Mine to Hold

Chapter 7

For the next hour, Rumor tossed and turned on that damn comfortable Murphy bed. She tried watching one of her favorite television shows, but it did nothing to soothe her soul.

Or rid her thoughts of Emmerson and his lips.

Next, she tried a book.

But she’d read a line or two and couldn’t remember what she’d read.

So, she went back to the TV, trying a new show. However, it didn’t hold her attention.

She decided some fresh air might help.

Not bothering to change from her pajamas, which were a tank top and boy shorts, she stepped out onto the pool deck with her book in hand, making a beeline for the big comfy sofa.

“Hey, you,” Emmerson said.

“Jesus.” She skidded to a stop. “You scared the fuck out of me.”

“Sorry.” He chuckled. He’d been sprawled out on the sofa with a glass of something in his hand. He shifted, making room. “Can’t sleep?”

“Nope.” She eased onto the couch and lifted the bottle from the coffee table. “I see you and some really good tequila are having a party.” She smiled. “And you shaved.”

“I got tired of all the women in my life making rude comments about it.” He laughed, waving the glass. “I thought this might help me take the edge off since I’ve been rolling around in my big bed, unable to get that shut-eye I need so desperately.”

“Mind if I take a shot?”

“Help yourself.” He handed her the glass.

“Thinking about the case?” She polished off the drink, giving it back to him.

“That’s one thing that’s on my mind, but honestly, I’m not sure it’s what’s keeping me up tonight.” He poured more into the small tumbler and took a sip. “You see, there’s this woman living in my pool house and she’s wormed her way into all my thoughts.”

“I’m not sure what to say to that.”

“Me neither.” He reached out and tucked some of her hair behind her ear. “I’ve been sitting here for the last forty minutes contemplating texting you. Or knocking on the door. Every time your lights go on, I stand up and make it halfway there. But then the lights go off and I take that as a sign.”

“Now who’s being a stalker.”

“That’s not even remotely funny.” He cocked his head, but his lips formed a slight smile.

“Come on. It is a little.”

He chuckled. “What’s your reason for not being able to sleep?”

She took a big old shot of courage. “It might be something similar to you.”

“Might be? That doesn’t stroke this old man’s ego much.”

“You’re not old and I doubt your ego needs much stroking.”

He set the glass on the table. “You’d be surprised.”

She met his gaze, feeling a rush of emotions she’d spent a lifetime trying to avoid. She never wanted a man in her life. Not one that she cared this much about, and how did that happen in just a few short days? It made no sense. ”Maybe we both just need someone to keep us company tonight,” she said softly.

Emmerson”s eyes softened as he leaned in closer, his breath warm against her skin. “I don’t want just anyone’s company,” he murmured, his hand reaching for hers. “I want yours.”

Her heart raced as their fingers intertwined, a silent understanding passing between them. Without another word, he closed the distance between them, capturing her lips in a gentle yet urgent kiss.

Time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in a thunder of passion, the world fading away until all that existed was the electricity crackling between them. And in that moment, all her worries and doubts melted away, leaving only the undeniable pull she felt toward Emmerson.

She should run. She should leave Lighthouse Cove behind, making it a distant memory. Staying would only delay the inevitable. Emmerson was the kind of man who loved with all his heart and she wasn’t the kind of woman who stayed in one place.

“Let’s take this inside,” he whispered.

In a moment of weakness, she stood up and followed him into the house, her heart pounding in her chest. He’d been open with her about his past loves. His past heartbreaks. And she had no right to join him in his bed when she knew damn well she’d leave.

Emmerson led her to his bedroom, the air so thick with anticipation and desire she was drowning in it.

Once inside, he turned to face her with longing in his dark eyes. Without a word, he reached out and traced the line of her jaw with his fingertips, sending shivers down her spine. She let out a shaky breath as he leaned in to capture her lips in another searing kiss. No man had ever treated her with such tenderness. Such love. And she barely knew him.

She tried to remind herself that they were ships passing in the night. That he understood she had no intention of making this sleepy little town her home, but that did nothing to ease her soul.

Or her heart.

Their hands roamed each other”s bodies, seeking solace and connection in the heat of the moment. Clothes were shed in a frenzy of desire until they were both consumed by the raw need for each other.

In that intimate space, stripped bare of pretense and barriers, they found comfort and passion in each other”s arms. She couldn’t help but wonder if he only needed a body and she was the closest one around. He’d been through so much in the last couple of days.

But what about her and what she’d been through? He knew nothing of her struggle. He knew so little of her past and what brought her to Lighthouse Cove to begin with. But that was her plight, not his. It was her burden to carry and he had enough on his plate. She could absorb his for one night.

As they made love, she couldn”t help but feel a sense of guilt and shame. She knew that he deserved better, and she had to admit that she was not the one to give him what he truly needed—a life partner, someone who could share his joys and sorrows, someone who understood the weight of his responsibilities and the countless lives depending on him.

But for now, she clung to the moment, the warmth of his skin, the rhythm of his breath, the beating of their hearts as they merged into one. She hoped that this one night of connection would be enough to help them both forget the pain that was creeping up on them, the shadows of their pasts, and the uncertainty of their futures.

Afterward, they lay entwined, their breaths mingling, their bodies still pulsating with the aftermath of their passion. He whispered softly in her ear, ”Thank you. That was… something special.”

She smiled, tracing his lips with her finger. ”You”re welcome.”

They lay there in silence for a few minutes, savoring the warmth and intimacy they”d shared. But eventually, reality began to seep in and she knew soon enough it would be time to face the music. Time to leave. Time to break his heart.

Emmerson cupped her cheek in his hand, his eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and sadness. ”I know you have a wandering soul,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “I understand. I just hope you’ll stay in my town for a long time. I like you.”

“I like you, too.” She wrapped her arms around his strong body and closed her eyes. But she wouldn’t stay. Not long anyway. Her days were numbered. She didn’t know how long. She couldn’t pack and leave with the investigation going on. That wouldn’t look good and the last thing she needed was to be hunted down by the police.

God, as much as she couldn’t look at Emmerson and call him a mistake, staying would be.