“And your mother?”
“She turned into a people pleaser. All she wanted to do was make him happy. Sometimes she didn’t pay as much attention to us because she was all about him.”
“You have sisters, right?”
“Twins. Huge brats, both of them, but I adore them. They’re whip-smart and beautiful and so much trouble.”
I had to laugh as I moved her hair out of her face. She startled, but she didn’t shift away. “Beautiful, huh? I don’t believe it.” I made my tone light so she knew I was teasing.
Hannah was simply stunning. It didn’t surprise me an iota that her sisters were too.
“I grew up taking care of them when my dad was off doing crazy stuff. My mom spent her life chasing after him. They liked to travel and he flew private planes and surfed and went on safari or whatever else caught his fancy. She agreed to anything he suggested. Well, except flying. She wouldn’t get into his little prop plane. Not until that last day.” Her eyes filled and my gut twisted.
“Hannah.” I wrapped my arms around her and she burrowed into my chest, tucking her head under mine. She pressed her cheek to my chest, and I knew she could hear the rapid thundering of my heart.
“I’ve never had this,” she whispered. “Not since my mom died. I never had anyone to hold me.”
“Well, you’re in luck.” I stroked her hair.
“Free hugs given here.”
She looked up at me, her dark lashes starred with tears, and I would’ve given her the world if I could have. “Promise?”
I wasn’t even sure what I was agreeing to. Free hugs forever? That seemed innocuous enough. I would’ve promised her so much more.
Right then, perhaps anything.
“I promise.”
She shivered and I tipped up her chin. “Your clothes are still damp. You were already sick today. You need that warm bath. Or warm shower. Dealer’s choice.”
“I’m feeling okay right now.” The little purr she made in her throat went straight to my cock.
Sure enough, she noticed.
She licked her lips and shifted against me, her eyes twinkling in the low light from the fire. “You’re feeling pretty good too.”
“Can’t blame me for reacting to a gorgeous woman.” She shivered again and I wrapped the messy end of her braid around my hand. “Who needs a hot bath.”
“So bossy. Is this how you are at work?”
“If it gets the job done.” I gave her hair a tug. “What would get the job done with you, blue eyes?”
“Did you just give me a nickname?”
“Not the most creative one, but yes, I guess so.”
“I like it.”
She slid away from me. I was still missing the feel of her in my arms when she pulled off her sweater and let it fall around her. Beneath, she wore a thin V-necked top and well-worn jeans. Without hesitation, she took off her shirt and undid the button and zipper, wiggling the denim over her hips.
Her simple white cotton bra and panty set had little roses between the cups. Sweet, almost chaste. She reached up to undo what was left of her disordered braid, setting all that glorious thick hair free, and my mouth went dry.
“I’d say we both could use a nice warm bath, don’t you agree? That Jacuzzi tub in there looks big enough for five.”
“Three.”
My choked response made her lips curve for barely an instant. Didn’t matter. I’d seen her smile just for me.