Chapter 11 #2
“You weren’t as neat as you are now. I’d find mugs left out on the back deck table, in the bathroom, and on the coffee table, and next to your dinner and dessert plates.”
“Only because you left me dessert.”
“I wanted to sweeten up your life.” She sipped her coffee and sighed. “It’s perfect. Thank you.” She took a forkful of the omelet but didn’t get to try it because Hawk swooped in and kissed her, long and deep, like he had all the time in the world to tell her what she’d said and done mattered.
“You did sweeten my life. You’re still doing it. Now we get to be there for each other. I really, really want this to work.”
“So far, it feels like we should have done this a lot sooner.”
“Then you understand why I don’t want to waste any more time. I know this is all fast, you being here, what we did in the shower and this morning without us really dating.”
“And yet it feels like I’ve known you a long time. It was at a distance, but it still felt real and deep. I know you better than some of the people I work with and see every day.”
“I just don’t want to come on too strong and push you away.”
She had the same concern. “I think we’re both worried about the same thing when we both simply want more of each other. Right?” Hope bloomed in her heart, even though she was so scared he’d change his mind and want his space now that she’d been here overnight.
“Yes. I want more nights like last night and more mornings like this.”
“Then let’s just go with it and remember to communicate if it’s too much.”
“Or not enough,” he quickly added. “You can ask for more. I want to be everything you need.”
She held up her mug. “Can I have more coffee?”
He took it with a grin. “Yes. But eat your food so you can take your meds. Doc said you need to eat to get your strength back after you lost so much blood.”
It was going to take a couple of weeks at least for her to feel back to normal. So she dug into the omelet while he fetched her coffee, then showered.
When he came out with just a towel around his waist, his hair damp but combed, she moaned, making him give her a wicked grin.
“Not now, sweetheart. I’ve got to get to work. But later…” The promise in his words and eyes said he’d deliver.
She watched him get dressed, caressing his skin with her gaze as it ran over every dip and valley, all those glorious muscles. “What time do you think you’ll be home?”
“I’m hoping I can check in, attend the meeting, then leave, so maybe two to three hours. I’ll text if I’m going to be later. You can text me if you need something while I’m out.” He studied her. “You feel okay? If you’d rather I stay…”
“No. I’m good. Mind if I crash on your couch and watch TV?”
“Make yourself at home. Do whatever you want. Use whatever you want. Eat whatever you want. Treat this place like it’s yours.
” He leaned over, his slacks unzipped and unbuttoned, his gorgeous chest on display, and kissed her.
“I mean it. I want you to feel comfortable here.” He brushed his hand over her hair. “You’re so beautiful.”
She rolled her eyes. “I must look a mess.”
“A loved-up mess, maybe, but still beautiful.” He kissed her forehead. “You need help with anything before I leave?”
“I think I’ll be okay.” She’d do her best with the use of only one arm.
He pointed a finger at her. “Don’t overdo it today.”
She loved that he worried about her. “I won’t. Go. You don’t want to be late, and I want you back as soon as possible.”
He finished buttoning his blue dress shirt, tucked it in, then kissed her like he had all the time in the world. “Text me if you need me.”
“I will. But I won’t. I’m fine.” She thought about what she could do to occupy her time. “I’ll probably call into work and have Joellen catch me up.”
“Okay. I’ll set the alarm when I leave. You should be safe here. If it goes off, lock yourself in the bathroom and call me. The alarm will notify the police of an intruder.”
That made her feel better about being left alone. “Maybe Desiree will want to stop by to keep me company.”
Something flickered in his eyes for just a moment.
“Would you rather I didn’t invite her over?”
“No. It’s not that. I just want you to rest.” It sounded like more.
“I will. Promise.”
He kissed her again.
“You’re never going to get out of here if you keep doing that.”
“I like kissing you. Which is new, because I never really liked kissing. Now, I’m addicted.” The glint in his eyes confirmed it.
Her heart swelled. “Well, I’d appreciate it if you reserved that for me.”
“You’re the only one I want to kiss. And more.”
She gave him a gentle push. “More later. Work now.” She shooed him away with one hand.
He backed away toward the door. “Are you getting up?”
“I’m going to lay in bed smelling you on the sheets while I check my email.”
He growled low in his throat. “You make it really hard to leave.”
She glanced at the thick, long rod pressing against the zipper of his slacks. “I can see that.” She licked her lips, thinking about tasting him, since he’d been so nice waking her up this morning.
“I’m going to enjoy making you come over and over again when I get home for teasing me with that mouth of yours.”
“Threaten me with a good time, why don’t you.”
He growled again and left the room as she giggled some more.
How had this become her life? When had she ever felt this light?
She’d nearly died and now she was happier than she’d ever been.
She wouldn’t take this for granted. She’d appreciate it and him.
And hope that whatever trouble was coming her way, she’d stop it before it affected her and Hawk’s relationship. She wouldn’t let anyone come between them. Not now. Not ever.
All she had to do was figure out how to take down her conniving ex once and for all. So she could breathe. So she’d be safe. And she and Hawk could be like this every day for the rest of their lives.