One to Take (One to Hold 8)
Page 9
“They’re for that night at the cabin, when we sat under the stars.” The night I made my wish.
From there, his hand slides around to my breasts, where they pause for a squeeze, a stroke. I melt against his firm chest.
“Am I forgiven?” Reaching up, I run my fingertips along the stubble of his jaw.
“Mm.” He exhales in my hair, sending chills down my legs. “I forgot why I was supposed to be mad.”
“Maybe I should get up early more often.” The suggestion earns me a low growl, and I giggle, turning in his arms to face him.
Smoky hazel eyes gaze down at me, scanning the lines of my face with such intensity, I slide forward, pressing my cheek against his chest.
“Something’s different,” he says, running his finger down my back. The vibration of his voice tickles my cheek. “You seem different. Why?”
Eyes closed, I press my lips against his heated skin. I want to tell him so much why my body is changing, why I can’t seem to get enough of him, why I’m tired and emotional and… why I need him more than ever. But I have to wait.
Sylvia made an appointment for us to visit a doctor in town tomorrow, and once I get the final thumbs up, I’ll let him know. I just have to be patient.
“I don’t know what you mean.” Lifting my chin, I
slide my hands to his strong arms, up to his shoulders. “I love you. I love the way you love me.”
He catches my chin and kisses my lips gently. “That makes two of us.”
“Can we start working with Jessie tomorrow?”
“While we’re on the subject?” His dark brow lines, and I grin.
Lightly pushing his arms, I pretend-pout. “Did you forget to ask Bill about it?”
“Of course not. He said it would be fine for you to help me with her.”
“Yay!” Clapping softly, I reach for his cheeks to pull his mouth down to mine. “Thank you!”
Lifting his head, he props it on his hand. “What about your art? You said you wanted to paint while we’re here. Training horses takes time.”
“Your mother is driving me into town tomorrow. We’ll do a little shopping and pick up a canvass and some paint. I can fit it in.”
“I can drive you into town.”
“I know.” Reaching out, I slide my thumb over the small crease in the center of his chin. “But now your mom and I have something to do together.”
He’s satisfied with that answer, and my fatigue is creeping back. Blinking heavy eyes, I lean up for one more kiss before snuggling down into the blankets, my back to his chest. I feel him still awake, returning to whatever dark thoughts were troubling him when he entered our bedroom, but for now I have to rest.
* * *
Large hands grasp my arms…
Run away!
They hold me down, dragging me to that place.
The whisper has become a shout. The hands are on my waist.
“You’re coming with us.”
My eyes snap open in the darkness, and I gasp for air. Stuart is behind me, his arms around my waist. We’re both naked in the darkness, and I’m panting, trying to shake off the vision.
“You okay?” His low voice is thick, and I can tell he’s not entirely awake.