“It was always real to me.”
She slipped her fingers around his neck again. “Thank God I didn’t murder you when you butchered my tree.”
His lips twitched. “Thank. God.”
She drew his head down and kissed the man she loved. This, right here, was home. It was comfort and familiarity and safety.
His tongue ran over the seam of her lips. She opened and he slipped inside, tangling their tongues together.
This man was everything she hadn’t realized she needed. He’d crashed into her life, changing everything and making it better.
His hands lowered to her butt, and she yelped as he lifted her and deposited her onto the counter. His mouth started to move down her cheek, then neck. His hands had just started sliding up her thighs when a knock sounded at the door.
“Ignore it,” Becket growled.
He nipped her neck. She gasped, and the air in her lungs started to come out in short puffs as his fingers slid up her legs.
The knock came again. Then a chirpy female voice. “Beck? Sky? I know you’re home. Your cars are out front. Open the door.”
He growled a second time. “I’m going to kill her.”
“You won’t kill your sister. Then your mother would killyou.” She pushed at his chest. “You let her in, and I’ll throw on some clothes. Tell her she’s welcome to stay for breakfast.”
“No, she is not. I didn’t plan to do much eating.”
“Becket Hayes. I cooked you a big breakfast. Wewillbe eating.” She leaned forward. “Besides, we have an entire lifetime to make love on the dining room table…just not this morning.”
He groaned, and she pecked his lips before hopping off the counter.
Bella followed her into the bedroom, but she didn’t miss Becket’s angry muttering as he headed to the front door.
She waited for Bella to make it inside before closing the door. The dog had been following her around a lot, but she’d also taken quite an interest in Becket. He pretended he didn’t like it, but she knew he kind of did. He was warming to Bella, even if he tried to hide it. She’d known all along this whole hating-dogs thing wouldn’t last. Who could hate dogs? It was like hating ice cream. Impossible.
She gave Bella a little belly rub before taking a quick shower.
The last couple weeks had been a blur. She’d taken time off work, and fortunately, Dolly and Pearl had taken care of everything. She still couldn’t believe Kristina had been the town thief. The woman had seemed so friendly and genuine, when in reality she’d broken into Sky’s home and left her unconscious at the bottom of the stairs.
A shiver shook her at the thought as she threw on yoga pants and a T-shirt.
She’d been wearing yoga pants and T-shirts for weeks because she’d basically been a couch potato while she recovered. Becket had made everything easier though, barely leaving her alone. Her parents had also come over a few times, her mother more than her father.
Like she’d conjured him up with her thoughts, her phone rang, her father’s name flashing on the screen.
She answered the call. “Hey, Dad.”
“Hi, darling, I just wanted to check in on how you’re doing before I head into the church for service.”
“I’m good.” She perched on the bed, and Bella immediately ran up the steps and sat on her lap. “My breathing gets better every day, and I feel ready to go back to work tomorrow.”
“Good. That’s good.”
She frowned. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes. I just…I’ve been thinking lately, and I don’t really share this kind of thing with you, but I realize I should. I want you to know that I’m proud of you.”
Her frown deepened. He’d never said that before. Not with words, anyway. “I know you are.”
“Not just for opening your own business but for having your own mind. I thought I knew what was best for you with Tony, but I was wrong. And you were smart to speak up for yourself. Becket’s the right man for you.”
