one taking care of Beck since I was hurt.”
“Yes, but it’s one thing for me to be here, and another in your family’s home. I don’t want your mom or granddad to think we have a relationship when we don’t. It doesn’t seem fair to give them ideas.”
“That won’t happen. They know me.”
Her expression flickered, her smile slipping before she managed to save it. “Well, that’s a relief.” She turned away from him and pushed up her sleeves higher on her elbows before picking up a towel and reaching for Beck. “Okay, Stormtrooper, we’re getting out.”
Was it his imagination or had she dismissed him? “Need a hand?” Billy asked.
She didn’t even look at him. “Nope. I’ve got it. Go back to your show. I’m good here.”
And she was good, he thought. She was more than good, and she’d carried more than her fair share of the weight around here. She’d managed Beck, managed the house, had even managed him.
Now she was managing to do without him.
He didn’t like it.
He liked doing things together, being together, being partners with her. He wasn’t a fan of being told to go, leave. He didn’t like feeling shut out in his own house.
She was angry with him, and it had to do with his visit to Paradise Valley, as well as other things, things they didn’t discuss. Like the tension simmering between them, a sexual tension he’d never felt with anyone else.
They’d spent weeks together in this cabin without a kiss, weeks where they’d tripped over each other, and avoided each other, weeks where the chemistry crackled and burned.
Billy was done tiptoeing around the attraction, pretending it didn’t exist. He was done tiptoeing around Erika, not wanting to offend her with his constant desire. He wouldn’t apologize for being attracted to her, and he wouldn’t apologize for wanting her.
Because he did want her, he dreamed of taking her to his bed, night after night. He wanted to touch her and feel her. Wanted her mouth and her tongue and her body, every bit he could have, every bit he could touch and taste.
After putting Beck to bed, she returned to the kitchen to rinse out the sink and put the baby shampoo and bath toys away. He’d already done it, though, and when she looked down into the empty, clean sink she then turned toward him, surprised. “Thank you,” she said. “That was nice of you.”
He’d left his chair and was standing on the far side of the kitchen island. “Nice that I’d take care of my son?”
Her chin lifted, and he didn’t know if she was responding to his words or tone. “I only meant that it was nice to have your help. I appreciate it.”
“I try to help.”
“I have never said you don’t.” Her gaze met his, expression fierce. “You’re picking a fight.”
“You started it.”
“I did?” She laughed, even as her hands went to her hips, drawing his eye to her waist, her breasts, her legs. “I don’t think so. I wasn’t the one who suggested dragging me to Montana as if I was the nanny.”
“That’s not how I invited you.”
“But it’s the role I play. Beck’s caregiver. Beck’s cousin. Beck’s special buddy.”
“You’re being ridiculous.”
“Maybe,” she agreed. “Or maybe I’ve just had it with being convenient. Maybe I’m tired of being that cheerful, giving woman who is here to make your life easier—”
“You’re not that cheerful,” he interrupted. “And you’re far from convenient.” He marched to her, closing the distance between them. “In fact, what I feel for you is incredibly inconvenient.”
She blinked up at him, lips parting slightly. “You have feelings for me?”
“Hunger. Need. Want. Desire that never goes away.”
Two bright spots of color flamed in her cheeks. “I suppose I should be flattered.”
“You’ve lived in this house with me for weeks and it’s all I can do to keep my distance. I’m tired of keeping my distance. Tired of pretending you’re not beautiful, not tempting, not driving me crazy.” He caught her by the wrist and drew her toward him, pulling her against him, even as he shifted his left arm away, keeping it from being jostled. “I want you, Erika. I want you bad.”
Her head tipped back, and her bright glowing eyes met his. “You only want me because you can’t have me.”
“Not true. I want you because you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met and you fill my thoughts and you haunt my dreams, and I wake up every morning aching for you.” His head dropped, his