This was torture. He’d rather have his toenails ripped out with a rusty set of pliers.
If he didn’t think it would make her head for the hills, he’d rip that sheet off, tear those shorts off her, and spread those pretty legs. He’d make her come so hard she’d never need valerian again or any of Josh’s herbs. He would exhaust her thoroughly and put a huge-ass smile on her face.
Yeah, sure. There was a greater chance of Elaine running off with Mick Jagger at this point.
Connor’s thoughts began to muddy as the night wore on, and his fatigue caught up with him. Before he knew it, his head began to bob. He tried to shake it off and stay alert, but sleep called.
Just a few winks would do it. His head dropped.
“She looked great in that dress, didn’t she?”
Yeah, she sure did.Like a princess. Wait. His head snapped up. “Who said that?”
Lloyd materialized at the foot of the bed. He caressed Elaine’s foot, making her smile in her sleep.
Connor eyed him with suspicion. “Is this another dream?”
Lloyd shrugged. “It doesn’t matter.” He stroked her calf. “My poor baby.”
“She misses you. They all do.”
“I know. Can’t do much about it, though.” If it was possible for a ghost to look tired, Lloyd looked tired. Sort of wishy-washy, transparent in places.
“She was pretty angry at you tonight, and at me.”
“It wasn’t so much you, Connor. I’m the one who hurt her. Nothing will ever change that. Still, what happened tonight had to happen. She’s been bottling everything up, trying to be strong for the kids. She needed to crack and let it all spill out. It’s the only way she’ll ever heal.”
“Do you still want me to…you know?”
Lloyd grinned. “Yeah. Do you want toyou know?”
Connor sat up. “Yeah. I do. And for the record, not just because you suggested it. I just want to.”
“Good. She needs you. Now that she’s starting to face her anger, it’ll begin to fade. Her other emotions will shine through. She’ll need help sorting through them.” Lloyd stood and walked around to the side of the bed. He leaned over and kissed Elaine on the lips. “I’m so sorry, my girl.”
Elaine sighed in her sleep.
“Lloyd?”
“Yes?”
“She’s in so much pain. Did you hear what happened with the wild bear?”
His face tightened. “Yeah, I know all about that foolishness.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ears. “Damned, headstrong woman. I was with her that day, looking out for her, even though she doesn’t know it. Can you tell her that for me?”
“Why can’t you tell her? Lloyd, she’s dying to talk to you. Can’t you go to her in a dream?”
“I can’t.”
“Why the hell not?”
“If I appear to her, Connor, she’ll never let me go.”
He had a point there.
Lloyd sat next to her and cupped her cheek. “You need to move on now, my mate. I want you to have a happy life. I’ll never forget the shy girl at the high school dance. You took my breath away then. You still take my breath away. I’m so grateful I got to spend my life with you, but now it’s time for you to release me. I know it’ll be hard, but Connor will help you. Trust him. Lean on him. Don’t be afraid to love him.”
Connor wiped his eyes. Goddamn tears. “You’re not coming back, are you?”
