If he dislodged one of the planks supporting the debris on top of them, he could possibly bring down even more of the structure.
He wasn’t sure how much weight the cot could support.
He edged his feet out slowly, taking note of each piece of wood he encountered, how it fit, and which direction it lay, trying to get an idea as to the puzzle of chaos around them.
With most of his lower half out from under the cot, he allowed himself to focus on Collette’s predicament again.
Eau du Arousal.Vanilla still, but also muskiness, blended with flowers that blossomed in early spring. He drew in a deep breath. His position placed his head against her thighs, where she was naked with the lower half of her gown drawn up to her waist.
If they hadn’t just made love and if he wasn’t trapped beneath Rowan’s bloody house, by God, he’d—
He kissed her skin, tasting it as he dragged his tongue down her leg.
“Addison?” Her hand landed on his head, and he felt a tug as her fingers threaded in his hair. This wasn’t the time or the place, but God help him, he felt himself hardening again.
Which, presently, was not going to help his cause.
“When we get out of here, I’m going to taste every inch of you.” He made this promise for both of them.
“I will taste you.” The fact that she could surprise him no longer surprised him.
“A thousand times. We have a lifetime, Collette.”
He would get them out of here. His resolve could not be greater.
There was a long and happy marriage awaiting them.
He slid his hand over her knee, which was bent, and then down her calves. To her ankle and foot.
He placed a soft kiss on her ankle, and skimmed his fingers over to her other leg, which lay straight, and seemingly locked onto the floor.
Somehow, when he’d rolled them off the cot, he hadn’t managed to keep her head high enough and that had left her foot to stick out the bottom of the cot.
He felt around. Two planks were crossed, forming something of an X, making for the perfect trap.
“It’s not crushing you?” He had to be sure.
“No. But it’s tight.”
He exhaled.
Supporting himself with his elbows, he tenderly touched his lips just above her stuck ankle.
“I’m going to go around.” He wasn’t sure how, but it was the best he could come up with at this point.
“Addison?” Fear and pain and love all managed to sound in her voice.
“I love you, Collette. We’re going to get out from under this damned house, and tomorrow, I’m getting a special license. And then, so help me, you and I are going to be married by the bishop if I have to track him to ground myself.”
Which he ought to have done all along.
She didn’t contradict him.
She didn’t say anything.
“Tell me what you’re thinking.” Addison was crawling out from beneath the cot again, grateful that he was wearing an older pair of boots. The soles were thin, and he could feel the positioning of the planks better that way. “Let’s address all of your concerns once and for all.”
Now, he supposed, ironically, was as good a time as any.
