Page 15 of One Weekend On Mackinac Island
“And you are the best man I know.” A deep, hearty laugh rumbled through his chest. “Must be why I made you my best man.” I rolled my eyes at his joke, unable to stifle a groan.
“Look, man,” he continued. “I trusted you with my life. Still do. Why wouldn’t I trust you with my sister?”
The impact of his words lingered. Even now, their resonance still vibrated within me.
When we reached her door, I hesitated, unsure what to do. I wanted her, but I was apprehensive about jeopardizing things by moving too fast. A sigh of relief nearly slipped out when she spoke.
“I’m unsure what to do right now,” she whispered, apparently on the same page as me.
“I know.” Stepping closer, I cupped her cheek. “I was just thinking that I didn’t want to rush this. I would hate it if I fucked up and hurt you.”
“You could never hurt me.”
Those words struck like a projectile to the heart and spread a warmth I didn’t know was missing. “I never would on purpose. But I’m a man, and I’m bound to screw up, eventually.”
She laughed. “If you do, I’ll call you on it.”
I couldn't help but grin as I looked at her. “Promise.”
“Absolutely.”
The words were more than just a promise to call me on my shit. They went much deeper than that.
“And I promise a shelter for you in my heart, and my arms will forever provide you with a warm and loving home.” I didn’t know where the words came from, but I meant them wholeheartedly. Apparently, they were the right words because the next thing I knew, she was in my arms, her body pressed against me, and her lips were on mine.
The kiss ended, and as she smiled at me, I was utterly captivated by her radiance, and my breath caught in my throat. “Ditto,” she said, and I couldn't help but erupt in laughter. I gave her heartfelt words, and she gives me a simple “Ditto.” Life with my Kit would never be dull, that was for sure.
“Give me twenty minutes to shower?”
My heart picked up its pace at the thought of her in the shower. Then her words truly sank in. “You want me to come back?”
I quick flash of doubt flickered in her eyes. “Only if you want to.”
“Oh, I want to,” I quickly assured. “I’ll see you in twenty.”
As I began to pull away, my hands traced down her arms, lingering until our fingers intertwined. Reluctance filled me as I moved away, finding it difficult to let go. The space between us was expanding, and we stretched out our arms, our fingertips clinging to the last vestiges of touch.
“Go,” she urged. “I’ll be here.”
Her words made me turn and start down the hall, but a shrill cry cut through the air, made me whirl around instantly. Kat was on the ground and a dark figure had just slammed through the door to the stairwell.
“Kit,” I yelled. It took me mere seconds to reach her, but they felt much too long. I fell to my knees beside her, theworld spinning around me as a storm of terrifying possibilities consumed my mind. “Kit, baby. Talk to me.” I couldn’t lose her. Not now. Not ever. A world without my Kit was not one I wanted to contemplate.
“Ouch,” she muttered, and my panicked heart eased its frantic rhythm.
I helped her sit up slowly, watching her closely as she adjusted herself. She lifted her arm, inspecting her elbow. The blood I spotted, a crimson stain against her pristine white skin, made my own blood boil. The urge to hunt down the person who caused her pain was strong, but there was no way in hell I could leave her. Not when she was hurt.
“Are you all right? Are you hurt anywhere else?”
“I’m okay. I think. What was that?”
“I think the question iswhowas that?”
Shock registered on her face as her eyes widened in surprise. “Someone was in my room?” With my help, she managed to stand up, but then she began to panic. “Oh shit! Oh, no!” She dashed into her room and straight to the closet.
“Kit? What is it? What’s wrong?”
She was hunched in front of the little safe in the closet. “They’re gone!” she exclaimed, her voice cracking with despair, sending a wave of dread washing over me.
