her better, but she knew he could still see her black panties.
Panties that he’d picked out for her.
Putting a finger under her chin, he lifted her face. “You’re okay?”
Breathing became more difficult, and not just because of her illness. “You must think I’m a terrible tease.”
A slow rascal’s smile only made him more appealing. “Definitely a tease. But I understand not wanting to be alone when you feel bad.” He kissed her forehead. “And I’m glad I’m here.”
It didn’t feel like a come-on, like an effort to soften her up so she’d finally give in.
She knew that Hogan had been hurting for a long time. He’d lost his wife, his job, and uprooted his life. For a while there, he’d been about as miserable as any human could be while still functioning and pretending nothing was wrong.
She admired his strength, the way he’d pushed forward instead of giving in to grief. Had he loved his wife a lot? It seemed likely, given they’d been together so long.
Yet she remembered his comment about cheating, lying women. Had he meant one of the random one-nighters he’d indulged? She didn’t think so. None of those ladies had warranted even a second date, as far as she knew.
Testing the waters, she said, “It’s easy to see why you’re successful with women.” His wife, that murky lady who might have hardened him, had to have been a complete fool.
Hogan shook his head. “Come on. Into bed.” He straightened the messed covers and got her settled, then scooted in next to her, covering them only with the sheet.
Until now, she’d been so cold.
But lying next to Hogan warmed her up from the inside out—and he wasn’t even touching her yet.
He stretched out a long arm to turn off the bedside lamp.
She was wondering how this would work, what she should do, when the bed dipped as he adjusted, and he very naturally drew her into his side.
“Comfortable?”
Oh yes. She cleared her throat, but managed only, “Mmm-hmm.” God, he was hot. The entire front of her was snuggled close to the side of him, one strong arm under and around her, keeping her close. She wanted to lift her leg over him, but held herself still instead.
“You don’t sound comfortable.”
“I’ve never slept with a guy before unless... Well, I never have, not without sex first.”
“It’s a unique experience, that’s for sure.”
But he’d been married. Surely he and his wife hadn’t had sex every night. Then again, if she was married to Hogan... Whoa. No. She put the brakes on those thoughts real quick.
“I don’t know when you even have time to date,” he said, and he sounded tentative, like maybe he was asking for more than the obvious.
“I don’t.”
His arm tightened around her. “So why the condoms in your purse?”
Violet reared up over him. She couldn’t see him in the dark, but she stared toward his voice. “How do you know—”
“I got your keys from your purse.”
“And you snooped!”
“Nope.” His hands closed around her waist. “They were right there, front and center.”
She felt like an idiot. Of course they were—she’d carelessly tossed them there a few days ago, worried that she might give in to him and wanting to be prepared just in case.
She wouldn’t tell him that, so instead she told a half-truth. “They’re just a precaution.”
“Yeah?” He pulled her down to rest against his chest. She felt his hand sift through her hair until he’d freed it from the band. He smoothed it down her back, saying, “In case Nathan got interested? Or a customer?” Bitterness sounded when he added, “You know Jason is married now, so he wouldn’t—”
Slowly balling up her fist, Violet drew back and punched him in the ribs. She was too close to him and feeling too weak to make it very forceful.
In fact, he laughed, caught her wrist and held it against his chest. “Legit question, Violet.”
“No, I’m not interested in Nathan that way. I told you he’s too macho. And I don’t do random—unlike some people I know.”
He laughed again, a sarcastic sound. “And my brother?”
If she could go back in time, she’d erase the very brief relationship she and Jason had indulged. But she couldn’t, and obviously Hogan knew about it.
It was before Hogan had ever moved to the area, and it hadn’t lasted long enough for anyone to remember. But in a small town, everyone was in everyone else’s business.
Knowing this was a serious subject, a touchy subject, knowing that even though she and Hogan hadn’t hooked up it mattered a lot to him, she searched for the right words to explain.
“I shouldn’t have asked.”
Hogan did that often, letting her off the hook. But not this time. “Jason and I are friends, nothing more.”
“Friends with a history.”
“Not that it matters—not to him and not to me. Honor is good for him, and vice versa. I’m happy for them both.”
With one hand he continued to hold her one wrist while with the other he stroked her back. “You slept with him.”
Violet winced. “Just that once.” Her heart thundered so hard, she didn’t know if that’s what hurt her chest, or if it was the pneumonia. “It was stupid, for both of us, and it never meant anything. For a while there I was afraid it would ruin our friendship, maybe make things awkward. But Jason was no more interested in a repeat performance than I was.”
The seconds ticked by, then Hogan teased, “Should I be insulted on my brother’s behalf?”
Knowing he believed her, Violet relaxed. “No. The chemistry just wasn’t there.” Not like the chemistry I have with you. Because it was uppermost in her mind, and here, now, in the dark discussing such intimate things, seemed like a good time to bring it up, she asked, “What about you? Am I likely to run into one of your...” She didn’t want to insult other women, so she settled on, “Flings?”
“No idea. Would you mind?”
If he’d let her go, she’d punch him again. He seemed to know it and held her snug even as she felt the laughter rumbling in his chest beneath her cheek. “Jerk.”
“I’ve never claimed otherwise.”
He didn’t have to. Anyone who knew him saw right away that he was, overall, a really terrific guy. Definitely a great dad. A good
