Her hands were soft and gentle, almost petting him. He looked down, watching them caress his flesh. His softening dick stirred and it reminded him of the spent condom. He captured her wrists and removed her touch.

“Don’t.”

Her hands fisted. “Fine. Sorry.”

He let her go and eased away. The separation of their bodies left him feeling cold. He stood and entered the bathroom, disposed of the condom. He lingered for a full minute, debating. The smart thing would be to leave. He didn’t want to go just yet. He returned to the bedroom. Kat had the bedside lamp on and was sitting against the headboard with the blanket covering her from her br**sts down. She smiled.

“I like seeing you.”

He wasn’t sure how to respond. Her gaze lingered over parts of him, especially his chest and groin area. He held still, not minding her examination. She could look all she wanted but he didn’t want her to touch him. It was too personal.

“I’ll draw you another bath.” It gave him something to do.

“No.” She shook her head and lifted a hand, curving one finger. “You could come over here, though, and join me.”

He tensed. “No.”

Disappointment and a flash of pain showed in her eyes. “Okay.”

“I should go home. You have a class in the morning and I have a meeting.”

“You could sleep with me,” she offered. “I don’t snore.”

It steeled his determination to keep away from the bed. It was tempting to agree. “I can’t.”

“It’s a big bed.” She inched over a little to make more room. “I’ll even let you pick which side you want.”

“Kat,” he warned, his tone deepening. “Stop.”

“Fine.”

He dressed and retrieved the condom box then grabbed the bag from her trash. She stopped him before he could escape. It felt as if he were about to do just that.

“Why do you always do that?”

He paused, turning to face her. “Do what?”

“Take the trash with you.”

“Security does sweeps of your home while you’re gone.”

“They come in here?” She frowned. “Why?”

“It’s procedure.” He didn’t tell her they did checks on the cameras and audio devices to make certain they worked properly. “It also lets them know if you’re low on any supplies you may need. It’s not as if you can shop for new shampoo or food.”

“I guess that’s nice.”

“We like to take care of our visitors.”

“Just not sleep with them.”

“I’m sure many males would be happy to share your bed.” It pissed him off even saying it. He’d wanted to punch the feline male who’d asked to share sex with her. He might have if she’d accepted the offer. Anger boiled under his skin just thinking about someone else stripping Kat bare.

“Just not you.”

“I told you I’m different.”

“Are you sleeping with Bluebird?”

He was so surprised he didn’t think he hid the reaction but masked his features fast. “No.”

“I met her today. I also noticed she’s allowed to touch you.”

Darkness noted the way her fingers were clawed on the covers and the slight anger in her tone. “We’re friends. Are you jealous?”

Her lips pressed together. “No.”

He growled. “You’re not dressed and I think that’s a lie.” Had she forgotten their agreement to be truthful when she was naked? “Do you want to try again? You’re agitated.”

“That’s a polite way to put it. I just assumed you didn’t like anyone touching you but I guess it’s just me. I’ll admit that’s not the best feeling in the world.”

Regret surfaced. He wasn’t being fair to Kat and knew it. “Bluebird doesn’t interest me.” He should have left it at that but hated the way she looked at him, as if he were hurting her. “I’m not immune to you. Good night, Kat. Sleep well.”

He left before he could change his mind. He did a sweep of the outside perimeter before going home. He showered to remove Kat’s scent but the memory wouldn’t fade. He took a seat on the bed and peered at the laptop he’d left on after taking over the security feeds.

Kat lay curled on her side facing away from the lamp. Her eyes were closed but the restless way she kept moving assured him she didn’t sleep. It was as if she couldn’t get comfortable. He lifted the laptop and set it on his lap. His finger, just an inch from the screen, traced the outline of her body. He wanted to touch her again.

“Damn,” he muttered.

Kat sat up and threw off the covers. He tensed, part of him hopeful that she’d come after him. He’d given her reason to be angry. Kat was a confrontational female. He tracked her out of the bedroom but she didn’t go near the slider. She fixed a sandwich instead and plopped down on the couch.

The morose expression on her face while she turned on the TV and ate tugged at him. She’d been sleeping peacefully before he’d woken her. She curled up on the couch eventually and drifted to sleep. He found himself rising before giving it thought.

It was easy to sneak into her home and take the comforter off her bed. He crouched down next to the couch, watching her sleep. He took care not to wake her when he tucked the material around her body.

I could just pick her up and carry her to bed.