Everybody climbed out of the van, and the newcomers hurried forward.
Jake made the introductions.
“It’s so great to meet you. We wanted to come along, but Jake said we needed to stay here,” Gabriella said.
They all shook hands, and Craig cleared his throat. “Try to imagine me with hair. I shaved my head for a disguise.”
“We’ll wait for the real you to emerge,” Stephanie said. “Trust me, he’s a handsome guy. And twenty pounds lighter than he looks.”
“There’s so much to tell you,” Gabriella said, “but I know the two of you want some alone time.”
“The restaurant’s closed today, but I’m cooking for us. Come over around seven and we’ll all have dinner.”
“Thank you so much,” Craig answered.
Gabriella showed them to one of the cottages. They stepped inside, and Craig had only a vague impression of antique furnishings because he was too focused on Stephanie to notice much else. He reached for her and folded her into his arms. They hugged each other fiercely, both of them hardly able to believe that they’d escaped from Reynard’s compound.
“Thank God you got there,” Stephanie murmured.
“Thank God you kept your head and helped me.”
He cut off the conversation by lowering his mouth to hers for a kiss that spoke of all the powerful emotions surging through him.
You were alone for so long. You never have to be again.
I have you.
And you showed me what it is to have a partner who is everything two people can be to each other—and more.She swallowed hard.
It’s just sinking in how much danger you put yourself in—for me.
For us. I had to. You know I had to. And it worked out.
“Thank the Lord.” He lowered his mouth to hers for a long, hungry kiss.
When they finally came up for air, she ran her hands up and down his arms, over his back, and he knew she was reassuring herself by contact with his strong body.
“This place must have a bedroom.”
“I hope so.”
Linking his hand with hers, he led her into the next room and stepped far enough away to look at her outfit.
“How could you put on a halter top and shorts under your wedding gown.”
She laughed. “I did it while Claire was out of the room. I knew I couldn’t run very far in that gown.”
“You looked so beautiful, and then you ripped the dress apart.”
“We’ll get another one—for us.”
He laughed. “Is that a proposal.
When she flushed, he kissed her.I’m just teasing. You know I want the same thing you do.
He untied the halter.Convenient. No bra.
His eyes were warm as he looked at her.
