Page 43 of The Prize

I looked over at him. “This was a good decision, wasn’t it? After everything.”

He pushed himself up and offered me his hand to help me to my feet. “I’m glad we’re still talking.”

“That was more than talking.” I smirked.

“We can reset if you like.”

“To friends?”

He bowed his head and walked over to a corner closet where fresh folded towels were stacked neatly. He pulled out two of them.

Friends. Did I really want to downgrade us after that mind-blowing sex? No, but it was probably for the best and I did feel more relaxed around him, and that counted for something, didn’t it? It would make finding our way back to our lives more comfortable.

I stood there soaked and with my sex still thrumming with a lingering ache of pleasure, hugging my arms to my chest, and grateful when he wrapped a white plush towel around me and he kissed my head with affection. He wrapped a towel around his waist and tucked it in.

“What happens now?” I wanted more than anything to rest my cheek against his chest as I breathed in the heady scent of expensive body wash that wafted my way.

“We find dry clothes.” He smiled sweetly and it made him look so cute. “I’m glad you’re feeling better.” He raised his chin to indicate something was behind me.

“What is it?” Turning, I jumped when I saw Jade hovering a few feet away.

“She too can refuse you nothing. She’s here to ask if you want sugar with your coffee.”

“She heard me from in here?”

“Yes. When she oscillates like that she’s asking for clarification.” He looked over my shoulder. “I’m handling the drinks, Jade. Give us a minute, okay.”

I spun to face Tobias again and stared up at his beautiful face, his dreamy smile, that gentleness replacing his steely demeanor, and I wanted to fall into his arms again.

He stepped back and I felt like I’d lost him all over again.

Our clothes were scattered here and there, drenched and discarded, a reminder of the wayward passion that had shaken us off course. I turned and looked at the open door and something compelled me to head for it.

Barefoot and alone, padding out into the hallway, I reassured myself resetting was easy...That’s it, good, keep walking until you’re out of range because you just barely escaped being absorbed into the supernova that is Tobias William Wilder.

CHAPTER SIX

IWASGOINGto fall.

Gravity pulled and my gloved hands trembled as I gripped the climbing rope, stealing a quick glance at the drop below. It was still dark out here in the garden and I was halfway down the side of this Manhattan mansion wall, feeling dazed from the unearthly hour in the morning. I wanted to be back inside tucked in bed and not dangling midair with this East Coast chill whipping around me.

Maybe Tobias had chosen this time because I’d be too sleepy to protest. Abseiling was somehow meant to prepare me for when we retrieved my paintings. Or even if a greater threat surfaced.

Stupid, stupid idea.

Tobias peered down at me from over the top of the roof where he was kneeling on the edge. “When you’re ready, kick off from the wall and loosen your carabiner so you only descend a few feet. When you raise the rope again it will tighten the carabiner and you’ll hold your position. Go ahead and repeat what you’re doing now, resting your feet back on the wall. You’ve watched me do it. This is easy.”

“Easy for you,” I snapped. “How is this meant to help me?”

“If we get separated you must be able to take care of yourself.” He pointed to his waist. “I have you on the safety harness.”

“Pull me up.”

“I’ll come down.” He swung round and landed right behind me with his feet either side of mine and his chest pressed to my back.

Something bulged against my lower spine. “That better be your flashlight.”

“Concentrate, please. We’re going to move together—” He wrapped his arm around my waist and I breathed out a long sigh of relief. “I’m right here with you,” he said.