Rolling his shoulders, he took a deep breath. “It’s a one-bedroom apartment. I’m not so presumptuous as to believe we’d sleep together tonight, but I don’t want to leave you alone.”
She leaned one shoulder against the door frame. “I never assumed you’d drop me off and leave, and getting another hotel room isn’t practical.”
“It’s important to me for you to really get that I only want what’s in your best interest.”
Again with that sincerity. She was too tired to think. Large capable hands wrapped around her upper arm, jolting her awake. Blinking rapidly, she gave a rueful smile. “I’ve got to lie down.”
“Yeah, you should.” He opened the door and helped her inside.
They entered through a tiny kitchen and went straight to an equally tiny bedroom. There were no furnishings save for the bed. Sinking onto the foot of the mattress, she watched him deposit her things in the closet before facing her. “You’re going to be okay, Grace.”
“I hope so.” She sighed, the whoosh of breath shaky and shallow.
“You will. You’re strong and smart and resilient. You’re clearly a survivor. You’re also a damn good agent to have if I ever go pro at thumb wrestling.” He came to her then, pulling her heels off and setting them aside. Kneeling at her feet, he looked up, blue eyes clear. “How much help do you want getting ready for bed?”
“I could probably use your help getting undressed. My fingers aren’t working quite right at the moment.”
He sucked in a breath but instead of commenting, simply set to divesting her of her shirt and jeans before hesitating. “Did you bring pajamas?”
“I have no idea what I brought. I’m sure the clothes I wore today are in there because I changed on my way to the bar. There might be a couple other work outfits and a couple of T-shirts.” She glanced up, mildly mortified. “I may have forgotten to include underwear for tomorrow.”
His mouth opened and closed, but no sound escaped until he cleared his throat. “I’m not even sure what to do with that.”
She smiled, this time more genuine than earlier. “I’ll go to the nearest T.J. Maxx after work tomorrow.”
“Fair enough.” He dropped his gaze to the floor and ran a hand behind his neck, pulling hard enough his muscles shook. “So...no pajamas.”
“No pajamas,” she whispered.
“Grace, I can’t... That is... Shit.” He stood and spun away from her, leaning both hands against the nearest wall. “I can’t help but be wickedly aroused. I’m a freaking lecher for reacting like this now of all times, but my body refuses to behave.”
“Come here.”
“I’m sorry, I simply can’t get it to stand down—”
Mustering the last of her energy, she snapped, “Justin.”
He gave her his profile but wouldn’t face her. “What?”
“Come. Here.” She patted the space beside her. “I’m cold.”
The way he moved toward her, as if she might explode, amused her. The bulge in the front of his pants? She wished like mad she had the ability to take care of it. She was just so damn tired. He stopped in front of her, pulled his shirt over his head and gave it to her. It was warm and smelled of him, but she was so mesmerized by his hard body all she could do was hold the shirt in her limp hands.