He kissed her chest, then her stomach, continuing to tease her as if they had all the time in the world to be with each other. She closed her eyes at that thought. Her heart ached again, but only for a fleeting second before Matt wrapped a hand around the back of her neck.
“What is it?” his eyes sensual yet concerned.
I’m going to miss you when she comes back.
She shook her head and gave a small smile. Her thoughts wouldn’t make any sense to anyone but her. And there was no point in sharing. She knew he wasn’t convinced.
After a brief moment of searching her eyes, he kissed her forehead lightly. “You’d tell me?”
Liz only nodded and let out a breath, releasing the negative energy that crept into her mind during such a wonderful moment. “I want all of you.”
He grinned and slid his hands down her skin around her lower back, then lifting her into him. She was wet and waiting. Her back arched towards him just before he pushed inside her, releasing a moan from her throat. Her head sinked deeper into the pillow with every thrust. She enjoyed every inch of him touching her. Savored it. She didn’t let her mind wander to thewhen again’sandwhat if next times.Liz let herself stay in the moment. Embracing the thickness of him inside her, loving the way his lower torso rubbed against hers. He sped up his rhythm, vigorously sending her into another intense rapture bursting within her.
Chapter 31
MATT
Matt watched her breathing slow to a steady, silent pace and knew she was asleep, her head still tucked under his shoulder. It wasn’t likely that he’d fall into a peaceful slumber beside her that night. His heart still raced with excitement and now guilt. He wanted her. Too much. He needed her. He needed her without the question of what this meant; forgiveness or empty desire.
He turned away from the woman—the stranger lying next to him. He missed Lizzy more than he ever imagined. If only for a moment, she could come back to him. Wake up remembering everything and still find herself in the comfort and safety of his arms.
Would that be enough for her to trust that it was okay to come back? That he won’t hurt or abandon her. Never again. If this cruel disease of the human mind would just give him one minute with her. Sixty seconds would surely be enough time to prove to her that it was safe.
He would hold her close and tell her that nothing else mattered. That their world she thought was falling apart was only going through a small test. He’d tell her that as long as they were together, they’d overcome anything.
Nothing mattered.
But didn’t it? How long would that moment last before his anger started rushing back like an aftershock, and he’d be back to the rage and resentment that pushed her right into those headlights. Throwing harsh words that he’d never imagined at the woman he trusted more than anyone.
So far, her memory loss, the fact that she’d been as innocent as the first day they met, had been the reason he’d been able to stay so collected. That he’d been able to love her and hold her without the stinging awareness of her betrayal.
She was without a doubt, innocent, and therefore not Liz. Liz wasn’t innocent. She deceived him.
With the doubt now fresh in his mind, his arm jerked from underneath her.
Get it together.
He saw her shift and frown. Then her eyes opened.
Dammit.
“I’m sorry,” she propped herself up a little, “I must have been suffocating you.”
“No, you could never.” He looked down at her from his upright position and forced a smile. “I just needed to sit up for a minute. That’s all.” He bent down and kissed the top of her head. “I’m sorry I woke you.”
She didn’t seem to believe him. There was either uncertainty in her eyes or hesitation. As if she wanted to ask something, but decided against it.
She reluctantly laid back down. “You don’t have to be sorry,” she yawned, “I do.”
“What?”
She was half asleep at this point. “I’ve been difficult, and you’ve been patient. Not pushing me. You’re just letting me be me.” She smiled softly; her eyes closed. “I don’t know what the doctor ordered but I know I’m in good hands.”
…The downfall of not doing so could be very dangerous and lead to serious mental setbacks if her memories start flooding back negatively before she’s ready.
The end of Dr. Tai’s voicemail replayed in Matt’s head. “I’d never do anything to hurt you, Lizzy,” he promised. Hoping it went further than her ears. He needed his wife to hear them too.
* * *
