She heard footsteps walking down the hall again and she stiffened. She held her breath when they stopped outside her door. Was he going to barge in here right now? Would he decide to overwhelm her with his masculine presence, use his impressive authoritative aura to compel her back into her submissive role, then punish her for having left him?
A knock sounded on the door.
She stood up, staring at it. “What is it?”
“I thought you might like something to wear to bed,” Matt said from the other side of the door.
“Um … no, I’m fine.”
“I also have fresh towels for you, and a toothbrush and toothpaste.”
She hesitated, not wanting to open the door, but she realized if he wanted to come in here, she couldn’t stop him. The fact that he was asking her permission was a good sign, and she should respect that.
Also, she really wanted a toothbrush.
She crossed the room and unlocked the door. What would he have for her to wear, she wondered in trepidation? Some little frilly number? Or something in leather?
She pulled open the door. He stepped forward and she automatically backed up. But he simply passed her and set a tube of toothpaste and a toothbrush—still in plastic wrap—on the dresser, and set some fluffy white towels beside them. Then he laid something flannel on the bed.
“The pajamas will be too big, but you can wear the top as a nightshirt.” He smiled. “Just like you used to.”
Oh, God, she remembered wearing his pajama top as a shirt the first time she’d stayed over at his house. It had barely covered the essentials, but she hadn’t worried about that. Not back then. Now, however …
“And here’s a robe.” Alongside the red flannel pajamas, he laid a burgundy velour robe. “You’ll be swimming in that, too, but there’s a belt, so it won’t be too bad.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Why do you have all these things if you didn’t know we’d be staying overnight?”
“So suspicious, Kate. I didn’t know you’d be staying overnight. I don’t live nearby, remember. This is a place we use for our executives to stay when attending meetings at the financial headquarters. With the weather, I planned to stay over for the weekend. I have an extra pair of pajamas, and I’m letting you use my robe.”
“Oh.” She stroked the soft fabric of the robe. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. So if you haven’t changed your mind about dinner, or a drink by the fire?
?” He raised a querying eyebrow.
Kate shook her head.
“All right. I’ll leave you to it, then.” He crossed the room to the door and opened it, then glanced back. “Good night, Kate.”
“Good night,” she murmured.
Then he closed the door behind him, leaving her alone in the room.
She breathed a sigh of relief.
She still couldn’t believe Matt Pearce was back in her life. The reality of it shot through her brain like a bullet. What was she going to do? The only thing she could do was remain calm and wait him out—to see what he intended.
Why had he brought her here? Was he after revenge for his sullied male pride? But that wasn’t the vibe she was getting from him.
She remembered the dark desire in his eyes after he’d kissed her this evening. A disquieting thought gripped her. Clearly, he’d brought her here to confront her about leaving him, but could he be hoping to convince her to start up their relationship again?
Taking a calming breath, she realized it was only her frazzled nerves and exhaustion talking. She put on the pajama top, did a quick wash-up, and slipped into bed. There was no reason for this fear rumbling in the pit of her stomach. Realistically, why would Matt want to pursue her? With his looks and wealth, he could have any woman he wanted. Why go after a woman who had rejected him so completely?
She yawned and realized she was more tired than she’d thought. Matt’s pajama top was warm and cozy, and the subtle masculine scent of him surrounded her.
He was in the room right next to hers. Getting ready for bed. She remembered him stripping off his shirt downstairs, revealing his magnificent chest. Now he’d be removing his suit pants, stepping out of them, then walking to his bed in just his boxers. Or maybe he’d strip off the boxers, too, and climb into bed totally naked. Memories of his strong, virile body flitted through her mind. Desire trilled through her at the thought of his big cock swinging back and forth as he strolled to the bed. Who was she kidding? His cock was gigantic. An ache started as she longed to feel it inside her again.
* * *