smiled. “I know, but I need to know what you’re thinking so I don’t do something you’re not ready for.”
She cleared her throat. “I’m ready. I mean…whatever.” She started shaking a bit and that made her feel ridiculous which increased her nerves.
Suddenly, he sat straighter and lifted her to her feet next to the couch. She wasn’t sure what his intention was, but he stretched out along the back of the couch and then patted the space alongside him. “Lie down so I can hold you. We’ll be more comfortable.”
She wasn’t sure that was possible, but she lowered next to him, swung her legs up next to his, and let herself ease down along his side. As he adjusted her against his chest, she leaned her head in the crook of his shoulder.
“There,” he declared. His hand roamed up and down her back. His other hand reached for hers and brought it to his lips. He kissed her knuckles and then held her fingers against his chest.
He was right. For the most part, she was comfortable. Nervous but comfortable.
When he met her gaze, he smiled. “I hope you don’t think that just because I brought you to my house, I expect you to sleep with me.”
She bit her lip. Apparently, they were having this conversation. She hated this conversation. Not that she’d gotten far enough into many relationships to have it, but she still got uncomfortable. Eventually, it had to happen though.
“Rebekah?” he encouraged, giving her body a squeeze.
“It’s okay. I mean, I don’t mind.”
“You don’t mind what?” He looked confused. “Having sex with me?” His brow furrowed further.
She nodded.
He winced. “You don’t mind?” His voice rose a bit, making her nervous.
She swallowed and looked away. Great. She was making a mess of this.
He started to chuckle, shocking her, his chest vibrating against her, making her meet his gaze again.
“Why are you laughing?”
“I’ve never in my life had a woman tell me she didn’t mind having sex with me. That’s so…romantic,” he added sarcastically.
Heat climbed up her face and she started to pull away.
He held her closer though, both hands keeping her from moving. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have laughed.” He drew in a deep breath. “I’m trying to read you, Rebekah. It’s hard. Wade through this conversation with me. I know it’s uncomfortable, but every couple has to have a discussion about sex at some point.”
“Okay.” She knew he was right, even if she’d rather have a tooth extracted, as he’d suggested last night.
“First of all, we’re not having sex tonight. We’re going to lie here, talk, maybe kiss a few times, talk some more, and then I’m going to take you home and call you tomorrow morning and ask you out again.” He grinned.
She nodded, blowing out a breath.
“Does that much work for you?”
“Yes.” God, why did it have to be so hard for her to communicate with men?
“Good.” His body relaxed a bit. Apparently, he was relieved too. “Now, how many men have you slept with?”
Shit. Just, shit. She dropped her face down toward his chest and groaned against his firm pecs.
He gave her a moment, but then lifted her chin and met her gaze. His brows were high on his forehead in question. “Tell me, Rebekah.” God, he could melt her every time he said her name.
She drew in a deep breath and went for it. “None.”
His chest rose slowly and he swallowed before saying, “I thought you might say that. So why would you tell me flippantly that you wouldn’t mind having sex with me tonight?” He emphasized the word mind again, making her feel a bit silly. At least he didn’t mention the incident with Roger earlier. Bracken had surely wondered what the man had meant, but he hadn’t brought it up or asked her a single question.
She shrugged. “It’s lame that I haven’t had sex. I thought maybe if I just did it…”
His eyes slowly closed and then reopened as he composed himself. She wasn’t sure if he was frustrated or what. He opened his mouth as if to speak and then closed it again and pulled her tighter against him. He flattened her head against his shoulder so that her next breath drew in from his neck. He smelled so good. Clean. His own personal scent combined with his soap and probably his aftershave. And why was she thinking about how he smelled right now?
“I’m sorry,” she murmured, feeling decidedly ridiculous.
He groaned softly. “No need to be sorry. I’m just trying to