She walked into the kitchen, prepared to find Sadie and Jeb sitting at the kitchen table reading the paper and drinking a cup of coffee with John. But they weren’t there. Just Brody. Only Brody. Brody lowered the paper and peered over the top of it. She only saw his eyes but she saw them darken as his glance focused on hers. Light gray turned to steel as his eyes raked over her body from head to toe. He stripped her naked with just one glance.
Lou took a deep breath and turned to pour herself a cup of coffee. Strong arms moved around her waist and he placed a light kiss on her neck. She jumped and then leaned back into him. The awkwardness was quickly forgotten. “Good morning,” he murmured as his lips traveled across her shoulder, his hands pressed firmly to her belly.
“Morning,” she said quietly, her head thrown back on his shoulder. Her pulse began to quicken.
“You sleep okay?” he asked against her throat.
“Like a baby,” she responded.
“No nightmares?”
“Not a one.”
He turned her around in his arms. Her hands automatically went around his neck. Her eyes smiled into his.
“That?
??s amazing. That must be the first full night of sleep you’ve had in weeks.”
“Amazing doesn’t begin to describe it. How did you sleep?” she asked.
“I had this lovely lady with her bottom in my lap all night. Coupled with memories of devouring her just moments before, how do you think I slept?”
“Poorly?”
“Nope. I woke up a few times,” his lips touched tenderly to hers. “I wanted to ravish you again but I didn’t. I am such a gentleman.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“Why didn’t I what?”
“Why didn’t you ravish me again?” she asked quietly. “You don’t want me anymore?”
He pressed his forehead to hers and took a deep breath. He reached around and put his hands in her back pockets, pulling her fast and hard against him. She could feel his arousal against her belly.
“Does it feel like I don’t want you anymore? I want you more than I want to take my next breath. But I thought you might be sore.” He flicked her nose playfully.
Heat crept up her cheeks.
“It’s just one of those things that happen.”
“Yes, sir, Dr. Wester.” She saluted him smartly.
He kissed her on the lips again and then they heard boots moving across the porch. They bolted apart like two wayward children caught stealing cookies.
****
The funeral service was a huge affair. The church overflowed with friends, family and business associates. Lou was relieved when it was finally over and glad when the house came into view from the limo ringing them back home. They pulled up to the house and got out of the car. Lou turned and walked into the house after Sadie and Jeb. Brody walked slowly behind her. Then he heard the limo driver call out. “Dr. Wester?”
“Yes?”
The driver held out a plain paper envelope to him. “I found this in the limo last night. I thought one of you might have dropped it.”
Brody took the note from his outstretched hand and read it slowly. His eyebrows narrowed together. Then he looked at the picture enclosed.
“I know who this belongs to. I’ll be sure she gets it. Thanks for bringing it for her.”
“No problem, sir. My condolences on the death of your mother.”