CHAPTER 414

If Ginger was surprised by how quickly she acquiesced, she was even more surprised by Kane’s thoroughness. His gentleness.

He rinsed her hair. Her face. Her eyes.

“I can take it from here,” she said curtly.

“Like hell. I’m gonna help you to your feet whether you like it or not.” He wrapped his arms around her midsection.

She sucked in a breath when the muscular backs of his forearms brushed the underswell of her breasts. Her nipples constricted. Her whole body quivered.

“Steady. I know you’re cold. Let’s get you upright first. Then we’ll see about getting you dried off and warmed up.” He lifted her with almost no effort. Instead of letting her go, he held her tightly against his body.

She whimpered.

“Am I hurtin’ you?”

“No. I’m just…mortally embarrassed.”

“Listen to me. I am here to help you. With everything. Including this kinda stuff. So all you need to do, Ginger, is let me help you. Can you do that?”

“No.”

He laughed. “Tough shit.”

She nearly smiled through her chattering teeth.

“