“Should I be concerned? Maybe we should get you checked out.”
“I’m fine. It’s a nice reprieve.” I wasn’t really lying. It was a nice reprieve even if the timing sucked.
Hours went by. We’d all eaten, and thirty minutes later, I’d finally shut the door behind the last cop and double-checked the locks.
Stella headed for the stairs. Exhaustion was written all over her face. “I’m going to bed.”
I watched her disappear. The case files were still sitting on the table. I double-checked the locks again and peeked outside to see the cops still parked outside and made my way up to her bedroom. I called Grant, letting him know everything that had happened. It had taken a miracle to talk him out of coming to town. The exhibit was tomorrow night. One more full day in this town, and then the following morning, I’d whisk her away. That was the plan, and I had every intention of keeping to it.
I changed and slipped my gun beneath my pillow. It was dark in the room as I listened to every creak in the house. My nerves were on edge, so I stared at the ceiling, unable to sleep.
“Ash,” Stella whispered from her pillow next to me.
I raised to my elbow. “Yeah, Stella?”
She rolled and settled into my arms. “I can’t sleep. I’m worried that guy will come back.”
“Close your eyes. I’ve got you.” I pulled her tighter into the crevice of my hold.
She laid her head on my shoulder. “I’m sorry you got hurt.”
I stroked her hair and inhaled the strawberry scent of her shampoo. “It’s not your fault. If anything, it’s mine. I should have been paying more attention.”
“I’d never forgive myself if the same thing happened to you like it did Marcus all because of me.”
“You really believe he’s innocent and someone else killed Gretchen?”
She snuggled into my hold. “I do. I don’t know who killed Gretchen, but it wasn’t Marcus.”
“You believe that everyone has good in them, Stella. That’s not always the case.” I kissed her head. “Get some sleep.”
She leaned up and stared into my eyes. “Wanting to believe that people are inherently good doesn’t make me naïve, Ash.”
“I know,” I said, rubbing her back. “I love that about you. It’s one of your best qualities.”
The tension in her body loosened, and she leaned in and pressed her lips to mine. The kiss was soft and gentle, just like the woman sharing her bed with me.
I returned the kiss, pulling her closer and relishing the feel of her body pressed against mine. Time was running out in more ways than one.
17
Stella
She wanted this. She wanted him.
He rolled on top of her, staring deep into her eyes. At that moment, she knew that she’d never stopped loving him. She’d only shoved her feelings for him to the deepest parts of her heart when he’d left. Only now, those emotions were breaking free and coming alive again.
His blue eyes darkened with desire into a stormy shade. His gaze dropped to her lips. It was the only warning she had before he stole her breath with a heated kiss.
And that was all it took.
His hand trailed a path down her body, kissing a path down her chest.
She leaned up, pulling her tank top off, wanting more, needing more. His lips found her breast, and he sucked and nibbled, scraping his teeth against her tender flesh as his large palm toyed with the other.
Each tug and pull felt like an electrical current sizzling straight to her core.
She gravitated toward him, lifting her body off the bed to deepen the connection.
