Not that she wasn’t heart-stopping before. But I kind of hope she goes back to T-shirts when I’m gone. I’m a possessive motherfucker, and the thought of other cowboys coming around makes me feel like I’ve got heartburn.
“Travis!” she exclaims breathlessly, rounding the counter and running up to throw her arms around me.
I pull her into my arms, lifting her off the ground and twirling her around as I taste her lips, losing myself in her.
Stepping back, I admire my gorgeous woman, saying, “God, you take my breath away, sugar. You’re the most beautiful sight I’ve seen all day, and you smell good and taste good, too.”
“Well, you’re in a fine mood,” she replies, her cheeks bright pink.
“How could I not be after last night and this morning?” I ask, letting my thoughts wander back to the steamiest shower I’ve ever taken. Fuck, remembering the feel of her soapy, slippery, soft body on mine makes my cock jump.
I know I’ve got to change the subject. Or the next thing I know the “Closed” sign will be up in the window, and we’ll be in the back doing more than inventory.
But it’s time. I’ve got to go.
I rub my hand over my heart, knowing this is a moment I’ve dreaded for months. I should keep things light and casual because she doesn’t need to worry about me anymore than I already know she will. This is my job, and going away is a part of the routine. I sure am going to miss her, though.
Her eyes flicker to my firefighter uniform as realization sinks in. Her smile fractures as she asks in a voice that’s lost its upbeat edge, “Are you training today?”
“I wish,” I reply, cupping her cheek with my hand and drinking her in for a long time. I force a smile, working hard to make my voice sound reassuring, “No, sugar, it’s go time.”
Her face falls, and she looks down.
“Faith, baby, it’s going to be okay. I’ll be back before you know it. Keep your phone handy, and I’ll call when I can.”
Her light brown eyes are wide and tear-filled as she stares up at me, and I’d give anything to have more time with her. Even an hour to hold her and make her understand everything will be okay.
But fires don’t wait for feelings. Letting out a long sigh, “I love you” sits on the tip of my tongue. I don’t know if it’ll reassure her or make her nervous I’m moving too fast, though.
Her sexy voice pulls me back from my thoughts. “Do you know how long you’ll be gone?”
This question has always represented the beginning of trouble in my relationships. Nevertheless, I hope it’ll be different this time.
I say, “A roll typically lasts anywhere from two days to two weeks.”
Her eyes look disappointed by the fuzzy answer. It’s the best I can give her.
My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I know the time for dilly-dallying is over. “I’ll call when I can, but like I already warned you, if they put us on direct lines, depending on the movement of the fire and how things go, I might work thirty-six hours straight. If I’m not calling, that’s why. But don’t for one moment think you’re not on my mind. You’re my world now, Faith, and that’ll never change.”
I pull her into my arms, hearing a tiny sob escape her. I can tell she’s trying to be brave, too. It’s tough no matter how you slice it.
Our lips communicate the desperation and longing we both feel better than any words, and the taste of salt on her lips lets me know she’ll miss me as much I’ll miss her.
“Goodbye, my love,” I say quietly, letting her know without a formal declaration that I’m all hers.
Chapter Thirteen
FAITH
Istare at the plus sign on the pregnancy test again, trying not to hyperventilate. My mom’s voice rips through my head so loudly, and clearly, it’s like she’s almost in the room.
Why buy the cow when the milk’s free? Nothing kills love faster than marrying for it. A good-time-man won’t ever change his ways. You’re worth nothing without your virginity.
I know they’re outdated, spiteful, and stupid thoughts. But with as many times as I heard them growing up, it’s no wonder they still taunt me. Especially when I feel most vulnerable.
Travis’s last words run through my head.Goodbye, my love.
I close my eyes, remembering the warmth of his soulful gaze. His eyes communicated an ardency that went beyond any three-word phrase. I know this with unwavering certainty.
