I somehow doubted Reece would get the third degree from anyone, though. Knowing my parents, they’d roll out the red carpet for him.

We stopped at my apartment beforehand. Reece insisted that he enter first, and I waited just inside the door while he scoped things out. Returning to where I stood, he said, “Everything looks good to me. Do you need help getting anything?”

“No. Thank you.”

Leaving Reece to putter around the living area, I made my way back to my bedroom. I couldn’t suppress the chill that snaked down my spine when I looked around, my gaze settling on the messy bed, covers thrown to the side during my hasty departure and remaining the way I’d left them.

I started the surprisingly painful process of gathering up enough clothes and bath items to get me through a week or so. I wiped at a stupid tear that had snuck free. This was supposed to be a place of comfort and safety for me, not one of fear and paranoia.

When I left the bathroom, Reece was sitting on the edge of the bed. He took one look at me and rose smoothly. “You okay?”

“Of course.” My damn voice cracked.

Doubt crossed his stunning features. He didn’t say anything as I shoved my travel bag into a suitcase I’d loaded up with clothes. Forcing a smile, I zipped up the suitcase. “That should be all.”

He tilted his head to the side. “Remember what I told you?”

“You tell me a lot of things. I don’t always pay attention,” I teased.

A brow rose. “It’s okay to not feel all right about any of this.”

“You’re such a shrink. You sure you’re in the right profession?”

“Don’t give me any lip. I’ll turn you over my knee.” His eyes darkened to a cobalt blue. “Actually that sounds like a fantastic idea.”

Yeah, it kind of did. I wondered if he’d order me to stay still when he did? That made me hot.

He groaned as he stepped forward, curving his hand around my jaw. “I can read your face like an open book.” His voice dropped low, was husky. “You’d like that.”

I closed my eyes, swayed by the deep timbre of his voice. “Maybe.”

“There’s no maybe. You would. Just like you liked it in the kitchen.”

“What time is it?” I asked. “Because I think we have time to test out this theory before we go to my parents’ house.”

Reece tipped his head back and laughed. “Babe, the only times I’ve been in you have been too fast. The next time I strip you down, I want to take my time with you.”

Oh, that hit me in the lady bits.