Dangerous Abduction (O'Connor Brothers Book 2) by Rhonda Brewer Page A

It’s probably a little chilly outside.” They raced out of the kitchen chattering about slides and swings and who was going to climb the highest on the jungle gym.
    Marina had turned back to the sink and her hands were in the water, but he couldn’t see anything left to wash. She just stood there gazing down into the water. James put his finger under her chin and tipped it up so she had to look at him. She met his gaze and he could see the confusion and fear in them.
    “I’m sorry, Marina. I shouldn’t have kissed you.” James pushed a stray piece of her hair away from her cheek.
    “It’s okay, it didn’t mean anything.” She pulled back from him and turned back to the sink. James put his hands on her shoulders and turned her to face him.
    “I didn’t say it didn’t mean anything. I just don’t know if either of us are ready for this but it isn’t because I don’t want it.”
    “What do you mean?” She was leaning into him, and he couldn’t think with her so close. He stepped back and dropped his head.
    “I don’t know what I mean, Marina. I’m confused and I can’t explain it but as much as I want to kiss you again, I just feel like it would be the wrong time to start something, or maybe I’m just scared.” James plowed his fingers through his hair.
    “It’s probably better if we go to a hotel until my house is ready.” She turned away and started to walk out of the kitchen. James caught her hand and turned her back around.
    “You’re not spending the night in any hotel. You’re staying here.” He hadn’t meant to raise his voice but when she pulled back from him as if she was afraid he was going to hit her, he wanted to kick his own ass. Shit! With her history he should know better than to grab her or raise his voice. “I’m so sorry.”
    “James...” she started, but he held up his hands to stop her.
    “You’re staying here. That won’t happen again.” The boys ran back into the kitchen. They grabbed Marina’s hands and dragged her out of the kitchen. “At least not until I’m sure we’re both ready for something more,” James whispered to himself.
    The drive to the park was anything but quiet with the boys chattering away in the back seat. It was hard to get a word in with them talking. Marina hadn’t said a word since they left the house, but the wheels in his head were spinning. The only person he felt comfortable talking to about his feelings for Marina was John, and since that wasn’t possible at the moment, he had to work through this on his own.
    It seemed lazy to be driving to a park he could see from his front step but he figured once the boys were tired of playing at the park, they could take a drive to Harbour Street for a treat. Plus, it was easier to wrangle two boys in a truck than walking down the road to the park.
    It was probably going to be the last trip to the park for the year. It was the end of October and the weather was getting cooler. There was still a warm breeze in the air which was unusual for the time of year. When he glanced at Marina she had her hands clasped in front of her resting on her knees, and she sat with her back rigid. A sure sign that she was tense. He cursed himself since he was more than likely the reason she was uncomfortable. He didn’t regret kissing her, but he could have handled it better especially if she wasn’t ready. Hell, he was questioning if he was ready himself. He’d jumped the gun, but he’d gone with his instinct.
    James pulled into the parking lot and scanned the park. It was second nature for him to search the area before exiting his truck. There were only three other vehicles in the parking lot because most people were within walking distance. He stepped out of the truck and the hair on the back of his neck stood up. He spun to check behind him, but nothing was out of the ordinary. He walked around the truck the whole time keeping his eyes sharp because there was something giving him a bad feeling.
    He