Her Gentle Giant: No Regrets Read Online Free PDF Page A

There are even fresh razors in the cabinet if you need one. Angel, make yourself at home.” Her cheeks warmed at the softly spoken endearment, and her heart beat a little faster when her body responded to it as well. He reached out a gentle finger to wipe at a smudge on her cheek, and her skin tingled where he touched her.
    “Thank you,” she said softly. “My robe and gown both smell like smoke. I’ll see if I have something I can sleep in.” Rachel went to her bags to look but knew she hadn’t grabbed much in the way of clothing. He returned from his bedroom with a black T-shirt and held it out to her. She thanked him, found the bag she she’d thrown panties into, and found a fresh pair. It occurred to her that the pretty camisoles she slept in had been hanging in her closet. Dammit. She closed her eyes and sighed, mourning the waste. His hand was gentle on her shoulder.
    “Are you hungry, Rachel? Is there anything else I can get for you?” His thumb gently rubbed above her shoulder blade.
    Smiling up at him, she said, “No, Eli. I’m beginning to remember things that I didn’t think to grab before it was too late.”
    “I’m sorry. I can only imagine how hard that must be.”

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    “It’s such a waste. I’m going to take my shower. Would you mind if I use your hairbrush?”
    Eli smiled at her, and she thought he looked awfully happy about her using his hairbrush. She felt silly having to ask. “Sure. Take your time, angel.”
    Once the water was warm enough, she stepped into the shower and let the hot water run over her hair and stood under the spray for a few minutes, warming herself. Standing outside in the middle of the night had left her chilled. It was probably mild shock from the whole experience affecting her now that she could relax a little. She felt a little disconnected from it all.
    Rachel washed her hair then bathed with his bodywash. After she was done, she dried off and slipped into his long T-shirt that came to just above her knees and put on her black thong. She chose not to analyze why she’d picked a thong over something with more coverage. Naughty Rachel did a fist pump at the thought. The T-shirt was on the loose side because Eli was very broad through the chest, so she thought it would be all right to not put the smoky-smelling robe back on over it. Plus, the T-shirt was black, so it didn’t reveal much. She scrubbed her teeth as best as she could and left the bathroom.
    He was reclining on the couch, waiting for her. “I’ll sleep on the couch, and you can have my bed, Rachel. You’re welcome to it for however long you stay.” He got up and led her into the bedroom. He’d changed into a pair of black sweatpants, and he was now bare-chested. That was the first time she’d ever seen him shirtless, and he was…incredible. Massive and beautiful. It was a struggle not to simply stand there and stare at him. Then she remembered what he’d said.
    “I don’t want to run you out of your bedroom, Eli. I don’t mind sleeping on the couch.”
    “It’s no trouble, Rachel. The bed is more comfortable, and I’d rather you slept peacefully. I insist. I don’t mind taking the couch.”
    “Are you sure?” She should feel guilty for taking his bed, but her heart pounded a little at the delicious thought of curling up in a bed with sheets and pillows that smelled like this handsome man. She’d wallow in them the first chance she got. He leaned down to her and kissed her cheek gently. She felt her cheeks heat up at the unexpected affection, quivering inside at the warmth that spread through her at his gentle touch.
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    “I’m sure. I put a glass of water for you on the bedside table. I’ll bet you’re really thirsty right now. Drink it and get some rest. I normally sleep in the morning after I work at The Pony, so sleep as long as you need to.”
    She nodded. “Goodnight, Eli.”
    “Goodnight, angel.” The endearment rolled so easily from his lips, and the light in his