Taming the Lone Wolff(72)
What he felt for her was more than simple lust. But he couldn’t articulate the difference. Never one to voluntarily spill his guts, he had now run out of things to say.
When the silence deepened, Winnie cocked her head. “Why did you feel the need to tell me this? I didn’t expect you to be so open with someone you’ve known for such a brief time.”
He shrugged. “I want you to know why this whole responsibility thing is an issue with me. It’s only been in the last couple of years—now that I see Devlyn and Annalise finally happy, really happy—that I’ve felt a load lifted. And I like that feeling. Watching people I love suffer was excruciating. Trying to help and being virtually useless. I can’t go through that again. And long-term relationships carry that risk.”
“You don’t owe me any explanations.”
“Maybe not. But I want to have honesty between us.”
She looked down at her lap, moving her hands restlessly, rubbing her knees, swatting a fly… “I appreciate that.”
He sat down beside her. “It’s too pretty a day to waste being sad. I hope I haven’t ruined it for you.”
She grimaced. “It’s not ruined. But I can’t help grieving for all of you.”
“You dealt with a pretty terrible loss yourself. And you made it through.”
“I suppose.”
She was more subdued than usual. He wondered if she was judging him for his failings or searching for any signs that he had his mother’s tendencies. He put a hand under her chin. “Look at me, Winnie.”
They were so close he could have counted the smattering of freckles on her cheeks if he’d been so inclined. But what he really wanted was a kiss. When Winnie kissed him, he felt invincible, as though he had won a rare prize.
She curled an arm around his neck. “Are we playing Tarzan and Jane?”
“I do like the thought of you in a leopard skin.”
“Men. You’re so easy.”
“You don’t find Tarzan sexy?”
“He was a hunter-gatherer. Women like being cared for.”
“His rock-hard abs had nothing to do with it?”
“Mmm. I plead the fifth.” She nuzzled his nose. “I like this tree house. Maybe I won’t go back to Nashville. Maybe I’ll stay right here where no one can find me.”
“You wouldn’t be able to forget about your flock. Admit it.”
“True. But don’t make it out to be some noble endeavor. I like being needed. So in a very real way, what I do is selfish.”
He chuckled. “You’ll never sell that one, Winnie. But nice try. And getting back to Tarzan…”
“Yes?” She uncurled her legs and leaned against him, her back to his chest.
His cheek came down to hers. “You said that women like being cared for. But it seems to me that you’re the one who does all the caring. Who takes care of you?”
“My parents left me well cared for.”