More tension left his body. “What happened to the building? How many bombs did we miss?”
“Only the one that got you.” Her voice cracked so she cleared her throat. “Blew out a few windows and part of the roof. I thought we could do cathedral ceilings and skylights upthere anyhow.”
The laugh that escaped sent him into spasms of pain. Heather leaned closer and stroked his face, whispering, “Sorry, sorry. I promiseno more jokes.”
Her expression was one of remorse and he never wanted her to feel guilty for making him laugh. “No, it’s fine. Good to know we’ve both still got a sense of humor.”
“Then you’ll really love this. My mom showed up here, mostly to give me a change of clothes and somerealfood. But she wanted to apologize for trying to run my social life. Since you rescued me—twice now—you’re on her good list of guys I can get naked with.”
“She what?”
“Well, that isn’t exactly how she worded it, but she did say that anyone willing to risk his life for mine was on the top of the list in her book.”
“Does she have an actual book?” From what he’d seen of Nicoletta Silva, she might.
“I’ll never tell. But I will tell you something, something I should have said much sooner.”
“I’m listening.” Why was she nervous? This wasn’t the big send-off, was it? No, she’d just made jokes about his being on her mother’s list of good little boys.
“Right before you blew up the wall, you said something to me.”
“I did.” He’d said he loved her. But would she want that kind of declaration from him?
“Did you mean it? Or was it merely heat of the moment shit?”
Shifting, he grunted at the agony of movement. Taking her hand, he pressed it to his lips. “I meant it. Every word. Well, all three ofthem, anyway.”
Her smile brightened up the drab room and warmed his heart. Please let it mean she felt the same. Or at least relatively close.
“Then I have a little secret to share with you.”
“Do tell. I can hardly wait. Seriously, because I think these meds”—he pointed to the IV bags hanging beside the bed—“are puttingme out again.”
Leaning closer, she nibbled on his ear, whispering, “I love you, too, Scott Holland. And I promiseI always will.”
Her kiss was beautiful and gentle, but he couldn’t wait to get out of here and show her what real lovecould be like.
“You know you also promised I could chain you up and have myway with you.”
That smile again, the one that dug deep into his soul and brought peace, acceptance, bliss.
“You’ve got it, my hero. As soon as you think youcan handle it.”
“I think the better question is, canI handleyou?”
