Dare Me Tonight (The Knight Brothers 3)

He still had a bitter taste in his mouth from the lifestyle his wife had led, both before and after her addiction came to light. And though he’d worked like a dog to give her everything she could have wanted in life, apparently it hadn’t been enough. So the fact that Sienna preferred to learn about the town as opposed to spending her family’s money gave her an edge, as far as he was concerned.

He was shocked to find he’d enjoyed the day, including the ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty. Watching her indulge in street cart vendors’ huge pretzels and a hot dog for lunch, followed by a sad tour of the Freedom Tower, and ending with a pedicab ride back to the apartment, had been one of the more enjoyable afternoons he’d ever spent. Not that he’d admit as much to his siblings, who would never let him hear the end of it.

The time with Sienna had shown him what a bastard he’d been to the people around him lately, especially his family, who’d put up with his asshole tendencies. He’d let his anger over Mandy consume him, and though he couldn’t say those emotions were gone, his time with Sienna had opened him up to his lighter side. One he’d missed.

During their walks, they’d talked about career possibilities for her, and though he’d touted the attributes of the program like a loyal donor, he got the distinct impression school wasn’t on her agenda. He wondered how Ian would take the news. For Ethan, it meant she wouldn’t be in Manhattan, and though this should make him happy – he did not need knowing she was in the same town as a distraction – he couldn’t stop the nagging part of him that was disappointed by the notion.

And that meant it was a damned good thing she was leaving in an hour. He needed to know this girl was out of his system for good.

He waited in the living room while she packed up her bags, planning to escort her to the airport. She finally walked back inside, wearing jeans and a tee shirt, a sweater tied around her waist. She’d freshened up after their long day, but she didn’t have any makeup on, giving her an even more youthful, beautiful look.

“Ready to go!” She pulled her carry-on along with her.

He cleared his throat. “The car is waiting downstairs.”

Her lips turned into a cute little pout he wanted to kiss off her face. “I won’t make the I can take an Uber/taxi argument again because I’ve learned with you Knights that I won’t win.”

“True,” he said, knowing he wouldn’t have put her into either ride when he could take her to the airport with his driver.

“So I guess this is goodbye.” She shifted from foot to foot.

“I was going to go along with you to the airport. Make sure you got off safely.” He couldn’t help the protectiveness he felt toward her any more than he could deny the desire for her was still there, just as strong as before he’d had her in bed.

“Umm.” She pulled her bottom lip with her teeth. “I think we should say goodbye here. You’re already home and there’s no reason for you to go all the way to the airport.” She glanced at him with those big brown eyes that were a window to her soul.

Saying goodbye to him wouldn’t be easy.

Having had sex for the first time hadn’t been as simple for her as she’d led him to believe.

She wasn’t a woman who picked up men on a whim and slept with them, then easily said goodbye the next day.

All things he should have considered, whether or not he’d known she was a virgin. He knew better, but he’d had to have her, and when she’d asked him in, his brain had stopped working. Desire and want had kicked in instead.

But she was right. Saying goodbye here was smarter. Faster. It wouldn’t prolong things or send the wrong signal even though his stomach was twisting in knots at the thought.

One night and we tell no one. His stipulation for good reasons. He wasn’t going to change the rules now.

“Here. Give me your bag,” he said, taking the handle out of her hand. “I’ll walk you downstairs.” It was the least he could do.

And it would give him another few precious minutes in her presence.

She treated him to a tremulous smile and followed him to the door, then into the hall and to the elevator.

“I hope you enjoyed New York. I am sorry you’re leaning toward not coming to school here,” he said as the doors opened and they entered the enclosed space.

She tipped her head to one side as if judging the sincerity of his statement. “If I can find something hands-on at home, I think I’ll be better off. I just wish I knew what kind of job would be best for me.” She shrugged. “I’ll figure it out.”