’s made up his mind. He was right. I was wrong. He told me what to do and I didn’t listen—making my situation my fault. When I called him, asked him for help, he reminded me of that.” She broke off. “I came back because I had no place to go. I didn’t want to, but I did—for Cal. And when I’m ready, I’ll be taking Cal and starting out fresh, away from my dad’s judgment.”
Brody nodded. “My dad’s never going to forget I left Fort Kyle. Not ever. I don’t think there’s a thing I can do to fix it—to make him think I didn’t desert him somehow.”
India frowned. “I don’t want to do that to Cal. Hold on to things, hold mistakes over him. I want him to know I’m always here for him, no matter what. No judgment or conditions or guilt.”
“I’ll shake to that,” he said, offering her his hand.
She laughed, eyeing his hand before taking it. Watching her smile was a thing of wonder. Her smile washed over him like a ray of sunshine, blinding and brilliant.
He pulled her into his arms. “You’re beautiful, India.” He shook his head.
Her smile softened, the pain in her eyes fading.
“And you’re an incredible mother. Cal is proof of that.” He liked the way her cheeks turned pink, the shy smile his praise caused. “If no one has told you, you’re doing a great job with him.”
“You’re being awfully charming again, Brody Wallace.” He liked the waver in her voice, uncertain and sweet.
He nuzzled her temple. “Could be I’m just being honest.”
She shook her head, her words soft and low. “I know charm when I hear it. JT was a charmer. Since he left me scarred inside and out, I can’t help but be suspicious of it.”
His brain short-circuited when she’d mentioned JT. Scarred. Inside and out. The bastard had laid hands on her? Hurt her? He was frozen, his hands stiff against her and his heart thumping in his chest. His anger with her ex gave way to something sharper, something crushing. His arms tightened around her, pulling her flush against him, as if he could protect her now...from her past.
“I don’t want to think about my father or JT or anything else.” She looked up at him. “I want you to kiss me until nothing else matters.”
The hunger in her gaze was for him. This was what she wanted. So this was what he’d give her. His lips brushed across hers, featherlight and teasing. Her hands fisted in his shirt, pulling him closer. He smiled against her lips, his mouth sealed firmly with hers.
“Then, that’s what I’ll do,” he said simply. His lips brushed hers once again. His tongue stroked deep, and she moaned, her fingers tugging his hair.
Their rapid breathing filled the room.
He bit back a groan. She was so damn soft pressed against him. His hands explored, stroking over the thin fabric of her shirt to feel the heat of her skin beneath his fingertips. Her scent was a jolt to the senses. He’d never wanted anything the way he wanted India Boone. Having her in his arms was beyond anything he could ever have imagined. He was holding her, but she was the one in control. He loved her, but she didn’t want his love right now. She wanted his body—and he’d give it to her.
He was, without a doubt, completely under her power.
Chapter Eleven
His hand cradled her cheek. His golden eyes had her trapped, and she liked it. India held on to Brody with everything she had. His kiss was all-consuming, soft yet firm, tender but fierce, flooding her with want. When his tongue touched hers, her fingers gripped his shirtfront for support. She wanted his lips on hers, wanted his fingers sliding through her hair and pressing her tightly against him. Being in his arms chased away everything else.
His touch made it okay to forget—for now.
His mouth traveled along her jaw to the sensitive skin behind her ear, then along her neck. One big, strong hand pressed flat against her back. The other cradled her cheek in his palm, his thumb leaving a scorching trail in its wake. When his lips traveled to the base of her throat, he paused, his breath harsh and ragged against her skin.
She liked being tangled up in him. Liked the feel of his heart pounding beneath her palm. Everything about this was right. When their eyes locked, the raw hunger in his golden gaze had the last vestiges of her control falling away.
She didn’t want control or thought, practicality or reason. She wanted this man, desperately. Wanted him like air. Now. Her hunger was new and raw and slightly unnerving.
His lips lifted. “India?” His hold eased, giving them room to breathe.
She drew in a deep breath, almost groaning as his scent flooded her nose and lungs. “I just... This is... A lot.”