“Closer to Christmas.”
“No, no, that’s too far away. I’ll be fine before then.”
Lachlan grinned. Now was the time to tell Gina about his online meetings.
“Yeah, you will be fine. But there’s another reason. We’ve got work to do before then. Job’s not done.”
Gina’s eyes brightened.
There you are,Lachlan thought.
“No, you’re right. It isn’t done,” she said.
“And we all know how you get when a job’s not done. So, you’ll be helping out.”
“Only helping?”
“It’s a team effort.”
She smiled. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
TWENTY-SEVEN
Gina, present day, Los Angeles
They flew home two days later, courtesy of The Swiss Air Force, in return for a promise that they’d visit again when Gina was up for it.
“Either way, I’ll see you at the wedding,” Sana told Gina as they hugged right before Gina, Lachlan, and Fleur boarded her jet.
“Elissa invited you?”
“Yes. We’re old friends now.”
Lachlan laughed. “Of course you are. That’s Elissa. Constantly expanding the family.”
* * *
So back in Los Angeles, Gina began her rehab with a vengeance. She’d lost some muscle mass and her coordination was off, but Lachlan made a fantastic coach, knowing exactly when to push and when she’d had enough. She had the support of her friends who believed in her, and loved her even when she was at her weakest.
She had Lachlan, who was there at her side for every fall, every setback, every frustration. And for every little step forward, every breakthrough, every triumph. He was there every night, reassuring her when she woke up shaking and sweating out of a nightmare, holding her, and when she was strong enough, making love with her.
“Are you sure?” he asked one night when she walked into his bedroom in her sexiest lingerie. He’d insisted she move in with him, at least while she recuperated, and she couldn’t think of a reason not to. She was done hiding, done sneaking around, done denying their relationship. They kissed openly at Watchdog and actually double-dated once with Jake and Rachael.
“Yes, I'm sure.”
A flicker of uncertainty crossed his face.
“I promise.” She crossed the room and stood directly in front of him. “You’ve seen how far I’ve come. You’ve pushed me not to give up. But when it comes to this,” she gestured from her lacy bra to her panties, “you’re still treating me like I’m made of glass. You aren’t going to break me.”
His uncertainty was quickly replaced by a look of raw hunger. Lach pulled her into his arms, and her skin came alive at his touch as he ran his hands down her back to cup her ass. Their lips met in a searing kiss as he lifted her and carried her to the bed.
As she kissed him, ran her hands over his body and felt him grow hard at her touch, Gina felt a surge of power and liberation. She had spent far too long denying herself pleasure and love, but no more. Lachlan was here, and he was hers.
He kissed his way down her neck, gently brushing his lips over her sensitive skin. He’d always known exactly how to touch her, knew where every sweet spot lay. The place just under her ear. Her collarbone. The hollow of her throat. Goosebumps prickled across her flesh as she shivered.
“Are you okay?” Lachlan asked, pausing for a moment to look into Gina's eyes.
She nodded, unable to form any words. She had never been more turned-on before, even in their younger days.
