“I should’ve checked you before now. Stop me the next time I become too self-involved. Lift the shirt.”

Alec grimaced and pulled the long-sleeved tee over his head, exposing a dark patch of glistening chest hair. An extremely broad chest. All muscled up like guys who work out. Damn Sam, he’s gorgeous.

His hypnotic aroma engulfed her with creamy heat.

Annalisse considered whether or not his chest hair was soft or wiry, or if he’d hold her tenderly or with restrained force. Licking her lower lip, she tore her eyes from his pecs to his shoulder and gently pulled the adhesive tape. She peeked at the neat row of stitches to calm the flutter in her heart. The area around the sutures had reddened and were puffy.

“We’ll watch the swelling. Having been in battle with metal and gunpowder, I expected worse. I’d find something waterproof to put over it in the shower. Like a liquid bandage. And finish all of your antibiotics even if you feel better.” His skin was smooth under her fingertips.

“I’ll do that, Dr. Drury. Thank you.” He glanced at her fingers on his shoulder. “Anything else?”

Annalisse’s face flushed with heat. She jerked her wrist back and balled her hand in her lap. Her mind told her to get some distance from him, but her feet had other ideas.

With his forefinger, he rotated her chin so she’d face him. “It’s just you and me.”

He was far too close. Close enough to kiss his perfectly matched, parted lips. God. Being next to him like this…it was too soon. His wonderful mother as her mother-in law…quit! She shuddered.

“Are you afraid of me?” His question came disguised in a throaty growl.

She clenched her jaw, afraid what he’d say to the truth.

He took her hand and flattened her palm to his chest. “I want you to trust me.”

She opened her mouth, but couldn’t speak.

“I’ll take that as a maybe.” One side of his mouth lifted into a sly smile.

Her head swam at his touch. Helga gone, she could allow herself to taste want, defer her loneliness; Alec could wash so much sadness away, even if temporarily. No, she couldn’t. Not with him. As much as she wanted—needed—sex like crazy, this kind of man could damage her heart in an unspeakable way. Too much risk in a hunky, charming, dreamy Greek. Her throat tightened, and she swallowed.

Annalisse slipped her hand from his and drew back from no-return territory. “I’ll get your shirt.” She jumped for his polo at the end of the chaise and wobbled backward, grabbing the edge of the seat.

Alec caught her waist with one arm. “Gotcha.”