“Much better.” He wanted to get back to being tasty, just as soon as he got a bit of rest. “Addy?”
“Hmm?”
“I swear I’ll be ready for round two soon. I just need a minute to enjoy my post-coital bliss.”
“Now that’s a mouthful.” They both paused. “I made it too easy, didn’t I?” Addy groaned.
“You did. Butwe’ll get back to that mouthful comment soon enough.” He chuckled. She joined him, and the laughter settled them both into a companionable rest.
Addy had never imaginedsex could be so much fun, or so satisfying. Even the positions that she thought should have hurt or been awkward felt natural with Noel. He was the one she wanted. The one she’d waited for.
She hoped she wasn’tconfusing exceptional sex for emotional closeness, but heaven help her, Noel had given her multiple orgasms. Sex with him was liberating and fun, because he took the time to pay attention to her needs. So giving, so sincere.
So deadly.
She studied his body, aware he had more bruises than he’d had Saturday. Perhaps he’d gotten hurt during the fight in Seattle. But he didn’t act injuredat all. He sure the heck hadn’t moved as if he had pain.
She cuddled closer to him, wishing every night could be spent in his arms. Every day spent waking up heartbeat to heartbeat. She toyed with the sleek chest under her, wondering if he naturally had little hair or if he shaved. Either way, she loved his body. So hard and muscular.
Noel had seemed underwhelming at first glance.Handsome and cold without the appearance of physical toughness. But without his clothes on, the man had a solid framework. Solid. A terrific word to describe Noel.
“I’m quitting the business, Addy.”
“So you said.” She tried not to be too hopeful about that.
“I mean it. And this just… I want to be with you. I want to be a man you can respect.”
She heard the buried questionin his words and leaned up to see his face. “I do respect you, Noel. You’re a good man.”
“Who does bad things.” He sighed. “I want to be a good man who does good things. No more lies. No more tearing things down. I want to build a life.” He ran his hands through her hair and cupped her cheek. “I want to build it with you, Addy.”
She smiled down at him, feeling tenderness for theman still so guarded. His emotions for her seemed so obvious, but he hadn’t come out and said he loved her. Yet building a life with someone meant trust. He’d trusted her enough to tell her the truth, hadn’t he?
“For all that we’ve known each other, we haven’t reallyknowneach other until recently.”
He stroked her hair once more and nodded.
“So I hope I don’t seem crazy whenI say I love you, Noel.”
He stopped. “What?”
She caressed his chest, feeling his heart race like crazy. “I love you. That toughness, that sarcastic wit. The way you move, the power in your body and soul. You’re a protector more than a killer.” She paused. “Do you enjoy ending life?”
“Is it wrong if I say sometimes?”
“But the people you end, they do bad things?”
His shadowed expression told her more than words could say. “Yes.”
“I know, because I know you. I really do, you know. I might just be an elementary school teacher, not as well-traveled or sophisticated as you. But I know people. And I know I love you.”
He pulled her down for a kiss and a hug that lasted a good, long while. “God, I’m so happy right now.”
But he hadn’t saidhe loved her.
“And?”
He must have heard a warning in her voice, because he looked up at her, wary, when she pulled back. “And I hope you’re happy too?”
