His hands frame my face.
His throat works as he swallows, his gaze softening, the fire banking into warm embers of concern.His thumbs gently stroke my cheekbones.
The simple, tender gesture makes my shaky legs feel decidedly weaker.
Relief floods me when he breaks the charged silence.“Shall we sit?”
I manage a weak nod.
Standing feels precarious right now.Physically and emotionally.
But instead of moving us backward, Matthew’s hands slide gently to my upper arms, steadying me.
Realization dawns.“Right here?”My voice squeaks, eyes darting down at the narrow white plank.
“Right here,” he confirms, amusement dancing over his face.“It’s the best spot, trust me.”
Before I can talk myself out of it, he turns me around so my back is to him.“I got you,” he murmurs, hands finding my waist.
He lowers me until I’m seated, straddling the board.He settles behind me.His legs flank mine, creating a surprising pocket of stability.The terrifying fear of falling recedes, replaced by the startling reality of sitting here, suspended just above the glowing water.My hands find the cool, textured edge of the board right in front of my thighs.I gaze down.From this low vantage point, the pool looks immense.A vast, silent lagoon of shifting turquoise light.The trees above and the distant house lights are mesmerizing.
The panic feels distant.Replaced by peace and awe.
“Thisisthe best spot,” I whisper, taken by this view.
“Yup.”
He pulls me back until my shoulders rest against the solid wall of his chest.Once I’m settled there, his hands return to his knees.
“Especially now,” he adds, a low rumble against my back.
And just like that, I am rendered powerless against the deep warmth unfurling in my heart, pushing back the exhaustion and the ache settled there.For this suspended moment, the quiet beauty of the night absorbs the chaos of the day.The frantic energy drains away, leaving a fragile peace.I focus on the dancing light on the water, on the silhouette of pine branches against the indigo sky, trying to anchor myself to this sanctuary.
This temporary sanctuary.
Because the moment I leave the solid warmth of Matthew’s body, the quiet of his yard…
The moment this night ends…
Reality awaits.
James and his cruel deal.
Bancroft, immune to the petition.
The café, my purpose, my haven, threatened from all sides.
“I’m so tired.”The confession slips out on a sigh.
Matthew’s arms wrap around me, engulfing me in a tight, protective embrace.“I know, love,” he whispers.
The ache returns to my chest.
Sharp.
Suffocating.
My life is built on foundations threatening to crumble beneath me.Much like this board feels beneath us, only the drop would be infinitely deeper.
