How to Turn a Frog into a Prince - Bree Wolf Page 0,82

he had steadfastly believed that there could be none. She had changed him, pushed and prodded him, made him daring enough to reach for what he wanted.

And what he wanted was her.

Even through the mindless passion that blazed in his veins, Nathanial knew that it was more than a physical need he felt for her. No, what made the pulse thunder in his veins was the woman who had all but forced herself into his life. The woman who had seen his almost desperate need for a friend. The woman who had been true and kind and daring ever since she had first addressed him the day of his brother’s wedding celebration.

Charlaine was his friend, and he loved her for it.

Still…

Bracing himself on his left arm, Nathanial cupped her face, his wet fingers leaving a trail upon her cheek, then down her neck and back up. They slid into her dark curls at the nape of her neck, urging her closer so he could deepen the kiss.

Her lips parted willingly, and a soft moan escaped her as her hands slid under his soaked shirt, her fingers tracing a line along his shoulders and then moved to the front. Her touch was delicate, tentative, but also curious and bold. It was everything she was, and Nathanial sank into her embrace without thought.

His heart beat strong and demanding, and he could not remember when it had last done so. Had it ever? If it had, he could not recall. Not even with Abigail had he—

The thought of Abigail was like a bucket of ice-cold water dumped upon him. His body stilled, tensed as pain and anger radiated through every fiber of his being. She had betrayed him. She had been his friend, and then she had led him to believe that she felt more for him than friendship.

And he had believed her.

He had been a fool to do so.

He would not be a fool again. He would not again give his heart to a woman who would not love him in return. Passion alone was not enough. Passion was fleeting and only a fool would consider it a foundation upon which to build a future.

Nathanial had been such a fool, and it had cost him not only his fiancée, but also his friend. And now, he was repeating that same mistake.

Gritting his teeth, Nathanial pushed himself to his feet, running a hand through his wet hair and then over his face as he began to pace along the water’s edge.

“Is something wrong?”

Jerking around, Nathanial found Charlaine looking up at him, her eyes wide and her chest rising and falling with each rapid breath. She had propped herself up onto her elbows, her feet still in the cooling waters of the lake. Her skin glistened in the sun where his hands had touched her, leaving wetness in their wake, and her light summer dress now clung to her body for his own soaked clothing had been pressed to hers in a most intimate way.

Looking down at her, Nathanial wanted nothing more than to continue what they had started.

Don’t get me wet! She had said. Odd, how that sentence now kept echoing in his mind. Had she not wanted him to touch her? Had she seen in his eyes where his thoughts had wandered? After all, she had promised him friendship. She had not asked for anything else.

“I’m sorry,” Nathanial mumbled, unable to meet her eyes. “I shouldn’t have…” His words trailed off, regret and shame surging into his heart. “I’ll go.” Then he spun around and stalked away.

“Wait!”

The sound of Charlaine’s voice stopped him. And yet, he could not turn around to face her. He heard her soft footsteps as she approached and pinched his eyes shut, his hands balling into fists lest he…

“What happened?” she asked, and he felt her small hands brush over his arm as she stepped around him. “Look at me, Nathanial. Please.”

Swallowing, Nathanial complied, knowing he owed her more than a quick apology.

Her dark eyes were wide as they met his, a warm glow in them he did not deserve. “What happened?” she whispered as her gaze swept his face. “Please talk to me.” Her hands rose to cup his face.

Nathanial flinched, shrinking back, afraid he would do something unwise if he felt her soft hands on him again.

At his retreat, something akin to pain came to her eyes. “What did I do?” she whispered, and he could see a tear forming in the corner of her right