Chapter 12 Kiss And Tell #2
He kissed her hair, and his hands kept offering comfort. “Have you considered letting Marcus in on the situation with Adam? He could connect with the detectives on the case back in New York.”
She nodded. Marcus Ramirez was Phail’s police chief and a former military man.
He’d been the leader of Troy’s team and had been instrumental in bringing their other team members to town.
He was a good man who had helped everyone on the farm before.
“I have. I didn’t want to waste his time unless I was sure we would stay.
Now that I’m sure, I’ll speak to him soon. ”
Nash’s hands stilled and tightened their hold. “You’re sure? You’re going to stay?”
She looked up to smile at him. “We’re going to stay.”
Triumph flashed in his eyes, and his gaze drifted down to her lips and back.
She echoed the move with a smile.
She wasn’t sure who moved first, but suddenly they were kissing. Soft, tender brushes of their lips.
Her entire body flamed at the gentle touch.
For long minutes, they touched, tasted, tested. When she opened her mouth for him, their tongues dueled and played.
And her body flamed further. Would she burst into sparkles at the sensations?
Nash brushed his fingers through her hair, over her cheeks, and along her jaw. Eventually, his lips followed the path, leaving her shaking with pleasure.
His mouth drifted back and retook hers, sending her body even higher.
Eventually, he pulled back, breathing hard and rested his lips on her forehead. “Holy hell, Olivia. I’ve been wanting to do that for days. Weeks. Since the moment we locked eyes back in the park.”
Her heart rate impossibly increased. “Me too.”
He grinned down at her and brushed his lips lightly over hers. “Good to know. Then you won’t mind if we keep finding time to do that.”
Her laugh was low and shaky. “I won’t mind at all.”
They kissed again, without their hands drifting further than they’d already explored.
Finally, Nash groaned and lifted his head, cuddling her even closer.
She snuggled in and enjoyed the safety that surrounded them. No one had ever made her feel so cared for and wanted.
Loved?
She hoped so because her heart was already his.
After a few minutes, Nash sighed. “Back to the asshole and your visit to New York. What kind of publicity does your agent want you to do? Anything Adam might see?”
She shook her head. “She wants me to do a few interviews on smaller morning shows. They’ll all be taped and then shown another day. None of them will be live.”
“That’s good. Much safer.”
She worried her lip, afraid to ask the next question. Afraid not to. But to keep Ella Mae safe, she had only two options. She could leave the toddler here with the others, but she didn’t think she’d be physically able to do it.
Or, she could ask Nash. Deep breath. “How would you feel about going to New York with me and Ella, helping me to keep her safe? I know you weren’t a bodyguard like your friends, but you were in the military and have skills I can’t even imagine.
I’d pay you, of course, but if you’re not comfortable doing that, it’s okay.
” She rolled her lips together to keep in any more babbles.
Nash’s arms tightened around her. “I was going to ask if I could go with you. I’d feel a whole lot better if you had backup. You’re not paying me, though.”
“But—”
He cut her off with a finger to her lip. “No. Charlie would love to go to New York. We’ll turn it into a fun trip for the kids, and I’ll make sure you’re safe.”
She had to blink back more tears. “Thank you.”
He kissed her softly. “You’re welcome. You and Ella won’t be alone. If we take my truck, that’s another layer between you and Adam. It doesn’t sound like he knows your new vehicle or license plate, but taking mine is smart.”
“I don’t want to put you out.”
“You’re not. I want to help keep you and Ella Mae safe, but I also want to be with you. Charlie too. He’ll be thrilled to visit the Big Apple. We’ve never been, and you know how he likes adventures.”
She smiled at that. “He really does. He can turn anything into an adventure, even showing Ella how to scoot down the steps.”
“Maybe we can fit in some Christmas shopping while we’re there.”
She laughed. “I have something I wanted to order, but they won’t deliver it here. Do you mind helping me pick it up and then toting it all back here for me?”
He grinned. “Going to tell me what it is?”
“Not a chance.”
His laugh rumbled over her skin. “Even better. Okay. After you talk with your agent, we’ll book a hotel. You okay sharing a small suite or connecting rooms? That way, you and Ella won’t be alone in your room.”
She blinked away more tears. “That would be amazing.” It would be more amazing if it were just the two of them sharing a hotel room.
As if she’d spoken the thought aloud, Nash’s eyes darkened, and desire thickened the air in the room.
A slow smile lifted his lips and his gruff voice proved he felt it as well. “One day, Olivia. One day.”
She nodded and their lips locked again.
Each touch, each kiss had her falling more and more for the man.
When they broke off this time, it took her a moment for her to catch her breath. “Do you think Charlie will be okay with this?”
Nash smiled. “I’m betting he’ll be more than okay, but I’ll talk to him. He never had a chance to remember his mother, but we’ve always talked about her and made her part of his life.”
“That’s good. I’m glad you’ve been able to give him memories of her even though she couldn’t be there.”
He nodded. “Charlotte would like you, you know.”
Her eyebrows shot up. “Really?”
He nodded. “She always appreciated creative people, and she loved reading. Anything and everything. She was working on her masters in library science when she passed. Her love of fantasy was one of the reasons I knew what books to choose as Charlie grew.”
It should have felt weird talking about the woman Nash had loved and married, but it wasn’t. She could tell Nash had genuinely loved her, would always love her.
But she also knew he saw Olivia as separate person, not someone to replace Charlotte. This man’s heart was big enough to hold a lot of love—maybe even big enough to love her and Ella Mae.
And she was getting steps ahead of herself. They hadn’t talked feelings. Certainly not after kissing for the first time tonight.
Olivia told her heart to slow down, but she also knew it was too late.
If necessary, she’d deal with the broken heart later. For now, she’d revel in the love she felt for this man and his son. For someone who’d been alone most of her life, the feeling of family had always seemed an impossible dream.
One she now had hope of making a reality.
Finally, Olivia straightened. “I should get back to Ella.” They’d been talking for far longer than she’d thought and the clock showed it was well past midnight.
Nash kept his hands on her as he helped her stand and then he took her hand.
They walked hand in hand the few steps to her room. A quick peek showed Ella sleeping soundly with her dragon. “She’s good.”
Nash’s eyes were warm as he nodded. “She is. Thanks to you, she really is.”
Her eyes misted again. For someone who’d refused to shed tears in front of others, she was turning into a crybaby tonight. “Thanks again for letting me get that out of my system.”
His smile was warm. “Anytime. It always feels better when you have a chance to let it out. It’s easier to build yourself back up again.”
She leaned in and hugged him. “You’re a very good man, Nash.”
He hugged her back and kissed her hair. “And you’re an amazing woman.”
Then he stepped back. “Good night, Olivia.”
“Good night, Nash.”
She hesitated with her hand on the knob and turned back. “Parsons. His name is Adam Parsons.”
Surprise and satisfaction showed on his face before he leaned down to kiss her lightly. “Thank you. Sleep well.”
He waited until she closed the door and turned the lock. Once she had, she turned to lean against the door.
Her body nearly floated, and her heart was already doing that. She brushed her fingers over lips that continued to tingle from his touch.
She wasn’t sure she’d sleep, but if she did, the dreams would be delicious.