remembered the other morning a week ago when she’d awoken on the plane across the aisle from him. She never would’ve imagined she’d sleep in his arms days later.
“Did you sleep okay?” he asked, his voice husky.
“Yeah. After you came in, I did. I just—I feel safe with you.”
“You are safe with me,” he assured her.
Hesitantly, her gaze raked over him. Ethan was bare chested, with strong pecs and six-pack abs. She’d felt all that muscle up against her, but looking at it? He was a sight to behold. She felt somewhat weak and almost unattractive in comparison. She’d always been average-sized, but she’d lost weight during her two months in captivity. Her camisole and sleep shorts were a bit loose on her. Goodness—even her bras didn’t fit right anymore. She usually felt feminine in this sleep set, but right now, she felt more disheveled than anything.
“I can grab a shirt,” he said, gesturing toward the door as her cheeks pinkened. “I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable around me.”
“More like inadequate,” she admitted. “You’re in perfect shape and—”
Ethan reached up and put a finger over her lips. “Shhhh. You’re absolutely perfect. I work out a lot for my job, but that doesn’t mean I expect everyone else to be all muscle. I love how you look.”
“Ethan—” she protested.
“I’m serious. You’re gorgeous, sweetheart. And if I’d held you close any longer, it would’ve been embarrassingly clear how attracted to you I am.”
She flushed as she realized what he was referring to. The blankets covered his boxers, but now she was wondering if he was hard everywhere. “Hell. I don’t ever want you to feel uncomfortable, but I love how you blush around me sometimes.”
“It’s embarrassing.”
His lips quirked. “It’s endearing.”
“Well, that’s even more embarrassing.” She rolled onto her back, covering her face with her hands. Ethan reached out, taking one of her hands in his. His thumb caressed the back of her hand, and his calloused fingers sent shivers racing down her spine. Ethan was rough and raw and real.
And she was in bed with him.
Even though she’d been panicked sleeping near her kidnappers, with Ethan, she felt perfectly safe. She knew that he’d never hurt her. Never force her. They’d never even kissed. Clearly, they were more than friends, but their relationship wasn’t exactly intimate. Nor was she ready for anything like that.
“It’s cute as hell,” he admitted. Their eyes met, and she could swear her face was turning even redder.
“I’m sorry I freaked out last night,” she said softly.
“I’m glad I was here. I don’t mind holding you when you sleep so that you feel safe. I wish you didn’t live clear across the country.”
She nodded. “I know I just got here yesterday, but I know what you mean. It’ll be hard to leave.”
She couldn’t quite interpret the look in his eyes. She was only here for the week. They each had their own lives to get back to. She’d enjoy this week for what it was and then…deal with the rest of her life, she supposed.
“My commander gave me the morning off tomorrow,” he said. “I know you’ve got lunch with Hailey, but I can hang out with you before she comes over.”
“Okay,” she said, feeling relieved. “We can have breakfast together or something.”
“Speaking of breakfast, I’m starving,” Ethan said. “There’s an awesome diner near here. Think I can tempt you with promises of strawberry pancakes and chocolate French toast?”
“Oh my God. I’m going to gain ten pounds this week.”
He chuckled and stood up, not looking embarrassed in the least as he strode across the guest room in his boxers. God. Even his back was sexy—broad shoulders. A narrow waist. Her cheeks flushed as she stared at his ass in his boxers.
She quickly looked away. Last night she’d freaked out over a nightmare. She shouldn’t be thinking about Ethan in any sort of sexual way.
“Shower and get dressed, sweetheart,” he said as he turned in the doorway. “I’ll get changed, too, and we’ll head out. Best pancakes you’ll ever have—I promise.”
Thirty minutes later, they were walking out the front door to Ethan’s SUV. They’d both dressed in jeans and a tee shirt, with Kim also wearing a light jacket. It felt casual and normal after walking around in uniforms at Bagram a week ago. Ethan still managed to look in command and control though. There was just something about the way he carried himself that made her feel safe.