Chapter 42
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
Luke’s arms tightened around her almost to the point of pain. “I love you so much. I’m never letting you go.”
She shook her head. “Never.”
Despite his injury, he held her as if she weighed nothing. She relished the feeling and sank deeper into the kiss, pouring every ounce of love into it.
She stared up at him, watching him watch her with those intense hawk-like hazel eyes. She wanted to stare into those eyes every day for the rest of her life. This was what she’d waited her whole life for. She’d been waiting for him.
She lifted a hand to his cheek, and he closed his eyes, turning his head to kiss her palm. “I love you.”
He showed her without words just how much he loved her, too, until they lay tangled together and drifted off into a comfortable, exhausted sleep.
Hannah stood at the kitchen window, looking out at the horizon over the backyard.
The rain had stopped just after noon, and the sun shining through the puffy white clouds brought a rainbow across the sky.
Absorbed in the beauty of the scene, she didn’t hear Luke approach until his strong arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her to him.
She released a sigh of deep contentment and allowed her head to fall back against his good shoulder.
His lips brushed over her temple. “How are you feeling?”
She wasn’t honestly sure how to answer that. “I’m not sure.”
She turned in his arms, needing to see him. “I… I was wrong. I should’ve listened to you.”
Luke gave a little shake of his head. “I never would’ve guessed he was responsible. I just thought—”
“I know.” She drew in a deep breath. “But you were right about Andrew, about the type of person he is… was.”
She shuddered remembering his plunge into the river.
Even had he not been fatally shot, it would have been almost impossible to survive a fall like that.
She shrugged off the guilt and stood straighter, staring Luke in the eye.
“Will you…” She cleared her throat, shoving down the emotion welling up within her. “Could you ever forgive me?”
“Doc.” One large palm slid under her chin and lifted her gaze to his. Hazel eyes stared into hers, burning a path to her soul. “I told you I’d wait forever, and I meant it. I love you.”
“I love you so much.” Hot tears sprang to her eyes. “I’m sorry it took so long to realize it.”
“I’m just glad you’re safe. When I got that call from Aiden last night…” His voice trailed off, and he pulled her tighter to his body. She felt his lips on her hair as he spoke. “God, sweetheart. I thought I’d never see you again.”
She snuggled closer to him, loving the solid feel of him wrapped around her. Luke would always keep her safe. “Now we’re both home where we belong.”
“About that.” He pulled back and stared down at her, eyes full of regret. “I’m sorry about our fight that night. I never should have—”
She lifted onto her toes and pressed her lips to his, stealing the words that had driven them apart. One kiss turned into two, and several long moments later, she broke away, taking a deep breath to slow her racing heart.
“I realized something over the past few days. I tried so hard to fight my feelings for you—my mind kept telling me it was impossible, that it was too soon to love you. But my heart knew better. It doesn’t matter where we are, as long as I’m with you.”
Hope lit his eyes, and his arms tightened, binding her to him as she was enfolded into his embrace.
“I’m right where I’m supposed to be.” Her cheek rested over his heart, beating in time with hers. “Home.”
Get ready for the next book in the Vantage Security Series! When Audrey discovers a murder victim during her morning run, she finds herself hunted by a killer lurking closer than she ever imagined. Turn the page for a sneak peek of Unraveled!
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