“Really?”
“Yes.” She smiled at him, so happy and excited for him.
“God, you’re so beautiful. I’ve missed that smile so much.”
She gave him another grin. “You’re going to be partner. I’m so proud of you.”
“Are you going to be mad at me for working insane hours still?”
“Are you still going to be in bed with me every night?”
“That’s my every dream and fantasy come true.”
“Then the rest we’ll work out, won’t we?” For the first time since the attack, she felt like maybe that was true. Everything would work out.
But first they had some old business to take care of and healing to do before they settled into their new lives.
Chapter Twenty-Two
The morning bloomed with vibrant colors streaming through the windows. Happier than he ever thought possible, Cody woke with Brooke lying on his chest, her leg thrown over his thighs. He felt as if she were holding him down, so that he couldn’t get away. Like he’d ever want to leave her now.
He smiled to himself and brushed his fingertips up and down her back in soft caresses that made her snuggle in closer.
Dr. Nash had stopped by last night to check on her again. He’d taken out the last of her stitches, though the pink scars reminded them all of what happened. He’d switched out the bulky ankle brace for a smaller, slimmer version. She was walking much better on it. Even the pain in her broken wrist had subsided to a dull ache.
Physically, she was getting better. What a difference a few good days made.
Dr. Wick, the psychiatrist Dr. Nash recommended, had come to see her the last four days. Their talks remained private,but Brooke’s initial upset after each session turned to quiet contemplation and an easing in her grief and fears.
Each day, she walked with her mom in the morning, and she got a little better. She didn’t stare into space for long periods of time as often as she had those first few days. When she did lose herself, all he had to do was say her name, or touch her softly, and she came right back to him. She spent time in the garden reading. She went to the stables and visited her beloved horses.
It did his heart good to see her doing the things she loved.
She’d even started slowly moving forward with her plans to open the bookshop and café with her mom’s help.
She spent time with him, even if that meant sitting on the sofa in his study and watching him work. He loved looking up from his papers and seeing her looking at him with those intense green eyes.
She smiled more easily and cried less often.
All good signs, indicating she was recovering.
He didn’t worry about leaving her alone for short periods of time anymore.
They hadn’t talked about the note they found on his car.
If it was Adam, he was locked up, unable to get to her. If it had been Kristi, then he’d made it clear, they were definitely over.
He kissed Brooke on the head and brushed his hands up and down her back, whispering, “Good morning, sweetheart,” waking her gently. “I love you, and I wish I could stay right here with you in my arms, but unfortunately I need to get up. I have an eight o’clock call.”
She surprised him by hugging him close, kissing his chest, then sleepily slipping off him with a disgruntled grumble that made him chuckle.
He’d kept things tame these last many days, only kissing her when she looked up at him with that very desire in her eyes. He kissed her every night before they went to sleep, too. He wasgiving her time to settle in to their relationship. He was waiting for her to tell him she wanted more intimacy between them.
They had it in the way they spent all the time they could with each other, in the quiet talks they shared. And he loved it.
Yes, he wanted more. He hoped their physical relationship would heat up in time. On Brooke’s terms. He thought it would bring them even closer, but not if he pushed her too far, too fast, even if he desperately wanted to be as close as possible to her in every way.
Since she seemed open to affection, he slid out of bed, kissed her shoulder, and laid a trail of kisses all the way down her arm, not missing a single scar as she reached out to try to pull him back into bed with her.
