Chris kisses my hand again, recognizing the emotion that’s crept into my voice.
“Cheryl was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I’ll forever be grateful for what she’s done for me.”
“What does she do now?”
I laugh. “Whatever she wants. She’s half-retired. She’s still technically my boss. But she only works a few days a month while enjoying the hell out of her retirement the rest.”
“She sounds like an amazing woman. And I’m so happy you had her.”
I smile and stare at his profile for a moment. “She would like you, I think.”
Returning my smile, he glances in my direction. “Oh yeah?”
Nodding, I say, “Maybe you can meet her soon when we’re back in town.”
“I’d love that, baby.”
My heart and core warm at the affection in his voice. Maybe I’m wrong, and Cheryl wasn’t the best thing that ever happened to me.
Maybe it’s a tie.
24
Chris
“I’ll go get the last load if you want to start lunch.” Running my hand down Lily’s back, I pat her ass and press a kiss to her temple.
I never thought I’d enjoy those simple touches—the ones where it’s just an intimate moment between me and her. Don’t get me wrong, the sex is spectacular, but these small gestures have me obsessed. It doesn’t even feel like it’s only been a few days since the dynamics of our relationship changed.
Then again, if I really think about it, this thing between us started long before it actually started.
She smiles up at me and runs a hand down my arm as I pull it away. My stomach flips at the sensation and the look in her eyes—so filled with affection and lust.
The perfect combination.
This weekend needs to be as relaxing as possible. Weboth need it. But especially her. I plan on digging through Blake’s laptop when I’m not preoccupied with Lily. She’s my main focus, but time is of the essence after yesterday.
Carlos agreed that getting out of town this weekend was a good idea. He’s going to try to pull anything he can from the traffic cameras and let me know if he finds anything.
Lily makes us lunch, and after we clean up the kitchen and she unpacks a little, we head out to the deck, overlooking the thick forest of trees lining the slope of the mountain behind the house. On my way out the door, I grab a couple of throw blankets, a glass of wine for her, and a glass of bourbon for me.
Setting our glasses down on the small table next to the porch swing, I gesture to one end of it. “Have a seat, baby. Let me cover you up so you don’t get cold.”
Once she’s comfortable, I lay the blanket over her lap, then place the second blanket on top of the first.
“It’s not that cold out here, Chris,” Lily says with a grin.
“I’m not taking any chances with your comfort.” I lift the blanket pile and slide in next to her, wrapping my arm around her shoulders after handing her the glass of wine. She cuddles into my side, and I rest my cheek on the top of her head with a sigh.
This is exactly what I needed.
There’s a hesitant lilt to Lily’s voice when she asks, “Chris? Can I ask you a question?”
I tighten the hold on her shoulders. “You can ask me anything you want.”
“Why did you quit practicing?”
Every muscle in my body tenses, and the fingers tickling Lily’s arm freeze. She’s asked me this before, and I deflected, not actually answering. The only people who know the whole story are the ones who lived through it with me. Anytime anyone else has asked, it hurts too much to talk about it because I have to give the backstory for it to make any sense. That’s the part I could never bring myself to admit to anyone.
