She couldn’t imagine growing up with wars and training and deployments part of their everyday life for generations. From his great-grandfather, grandfather, father, mother, and his brother, the Joneses had fought and bled for this country and its freedom.
“My family tree doesn’t have such a noble history,” she said, setting her fork onto her empty plate. “I believe we have a train robber who had a son that ended up being a Texas Ranger.” She was proud of that one. “My dad and mom are teachers, as is one of my sisters, and the other is a local eye doctor.”
“Seems like you have a very interesting family tree to me,” he said with a grin. “Diversity is good for the soul.”
She lifted her glass and drained the last of her drink. “So was that margarita.”
“Agreed.” He finished the rest of his then smiled. “Thanks for dinner. It was delicious.”
Emily rose to her feet and began to clear the table. “You’re more than welcome. I appreciate your help with my dog.”
Holden followed her into the kitchen, insisting on carrying his dishes to the sink. “My pleasure.” Once their hands were empty, he turned her to face him. “We need to talk about your car.”
Air left her lungs in a long sigh that echoed through her kitchen. “I know. But I was hoping it could wait until tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow, if it’s okay with you, Dex is coming here to drop off a loaner for you to borrow and he’ll take yours so he can fix it.”
She blinked. “He is? But…my insurance—”
“He’ll take care of it,” Holden said, gently cutting her off. “Mechanic, auto body, he is the best. So, I don’t want you to worry about your car.”
“A-all right.”
She was happy to have that load removed from her shoulders. Already they felt ten pounds lighter. And it must’ve been Dex on the phone when she’d spotted him talking earlier at the shelter.
“Now, let’s finally move on to you.” He lifted a hand to brush her cheek with his knuckles. A move he seemed to enjoy. She did, too. “How are you doing?”
The concern in his eyes was mirrored in his tender touch and his tone, and an unexpected rush of emotion heated Emily’s throat. It’d been a long time since a man had worried about her, other than her father. She wasn’t sure how to react, so she cleared her throat and held his gaze.
“I’m okay. More pissed than anything,” she told him honestly.
The fact Perez went from calling her abitchto painting it on her car made her angry, not frightened. Probably dumb of her, but there it was, the truth.
His lips twitched. “I’m not surprised.”
“Yeah?” She set her palms on his chest and smiled. “Guess that means you know me pretty well.”
Holden held her gaze while he twisted one of her curls around his finger. “And I’d like to get to know you better.” Gently tugging her closer, he dipped down to touch his lips to hers. “A hell of a lot better,” he murmured sexily against her mouth before kissing her slow and deep.
Emily wanted the same thing.
His hand was in her hair and the other was around her back as she sighed and melted against him. Never had she wanted any man so badly in her life. So quickly, too. His nearness and simple brush of his lips made her hot. Made her nuts. The man stole her breath, and they’d only shared a few amazing kisses. Incredibly hot, amazing kisses. In his arms was turning into her new favorite place to be.
Her sanctuary.
A little while later, when they broke for air, she could tell by the heat in his touch and in his eyes that he shared the same deep-seated need swirling inside her.
“I’ve wanted to do that for several days now,” he murmured.
Emily patted his chest. “What a coincidence,” she uttered between breaths. “I’ve wanted you to…too.”
A second later, his mouth was back on hers, sipping and tasting, driving her wild, making her clutch at his shirt as he effectively removed the strength from her legs.
This time, when he ended the kiss, he set his forehead to hers and sucked in air. “Sorry,” he said between breaths. “I can’t seem to get enough of you.”
Her pulse tumbled, knocking what little breath was left from her lungs. His gaze was dark and smoldering, enhancing the green in his hazel eyes.
He drew back slightly but didn’t release her. “I should go…before I don’t,” he said, in the sexiest tone she’d ever heard.
