She bit her lip, trying to suppress the giggle when he tossed sodden shavings into the wheelbarrow.
“I’m used to getting down and dirty. But I clean up well…if you ask nicely,” he replied, his grin lighting up the shadows. “Besides, all this has taken its toll on you. Even if you won’t admit it, you need me.”
Her eyebrows shot up. “Ineedyou?”
“You do,” he said, stepping closer. “And one of these days, you’ll admit it while you’re begging.”
In two long strides, he closed the distance between them, pulling her into his chest with one arm and threading his fingers through her hair. The intoxicating scent of him—woodsy, masculine, a hint of heat—filled her lungs, making her weak at the knees.
“I miss him,” she whispered, the words slipping out before she could stop them.
“I know. He was the first person who gave you a chance. We’ll do right by him. Together.” He threaded her hair through his fingers, pulling her even closer. “Once I’m done here, we’llhead home.”
Home.
The word settled in her chest, warm and comforting. Wherever he was, that felt like home. Whether it was his mansion in Fermanagh or a shack on the beach, as long as he was there.
She nodded, loving how he squeezed her tighter in his arms. The past month had been a whirlwind—going through paperwork, managing clients, and working with the horses.
And somewhere along the way, Jamie became essential to her. After losing Harry, she couldn’t shake the worry that Jamie could walk away one day and lose interest.
For now, they followed their routine of flying back to Fermanagh every evening with Jackson lounging in the chopper. She didn’t argue when Jamie insisted she stay. The loft had lost its appeal, and the yard seemed empty without Harry.
Being with Jamie, though, that was safe, electrifying, and everything she needed.
“Thank you,” she whispered, looking up at him. “I’d be lost without you.”
“Come on, love. Let’s go. Bucky can finish up.” His fingers slid under her top, stroking her spine.
Her eyelids were heavy as she walked beside him, leaning into him, bone tired. She didn’t want to admit it, but the constant back and forth between his place and the yard had her on the edge of burnout.
Functioning had become a struggle, and the ache of grief followed her everywhere.
“How much does it cost to use the helicopter every day?” she asked, her voice croaky from exhaustion, as he helped her into the chopper. “Wouldn’t it be cheaper to take a car?”
“It’s a tax thing.” He winked. “I handle the logistics. You handle staying soft for me. That’s your only job right now.”
If she were honest with herself, the helicopter was just another sign of his control. Still, she couldn’t wrap her head around how it was always available, even if it made the journey quicker.
He joined her in the cabin, checked her harness and handed her the headset, waiting until she’d put it on before speaking.
“You look tired, Shan,” he said, taking her hand.
She kept her gaze outside as the helicopter took to the sky, the propellers cutting through the clouds. “I wake up drained…and stay that way until I’m asleep.”
“You’ve been running on empty for weeks. Been so strong,” he said. “Tonight, you’re going to be a good girl and let me take care of everything. You’ll sleep when I say. Eat when I say. And I’ll hold the rest.”
His fingers found her face, nudging her to meet his gaze. “You’ll have dinner with me and go straight to bed. I promise.”
A faint smile tugged at her lips. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep, Jamie.”
His brow furrowed.
“I won’t do anything that makes you unhappy or sick. You’re pale as hell. I can control myself until you’refeeling stronger,” he said, his tone raw, almost possessive. “I’ll run you a bath…no fucking sudsy showers for you, love.”
When she laughed, he smirked. “After that, it’s an early night for you. I have work to do, so I’ll join you later. You won’t even know I’m there.”
She let out a breath, almost mocking. “Then I may as well stay at the loft.”
