"Shhh, it's all right, you're safe now. Whatever was in your dream can't hurt you now," he whispered softly against her cheek. "I've got you, Delilah. I've got you."

As he held her close, the crisp scent of soap filled her nostrils. Slowly, her sanity was restored as she felt the warmth of his smooth, damp flesh beneath her hands and fingers. Gently, she eased back to look at him.

He sat beside her, hair still wet from the shower he must have been taking. Her eyes swelled at the sight of him. Having his tantalizing body this close and this unclothed on her bed caused her blood to pump wildly through her veins. She licked her lips and glanced down at the towel draped around his hips. A long slit slid high up his strong, muscular thigh. The seductive effect he had on her was spellbinding and a little frightening.

He cleared his throat. "I'm sorry. I would've grabbed a robe, but I don't own one."

She shook her head and tried to smile. "It's okay, Clay. I'm glad you're here. I was a little freaked out by my dream, but I'm not anymore."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

She pursed her lips together. No, she didn't want to talk about it. Warren was the devil in her nightmares, and he was never far away, no matter how far she ran. He was the one thing that made her deathly afraid.

"Not really. I'm just glad I'm not alone tonight." She reached down and squeezed his hand.

Slowly, he reached forward and turned on the light. The glow that illuminated his body made him so much more enticing than he had seemed in just the light that filtered into her room from the hallway. She couldn't help but feel a little naughty as she envisioned herself licking the droplets of water from his body. Was it wrong to want him to kiss her?

"Look, I'm sorry I acted like an asshole with Hunter today. I never meant for that to happen. It's just that I may have gotten a little—"

"Jealous," she blurted out with an arched brow and teasing grin. The idea that the big, strong sheriff had gotten jealous created a wild flutter of excitement that sank deep into the pit of her stomach. She liked the idea that he had those kinds of emotions where she was concerned.

He sighed with a smile, sweeping back a strand of her hair that had fallen forward, tucking it behind her ear. "I guess you could say that."

For what felt like an eternity, they just stared at each other. Deep–flowing warmth charged up her body and settled around her chest, neck, and face. Hands clammy with nerves, she couldn't believe how much she wanted Clay, needing him to kiss her and allow her to make love to him. The feelings were almost desperate in nature. It was the strangest, most powerful yearning she'd ever experienced.

"I should probably go," Clay stammered.

"No, wait," she said, grabbing hold of his hand as he stood, keeping him from leaving her side. She hadn't meant to sound so frantic, but she couldn't help it. For so many reasons, she didn't want him to leave. She desired him, wanted him to stay with her. Tonight. "I don't want you to go."

He studied her, his hand slowly wrapping around hers. "Delilah, I'll only be across the hall. I'll keep your door cracked open if it would make you feel more comfortable."

She shook her head. "That's not what I mean."

Again he looked at her, his eyes deepening with understanding. The war raging behind his heated gaze told her that he wasn't sure if what she desired he could provide. She knew he feared hurting her. She didn't expect a relationship and understood that was a commitment he could probably never give her, but she didn't care. She wanted him for at least one night and needed him more than he ever could imagine.

She gently tugged at his hand, coaxing him to sit back down in front of her. She'd show him what she wanted and pray he didn't reject her.

He sat, his body slightly rigid. Her stomach swirled with apprehension but more so with passions she wanted to share with her sheriff.

My sheriff.

With the gentle caress of her hand, she stroked the side of his face, still smooth from his morning shave. As she touched him, he never looked away. Then, she wrapped her fingers around the back of his neck, closed the distance, and lightly pressed her lips against his.

He pulled away and stood, looking like a nervous and scared child. His chest rose and fell quickly. Swallowing hard, he whispered her name.

"Please, Clay. Don't..." She felt an overwhelming tightness fill her chest. She didn't know what else to say.

He glanced down to the floor, and she could see a million and one thoughts racing in his mind as she stared up at him. When he glanced back to meet her gaze, she swallowed the dryness in her throat.

"Are you sure?"

Leaning back onto the bed, she parted her legs so her inner thighs caressed his outer. She tugged at the towel around his hips, loosening the material until it dropped to the floor. For a moment, she admired him, taking in what she could of his gorgeous body and hardening cock.