From This Moment

She’s been in there for about five minutes when I hear the shower. I shoot off the bed to see what she’s up to, and there she is, naked as the day she was born, in the shower.

“Cade, I know you’re there. Are you going to soap me up?”

Shit, how the hell am I suppose to survive this?

“Cade, I’m serious. I’m getting too tired and my hip hurts.” She’s using the seat for support.

I strip down and enter the shower and think I’m doing well, until she gives me a very thorough once over, which provokes my erection. “Ignore him. He gets like that every time he sees you naked.”

“If I wasn’t in pain I’d do something about it.” She strokes me as I help her up.

“Don’t touch. I’m helping only. I actually do mean it this time. You’re in too much pain to take me tonight.”

Keeping a grip on her isn’t easy; she’s all slippery with soap. Her breasts with their hardened nipples keep rubbing against my chest, playing hell with my libido.

“Cade, I think this is a bad idea. You’re going to be frustrated as hell.”

“I’ll survive. C’mon, let’s get the soap washed off. We both need a good night’s sleep.”

After barely surviving the shower, I finally get us both out and into bed without too much pain, on both our parts.

Rona slips into my arms as soon as we’re in bed. In seconds, she’s out for the count.

Chapter 21

Jake

Having to break the news to Elise that Tom had been shot while hurting Rona wasn’t something I relished. Yes, I was planning to confront him. Yes, I wanted him found and put behind bars for what he did to Elise and to his sister. Yes, I was more than prepared to kick the shit out of him for what he did to my woman. But I didn’t relish telling her that he was gone.

Partly because I’m afraid it will hurt her and partly because I feel angry I’m not going to get the chance to hit him. The bastard is dead, but I still have so much anger inside me because of the fear he put in Elise, and Rona. I’m not a bad person, but how the hell am I supposed to feel sorry for him? I just can’t get there, and I hope to God Elise doesn’t expect me to.

She has been crying on and off since we got the call earlier today. She had wanted to go to the house immediately and help Rona, but I’d made her wait until I was sure it was safe. Now I’m driving toward where it all took place, unsure how she’s going to react. I love her so I’m not going anywhere and will always be here for her, but right now I don’t know what the hell to do or what she needs from me. As we drive, I talk about what happened and how Tom is dead. She’s silent and I have no idea what is going on in her head. If it was anyone else close to Elise then I’d know to offer her my strength, but she isn’t talking so I have no clue how she’s feeling.

&nbs

p; Once we get to the house, I circle around to the back. To my relief, everything looks normal.

I cut the engine and in the quiet, we both stare at the house. After a few minutes, I glance at Elise before jumping out of the truck. I need to get her inside so I can hold her, and reassure myself that my woman is okay. There’s nothing worse than having the sick feeling in your gut that all isn’t well.

Elise turns after she alights from the truck, reaching for me. Her arms around my neck, she holds me tight.

“I’m all right, Jake. I promise. I just want you to take me inside and hold me without so many layers between us.”

“I can do that.”

Letting her slip out of my arms, I take her hand, kiss her fingers and then lead her inside through the kitchen and straight to my room.

As I was the only boy around growing up, when Dad had the house built, he made sure I had plenty of room. So there isn’t just a king sized bed, but a sofa and TV area, and a separate bathroom and shower room. Really, it’s like I have my own apartment.

Dropping my jacket onto a chair, I help Elise with hers before kicking off my shoes.

Even though my hip is giving me some pain, I reach around Elise and haul her against my body. “Wrap your legs around me.”

She does as I ask and her arms curve around my neck.

Having her soft bottom in my hands and her lips trailing kisses along my jaw isn’t helping with my intention of just holding her. My body comes alive every time she’s so close.

Carrying her to my bed, I don’t let go, but slowly climb on top of the covers, and lay her down with her glorious blonde hair spread out beneath her. I caress her face while resting my forehead against hers.