Saving Grace by Kimberly McKay Page B

him cross the floor and reach for a lightweight throw, from the back of his couch.  He turned to wrap it around her shoulders. 
    “This will help dry you off and keep you warm.”  He turned her to face him, and looked down into her eyes. 
    She could see the look of concern cross his face.  No, there was no evil there.  She could trust him. 
    Burke felt her tremble and tightened the throw around her shoulders.  “You’re shivering.”
    She was shivering but not from cold.  The simple act of his hands drawing her in had her stomach in knots.
    “Do you have any clothes in your carryon?”  He asked, nodding toward her bag.
    She shook her head.  “Just make up and girl stuff.”
    “Okay, I’m going to get you some dry clothes,” he said softly and walked away.
    “Whew.”  Grace sank into the couch, and turned to look behind it out the back patio window. The sun finally slipped out of sight. 
    She quietly watched as the water drizzled down the window, and was grateful to be inside.  The truth was she was grateful to be anywhere, but on that plane, sitting next to Zach. 
    The thought of Zach sent her into a panic once more.  She tried to stuff her emotions down, as she knew she was safe now, but couldn’t help but think of how angry Zach was at the moment. 
    Hard as she tried, the anxiety came back in full force, causing Grace to lose the light in her eyes once more.
    Burke quickly rummaged through his drawers looking for something that might fit her, but he’d not had any female guests in a long time.  He settled on a pair of running shorts and a T-shirt, hoping they would be okay.
    As he rounded the corner to the living room, he stopped in his tracks. Her eyes looked blank, like they did when he first met her, and he wondered where her mind had gone, as it wandered off into whatever trauma had brought her to him.
    He gently crossed the floor to sit next to her and laid his clothing on her lap.  He slowly reached for her chin, and inspected the bruise on her face.
    “Are you going to tell me who did this?”  He looked into her eyes and waited.  Even with the bruise, she was stunning.  Her long eyelashes and full lips sent shockwaves through him.
    The feel of his fingers on her face, shocked Grace back to the present.  His touch sent shivers down her spine.  She slowly shook her head, saying nothing. 
    Burke knowingly nodded.  It was too soon.  He frowned and leaned back into the couch.  His arm instinctively wanted to encircle her shoulders, but he kept it in check and laid his hand onto his own lap.  They both sat saying nothing for a few minutes, until he realized she was still sitting in her wet clothes.
    “Here.”  He gently turned her hand over, palm side up before moving the clothes from her lap into her hand.  He noticed her eyes shot up to his. 
    Grace swallowed and said nothing.  So this is what it feels like?  Her mind went back to her conversation with Mercy, as her friend described how she felt when Phillip touched her.
    She weakly smiled in return.  “Where can I change?”
    He took his time answering her, as he, too, was mesmerized.  “Over there.” 
    “Thanks again.  I’ll be back.”  She slowly got up and walked away is awe over how much one man could make her feel so alive so soon.
    Grace shook her head.   Be careful, Grace. After almost being attacked, anyone showing kindness might evoke this kind of feeling.
    She knew better though, as she remembered the feeling of electric impulses that ran along her arm as he simply placed his hand on her wrist.  If he had that effect on her with one touch, she pondered the thought of what he could do with more. 
    Burke’s gut tightened as he watched her walk away.  Even wrapped up in a blanket, he could see how shapely she was.  His mind went back to how she looked in her wet sheer shirt, and leaned forward to run his hands though his hair.
    I told you not to get involved.   He chastised himself but it was