Love Untouched (Unexpected) by Anne Leigh Page A

same time. The floor-to-ceiling windows and doors were a backdrop to the amazing view of the garden that I caught a glimpse of on the drive. The foyer led to a stunning staircase that seemed to be endless from where I was standing. Kieran set our luggage down to the side and showed me the rest of the house. He pointed out the spectacular formal living room, a formal dining room, a family room, a wine room, and a kitchen with a breakfast area. The kitchen was any gourmet chef’s dream. It was well equipped with a Viking range and hood, French oak floors, and massive kitchen counters made with marble and dark-grey stone.
    “I could live in this kitchen,” I exclaimed breathlessly. If I had an orgasm, I was sure this was how it would feel like. Out of all the things in his parents’ house, what with the expensive-looking paintings on the walls and intricate Asian-inspired vases, this kitchen was one that I had not even conjured in my dreams, but would now become a fantasy.
    I felt his arms around my waist, and as I inhaled his scent, he said in an amused tone, “I grew up in this place, Brynn. But this wasn’t home... Not for a long time. What you see right now is all the polished silver, dusted paintings, and pristine furniture.”
    I turned my body to face him and met his wary gaze. I reached my hand to his dark-blonde, windblown hair. At 6’2”, Kieran was taller than I was, but my height enabled me to look up into his face without any forced neck twisting. “What do you mean?”
    “I’ll show you where my home is.” He tucked my hand to his side and we walked down a hallway, and then passed through a glass door. After a short turn to the right, then a quick left, he stopped by an Olympic-sized pool. I was familiar with an Olympic-sized pool. I may not have accompanied my brother during all of his swim meets, but I have been to some, and this was a gigantic pool in a gigantic house. The clear blue water was so inviting. I lowered my body and touched my fingertips to the water. It was cool to the touch, so welcoming after a long drive.
    I was about to stand up when I heard a splash at the far end of the pool and just caught the sight of Kieran’s Olympic swimmer body hit the water. He must have removed his shirt, jeans, and shoes in a short span of time because his CK blues were his only cover.
    “Come on, Brynn. Get in the water,” he urged, “Just do a quick lap or two.” His hair was now completely soaked. He looked like a kid who had never been inside a pool before. He looked so happy that it was almost a struggle for me to let him down.
    “I can’t.” My breath dragged through my words. I turned to walk towards the inside of the house, not knowing where I was going. I had to get out of here. I needed to breathe. Being in this massive mansion, seeing Kieran’s hands outstretched on top of the water, his voice eager for me to join him, was my reality check. I could not do this. Not with him. Not with someone as perfect as him. He deserved someone who looked like Sedona. All perfect like her.
    A big hand clamped around my right arm. “Brynn, stop.” A quiet command, a command nonetheless.
    “I want to go back home, Kieran,” I said, not looking at him. He slowly maneuvered me so I was facing him. He was in his boxers, all soaked, and water was dripping on the marble floors.
    “Why?” he asked, cupping my chin with his hand.
    “I can’t do this with you.” My decision became more resolute as I said the words aloud. He was a man who should have a perfect woman by his side. Not one like me. I had no problems with my self-esteem. I was my own woman, but now I was second-guessing myself. I had a healthy self-confidence. Before Kieran.
    “Can you just take a minute to think this through?” He hugged me, and since his body was dripping wet, my top and jeans got wet, too. Did he do that on purpose? Now I had no choice but to stay long enough to change my clothes.
    I battled with the need to run away