Page 55 of The House Guest

“I haven’t. And you wanna know something else?”

“What?”

“You’re the first woman I’ve ever slept with in this house.”

My eyes widened. “Get outta here. How isthat possible?”

“Very easy. I never brought women home when I lived with my father. And there hasn’t been anyone since I’ve been back.”

“Who’s the last person you were with?”

“I was seeing someone casually, but regularly, back in Boston.”

“Casually, meaning she was desperately hoping for more, and you strung her along?”

“I never made promises.”

I stiffened. “That’s why I have to be careful with you.”

“You’rethe one who has to be careful? You told me yourself that you’ve broken up with every guy you’ve dated before he had a chance to end things. I fear I’m the one on the chopping block here.”

He had a point. Only time would tell which of us would break the other’s heart.

CHAPTER 15

The following day, Dorian texted me to meet him downstairs for dinner at seven, with no peeking beforehand. He’d gone to the office today but came home earlier than he normally did. He’d sent Patsy and Benjamin home for the day, so it was just the two of us in the house.

I’d been walking around the mansion all day in a haze of happiness after last night, alternating between giddy smiling and inwardly warning myself to be careful about falling for Dorian to the point of no return. I could already feel that happening. For now, though, I was willing to get burned if it meant getting to experience more of what we’d had last night. Falling for Dorian was like the worst drug imaginable—you know it’s bad, but you’re already planning your next hit.

Andhe wanted to make me dinner. No man had ever cooked for me before, and given that Dorian didn’t cook in general, this was bound to be interesting.

Rummaging through my closet, I wanted to make sure I wore the sexiest outfit I could find. He liked leather, so I laid out the only other leather item I had, a black leather corset. It was a departure from my usual crop tops, but I was excited to see his reaction. I decided to pair it with dark jeans and black leather boots.

I retreated into the bath to take a shower, still not feeling worthy of Christina and Remington’s luxurious bathroom. But considering no one else would be enjoying it in my place, I supposed my undeserving ass was better than some stranger in this beautiful space.

Just as I rinsed the conditioner out of my hair, I froze at the sound of the fire alarm. A shot of panic sliced through me as I jumped out of the shower, grabbing a towel.

I practically flew out the bedroom door and ran down the hall.

Dorian raced up the stairs. “It’s okay.” He panted, holding out his hands. “It’s not a fire.”

“It’s not?”

“Just smoke. I fucking burned dinner. Everything is okay, though.”

“Oh no.” I held my hand over my mouth, trying to hold back laughter as relief coursed through me.

“I knew you’d be scared, so I came up as fast as I could.” He ran his hand over my hair. “You’re dripping. Go back and get dried. I just didn’t want you to worry. I’m sorry about this.”

He looked even more frazzled than I felt after the alarm.

“Are you okay?” Iasked.

“So much for YouTube tutorials on how to charbroil steak.”

“Oh, man.” I shook my head. “I’m sorry. It’s the thought that counts.”

“Actually, please do your best to erase this from your memory.” He laughed. “Go back and finish your shower.”