WildLoving Read Online Free Page A

He could always depend on them. “Yeah. Thanks.” He ended the
call and tossed his phone onto the nearby kitchen counter.
    Now that he had her here, he wasn’t quite sure where to
begin. She was swaying slightly and she held her knapsack by the straps now, as
if it were too heavy for her to lift.
    He slowly reached out and hooked his fingers around the
strap of her bag. “Let me take that for you.”
    She yanked it back. “No.” Then, as if realizing what she’d
done, she added. “That’s okay. But thank you.”
    Rabb couldn’t imagine what it must feel like to have all
your worldly possessions in one small bag. He’d grown up in a stable, happy
home and knew his parents and brother would always be there for him.
    Eliza was alone.
    “How about you just set it down here right in front of the
door.”
    She nodded and carefully put the knapsack on the floor. It
took her quite a bit longer to actually release the straps. Rabb stood there,
patiently waiting until she was ready, not pressing her any harder than he
already had.
    Eliza was at the breaking point. He had no idea what she’d
been through during the more than a year since he’d seen her, but what little
he did know broke his heart. And he had a feeling she was hiding the worst of
it, only giving him the bare bones of the situation.
    A surge of relief went through him when she finally released
her grip on the straps and stepped away from the backpack. “How about a hot
bath and something to eat?”
    Her chin went up and she scowled at him. “I’m not a charity
case.”
    He reached out and touched her soft, pale cheek with his
fingers. “I know you’re not, honey. But indulge me. Please. We can talk more
about your job once I’ve taken care of you.”
    Because that was exactly what he wanted to do. Take care of
her. She was fiercely independent and prickly as hell. He admired that about
her. But what she didn’t seem to realize was that everyone needed help at some
point in their lives.
    “What do you say?” he cajoled. “You can have a nice hot soak
while I whip up an omelet for you.”
    Her stomach growled at the mention of food. Her face turned
red and he knew she was hungry even if she wouldn’t admit it. She was also
wavering.
    “I’ll feel better if I know you’re comfortable.” He was
laying it on thick, but it was nothing less than the truth.
    “Why?” She tilted her head to one side and studied him. “Why
are you doing this?”
    “Because I care about you. Because we were friends once.”
More than friends, but he was doing his damnedest to stay cool. One wrong word
and she might bolt.
    “Friends.” She said the word as if he were speaking some
foreign language.
    “Yeah, friends.” He put his arm around her shoulders and led
her down the hallway. “I have this awesome bathroom with a big tub. Great for
soaking in.” He flipped on the light switch and was gratified when he heard her
gasp of pleasure.
    “I know, right?” He propelled her into the room. “I realize
it’s a bit much, but I wanted a full tub and a large shower enclosure as well.”
    “This is incredible.” She stroked her hand over the
earth-toned tiles that lined the wall beside the tub and Rabb’s entire body
tightened. He wanted her hand touching, caressing his chest. His dick flexed
and grew, as if to remind Rabb it was there. As if he could ever forget. And
yeah, he wanted her hand wrapped around his cock.
    But for now, he’d settle for having her in his tub.
    He went to work and quickly had the hot water flowing and a
clean towel and facecloth set out. “Help yourself. I’m going to start on that
omelet.”
    He had to get out of here before he did something really
stupid like undress her and join her in the tub. The thing was big enough to
easily hold them both. The image of her soapy, wet body sliding over his wasn’t
helping his erection one damn bit.
    “Rabb.”
    He stopped and glanced over his shoulder. She looked so
small and lost standing