Page 57 of The Sandbar saga

He was losing control because she was right. There was nothing wrong with how they felt toward each other.

"Young women your age are feeling a lot, and it's perfectly normal to experiment and enjoy yourself, responsibly." His jaw ached from holding back. "You deserve someone who can—"

"I want you." She strained against his hold, trying to get closer to him.

"No." His throat clamped down.

He needed to be stronger than their unreasonable need to be together. To protect her. To give her a fighting chance at life.

"No, Katie. It can never happen," he whispered.

"Please." She whined, reaching for him again.

His head pounded. "It's normal for you to feel you want to be with me because of our relationship. I'm your psychologist, Katie."

The strength went out of her, and she rocked back on the heels of her feet.

He let go of her and walked into the house. Before she could follow, he went to his bedroom.

Curious to know if she stayed outside, he looked out his window, thankful he'd cut the bush that used to block his view to the pool. Katie paced the concrete of the patio.

Even from inside, he could see her flushed face and the way she kept thrusting her fingers in her hair. He wasn't the only one frustrated.

Stripping off his shirt, he lowered himself to the floor. Fifty push-ups later, he'd regained his ability to keep his distance from her.