Page 31 of Hard Rock Sin

"I haven't checked under the bed yet."

"Leave."

I marched him out of my room, shoving at his back with both hands. His firm, muscular back.

Damn, but this guy worked out.

I needed to distance myself from those thoughts. I pushed him through the doorframe.

"Thank you for walking me back, but I'm going to bed now."

I swung the door closed, but he stuck a foot inside the door jam.

"Cameron, I'm serious."

"You sure you're going to be okay?"

He was no longer grinning, his eyes no longer sparkling. His forehead was lined, a slight worried frown on his face.

My irritation faded. He really had been looking out for me. Joking with me, distracting me from my fears.

Just like a big brother would.

That thought made my heart sink. The last thing I wanted was for Cameron to think of me as his little sister. I thought maybe we'd gotten past that.

"I'll be fine," I told him.

He placed a hand on my shoulder, squeezing reassuringly. His thumb brushed the curve of my neck. My lungs squeezed. I nearly choked on my next breath.

"I programmed my number in there, too." He nodded to my phone. "If you need anything, just text. Or call. Or yell. This place carries sound pretty well. I'm on the second floor."

I nodded silently. I was afraid if I tried to speak, all that would come out was a whimper.

Our eyes locked. I had to tilt my head back. We were so close. He was so tall.

One dark blue eye stared into mine, the other covered by strands of fire-engine hair.

His thumb rubbed back and forth, a slow, sensual caress.

"I really am sorry for teasing you," he said honestly.

"I forgive you," I said with a forced smile.

Cameron continued staring at me for a few long moments.

His eyes dropped to my lips.

Nerves fluttered in my stomach. I played with the hem of my shirt, twisting the material between my fingers. He was so close. He was looking at me so intently. Was he going to…? My heart thumped wildly in my chest. I found myself leaning in unconsciously.

Cameron cleared his throat and backed away.

"Anyway. I'm here if you need me. See you around."

He made his way down the hallway, walking at a brisk pace, almost fleeing.

Disappointment hit my gut like a wrecking ball. Secretly, I kept on thinking maybe something would happen between the two of us. Kept on thinking maybe he felt something for me.

We'd had our fair share of awkward, tension filled moments, it was true, but those had all been about attraction. Lust.