Loch and Key by Shelli Stevens Page B

flashed across her face as she sat down on the end of his queen-size bed, and folded her legs under her bottom. She balanced her tray on her lap and stabbed a potato with a fork.
    “So you’re not like half the guys I see coming into the pub. Not a heavy drinker?”
    “I enjoy a good brandy or beer, but honestly, that’s about it. And even then, all in moderation.”
    She nodded, chewing her food slowly. After a moment she sighed. “I’ve been drunk, but it’s not often. Brett, I’m sorry about yesterday. I had the home field advantage, so to speak. It takes a shite ton of whisky to get me drunk, and I knew you’d assume otherwise.”
    As much as he wanted to blame her, and she wanted to accept the blame, he couldn’t. Not now that his head had stopped pounding and his stomach had settled. Clarity was settling in and he knew he was just as much to blame.
    “I know my limits, Kenzie. I got stupid and pushed past them.”
    They shared a long glance, before she nodded and ducked her head, reaching for her sandwich.
    “How did you figure out where I lived?”
    She laughed softly. “Actually, it wasn’t hard. One of your sailors, who you must hang out with often, came in this morning for breakfast at the pub and I grilled him until he gave me your address.”
    “Name or description. I’ll have to punish him.”
    Her head snapped up, panic in her eyes. Then she laughed as she realized he was teasing.
    “Such a bully,” she quipped and went back to eating.
    She didn’t seem self-conscious about eating in front of him, as some women were, but was enjoying her breakfast with as much as gusto as he was.
    When they’d both finished she eased herself off his bed and grabbed his empty tray.
    “Can I get you any more coffee?”
    He gave a small shake of his head. “I’m fine. Thanks.”
    After watching her attractive bottom disappear from his bedroom, he stretched out on the bed again, folding his arms above his head. Waiting on her next move.
     
     
    Kenzie finished rinsing their plates and set them in the dishwasher.
    Her heart was pounding and she wiped her hands on the nearby dish towel. What did she do now? Did she leave? She’d made him breakfast, given him medication. Basically nurtured him out of hangover hell. Her conscience was clean, she could say good-bye and get out.
    But she didn’t want to leave. She wasn’t really sure what she wanted, but she knew when she was with Brett she enjoyed herself. She was able to relax and enjoy a man’s company.
    And that didn’t happen anymore. Not outside of family, at least. It was a pretty big thing for her to trust a man who wasn’t a blood relative. For her to be alone with him in his house just didn’t happen.
    This was rare for her. She found herself wanting things she hadn’t wanted in so long. Her body was awake and aware of a man. The possibilities. The potential for pleasure…
    Glancing down at herself she bit back a groan. And she’d shown up in sweatpants.
    Real attractive, Kenzie .
    “Kenzie? You still here?”
    His lazy drawl with that hint of a Southern accent had butterflies stirring in her belly.
    “Aye. Just a moment.” She closed her eyes and willed herself not to be such an idiot, and then walked back toward his room.
    His house was nice enough, and not too far from the one she shared with Delonna. It was clean, had several bedrooms and a nice kitchen. Probably a rental home, if she had to guess. Since he was a single man who moved frequently with the Navy, it certainly would make sense.
    She stepped back into his bedroom and her breath caught. He was sprawled out on the bed, his arms folded on the pillow above his head. His chest was wide and defined, dark hairs sprinkled throughout.
    He was so potently masculine right now, for a moment she had a brief stirring of panic as he commanded softly, “Come here.”
    Her feet felt glued to the ground, and it wasn’t until he held out a hand that she forced herself to take the six or so steps