Rob grabbed her hand and tugged. “That won’t be necessary. We’ll be in my cabin.”
The thought of being alone with him did things to her body she wasn’t ready to analyze. Though it didn’t matter at this point.
She had a feeling she’d soon begin to understand just what those things were.
Chapter Twelve
Ariel followed behind Rob, a protest on her lips that died as soon she gazed at his backside. Yeah, there was definite attraction. And she missed him. The least she could hope for was to clear the air with him and maybe pick things up where they’d left off—without the guise of testing.
They walked in silence to his cabin, Rob rubbing soothing circles on the hand that he’d held as they made their short journey across the estate. The cabins weren’t far from the main house. Just far enough to provide the necessary privacy they afforded those who inhabited them.
Once they arrived at Rob’s place, he pushed the door open and motioned for her to walk in. As she walked beside him, she smelled his woodsy scent, could see the traces of sweat on his forehead at his hairline, and lost herself in his beautiful eyes.
“Hi,” he breathed, gazing back at her. Time seemed insignificant, as if all that mattered was they were here together. Then he blinked and looked at the door above her head as he closed them in, shutting out the rest of the world. He stepped away, walking into the kitchenette, and Ariel followed him. “I, too, owe you an apology.” He turned to face her. “I mean, I still think I was in my right to be angry with you, but I should have given you the opportunity to explain. For that, I’m sorry.”
Ariel stepped up to him and gently ran her hand up his arm because she just couldn’t bear the thought of not touching him at this moment. “I’m sorry, too. I was wrong and I should have come clean in the beginning. I hope you can forgive me.” God, she didn’t want to cry. She didn’t want to win him over because he felt sorry for her or had a weak spot for women who cried. But she couldn’t help the emotion that poured out of her. He wrapped his arms around her.
“I’ve missed you so much, angel.”
She trembled, her body responding to the need that only Rob could satisfy…even if that need was just a comforting embrace.
“I’ve missed you too, Robbie.”
He groaned, nuzzling her hair as he breathed her in. “I want you. I need you.”
She reached up and squeezed his arms, trying to find strength to make sure he understood where she was coming from. If she learned one thing from this ordeal it was that she needed to be totally honest with him. She looked up into his eyes and braced herself for what she was about to say.
“I want you too, Robbie, but you have to know that I still don’t know if love exists.” When he frowned and opened his mouth, she covered it gently with the tips of her fingers. “Shhh, please let me finish. I feel like I’ve fallen for the illusion once before, and my protective side won’t allow me to do it again.” She let her fingers trace his lips, relearning the luscious feel of them once again. “But I-I’d be lying if I told you I felt nothing for you. Because I do feel something. I just don’t know what it is.”
“You can believe it’s not love if you want, but I know differently, angel. I know this because I already know I’m in love with you.”
She gasped, trying to step away from him, but Rob grabbed her wrist, halting her retreat. She shook her head. “No, don’t do this. Don’t ruin it before it starts.”
He pulled her back to his chest and gently rubbed her back. “It’s okay, angel. I’m not going to rush you. I don’t have to have a declaration of love or demand that you mate with me before you’re ready. I just don’t want to lose you. I’ll wait for you. As long as it takes for you to be ready.”
She pulled back, shocked. “You could be waiting forever, Robbie.”
His lips quirked into the sexiest smile she’d ever seen. “I doubt it. But that’s a risk I’m not only willing but eager to take.” He leaned down, his wet lips burning a path up her neck to her ear. “But that doesn’t mean I’m not going to go easy on you. I plan on exerting my dominance over you every time I fuck that sweet pussy of yours.”
Ariel moaned. She didn’t know if she believed he’d wait for her to feel the same as he did for her, but at this moment, she couldn’t deny her body desired him and her soul needed him. She tilted her head, seeking, and he gave her what she wanted. His mouth crushed to hers, releasing a groan that she swallowed and returned in equal force.