Shed never believed she could be bought, but that was before the woman named Rina had made an offer Brianne couldnt resist. In return for being a physical therapist for Rinas brother in the evenings, Brianne would earn more than enough money finally to have a life of her own. Shed be able to pay off Marcs exclusive boarding school loans, and with his college costs covered by scholarships, her days of financial burden would be over. Shed even make a dent in her personal debt, thanks to the second part of Rinas offer-the back room in her penthouse, rent-free for the entire summer.
At the thought of moving in with Rina and her brother, virtually total strangers, Briannes old anxieties threatened to resurface, but she battled them down with an ability shed acquired over the years. Even if she hadnt met Rinas brother yet, Rinas warmth had been enough to put her at ease. There was no reason to fall back into old patterns created by her parents dangerous and erratic lifestyle. Not now.
She had a larger concern-Rinas boyfriend. And Brianne hoped she wouldnt run into her sexy fantasy man during her time here. But Brianne felt certain that if Rina had an inkling of the attraction that had flowed between them, the other woman would keep them apart. Brianne swallowed at the painful notion, yet knew it was for the best-for Brianne, for her brotherfor so many reasons.
The elevator cruised to a silent stop, and the doors slid open with a hushed glide. She stepped directly into the entryway and was overwhelmed by the large penthouse. Apparently Rina shared this place with her brother, an arrangement that would work well for Briannes evening physical therapy sessions. Glancing around at the crystal chandelier above her, the wide expanse of windows and the marble floors, Brianne was struck again by the enormity of her quick decision. But as shed told herself before, if a wealthy widow, as Rina had called herself, wanted to spend her money making her brothers life easier, Brianne would accept the residual good fortune and work hard in return.
She glanced down and smoothed the workout leggings shed worn to meet Rinas brother. Instead of dressing to impress, shed dressed down, intent to prove she wanted to work and was ready to begin. She wondered now if shed made a mistake. Perhaps she should have opted for a better visual impression, but it was too late to change her mind. All that remained was the initial meeting with her new client.
Difficult was how Rina had described her brother. Obstinate. Unwilling to continue therapy without being convinced. Brianne covered her stomach with her hands, attempting to calm her nerves. Shed learned a long time ago how to cover her insecurities and make the most of any opportunity.
No time like the present, she thought. Hello? Brianne called into the empty apartment, surprised when she didnt hear an echo. The penthouse took up the entire top floor of the high-rise building, and no one could enter the private lobby elevator without the use of a passkey. Shed never been in any place as exclusive or as elegant as this. Or as empty, she thought. Considering the doorman had said she was expected, she wondered where Rina had disappeared to.
Is anyone here? she called out once more.
In response, the short, chubby dog shed met on her last visit came bounding toward her, tail wagging in excitement and greeting. From his exuberance and glee, Brianne knew she had nothing to fear and bent down.
Some watchdog you are. She had to dig beneath the wrinkles on his skin to give him a loving scratch behind his ears. Youre a cutey. Shed never seen a dog like this anywhere but on TV. She glanced at the dog tag beneath his neck for a reminder. Is anyone else here, Norton?
He licked her hand. Black tongue, she murmured. Interesting.
Rina? What are you doing back? A distinctly male voice called from somewhere inside the large apartment. Before Brianne could answer, he continued talking, his masculine voice coming closer. I thought you were on your way to the airport. You didnt tell me the damn dog stands and licks your legs as you get out of the shower The voice stopped abruptly.
Brianne stood. She raised her gaze, and her breath caught in her throat. Her fantasy man stood before her-and he wasnt dressed. Unless she considered a couple of small towels, one around his waist and another around his shoulders, being dressed. She didnt, not when the parts that were uncovered were so muscular and spectacular. And he was tanned golden brown, except for the teasing glimpses of white skin below his waist, which disappeared beneath a towel that covered parts she didnt even want to think about.
Yes, she admitted, she did. She wanted to do more than think about them, and those illicit thoughts were rampaging as fast as her beating heart. Needing oxygen desperately, she tried to suck in a breath, then forced her gaze upward to meet his shocked stare.
Youre not Rina, he said.
Just as Brianne shook her head and wondered if he was disappointed, a sexy grin lifted his lips into the most unbelievable smile.
Breathe, she silently ordered.
I didnt think you could be her. The limo picked her up for the airport a while ago.
Her eyes strayed to the towel riding low on his hips. She could handle this. She had to handle this. Her hands curled into tight fists. When shed accepted Rinas proposition, shed convinced herself she wouldnt be running into him. She was sure Rina wouldnt permit it. But she was seeing him here now.
And shed be seeing a lot more of him, if he lived here, as she suspected he did. As if she wasnt seeing enough already. She watched in awe as the sun reflected off his tanned, muscular chest. Brianne grew dizzy and forced herself to inhale.
He took a step closer. The clean scent of soap mixed with a masculine spiced aftershave assaulted her, until she was enveloped in his essence. She couldnt take any more, not if she was going to maintain any dignity. Dont move, she ordered. Do not take another step.
She speaks. And here I thought you were mute.
Very funny, she muttered.
Why cant I come closer? He folded his arms low on his chest.
Damn, she wished he wouldnt do things that drew her attention to his body. Thanks to the many nights shed spent fantasizing about him, her own body was on edge-her skin sensitized, her senses too aware of him. It didnt matter that theyd never actually met until now. This was a man shed taken into her home, into her bed with her at night. And she now worked for the woman with whom he was involved. Brianne couldnt pretend the knowledge didnt bother her any more than she could pretend he didnt affect her.
Forget the money, there was no way she could take this job.
As if he could read her thoughts, Norton whined once, then placed his head down on the marble floor and looked up at her with soulful eyes. But when her fantasy man braced the knuckles of one hand beneath her chin and tipped her head upward so their eyes met and their gazes locked, she forgot all about the wrinkled dog.
His masculine fingertips were hot against her skin, branding where they touched. You look like youre about to faint.
His body heat was potent. The urge to wrap herself around him and let his damp skin meld with hers was strong. Too strong. I asked you not to come closer.
And I asked you, why not? You never answered.
His eyes were a deep shade of blue, she realized for the first time, so dark they could be black, but with a hint of navy-or was it indigo?-giving them depth and interest.
She searched for a response that wouldnt leave her humiliated, and found none. She certainly couldnt tell him the truth. If he was a mind reader, she might as well jump off the roof of this very high, luxury building.
When she remained silent, he groaned and dropped his hand. Okay, lets back up and try this again. I didnt know Rina was expecting company. Hell, I didnt know you and Rina even knew each other.
Without his touch, she was able to focus a little more. We met last week. And Rinas not expecting me exactly, her brother is.
He raised an eyebrow in definite surprise. He is?
I assume so. Rina said shed let him know Id be coming. Im Brianne Nelson. Good manners dictated she extend her hand for a greeting. Self-preservation demanded she never touch him again. Considering he still stood in a towel and nothing more, Brianne figured shed be forgiven for her lapse in social graces.
Brianne, he murmured. Her name seemed to roll off his tongue. Beautiful. It suits you.
Thank you.
He nodded. So tell me, why do you think Rinas brother is expecting you?
Brianne narrowed her eyes. Wouldnt Rina have mentioned shed hired someone as her brothers physical therapist? Or was their relationship so shallow, they didnt discuss anything of emotional importance? Somehow, she didnt think so. Brianne had sensed a depth to Rina, an innate sense of decency and caring. Much as Brianne would have enjoyed disliking the other woman, she just couldnt, which suddenly made this conversation even stranger than it already was.
She opted for minimal explanation. Im a physical therapist. She didnt like the speculative gleam that came into his eye.
I thought you were a waitress.
Belatedly, she realized she knew no more about him than when shed walked in, and she disliked being at a disadvantage. You know, this has become a very lopsided conversation. You know my name and occupations, but I know nothing about you.
You know how I look fresh out of a shower, he said with a grin. And thats an awful lot more than I know about you. He seared her with his deep eyes and a meaningful glance.
That isnt what I meant.
He shook his head and laughed. Sorry. Lets start over.
We tried that already. She folded her arms across her chest-to cover her bodys reaction to his heated stare and to ease the slow-building ache in her breasts.
Then, lets do it till we get it right. He extended his hand.
In his eyes, she saw a definite challenge, as if he knew how much his touch affected her and dared her to grasp his hand, anyway. She had grown up with a younger brother and had learned to never back down from a dare. She steeled herself and placed her hand inside his.