Page 65 of Close to Heaven

She laughed. “It’s Cosmopolitan, and I do.”

He reached down, picked up his underwear, and put them on. Then he stood there and looked at her like he wasn’t sure what to do next. “Do you think you’ll be able to sleep now?”

“Actually, I could use something to drink and eat.”

“Of course. Where are my manners? I’ll go get you something.”

She got the sense that he was anxious to leave, and not just to satisfy her need for food and drink. “Thanks,” she said as he hurried out of the room.

After he left, she scooted up and sat against the headboard. She took a few deep breaths and thought about what had just transpired. She would never have imagined that spraining her ankle would have led to this.

Soon he reentered the room, carrying a tray. He carefully set it on the nightstand and flicked on the lamp.

Her mouth watered as she eyed the assortment of food he’d brought—cheese, crackers, grapes, and a few individually wrapped pieces of chocolate. “You’re sharing this with me, right?”

He handed her a cold bottle of water. “If you insist.”

He joined her on the bed. Then he made a cheese and cracker sandwich and handed it to her.

“Mmm,” she said after she’d taken a bite. “Why does food taste so much better after sex?”

He paused with a grape held in midair. “I wouldn’t know.”

She furrowed her brow. “You’ve never…”

“Not like this. Not in bed with someone.”

“Oh.” She wasn’t sure what to make of that, but she was careful not to feel overconfident. Likely, the only reason she was still here was because of her hurt ankle. None of this would have happened tonight if it weren’t for that.

He assembled another cheese and cracker sandwich and handed it to her. Then he made one for himself. They ate and drank in silence for a time, but Avery’s mind was anything but quiet. There was so much she didn’t know about him, and she had so many questions, but he was a private man, and she didn’t want to push.

He handed her a few grapes, and then he took a long swig of water. “I haven’t been serious about anyone since…” He looked away for a moment and then turned back to her. “Since my parents died. After that, I kind of retreated from the world for a while. I didn’t have the motivation or energy for a relationship. Besides, I’ve been really busy managing the resort.”

She nodded and wondered if he still felt that way. Had this just been about sex for him? Was he trying to tell her not to expect anything more?

“You didn’t just take over the resort. You took responsibility for your siblings too.”

He shrugged. “I’m the oldest. It felt natural to me.”

“But who takes care of you?” she said softly.

He furrowed his brow. “I do.”

She sucked in her bottom lip, trying to prevent herself from arguing with him. She wanted to say that everybody needs somebody, life is better when shared, and being in a relationship doesn’t make you weak. However, she held it all inside for fear he’d retreat again. While his admission made her uneasy, at least he was communicating with her, which was more than she could say for a lot of men, including Trevor.

“Cat got your tongue?” he said.

“I was just thinking how hard that must have been for you and wondering…”

“What?”

“If you ever feel lonely.”

“I work at a resort. I’m surrounded by people every day.”

“That doesn’t mean you don’t get lonely.”

“More grapes?” He turned and plucked a few off the tray.