Jen_C’s Reviews > Warrior's Intuition > Status Update

He covered his eyes for a moment and dropped his hand, allowing her to see the raw longing there. “You humble me. I’ve been alone for a long time. Maybe too long. I hope I can become the man you dreamed of.” She kissed his neck. “You already are. You’re perfect.”

He couldn’t be serious. Sex had clouded his brain. He hadn’t even admitted he loved her. “I’m more serious than I’ve ever been in my life. I’m crystal clear on this. I love you, too.” Torn between elation and confusion, she did a double take. He’d answered three questions she hadn’t asked.

Pain seared her scalp and neck. Someone yanked her by the hair and flung her sideways. She landed hard , the wind knocked out of her. A man stood over her. A young face. She had delivered herself on a platter and had accomplished exactly nothing.

That’s when it hit him, an awareness— a conviction, in fact— that landed in his mind fully formed. Jillian needed him. He had to go. No matter what had occurred in the past, present, or future, this was the action he was supposed to take. Something he was meant to do. She needed him and he needed her.

“My dad thinks you’re the strongest person he knows.” Jillian didn’t bother to hide her shock. “What gave you that idea?”“He told me so last night when we were driving home. He really respects you.” Lizzie’s smile became incredulous. “You didn’t know? He didn’t say so, but I can tell he’s really into you.”

“Lizzie?”
“She’s in her room crying & refuses to come out. I still haven’t gotten the full story out of her.”
“I can drive in. What’s the address?”
“You’re the last person I’d want showing up here. That wouldn’t be helpful or fair.”
Did he mean fair to her? To Lizzie? Or to his ex? This wasn’t about her. She couldn’t help wondering why she wouldn’t be helpful & why would she be the last person he'd want.

He sure acts like a douche within hours of getting her in bed...and he supposedly has wanted her for 3 LONG years..

Once he was certain she was out, he held her tighter. He didn’t want to go inside. Inside was the real world. In this urban tree house, they were the only ones who mattered. No kids. No responsibilities. No work. Just two lovers. Nothing and no one could mess with them up here.

His voice hardened & his eyes flashed. “I’ll tell you what would really suck… if you use me as your distraction-slash-therapy tonight and then back off tomorrow morning. That would not be fair to me and I promise you, I would not react well.” His ferocity surprised her. “I would never hurt you like that,” she said softly.

“Why didn’t you introduce me to your daughter? You deliberately turned the phone so she couldn’t see me.” Thrown for a loop, he stepped back. “I didn’t think you’d want her to see you like that. You know, just out of the shower… not dressed.”
“I don’t think that’s the reason at all,” she said. “You don’t want her to know you’re here with me.”