“Give them a few hours. Emily needs the rest.” Even successful surgeries took a lot out of a person, and she’d just given birth to twins.
“Let’s go home and rest. We’ll come back in the morning and bring them breakfast,” Cate suggested.
“I’ll email the team and ask them to wait until after lunch to visit,” Jack offered.
“That’d be great, thanks.”
As everyone helped clean the room so we didn’t leave a mess for the staff, Matt asked, “Are you going home or staying?”
The fact that he asked rather than assumed made my heart pitter-patter in my chest. I ignored it, as one does when one is too tired to think about the meaning behind one’s unwanted reactions.
“I’m going home.” I tilted my head towards the hall. “You can go. I’ll ride back with Jack.”
Matt moved closer and slowly lifted his hand towards my face, as if he wanted to kiss me. With only a wisp of air between my cheek and his hand, he stopped.
He’s giving me a chance to say no.
I didn’t want to. I wanted his strength and support. Craved it.
It really wasn’t fair of him to take advantage of my exhaustion with his caring actions.
A girl could lose control of her heart and catch feelings.
I leaned into his hand.
Matt gently tucked the hair behind my ear. He leaned closer and brushed his knuckles against my cheek.
I trembled at that first touch. Tender and caring. Possessive and in control.
Anticipation added weight to the air. The ever-present noises of the hospital faded into the background as Matt’s breath coasted over my jaw.
If I’m going to stop him from kissing me, now is my last chance.
I didn’t.
His lips brushed mine.
A whimper escaped my lips—a hungry murmur that surprised me but delighted him, judging from the way his lips curved up.
The scent of cedar and mint was intoxicating as it swirled around me like an aromatic hug. I melted like snow under the Texas sun as Matt kissed me.
The kiss lasted a few seconds. Or maybe a few hours. It was hard to tell with my body turning to mush and my mind deciding to take a leave of absence.
“I’ll pick you up in the morning.”
This time, I liked that he didn’t ask.What does that say about me?
“Okay.”
“Okay.”
He held eye contact for another moment before grinning and stepping back.
“Good night, Red.”
All the carriers in the US Navy couldn’t have stopped my smile as memories from Spain filled my mind.
“Good night, Robin.”
