Finally, I dropped my gaze to meet hers. “To see Joel.”
She folded her arms and lifted an eyebrow. “Joel is away in Houston, remember?”
“Then I’m driving to Houston.”
“Ace, that’s almost a four-hour drive.”
“What’s your point?” I clenched my jaw, the words he said to her replaying in my head.
“I should’ve never told you what he said.”
“No,” I snarled, peering down at her. “What you should’ve done is told me that same day. I would’ve told you it was all bullshit.” My voice rose with each word I said.
“Shh.” She pushed me with her hand flat against my chest, forcing me back into the bedroom as she shut the door behind her.
“It’s almost midnight. You can’t drive to Houston to confront your father. You’re too angry, and you’ll regret whatever you say to him.”
I shook my head. “The only regrets will be his. I promise you that.” I couldn’t believe he dared to say such horrible things to my wife. Right after our son died, no less.
Who the hell did that?
“No, Ace,” Savannah said, wrapping her arms around my waist.
I felt my resolve growing weaker, and I lifted my arms to hold her to me.
“Stay with me tonight.” She rose on her tiptoes and softly pressed her lips against mine.
It was like ice water to the flame of my anger. I lowered my hands to cup her ass and walked her back against the wall by the bed.
“You should’ve fucking told me what he said,” I said against her lips.
She shook her head. “It wouldn’t have made a difference.” She panted as I dipped my head and kissed her neck. “I blamed myself anyway.”
I found the vein in her neck that pulsed whenever she got aroused and licked it to the space just behind her ear. Her entire body trembled.
I nipped at her earlobe and squeezed her ass. My cock thumped against the zipper of my jeans, seeking freedom.
With a few flicks of my wrist, I undid the string holding Savannah’s dress together. She found the bottom of my shirt and lifted it. I assisted her by raising my arms so she could remove my shirt.
We undressed each other, caressing here and kissing there. Everything felt new, somehow.
Although this wasn’t the first time Savannah and I had made love since she’d come back, this time felt rawer. I finally knew the reason she’d left.
She’d always had a hang up about holding me back. She believed she was the reason her mother hadn’t accomplished more in her life before she died. Savannah blamed herself for her own mother’s death. I knew that.
I should’ve fucking realized that she would blame herself for AJ’s death. And for my pain.
Add to that the bullshit my father spewed at her when she was in such a vulnerable state; no wonder she believed leaving was in my best interest.
Fucking Joel.
“Hey,” Savannah said, cupping my face to look at her. “Are you here? With me?”
I looked down into her brown irises and planted a kiss on her lips. “Affirmative.” My voice came out hoarse.
“Fuck,” I growled when she reached down and gripped my cock, rubbing her thumb against the top.
“Good.” She grinned.
