“I can’t believe I’m saying this because it feels so good and I don’t want you to stop, but you are never going to work that rock out from under my shoulder.”
“Rock?”
“Yeah, that’s what I call it. It’s been there since, well, forever.”
Elias’ grin was almost palpable. “It hasn’t met me yet. And I’m determined.”
She chuckled softly. “Mmm. Yeah, I know just how determined you get.”
“There you go distracting me again,” he murmured, his hands never stopping their steady, soothing rhythm.
Wren’s eyes fluttered closed and she let out a sigh. “Shouldn’t I be lying down for a massage?” She kept her tone teasing, hoping to coax a laugh from him.
Instead, Elias paused and gripped her upper arms, his breath warm against her ear. “When I lay you down, it’s going to be for more than a massage. But I want you comfortable and out of pain first so you can enjoy...”
He kissed her neck.
“Every.”
Another kiss.
“Moment.”
His words sent a delicious shiver down her spine as her body responded to his promise. The tender kisses he pressed just below her ear made her toes curl. But before she could sink fully into the heat building between them, he resumed his focus on the stubborn knot in her shoulder.
Wren bit her lip, torn between wanting him to keep going and knowing that this particular knot was a battle even Elias might not win.
“Just relax and let me make it all better,” he whispered.
She tried to do just that, trusting his hands to work their magic, even as the familiar ache persisted.
Damn rockshe thought, but with Elias’ hands on her, she was content to let him keep trying. Wren closed her eyes, trying to relax and sink deeper into the moment, into his touch, but a twinge of discomfort made her wince.
Elias noticed immediately. He stopped the massage as concern crept into his voice.
“Still hurting?”
Wren sighed, opening her eyes. “It’s better, but…yeah. The rock’s not giving up without a fight.”
Elias slid his hands from her shoulders down to her arms, his touch gentle but firm. “Then let’s take this to the bedroom,” he suggested.
Wren’s heart skipped a beat at the suggestion and her pulse quickened with anticipation. “Are you sure that’s not just a clever way to get me into bed?”
He gave her a little growl, pressing a kiss to the back of her neck that sent a shiver through her. “Told you already, I want you out of pain and relaxed first. Let’s get you lying down so I can take better care of you.”
His words wrapped around her like a warm embrace. She turned her head slightly, meeting his gaze over her shoulder. “You always know just what to say, don’t you?”
“Well, this time, at least,” he murmured, his lips brushing against hers in a soft, lingering kiss that made her knees go weak. “You know how to keep me on my toes.”
And you constantly sweep me off my feet.
Wren let out a small, contented sigh. She allowed Elias to guide her down the hall toward the bedroom. He kept his arm around her, steadying her as they walked down the hallway. She leaned into him for support and comfort.
When they reached the bedroom, Elias set her gently on the edge of the bed, his hands still lingering on her arms as if he couldn’t bear to break contact. “Lie down. I’ll be right back. I need to check on Penny and Chuck.”
“Oh!” Wren covered her mouth. “I’m a complete jerk. I’d totally forgotten about them. Are they okay?”
Elias gave her a reassuring smile. His eyes held even more warmth. “Do I need to make a list of names you can’t call yourself?” He touched her lips as she started to answer. “Don’t answer that. I already am, right next to the laugh tally.”
