Though the house was quiet and the overhead lights were off, the soft glow of a lamp beckoned to him from the family room. Just like Nikki to be thoughtful and leave a light burning for him, he thought.
With a weary groan, Kevin stepped inside the room.
“Are you okay?” Nikki asked.
Her soft voice took him by surprise.
Kevin was used to Max. She wasn’t. He glanced her way. “Are you?”
She bit down on her lower lip. “I feel responsible. He went into the basement earlier and I forgot to mention it... what with dinner and the tension, not that there’s an excuse...”
“Stop right there.” He held a hand up to forestall any more explanations.
“I don’t blame you for being angry.”
He raised an eyebrow. “If I’m angry at anyone, it’s at myself for subjecting you to him.”
“Don’t you think he’s responsible for his own behavior, not you?”
Kevin couldn’t help but grin. “Using that logic, you ought to lighten up on yourself, too.”
She tipped her head to one side. “So you’re not upset with me.”
“No, Nikki. I’m not upset with you.” How could he be? She was the one person who made him want to be better than he was—and the one person he kept letting down.
“But you’re still upset.”
“You always were perceptive.”
“I’m also here. For you.”
Though he’d be damned later, Kevin couldn’t resist the temptation—or the solace she offered. She held out her arms and he walked into her embrace.
No hesitation, no uncertainty. One minute Nikki was standing alone, the next he was there. She had no illusions. Kevin needed someone. If he hadn’t been emotionally drained, he’d never have turned to her now.
But somehow, it didn’t matter. Solid and sexy, his hard body aligned with hers, leaving no doubt where this could lead.
If she so desired.
She cupped his cheeks in her hands. If she desired. As if wanting him was ever in question. She’d sought the chance to show him what they could share. It seemed she was getting her wish in a way she’d never expected. Maybe she’d regret this in the morning. Or maybe she’d be looking at a brand-new start.
What better way for them to begin again than with the ultimate act of intimacy? If nothing else, they were good at that. Good at giving of themselves when the other one was in pain. What was so wrong with that? Didn’t that show a depth of caring not many people possessed?
He grabbed her wrists. “You know we shouldn’t do this.”
“Why not? It’s not like I could get pregnant,” she said with a grin.
Her attempt at lightening the situation worked, and Kevin laughed. But only for a moment. “I’m no good for you, Princess.”
“Why don’t you let me be the judge of what’s good for me?” she asked. Her body ached in delicious ways and all because she was in his arms, inhaling his scent and imagining them entwined more deeply. She drew a breath for courage and pressed closer to him.
He let out a slow groan. “Nikki...”
“No more words, okay?” She touched her mouth to his. His lips were warm, but remained closed.
After seeing his father in action, Nikki understood how Kevin’s mind worked. He’d never had anyone give to him or take care of him. Rather, he’d always been the strong one. Which was why he possessed that all-consuming need to control. About why he tended to treat people like they needed his protection.
“I don’t need your protection,” she murmured. She threaded her fingers through his hair, feeling the soft strands between her fingertips. “But I do need you.”
A man couldn’t resist a plea like that—even if the reverse were true. Nikki didn’t need Kevin as much as Kevin needed her. She was warm and giving, and she wanted him. She wasn’t holding his father’s behavior against him, nor did she seem disgusted by tonight’s scene.
She seemed only concerned. For him.
And he needed that right now. Needed her. He cupped her face in his hands, much as she’d done to him. And he kissed her the way she demanded to be kissed. Her mouth opened in return and he lost himself in her.
Their clothes landed haphazardly around the room. Wanting more for Nikki than a fast tumble, he swept her off her feet.
“You do realize you’re lifting two of us,” she said, laughing.
“Do you hear me complaining?”
“I hope we’re going to bed,” she murmured. Her tone was sexy, her eyes glazed with desire.
“Can’t argue with that.” And he couldn’t. Not with them both undressed. The warmth of her skin heated his already overloaded senses. They made it to the bedroom and he lowered her to the bed before following her. At least the sheets were cool, a contrast to the fever burning inside him.