Mr One-Night Stand

He burned to reach for her but didn’t dare. And then she was doing it—slipping her arms around him, tucking her head beneath his chin, and his breath was freed up, leaving him in a rush.

Thank you, he wanted to say. But his free arm closed around her instead, taking the strength she offered, the comfort, the love... If only.

His grandfather coughed. ‘Sorry, son.’

‘It’s okay, Pops, tell me what’s happened?’

He heard him take a shaky breath and then he was rambling—something about another stroke, her being in critical care, the doctor’s current assessment...

It was all coming at him in a blur, but he knew he needed to get moving—he needed to be there now.

‘Okay, Pops, listen.’ The words came out controlled, and for that he was grateful. He wanted to reassure him, no matter what was going on inside himself. His grandfather needed his strength. ‘I can be with you in a few hours. I’ll check flights or I’ll drive. Either way I’ll be with you by lunchtime.’

His grandfather let go of another shaky breath, ‘Thank you, son.’

‘I’ll see you soon.’

Marcus cut the call and sucked in some much-needed air, feeling Jennifer tighten her arms around him as he let it out.

‘How bad is it?’ she asked softly.

‘She’s in critical care,’ he said, his skin prickling as his gut rolled. ‘Another stroke.’

‘I’m so sorry, Marcus.’

She lifted her head off his chest to look up at him, and there was so much compassion in her gaze that he could almost—almost—believe she loved him too. That there was already so much more between them.

He searched her face, wanting to ask, wanting to confess.

‘Go now,’ she said. ‘I’ll get the launch finalised, and if you can’t make it, it doesn’t matter.’

He nodded, knowing she spoke sense but feeling rooted to the spot, rooted to her.

‘And if you can make it, all you need to do is turn up and do what you do best—schmooze.’

‘Schmooze?’ He gave her a wry smile. ‘Is that all I’m good for?’

‘Maybe...’ she teased gently.

God, he wanted to keep hold of her, take her with him. The weirdest feeling took hold—that nothing could hurt too deeply if she was near.

‘Go on, Marcus, be there for your family.’ She stepped back and paused, her eyes flickering, and then she swept her arms around him once more, raising herself up to say against his ear, ‘Know that I am here for you if you need me.’

She turned into him, her lips pressing softly into his cheek, and the world stopped, warmth flooding him as his love for her swelled.

And then she was gone, dropping back as a shutter fell over her expression, wrapping her arms around her middle. ‘Let me know when you get there safely?’

‘I will.’

He had to fight not to pull her back, to make her kiss much more than a peck, but the moment was so special, so right, he didn’t want to break it.

Slipping his phone into his pocket, he headed for the door, pausing on the threshold to give her one last look. ‘Thank you.’

And then he left, with the chill resurfacing, increasing with every step he took away from her.

* * *

Jennifer watched him go, her insides trembling as she fought the desire to follow.