“It still eats me up when I think about it,” Blaise admitted. “Not knowing where he is, whether he’s alive or dead.” He sighed and pushed his plate aside. “I walk down the street and see these guys hovering in doorways, and I always look in their faces before I pass them a few bucks. I wonder if one day it might be him staring back at me.”

  She covered his hands with hers. “You have nothing to feel guilty about. He had the same opportunities you had, but he made different choices. He’s responsible for his own life.”

  “I know.” He squeezed her hand before leaning back in his seat. “Would it be weird if I admit I Googled you?”

  “In this day and age? I’d probably think you were weird if you hadn’t. Okay,” she said, lifting her hands and wiggling her fingers. “Let me have it. I’ll tell you whether Wikipedia got it right.”

  He laughed and pretended he had to work hard to recall what he’d read. “Let’s see, you took over your father’s sport agency about eight years ago. It was one of the most successful in the country and has grown under your leadership.”

  She inclined her head. “You have done your homework. What else?”

  “Your brother is Dalton Mitchell—one of my favorite football players, incidentally.”

  “I’ll be sure to tell him that,” Sabrina said, smiling.

  “Your last boyfriend was Dylan Clark.” He chuckled. “I’m not gonna lie, girl, that’s a tough act to follow.”

  “He’s, uh, not exactly my ex.” She winced when Blaise frowned at her. “Well, we technically broke up several months ago, but we’ve kind of rekindled our friendship recently.”

  “Your friendship?” He raised an eyebrow. “I don’t know about you, but I’ve never been able to maintain a platonic friendship with any of my exes.”

  “Me neither.” She had to come clean. Blaise was a nice guy, and he deserved the truth before he got the wrong idea. “I still have feelings for Dylan. I don’t know where things are going, but I’m not interested in dating anyone else right now. I’m sorry. I should have told you that before I agreed to this dinner.”

  He smiled. “Relax, no harm done. I kind of figured your bad mood earlier had something to do with a guy, then you got that call that pretty much confirmed it. I asked you out ‘cause I didn’t want to go home to an empty house, and I didn’t think you did either.”

  “Then we’re cool?” Sabrina felt an enormous sense of relief that he was so easy-going. Most guys would have been offended or felt that she’d led them on by going out with them when she had feelings for someone else.

  “You tell me. I sort of had an ulterior motive for asking you out.”

  “Oh yeah, what’s that?” she asked, stealing a sweet potato fry off his plate.

  “Your friend Kiara, does she have a boyfriend?”

  Sabrina covered her mouth when she laughed, and she forced herself to finish chewing. “Let me get this straight—you invited me to dinner to get the lowdown on my best friend?”

  Blaise dipped his head, looking a little sheepish. “Look, you’re a gorgeous girl, but as soon as I read about you and Clark, I knew I didn’t stand a chance. I’ve seen Kiara at the gym, and we kind of have chemistry. I was just wondering if she’s said anything to you about me?” He covered his eyes with one hand. “God, would you listen to me? I sound like a teenager.”

  Sabrina giggled before patting his forearm. “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me, tough guy.”

  “So has she said anything about me?”

  “Aside from the fact she thinks you’re hot?” Sabrina smirked when a cocky smile spread across his face. “Not much.”

  “So she doesn’t have a boyfriend?”

  “Just one? No.”

  He scowled. “What does that mean?”

  Sabrina spread her arms. “You’ve seen her. She’s not only gorgeous—she’s driven and smart as hell. Is it any wonder you’re not the only one interested in her?”

  “Hmmm…” He folded his arms over his massive chest. “Not that I mind a little healthy competition, but how many guys are we talking here?”

  “She doesn’t sleep around if that’s what you’re implying,” Sabrina said. “She’s selective, but in our line of work, we meet a lot of professional athletes. She’s dated quite a few. Not our clients, of course, but their teammates.”

  “Huh, so those are the kind of guys pursuing her?” he asked, sounding dejected.

  “Among others.” Sabrina didn’t want to discourage him because she thought he could be good for her friend. He was a nice guy who was obviously serious about building a successful business since his boxing career had ended. He and Kiara could have a lot in common. “She hasn’t found the right guy ‘cause she’s a hopeless romantic.”

  “She is?”

  “Yeah, she’s big on grand gestures. She’s used to dating guys with a lot of money, so that doesn’t impress her. It’s the little things that matter to her. She’s looking for someone who’s compassionate and thoughtful, who’ll sweep her off her feet.”

  He stroked the dark stubble on his chin. “I can’t claim to be the most romantic guy, but for a girl like her, I’d be willing to learn.”

  Sabrina grinned. “And I’d be willing to teach you how.”

  “You would, huh?”

  “Hey, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for my best friend.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Dylan was alternating between channel surfing, checking his watch, and cursing when Sabrina rolled in two hours after she’d hung up on him.

  “What are you doing here?” she asked, kicking her shoes off at the door. “I thought you were going home?”

  “Where’s your boyfriend? He didn’t even have the decency to bring you home?” Dylan knew saying that would only make matters worse, but he couldn’t help himself. He was pissed that she’d been out with another guy. He had no right to act like the injured party since he’d done the same thing, but the facts did nothing to temper his anger.

  “I drove my own car to and from the restaurant.” She went to the fridge to grab a bottle of water.

  “What kind of date is that?”

  “It wasn’t a date, dumbass.” She climbed on a stool at the breakfast bar before twisting the cap off her bottle and taking a healthy swig. “I was having a bite to eat with a friend. Can you say the same?”

  “Yes.” They glared at each other before he asked, “Did you go out with him just to spite me?”

  “I went out with him because he’s a nice guy.” She shrugged out of her jacket. “I was hungry and didn’t feel like coming home to an empty house.”

  Feeling marginally better, he smirked. “Admit it, you’re getting used to having me around.”

  She looked him up and down before raising an eyebrow. “Beats buying a pit bull. At least you’re housebroken.”

  He threw his head back laughing. Damn, it felt good to release the tension he’d been carrying all night. “Did you tell him you’re living with someone, or should I do the honors?”

  She crossed her legs, making her tight skirt ride up her thigh. “We’re not living together. You’re just staying with me for a while.”

  He wanted to argue, but he didn’t have the right. They weren’t lovers or even officially back together, but he knew he’d go crazy every time another guy asked her out. “So it’s pretty obvious we both made mistakes tonight.”

  “Really?” She licked a drop of water off her lips. “I had dinner with a friend. What did you do that you regret?”

  “I regret that I was with her instead of you.” He couldn’t help laying his heart on the line with her, even when rejection was a very real possibility.

  She blinked rapidly, staring at him as though she was contemplating the best way to respond. “I would’ve rather been with you too.”

  He crooked a finger, beckoning her closer. “Then why are you still sitting way over there? Get over here, girl.”

  She grinned as she slipped off the stool and moved closer. Setting her water bottle on an end table, she eased down beside him, putting a cushion between them. “Did you have fun tonight?”

  “Not really. You?”

  “I tried.” She bit her lip. “I really tried, but I kept thinking about you being out with her. I’m afraid I was lousy company. Fortunately, Kiara showed up and took my place. She and Blaise seem to be into each other.”

  “Hmm.” He laced his fingers through hers. “Were you jealous?”

  “Yes.”

  His eyes shot up to meet hers. “You were?”

  “Of course I was. My man was out with some other woman tonight. How could I not be jealous?”

  A slow smile spread across his face. “That’s how it is, huh?”

  She swallowed, her eyes falling to their joined hands. “That’s how I’d like it to be. I’ve missed you, D.”

  “I’ve missed you too, baby.” He tossed the pillow aside, then inched closer to her. “I know we need to take this slow, for a lot of reasons, and I’m okay with that. I just need to know we’re gonna try to make this work.”

  “I’m willing to try,” she said softly, putting an arm around his neck to draw him closer still. “I can’t promise things will be the way they were before. I’ve been talking to my therapist about having sex again and—”

  “Sssh.” He silenced her with a brief kiss. “That’s not important right now. I don’t care how long it takes for you to be ready. I’ll wait.”

  “You forget I know you.” She skimmed his scalp with her fingernails until his eyes drifted closed. “I know I can’t ask you to go without sex indefinitely.”

  His eyes flew open. “Sabrina, listen to me.” Cradling her face, he whispered, “I. Love. You.” He smiled when she bit her lip, obviously fighting back tears. “I’d rather be here with you, just like this, than having sex with any other woman on the planet.”

  “I love you too.” She pulled him close and whispered, “Even more for saying that.”

  ***

  Sabrina was lying in bed an hour later, tossing and turning in Dylan’s arms, as he probed her. He was aroused in his sleep, probably having an erotic dream that hopefully included her. Turning on her bedside lamp, she rolled onto her side to stare at him. He was breathtaking, with dark stubble dusting his jaw and ridiculously long eyelashes fanning his cheek. She could watch him sleep forever.

  But when her eyes drifted to his solid chest, she couldn’t help but peel the sheet back to glimpse his defined abs. Tonight was the first night he’d slept in boxer briefs instead of running shorts, probably because they’d agreed their relationship was back on. But it wouldn’t seem real to Sabrina until they’d consummated it.

  Her therapist had told her every woman was different. Some were ready to resume an intimate relationship weeks after an attack, but it took months, if not longer, for the majority of women to get past their fear. The fact that Dylan was willing to wait for her only proved what she’d already known: he really loved her. She wanted to prove to him she felt the same way.

  Kissing his neck, she ran her hands over his pecs before circling his earlobe with her tongue. Pinning him with one thigh, she inched her hand lower until it was teasing the waistband of his boxers.

  He sucked in a sharp breath before opening one eye. “Baby, what are you doing?”

  “Isn’t is obvious?” she asked, winking.

  “Sweetheart, it’s too soon. We don’t have to—”

  “But I want to.”

  He stilled her wandering hand with his and looked into her eyes. “Why? Why do you want to do this?”

  “Because I love you. And I want you. And I want to feel normal again.”

  “Sabrina—”

  “Trust me.” She kissed his chest before forcing herself to look him in the eye. “I’ve always loved sex, especially with you.”

  He released her hand as his other hand trailed down her back, pushing the hem of her T-shirt higher until he could feel bare skin. “You know how brave I think you are? I admired you before, but I’m in awe of you now.”

  Just hearing him say that helped heal her. He didn’t think she was broken or defective. He still thought she was strong, and that made her feel more powerful and resilient than she had since before the attack.

  “The way you touch me…” she whispered. “The way you make me feel… so cherished, I want to feel that way again, D. I want to look into your eyes and see myself the way you see me. I want to feel sexy again.”

  “I can definitely help with that.” He pushed her over-sized T-shirt over her head, leaving her panties on. “You’ve ruined me for all other women. You know that, right?”

  She giggled. He was trying to put her at ease, and thankfully it was working. “Good.”

  “Tell me what you need from me,” he whispered, kissing her neck. “Whatever you need me to do, I’ll do it. I just want this to be good for you, sweetheart.”

  “I, um, need to be on top.” She knew it would take some time before she was ready to try the missionary position again. She needed to be in control and able to stop whenever she wanted to. Not that she wanted to stop with Dylan, but she needed to know she had the option.

  “Sure.” His hand glided over her breast, not pausing long enough to make her uncomfortable. His hand skimmed her flat stomach, the swell of her hips, down her thigh. “God, I’ve missed touching you like this. Sleeping next to you every night and not being able to do this was killing me.”

  “Me too,” she whispered, wrapping her arms around his neck. “I wanted you so much.” But she had been afraid. His date made her realize she could lose him if she wasn’t brave enough to face her fears, and she couldn’t let that happen.

  “It’s so good to hear you say that.” His head moved lower, kissing the column of her throat. “Baby, if anything I do makes you uncomfortable, you need to tell me. Promise?”

  “I will.”

  He was so painstakingly gentle it brought tears to her eyes. There was no way she could draw any correlation between Bell’s vicious assault and what Dylan was doing to her, and she knew that was his intent. He wanted to prove to her that she could still enjoy sex as much as she always had.

  His mouth teased and tested. She could tell he was being cautious. The powerful lover who liked to play rough had receded into the background. In his place was a tender, passionate man who showed her how much he loved her with every touch, and that was exactly what she needed. She gave herself over to him, fixating only on the pleasure he gave her. His finger glided in and out of her tight channel, and he ratcheted her desire higher with each well-timed stroke of that sensitive bud he played so well.

  “Dylan.” Saying his name reminded her that she was safe, where nothing and no one could hurt her. Being so close to him, knowing he still found her as sexy as before, had done more to soothe her than the hours she’d spent crying in her therapist’s office.

  “You have no idea how much you turn me on,” he whispered, tracing her ear with his tongue.

  “Tell me.” She lifted her hips as she scored his shoulders with her nails. “I need to hear it. I need to know.”

  “I get hard just looking at you.” His eyes trailed over her body before coming back to her face. “Every. Single. Time. No matter where we are or what we’re doing, no matter who’s around, all I can think about is getting you alone. Doing this to you.” He thrust a second finger inside her to punctuate his point. “Hearing you moan, hearing you whisper my name, watching your eyes glaze over like they are now. Nothing gets me hotter.”

  “Oh God…” His words were enough to send her over the edge even without the intense rhythm of his hand. Before she knew it, he was taking her to that blissful mind space that had felt like a distant memory. “Yessss….”

  “I could watch you do that all night,” he murmured, skimming her jaw with his lips. “Over and over and over again.”

  He uttered those words like a promise, and she knew that would be the first of many orgasms he’d treat her to. They had a lot of catching up to do after too many sleepless nights apart, too many nights he’d spent in another woman’s arms when he should have been in hers.

  Pushing him onto his back, she crawled on top of him, her eyes barring him from looking away for even for a second. She wanted him to look her in the eye, to see that she was okay with everything they were doing and she was as turned on by making love to him as she’d always been. She wasn’t afraid. With anyone else… well, she couldn’t have made love to another man so soon. But with Dylan, it felt right, like a natural part of the healing process.

  She moved her hand up and down his hard shaft, reveling in the way his eyes darkened with lust and anticipation. He stacked his hands behind his head and let her have her way with him. He seemed to instinctively know what she needed, and she didn’t take that kind of synchronicity for granted. She couldn’t. Not when she’d almost lost it.

  Aligning her body with his, she hovered over his hips, licking her lips. “What do you want, D?”

  “You know what I want. You. It’s always been you, girl.”

  A shiver moved through her as she felt the deeper meaning of his words. She’d waited so long to let herself fall in love with him because in her heart, she’d always known there’d be no turning back. Once Dylan became a part of her, there was no room for anyone else. For better or worse, he was it for her, and the meaning of that hit her full force as their bodies connected.

  She moved slowly, allowing her body to adjust as she fell under his spell. His hands were still locked behind his head. He was just watching her find herself again, and that was the most supportive thing he could have done for her in that moment. His eyes told her everything she needed to know. He loved her. He found her incredibly sexy. He was enjoying this as much as she was.

  Her brain shut down as her body took over. She had no memory of anything, including the hundreds of times they’d made love. It was all new, fresh, and perfect. Her body moved of its own volition, slowly, seductively, taking her where she needed to go and finding a rhythm that was both sensual and erotic.