Unconsciously Sage sucked her bottom lip into her mouth as their heated gazes met. His murmured, “We’ll talk about that, too,” left her wondering and wanting for the rest of the day.
Chapter Twelve
Love would never be a promise of a rose garden unless it was showered with the light of faith, water of sincerity, and air of passion.
As Loch was getting ready to leave for the day, Nox stopped him, knowing the shop was empty save for them. “What’s up with Joey?”
Uncomfortable with what was now evident to the others and not wanting to spill any of Joey’s secrets after they’d talked more over the afternoon, he told his brother, “He just needs some space.”
“You sure, man? You’re closer to all the guys than Levi or me. If there’s something I should know, you need to tell me.”
Not wanting to play games and just get home to Sage, Loch said, “Look, if he wants us to know, Nox, he’ll speak up. It’s Joey, he can’t stay quiet for long.”
“Yeah, maybe.” Nox seemed distracted.
“What’s up, bro?” As much as he wanted to leave, he couldn’t when his brother had something on his mind.
“Elianna. Soph is worried because she hasn’t heard from her. I know her and Asher had their issues, but it’s more than that. Somethings going on with her.”
“She’ll come to you when she’s ready. She’s not exactly the most open person, man. She’s locked up tighter than Fort Knox.”
“I guess,” Nox muttered. “You and Sage doing okay?”
“We would be if I could get to her.” Loch deadpanned.
“Sorry, kid. Get out of here.”
“Later.”
Finally free, Loch wasted no time leaving. Cruising the few minutes it took to get home, it went by quickly as he nailed every green light on the way.
Grinning as he pulled up to his small Tudor style house, Sage was sitting on the front steps, Braxton beside her. Right where she belonged. With a throw blanket across her shoulders, long billowing skirt swishing in the wind, and a cup of something warm in her hands, she looked at peace.
“Lochlan.” Her cheerful voice brought a huge grin to his face as she dismounted the steps towards him.
Meeting in the middle of the sidewalk, he pulled her into his arms. “Hi, Angel,” he whispered as he kissed her lips gently. A soft touch to keep them from devouring each other.
“Mmmm,” she hummed into his neck.
“Have a good day?” he asked her, briefly meeting Braxton’s hard gaze.
“Yes, I just love your home.” She smiled up at him again.
“I’ll be around,” Brax announced as he walked past them.
“Thanks, man.”
They stood in their embrace for a while after everything went quiet again. Neither felt the need to move or break the silence. Holding Sage close to his heart, Loch sensed he was more settled than he had been in a long time. Knowing she was there and safe appeased his active mind from all the things he couldn’t and hadn’t protected her from.
“You hungry?”
“Famished.” She pulled his hand as she walked towards the house.
“Have you eaten today?” He worried when she wasn’t with him.
“Ummm…”
F