He kissed her hair, and his hands kept offering comfort.“Have you considered letting Marcus in on the situation with Adam?He could connect with the detectives on the case back in New York.”
She nodded.Marcus Ramirez was Phail’s police chief and a former military man.He’d been the leader of Troy’s team and had been instrumental in bringing their other team members to town.He was a good man who had helped everyone on the farm before.“I have.I didn’t want to waste his time unless I was sure we would stay.Now that I’m sure, I’ll speak to him soon.”
Nash’s hands stilled and tightened their hold.“You’re sure?You’re going to stay?”
She looked up to smile at him.“We’re going to stay.”
Triumph flashed in his eyes, and his gaze drifted down to her lips and back.
She echoed the move with a smile.
She wasn’t sure who moved first, but suddenly they were kissing.Soft, tender brushes of their lips.
Her entire body flamed at the gentle touch.
For long minutes, they touched, tasted, tested.When she opened her mouth for him, their tongues dueled and played.
And her body flamed further.Would she burst into sparkles at the sensations?
Nash brushed his fingers through her hair, over her cheeks, and along her jaw.Eventually, his lips followed the path, leaving her shaking with pleasure.
His mouth drifted back and retook hers, sending her body even higher.
Eventually, he pulled back, breathing hard and rested his lips on her forehead.“Holy hell, Olivia.I’ve been wanting to do that for days.Weeks.Since the moment we locked eyes back in the park.”
Her heart rate impossibly increased.“Me too.”
He grinned down at her and brushed his lips lightly over hers.“Good to know.Then you won’t mind if we keep finding time to do that.”
Her laugh was low and shaky.“I won’t mind at all.”
They kissed again, without their hands drifting further than they’d already explored.
Finally, Nash groaned and lifted his head, cuddling her even closer.
She snuggled in and enjoyed the safety that surrounded them.No one had ever made her feel so cared for and wanted.
Loved?
She hoped so because her heart was already his.
After a few minutes, Nash sighed.“Back to the asshole and your visit to New York.What kind of publicity does your agent want you to do?Anything Adam might see?”
She shook her head.“She wants me to do a few interviews on smaller morning shows.They’ll all be taped and then shown another day.None of them will be live.”
“That’s good.Much safer.”
She worried her lip, afraid to ask the next question.Afraid not to.But to keep Ella Mae safe, she had only two options.She could leave the toddler here with the others, but she didn’t think she’d be physically able to do it.
Or, she could ask Nash.Deep breath.“How would you feel about going to New York with me and Ella, helping me to keep her safe?I know you weren’t a bodyguard like your friends, but you were in the military and have skills I can’t even imagine.I’d pay you, of course, but if you’re not comfortable doing that, it’s okay.”She rolled her lips together to keep in any more babbles.
Nash’s arms tightened around her.“I was going to ask if I could go with you.I’d feel a whole lot better if you had backup.You’re not paying me, though.”
“But—”
He cut her off with a finger to her lip.“No.Charlie would love to go to New York.We’ll turn it into a fun trip for the kids, and I’ll make sure you’re safe.”
She had to blink back more tears.“Thank you.”
