“You better rest up, Kitten. That was only an appetizer.”
Mouth dropping open, I watch as he slips out the door, my legs a little shaky as I go to the bathroom quickly before stepping back into the shower. Under normal circumstances, I’d probably be annoyed, but the water feels so good on my sore muscles—from the accident or sex I’m not totally sure.
The commotion at the door has me peeking at Tom through the steam-covered glass, the way he peels his shirt over his head like a seductive strip tease, his jeans and boxers hitting the floor with a soft thud.
Blood pounds in my ears as I watch him close the distance between us.
It’s ridiculous; the man has beeninside me. But I never saw him undressed unless you count that first night at my house.
But this isnaked.
And I’m blushing, my palms covering my heated cheeks, as he slides the glass back and climbs in before carefully sliding it shut.
“I think this is everything,” he says, either not noticing or ignoring me gaping at him as he places everything on the ledge of the tub and turns to me expectantly.
Chastising myself, I clear my throat and try to focus.
And nearly cry.
It’s stupid to be upset about shampoo, face wash, and the bar of goat milk soap that I picked up in Clementine Creek the last time I was there, but I am.
“How did you…”
“I wanted to make sure you had everything if we needed to run.” The admission is low and honest, holding none of the bravado that I’ve come to know from him.
Stepping into him, I wrap my arms around his neck and press my body completely against his, those strong hands I love so much landing on my waist.
“Thank you.”
“I’m just happy you’re okay.”
“I am,” I confirm, “but I don’t want to talk about it tonight.” My eyes drop to his lips as he holds me tighter, my fingers playing with the short hair at the back of his neck as I lean in and brush my mouth against his.
I don’t want to burst this little bubble we’re in.
Not yet.
A harsh reality is lurking outside these walls but here, right now, I’m safe, and I think for the first time in a long time, Tom Oakden might be too.
37
TOM
It’s early when I manage to slip out of bed, Kat’s naked body covered with every sheet and blanket I could find because apparently, she runs cold and likes to hibernate.
Her words not mine.
In the dark, I find a pair of sweatpants and pull them on before silently moving across the room and out into the hall. I already regret leaving her. A shitstorm is undoubtedly waiting for me from the team, but I’m not ready for that.
Not yet.
No, I have something else I have to deal with first. Something that kept me up long after Kat fell asleep in my arms.
Downstairs, I bypass the kitchen and head for my office. The sun is barely peeking over the horizon, and I debate for only a second before dropping into my desk chair and picking up the phone.
I dial the number from memory, my fingers pressing the buttons without thinking, and wait as it rings.
“Are you trying to get my wife to divorce me?” Cullen hisses, the rustling of something followed by the opening and closing ofa door. It’s muffled but recognizable as he adds, “I actuallylikethis one.”
