The Jarrods: Inheritance: Taming Her Billionaire Boss

“They’re so beautiful.”

There was a tiny pause. “Like you,” he murmured, and her breath caught, then she moved her head and winced again. “Not long now,” he assured her.

After that Blake drove straight up to the clinic at the spa lodge. The middle-aged nurse immediately took control, putting Samantha in an exam room. She checked her over, mentioning it wasn’t too bad but that she’d need to call the doctor anyway.

“No need to get Joel if he’s busy,” Samantha said, feeling bad for interrupting his Sunday morning.

Blake nodded at the nurse. “Get him.”

The nurse nodded in agreement then looked at her. “The doctor really should see you,” she said, then went and picked up the wall telephone as Samantha glanced at Blake.

He gave a short shake of his head. “He’s paid to do his job, Samantha. Let him.”

Before too long, Joel strode into the exam room, nodding at Blake and giving her a chiding frown. “What have you done to yourself, Sam?”

Samantha didn’t look at Blake, but she sensed he’d noted the shortening of her name. Joel was professional in his examination. She didn’t need stitches but he tidied up the cut and it finally stopped bleeding. Thankfully he hadn’t needed to cut any of her hair in the process.

“I don’t think the lump on your head is anything to be concerned about,” he assured her, “but we still need to keep an eye on it for any signs of concussion.” He considered her. “If you like, I can come to Pine Lodge and check on you a couple of times throughout the day.”

“I’ll take care of her,” Blake said firmly. “I know what signs to look for.”

Joel glanced at Blake, held his gaze a moment, then nodded. “Fine. But I’ll drop by the lodge and check on her this evening. Call me sooner if you have any doubts.”

“I will.”

Samantha looked from one to the other. “Do either of you mind if I have a say in this?”

Blake shot her an impatient look, but it was Joel who spoke. “Sam, this has to be taken very seriously. Your brain’s had a knock, and sometimes things can develop later on. You need to rest up and you need to have someone keep a close eye on you for at least twenty-four hours.”

She swallowed, not sure she liked hearing that, but before she could say anything the clinic door opened and someone called out for help, saying something about a twisted ankle. The nurse and Joel excused themselves to go check.

Blake came to stand in front of her. “I intend to look after you whether you like it or not.”

“But—”

“It’s my fault you were out there today,” he cut across her, his eyes holding firm regret. “No arguments, Samantha. I owe you this.”

She melted faster than snow under a heat lamp. “All right.”

There was nothing in his eyes that said he remembered their kiss, and right now she was grateful for that. She would have plenty of time to go over it once she was alone.

He picked up her jacket. “Come on, then,” he said gruffly. “Let’s get this on you and get you back home.”

Home?

Why did that sound so good to her?

Five (#ulink_311d90c5-822f-5ebe-a4af-ecf3e18f233e)

By the time Blake brought her back to Pine Lodge it was almost noon. Not that Samantha was hungry. She wasn’t. She was glad now that he’d decided to stay close today. She wasn’t feeling ill, but she was still a little shaky, so she was appreciative of him cupping her elbow as they walked.

That shakiness increased as they went up the staircase and he told her that tonight she was to sleep in the spare bedroom in his suite—a spare bedroom separated from his bedroom by only a connecting bathroom.

Her stomach dipped as they reached the top stair. “I’m only across the landing there, Blake. It seems silly not to stay in my own room.”

“No. I want you near in case you need me.”

She did need him, but not in the way he meant. He was being nothing more than caring right now, while she was still stunned by the impact of their kiss back on the mountain.

“Fine,” she murmured, not up to arguing anyway. She was a bit of a mess. Her jacket had mud on it, her slacks were still slightly damp in places where she’d fallen on the wet grass, and parts of her brown hair felt like it was matted with blood. Yuk! She must look a wonderful sight.

“I need to change my clothes,” she said, wrinkling her nose. “Actually I might have a shower. My hair feels sticky.”

He shook his head. “Not a good idea. You might faint in there.”

Her heart thudded and she could feel her face heat up as she pictured him coming in to rescue her. She looked away as they walked toward her room. “You’re right,” she said, then could have kicked herself. Any other woman would have used that to her advantage, but no, not her. What was the matter with her? Then she remembered. That’s right, she’d had a bump on the head, she excused herself, wincing.

“Are you in pain?”

“A little.”

He pushed open her bedroom door and led her inside. “Here. Sit on the chair and let me help you take off your jacket.”

“Thanks.” She did as he said.

“Your sweater’s got dried blood down the back of it,” he said, after he’d eased her out of the padded material. “I don’t know how you’re going to get it over your head without causing pain.” A small pause. “I’ll have to help you off with it.”

She gulped. “You will?”

“Yes.” His voice was nothing but neutral.

She tried to appear nonchalant, too. “Trust me to wear a tight-necked sweater today,” she joked, feeling dizzy again but not from her injuries. It was the thought of him undressing her, even though it made sense to do it this way. She didn’t think she’d be able to get the sweater off without him. She had a long-sleeved T-shirt underneath to cover herself, but that had a wide neck and she could easily take it off herself.

“Right. This won’t take long.” His voice sounded tight and she wondered … “Keep still now.”

He slid her arms out of the sleeves, then she felt him touch the hem of her sweater, and almost like it was in slow motion he started to lift it upward. She could feel him move close … closer still as he inched it up higher and higher …. She could feel his breath change as he neared her breasts, though not once did he touch her in any intimate way.

“Okay, careful now,” he said, as he reached her nape, his voice huskier. “This will be a little tricky.” He moved closer …. “There. That’s it. Now let me ease it over your head.” He moved around to the front of her and eased the knit material gently up over her head, and suddenly it was off and she was sitting there, her gaze level with his belt buckle. And then she raised her eyes to his, saw him looking down at her, and she dropped her eyes to where her T-shirt had ridden up and was revealing her breasts cupped in her lacy blue bra.

She lifted her head again and their eyes locked together. Something dark flared in his, and in retaliation her breathing became practically nonexistent as she remembered their kiss. Until that moment back there on the mountain none of this had been purely about them.

Things had changed.

Now it was.

All at once he twisted jerkily toward the small table and placed the sweater on it, saying over his shoulder, “I’ll leave you to do the rest, but I’ll be back soon to check on you.” His voice sounded rough as he headed for the door. “You should get into bed.”

She realized he was trying to be a gentleman and keep it all under control because she was injured, but what if she wasn’t injured? Would he take her?