His to Command

“Okay,” she agreed reluctantly.

He tugged on his damp coat, then grasped her arm and she gingerly walked alongside him until they made it to the steps, then she clung to the railing as she proceeded up the stairs again, Matt right behind her. When they finally made it to the front door, she sighed in relief.

Matt helped her off with her coat and hung it on the coat rack, then hung his wet coat inside-out on another of the hooks. As she took off her boots, he crossed to the fireplace. He began releasing the buttons of his shirt and she stood mesmerized as the shirt opened up, revealing his sculpted chest and perfect abs.

“Uh … what are you doing?” she asked.

He glanced her way. “My shirt’s wet. I’m going to hang it by the fire and warm up.” He slipped the shirt from his shoulders.

“Oh.” That’s all she could manage, because he now stood before her, naked from the waist up, in all his muscular glory. She found it difficult to breathe as she watched his muscles ripple as he grabbed another log and placed it on the fire.

“Do you want another drink to warm you up,” he asked, “or would you like to just sit by the fire?”

Thoughts of sitting on the couch beside Matt—half naked and supremely masculine—in front of the fire sent heat of a different kind thrumming through her. It was so tempting to stroll over there right now, sit beside him, then nestle against his warm body. Let his arm curl around her. Snuggle in close. Let things progress naturally, which given her intense attraction to him, despite everything that had happened in the past, would lead to … bed.

Actually, they probably wouldn’t make it to a bed. If she let things go the way her tingling body wanted, she’d be begging him to make love to her right in front of the fire.

“It’s been a long day and I’m tired. I’d like to go to bed,” Kate said.

“Are you sure? I didn’t know if you’d have time for dinner before our meeting, so I have some food prepared.”

“I ate something before I came.” It was technically true, but all she’d had time for was a handful of celery sticks. Her stomach was rumbling, but she’d rather go to bed hungry than stay here with Matt.

“Okay.” He smiled and walked toward her. “Well, then, let’s get you to bed.”

He picked up her purse and pressed a hand to the small of her back. She swallowed hard, wondering exactly what he intended as the pressure of his hand propelled her toward the magnificent spiral staircase. Did he expect to climb into bed with her?

Her anxiety heightened with each step as they ascended the stairs. Once they reached the upper floor, he led her down the wide hallway to the second door on the right and pushed it open. She hesitated, seeing the large canopied bed in lavender and white dominating the room. He ushered her forward and followed her in, placing her purse on the dresser.

She stood just inside the door, frozen to the spot, watching him. Did he intend to stay? Would he turn on his shockingly effective charisma in an attempt to convince her?

If he did, she’d be in big trouble.

He turned around and smiled, seemingly aware of her unease. Crossing his arms, he leaned back against the wall. “What is it, Kate? Nervous sleeping alone in a strange house? Don’t worry. I’ll be close by.”

That’s what she was afraid of. She moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue. “How close?” Her gaze fastened on the large queen-size bed.

He chuckled and stepped toward her. “How close would you like me to be?”

She ducked sideways and walked across the room. “How about China?” she grated.

He laughed again as he walked to the door. “Sorry. You’ll have to settle for the room next door.”

She heard the door click behind him. She waited a couple of heartbeats before she marched over and turned the key in the old-fashioned lock. Pulling it out, then clutching it tightly in her hand, she savored the feel of security, however temporary—the first she’d felt since Matt Pearce had walked into her life again.

She listened at the door and heard footsteps descending the stairs. She glanced around the sumptuous bedroom. The decor, dreamily feminine, appealed to her. Had Matt known it would? Had he cared?

Besides the double closet door and the door to the hallway, she noticed another door. Pushing it open, she found an en suite bathroom. Wonderful. She’d been worrying about leaving the security of this room to attend to her nighttime rituals.

She took off her suit jacket and hung it on the back of the desk chair. She’d love to take off her skirt, too—it was a bit damp from falling on the ice—but she didn’t want to run around the room in just her pantyhose.

It was only eight o’clock. Although she’d told Matt she was tired, that was only to escape his company. She doubted she would fall asleep this early. She walked to the big armoire across from the bed and opened it. Perfect. There was a TV inside.

She took the remote control and sat down in the upholstered armchair beside the bed. She’d love to change into something less stifling than this straight skirt and blouse, but … damn, she didn’t have anything to change into. What would she sleep in?

The thought of sleeping naked with Matt in the next room made her uncomfortable. Which was silly. He was in the next room. He wouldn’t come barging in here in the middle of the night.

Damn, she was falling into old patterns. She’d trusted Matt long ago … until that dreadful night. After that, how did she really know what he would do?