One to Leave (One to Hold 5)

It was all so warm and lovely, and my gaze kept drifting to the fireplace where Stuart stood. Naturally, that time, he was looking right at me when I peeked. Our eyes clashed, and my stomach clenched. I quickly blinked to my lap again.

Ultimately the “one book” game was abandoned and Patrick, Elaine, and Bill all rose to join Stuart in the living room. I hung back, wishing there was some way I could escape to my room without seeming rude.

“So you’re friends with Stuart?” Patrick said as I lingered by the table. Stuart’s eyes again cut to mine, and my stomach dropped.

“No!” Elaine jumped in. “That was my mistake. Mariska said they’d met once, and I misunderstood. But we can all get to know each other this week, right?”

Stuart didn’t speak, and I couldn’t breathe. I reached for my second glass of wine and took a quick gulp. Their uncle was a recovering alcoholic, but he didn’t mind if we had wine with dinner.

I watched as the three more animated members of the group took seats near the fire. Stuart said something I couldn’t hear, and they nodded. His uncle held out his hand, and he clasped it before turning and taking that fine ass down the opposite hall of where the three of us were staying. I felt the light slowly fading from the room when he stopped and turned back. He was headed toward the kitchen, toward where I stood by the table.

My heart jumped, and I reached for the other plates to stack on top of mine, hoping he didn’t see my hands trembling. He didn’t speak as he went to the cabinet and took down a glass then stepped to the sink to fill it with water.

I was just about to take my stack to the sink when I felt a gentle touch at my elbow. Looking up, I almost dropped everything when I met his gorgeous eyes.

“Uhh... Hi,” I stammered.

“You dropped your scarf.” He was so close, and I could see my chest rising and falling with my rapid breaths.

The sparkling length of green silk I’d looped around my neck this morning was in his hands. Apparently it had come loose during dinner.

I set the plates down. “Thanks.”

His hands were beautiful. Long fingers, elegant, but not pampered. He was clearly strong. In a flash, I pictured them on my body, and my cheeks flamed red.

“You’re friends with Elaine?” His voice was a low vibration straight to my core. He waited in front of me, and I knew I had to look up.

Blinking several times, I met his intense gaze again. “We met through Kenny.” At least that much was true.

He nodded. “Hope you like it here.”

With a small, breathtaking smile, he turned and walked away. I couldn’t decide if I’d melt into a puddle or burst into flames as I watched him disappear down the hall.

* * *

Stuart

She was as beautiful as I remembered with those long, brown waves and sunset hazel eyes. When she moved, I thought of nights wrapped in an Indian blanket by the fire, holding her on my lap, claiming her lips, every part of her...

Derek’s challenge had been on my mind since he’d issued it, and I’d decided once I cleared the last hurdle in my recovery, I’d go back to the desert. I’d return to the job I was meant to do. I’d prove I still had honor, and I could rise to the challenge.

Then she appeared.

Why had Elaine brought her here? She presented an entirely new obstacle for me to overcome. Or maybe it was the weakness talking, the mental side of my recovery. She was a girl, after all. I’d had plenty of girls, and they never lasted. I didn’t let them last.

Women only got in the way of what I wanted, or they became a liability down the road. I didn’t need that, and there was no reason why this particular female should stick in my mind the way she did.

When I got back from the cabin, Bill put me in the east wing with him. Patrick, Elaine, and... she... were all on the west side. I liked this arrangement. I’d go to my room, shower, and go to bed.

“Good to have you back in the house.” Bill met me in the hall on his way to bed.

“Thanks,” I said with a nod. “I’m glad to be back.”

“Listen to me.” He caught my shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “You’re stronger for what you’ve been through. Don’t let anyone tell you it makes you weak. Weaker men would ignore a problem like that, and eventually it would destroy their lives. Possibly even kill them. You faced that demon, and you beat it. You’re still a hero.”

Words failed me, and I could only nod in response. He was being way more generous than I deserved, but this man had always been more of a father to me than my own.

“Now,” he continued, “Get some rest. You’re welcome to stay here as long as you need. I’m glad for the company.”