Ian's Ultimate Gamble - Brenda Jackson [16]
His again.
That thought made him lift his head sharply, knowing that was the last thing he wanted. Things could never go back to being the way they were. He refused to let them. There were some things you could never recover from, and one was a broken heart. He'd loved and he'd loved hard. .And whether she had intended to or not, she had destroyed that love.
He looked down and his gaze swept over her features. His eyes touched each and even part of the face he would always cherish. But that was as far as things would ever go. He would want her. Lust after her, but he would never love her again.
"Come on and let me walk you back to your villa," he said in a husky voice tinged with regret.
As if he had kissed any and every word from her mouth, Brooke merely nodded, gathered the towel around her and followed him as he led her to his private elevator.
"I didn't mean to overstay my welcome," she finally was able to say when the elevator doors opened.
He looked down at her, his features tight. "You didn't."
For some reason she didn't believe him. One thing she knew about Ian was that he was a man who didn't forgive easily, nor was he quick to forget. He claimed he wanted them to move on and be friends, but she wondered if that's what he really wanted, or if that was something he would ever be willing to tolerate. Brooke opened her mouth to say something and then closed it. Chances were he would be keeping his distance for the remainder of her stay.
When they reached her door he stepped aside to let her unlock it. She thought this was where he would tell her good-night, and he surprised her when he took her hand and followed her inside, closing the door behind him.
"Hidden video cameras in the halls." he whispered in a throaty voice before gently pulling her into his arms. He then leaned down and kissed her again, the connection slow and lingering, but just as thorough as before. The kiss sent shudders all through her.
Moments later his mouth left hers to trail heated kisses along her neck and jaw. The feel of his beard rubbing against her skin was eliciting sensations deep in the pit of her stomach. A man like Ian was deadly in more ways than one.
"Will you be sailing with me tomorrow, Brooke?"
She raised her chin, still shuddering, surprised at his request. "Are you sure that's what you want?" she asked.
He was silent for a moment and stared deep into her eyes. It was all Brooke could do not to melt right there on the spot from the heat generating in his gaze. "Yes. I'm sure." He stepped back. "I'm beginning to realize something, Brooke."
"What?" she asked, having a difficult time swallowing.
"Moving beyond what we once shared isn't going to be as easy as I thought."
She lifted her brow and fought back the thick lump of emotion that clogged her throat, almost kept her from breathing. "What do you mean'?"
"Mere friendship between us won't ever work."
"You don't think so?"
"No." His voice was clipped, cool and confident. "-And since things can never be like they were. We need finality. Closure. A permanent end."
She knew that what he was saying was true, considering the kisses they had shared, but still, hearing him say it hurt deeply. "So, how do you suggest we go about it? Do you want me to leave?" she asked, knowing that wasn't an option even if he wanted her to.
He stared at her for a long moment, then answered by saying, "No. I don't want you to leave. What I want, what