the trick was to make sure he didn’t come close! That’s all. Easily done, she said, trying to give herself a pep talk. She’d agreed both yesterday and today to meet with him, despite her better judgment and both times she’d ended up in his arms. Apparently, that was a very bad place to be, especially when she was vulnerable, such as after her first sexual experience. That laughter was a cold slap in the face and she would do well to remember that the next time he asked for any of her personal time.
“What’s taking you so long?” James asked, standing in her doorway and casually surveying her personal sanctuary. Then he noticed the bright eyes and something twisted in his gut. “What’s wrong, Jules?” he asked softly, moving over towards her and taking her in his arms.
Julianna couldn’t believe how crass he was! He’d laughed at her and then expected her to just fall right back into his arms? “Don’t touch me!” she yelled at him, taking a step back and raising her hands so he couldn’t reach them.
James halted, a shocked expression on his face. “Julianna?”
She shook her head and closed her eyes. “Just leave me alone,” she said with a bit more dignity, but her voice was shaking and her hands curled into fists. She crossed her arms over her chest and took a deep breath. Remembering her manners at the last moment, she added, “Just go. Please.”
James put his hands on his hips and shook his head. “Not until you tell me what happened to the passionate woman of ten minutes ago. Surely you can’t be regretting what we shared already.”
“I do,” she spat out and turned away, curling her arms around her stomach and bowing her head so he couldn’t see her lip tremble, fighting the need to cry out her hurt from his cruel words.
“What the hell is going on, Julianna? What happened between the bottom of the stairs and now? Besides you….” He stopped and thought back to their conversation…and his subsequent reaction. When he remembered his exhilaration and how he showed that feeling, he finally understood. Rubbing his hand over his face, he couldn’t believe what an idiot he’d been.
“Damn!” he said softly. “I’m sorry, Jules,” he said and moved closer, not touching her, but standing close enough to smell her soft perfume and the flowery scent of her hair. “I laughed and you’re hurt. And I’m sorry, but it isn’t what you think.”
Her whole body stiffened because he’d brought up his laughter, and his voice was so gentle and deep. That tone was breaking through her humiliation, just a crack and she was shuddering from the exertion of trying to not throw herself into his arms and pound her fists against his massive chest in punishment. “Just leave me alone,” she said and hated the fact that she sniffed, revealing just how close to tears she actually was.
James sighed heavily, already regretting his outburst since it caused her this much pain. “I didn’t laugh because you were a virgin, Julianna. I laughed because I was delighted that you would share your first time with me. It means something to me, and that means that I mean something to you. I was just happy that you….felt that way about me.” He watched her carefully and knew that he was getting through to her when he saw her shoulders relax slightly. “I don’t want to hurt you, but I guarantee that I’m not letting you go. I’m going to overcome every obstacle, even if I’m one of them, Jules.”
She wouldn’t look up at him although his words went a long way towards soothing her hurt feelings. “Thank you for that.”
His hands wrapped around her slowly, ready to stop if she showed the least resistance. But she didn’t stop him and his arms enclosed her slender, trembling body, hugging her gently to show him how sorry he was about his thoughtlessness. He kissed the top of her head and was relieved when she relaxed a bit more, even leaning against him slightly. “So will you come home with me? I’ll make you the best pasta you’ve ever had and we’ll talk.”
She stiffened and stepped out of his arms. “No. I appreciate the offer.” She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. “I really just need…”
“You’re going to tell me that you need to be alone, aren’t you?” he interrupted and his hands moved up and down her arms. “Against my better judgment,