Heat & Desire (Surrender to Them 4)

“Apparently I can’t stay out of the hospital this week.” I shook my head and grimaced.

“It should be fine, but you never know.” He held my hand and nodded.

Even with my hand aching, I felt my heart flipping in my chest from Brody’s touch. It was so gentle, even if his hands were rough and calloused. I had never been that close to him—inches separating our bodies while his hand was on mine. His hand lingered longer than I expected, and I felt my cheeks trying to blush. He finally let go, but his fingers traced the tips of mine before his hand fell away. I looked up at him and felt my heartbeat getting faster. He had an odd look in his eyes—one that I had never seen before. As soon as I saw it, he shook his head and took a step back. I wanted to see it again. It was almost like desire, not fully formed, but lingering behind his stare. I slid off the counter and he turned to walk away, but I reached out and grabbed his forearm with my good hand.

“Thank you.” I looked up into his eyes.

“It’s what I do.” He smiled—that mesmerizing smile. “I can’t have you bleeding out while we’re trying to replace the carpet.”

“You’ve always taken care of me.” I bit down on my lip and my cheeks flushed so much I had to look down at the floor.

Even with everything I know about him—those feelings just won’t go away.

“I guess it’s just my nature.” He shrugged and nodded.

This is the first time I’ve ever seen anything in his eyes that resembled interest. I shouldn’t cross this line, but I can’t help myself.

“You’ve always been so gentle and kind.” My cheeks blushed so much I could feel the warmth. “I had such a crush on you in high school.”

“I noticed.” He reached out and put his hand under my chin, slowly lifting my head until our eyes were locked together again.

Oh god, was it that obvious?

“You did?” I blinked in surprise, trapped in his stare.

“I’m not blind, but you were just a kid…” His words trailed off.

“I’m not a kid anymore.” My words got trapped in my throat as I spoke, but I managed to get them out.

“No. No, you’re not.” His hand lifted and his fingers grazed against my cheek. “But you’re still my daughter’s best friend.”

“I’ve tried to ignore this—I’ve tried to convince myself it would never work. Those feelings just won’t go away.” I turned my head to the side and lightly kissed his thumb.

Even though I know you have secrets—something I could never admit to witnessing.

“You need someone less complicated than me.” He let his

hand drop away. “You’re still so young. I’m sure you want to get married—have kids. I can’t give you that.”

“What if I just want you?” I swallowed a lump that was trying to form in my throat.

“We can’t.” He took a step back and sighed. “I’ll finish ripping up the carpet. You should rest and make sure that your hand doesn’t start bleeding again.”

And just like that, he changed the topic—I finally got the courage to say it, and he shut me down.

“I want to help.” I followed behind him. “You shouldn’t have to do all the work on your own. It isn’t even your house.”

“It’s going to be tough with one hand. Let me finish this and you can help once we start putting down the new carpet.” He pointed towards one of the chairs that had been moved out of the living room.

“Fine…” I grumbled and took a seat.

“You know, I talked about putting down new carpet, but you’ve got hardwood floors under here.” Brody pulled back a section of the carpet that he had removed. “It might take us a little longer to sand and refinish them, but they would look a lot better than carpet.”

He’s all business now—and I poured out my fucking heart to him.

“Yeah, but we’ve already bought the carpet.” I looked over at the roll.

“I’m friends with the guy at the store. I can return it.” He continued stripping the carpet off the floor as he spoke. “I can’t believe someone covered this shit up.”