She edged around the mattress, moving closer to the door in case she needed to escape. “Kieran?”
“Run!” he bellowed and rolled onto his side, legs pinwheeling as he sprinted through his nightmare.
“Kieran, honey, you’re okay. You’re safe,” she crooned and gently touched his shoulder.
He seized her hand and clung tight. “Mmmfffah.” He was slowing now, his panicked cries fading into incoherence, his movements sluggish.
“Easy, I’ve got you.” She slid into bed beside him.
With a soft moan, he curled his big body around her as shudders ran through him.
Her heart squeezed like a fist at the sight of him, trapped in a replay of the worst day of his life. Softly, she stroked his rigid shoulder. “It’s okay, love. You’re not alone.”
His breathing evened out, and bit by bit, his body went soft and heavy with sleep, his arm draped across her middle as she stared into the night.
“Oh, Kieran, look at us,” she whispered. “Two wounded souls who crashed together.”
Had tonight’s intensity ricocheted him back to a dark place? And could she help him out of it?
Not likely, burdened as she was with her own heavy baggage.
As if hearing her thoughts, Kieran shifted and laid his head over her heart, washing her in a wave of tenderness that stung her eyes with tears. She couldn’t resist stroking his soft curls.
“Wha…Addy?” He pushed up on one arm and peered at her, bleary-eyed. “Can’t sleep?”
“No, I uh…” She hesitated a moment, then decided honesty was the kindest, most respectful approach. “You had a nightmare.”
He bolted upright and whisked the sheet down, his gaze raking her bare skin. “Did I hurt you?”
She raised her palms in a placating gesture. “No, no, not at all. Scared me pretty good, though.” She gave a weak laugh. “You seemed to be running for your life.”
Kieran dragged his hand down his face. “Shite on a stick.” He softly clasped her arms. “Addy, I am so sorry. It’s been a long time since I had an episode like that. I thought I’d moved past it.” His broad shoulders slumped. “Talk about bad timing.”
“Hey now.” She wound her arm around his waist. “We both have our battle scars. I don’t know anyone who’s reached our age without at least a few.”
The look he gave her was solemn. “I could’ve hurt you, Addy. I’d better go.”
Before she could protest, he pushed to his feet and collected his clothes.
“Wait, didn’t you walk here?”
He moved to the window and peered into the darkness. “Rain’s stopped. The fresh air will clear my head.” He made for the door.
“Kieran!” She stepped across his path and planted her hand on his chest. “What we shared tonight—it meant something to me. Don’t shut me out.”
He raised her hand to his lips. “It meant something to me as well, Addy.” His expression softened. “This isn’t goodbye. I just need a bit of space, that’s all.” He kissed her palm, a sweet gesture that stole her breath.
And so, wrapped up in a blanket, she stood in the doorway of her rental cottage and watched Kieran stride into the darkness.
Chapter Eleven
Wrappedinablanketthat still held Kieran’s woodsy scent, Addy dragged herself into the kitchen, filled the teakettle, and stared out the window at drizzly rain dripping from glossy madrona leaves. She should be sharing this peaceful moment with her new friend, but he’d bolted into the night.
Her heart ached for him, and for herself. Other than Liv, it had been ages since she’d met anyone so easy to talk to. Kieran’s warm, steady gaze held so much promise—but now, his absence echoed in the once-cozy cottage.
Damn it to hell and back, this was so unfair! First, her own PTSD threatened the military career she’d called home for eleven years. And now that she’d finally met a man who reallygother, who busted through her defensive walls and gave her supernova orgasms, echoes of his own trauma menaced their budding connection.
How could she persuade Kieran to trust her with his darkness?
