Wolf Protector by Milly Taiden Page B

gave him a wink and then turned to Trent. “But you, my boy, you remind me of my third and final husband, Jack. He was a handsome devil, loved getting on my last nerve, but was the most loving man I ever met, God rest his soul.”
    Erica watched Trent’s smile widen. He then turned to look at Erica as if to say, “See? Even this lady can tell I’m awesome.” She rolled her eyes and shifted her attention back to Ms. Lipkin.
    “Alright. If you just follow me I’ll show you Gina’s room.” Ms. Lipkin strolled back inside, everyone following behind her. Erica took in the open entryway and looming stairs to the second and third levels.
    Ms. Lipkin jerked to a stop in the middle of the foyer like a tour guide would their group. “This was formerly a farmhouse, as I’m sure you already figured out. My parents decided to turn unnecessary bedrooms into small studio apartments and rent them out to college kids. It worked so well they kept it that way for decades. When they passed I took over and continued to work the same system.”
    Erica noticed there were multiple photographs hanging on the walls. Each one was of a group of kids around a Christmas tree with Ms. Lipkin by their side.
    “Those are taken every year for the holidays.” Ms. Lipkin must have noticed Erica’s interest in the photos.
    “Do you offer cooking along with the room?” Trent asked Ms. Lipkin, glancing around the room. “I know you mentioned studio apartments, but I’m sure some of these kids, if not all, aren’t interested in cooking or cleaning.”
    Ms. Lipkin, who had been walking beside Trent, patted his bicep. “Smart, strong, and handsome. You’re a keeper.” She grinned. “For an additional fee we offer breakfast and dinner along with laundry services.” She glanced at Ramirez, shook her head, and sighed. “You’d be surprised how many of these kids offer double so their clothes are clean and there’s food for them.”
    Erica fell behind when they started heading up the stairs. She turned. Trent was waiting for her. He grinned. “You heard the lady. I’m a keeper.”
    “Hah. She’s only saying that because she doesn’t know you.” Erica huffed. She started to move up the stairs when he grabbed her by the arm. Being one step higher than him on the stairs put them at almost eye level.
    “Erica—”
    She put her hand over his mouth.
    “I don’t need any excuses. I offered, but you didn’t want me. There’s no need to beat a dead horse with a stick. Can we just forget it ever happened?”
    He covered the hand over his mouth with his own, pressed a kiss into her palm, and then placed her hand over his chest.
    “I never said I didn’t want you. I said you were tired and needed to rest.” He cupped the side of her face with his other hand and looked deep into her eyes. “But be very clear, I want you. And I will have you. What we have hasn’t even begun, and it’s already consuming me.”
    He dipped his head and kissed the tip of her nose before she had a chance to stop him. She was frozen in place. He stepped back, smiled, and pulled her up the stairs to join the others.
    She was too stunned by his words and actions to do much more than follow in shock. Trent, the womanizing playboy was acting…romantic? It didn’t seem possible, yet he was. Is he actually worried about her? When she glanced down he was still holding her hand. He grinned and winked at her dumbfounded expression.
    When they reached the third floor, Ms. Lipkin stopped. She pulled out keys from her pocket and unlocked the door. “This is Gina’s room. As instructed by the police, we’ve kept it shut, and no one has been allowed inside.” Her gaze focused on Erica. “Not that any of my other girls really want to go in there. The boys are more curious.” She glanced down at the watch on her right wrist. “Speaking of which, did you want to speak to any of them? They should be coming down for breakfast soon.”
    “Yes. I’ll leave you two to look