Chapter 16
Heather stretched luxuriously and Scott watched in amazement at the beauty of her limbs. Even with the odd spots of burned skin. After the hard and fast in the kitchen, he’d taken his time to explore every gorgeous inch of her. It had been amazing. As good as the first time in Vermont, maybe even better.
How would she feel now? Earlier she’d been out of her mind with anger and despair. Had that been why she’d been wild and reckless? Or had she finally decided he wasn’t such a bad guy after all? Theyhadstarted something before thehouse blew up.
Damn and fuck. Who the hell had blown up her house? The red tape, accidents, even accusing him of assault had been minor compared to this. Someone had tried to kill them. Or had it only been her and he’d been collateral damage? No way he’d sit around and let someone hurt Heather. She was beginning to mean something to him. Maybe she had for a while but he’d simply been too stupid to notice.
Running his finger over her exposed skin, he wondered if she’d want to continue this relationship. It was a question he’d been asking himself too. Both Jack and Chris were enjoying wedded bliss, making it look easy and exciting. He’d always figured it was something he’d do much later in life. Get his career in shape and enjoy being free before he chained himself to awoman forever.
Stroking Heather’s arm, he wondered if she wanted that too. Her independence had always been strong. She took great pride in not relying on anyone else for anything. He wouldn’t mind having her lean on him, occasionally.
“Mmm,” she hummed and turned onto her back. One eye opened, a smile lighting her face when she saw him. “That’s nice. Don’t stop.”
“Your wish is my command.” Lowering the sheet to her waist, he skimmed his lips over her neck to her throat then finally reached the stiff peaks that always made his dick turn to concrete.
“Fulfilling my wishes now, are we?”
“Absolutely.”
Her eyes stared at a spot on the ceiling and began to darken. She must be thinking about the house explosion again. Best get her mind onsomething else.
For the next half hour he did his best to distract her by playing with her body. And she played right back. God, this woman was refreshing, fun, and didn’t seem to have any hang-ups about exploringher sexuality.
As he lay replete with her straddling his hips, holding herself up with her hands on his chest, he again thought about forever. He didn’t think he’d ever get tired of her sparkling personality and sarcastic wit. Itstimulated him.
Her wiggling hips did that too. How the hell did she get him this excited in such a shortperiod of time?
“If you keep doing that, princess, I’ll have to flip you over and go for round three.”
Her sassy smile twitched. “I think it mightbe round four.”
Shit, she was right. He’d have no energy left if they kept going. It was only…he glanced at the clock…damn, it was after nine. It was a work morning and he’d been hanging out in bed.
“Good thing my boss is an understanding guy,” he said, sitting up, licking a path across her shoulder.
Heather chuckled. “My boss is a real bitch, but I think she has a thing for you. Could you get me out of trouble for not beingthere on time?”
“Sure, I can start right now.” Running his hands up her back, he pulled her closer, kissing her soundly. The ringing of the doorbell broke through the passionate haze,and he groaned.
“Don’t answer it,” she begged, her own hands running over his shoulders thendown his back.
That sounded perfect, but after what happened last night with her house, it could be something important.
Scooting out of bed, he lowered her down to the mattress and kissed her lips. “Stay here. I’ll deal with whoever it is.” Pulling his discarded sleep pants on, he hoped round four wouldn’t be too far away.
The bell buzzed again as he walked toward it, a T-shirt in his hands. He’d grabbed it to put it on then realized the front of his pants tented out dramatically. Best use it to hidehis condition.
He opened the door to Heather’s parents and sister standing there, concern etched all over their faces. Had Heather called them?
“Mr. and Mrs. Silva, Charlotte, come in.” Now he was glad he had the T-shirt, though the sight of her parents here did plentyto deflate him.
“We’re assuming Heather is here,” Mr. Silva said, his tone filled with both strength and fear.
They all moved into the living room and Heather’s mom held her hand to the pearls around her neck. “She never called to say they were releasing her fromthe hospital.”
“We called this morning and they said she’d been discharged,” Domenic stated. “With you. Is she here?”
“I’m here, Dad,” Heather said, as she walked past the dining set to them. She wore one of his button-down shirts that hung almost to her knees. Nothing else.
