“I’d left a fun gathering at my parents’ house. We’d just finished a big breakfast and were about to open gifts.” She saw the corded muscles of his forearms tense. “It was like stepping out of heaven and into hell.” With gruff resignation, he said, “Christmas is not the same for everyone.”
“No, of course not. Finances and families are all different. Faiths are different. Circumstances.” She flattened a hand to his heart. “But what we feel in here is what matters the most.”
Hendrix cradled her hand in his own, his gaze searing in intensity. “I know that now, because what I feel with you and Ryder is so different.” He touched his forehead to hers. “Swear toGod, Joey, I can handle a tree and hanging lights on the house, and I love it that you two are here.”
Love again.It was too soon for him to love her, but she knew her own feelings. Hendrix had stolen her heart ages ago, though she’d denied for as long as she could.
With a slight smile, she said, “I love being here with you.” But how long would it last? If it was just her, she’d gladly enjoy him for as long as she could. What she wouldn’t do was risk breaking her son’s heart. He’d been through enough already. “When the campground fills up again the second week of January, and the risk is over, what happens then?”
Would Hendrix tell her how much he cared? She waited, a little hopeful.
“The risk won’t be over until Ted is in jail.”
Refusing to be disappointed, Joey gave him a small smile. “What if the car wasn’t Ted? What if the calls weren’t from him? What if I never hear from him again?”
Firm, Hendrix said, “I will never again take those chances.” He gathered her closer, his expression grave and determined. “Babe, a woman lost an eye. Her children lost their mother, and their grandparents.”
Yes, and it was so awful she didn’t know how Hendrix had survived it.
He tipped up her chin. “Don’t ask me to assume the best, when I know in my gut what’s happening here.”
Even divorced from him, Ted was still affecting her life. They both knew she was asking about more than Ted. More than the here and now. “All right. But how long are we talking?”
“That’s up to you, honey.”
Vulnerable one moment, and now maddeningly enigmatic. Well, she knew what she wanted. One way or another she would pull a clue from him on his own preferences.
Sitting prim and proper on his knees, she lifted her brows. “What would you prefer?”
Now that they no longer talked about the past Christmas, he relaxed. Even the corner of his mouth lifted in a small but sexy smile. “I’d prefer to get you settled in here, then get you naked with enough private time to adequately demonstrate how long I’ve wanted you.”
“I’m sure I’ve wanted you longer – and that doesn’t answer my question. Is there a reason you’re dodging?”
With a dramatic sigh, he asked, “I need to go first, huh?”
“I’ve done nothing but impose on you endlessly, so yes, with this, with taking things even further, I insist you go first.”
Something heated in his gaze. “Soon as possible,” he murmured low, “I’ll see that you’re first...in other ways.”
Just like that, Joey looked at his mouth and started envisioning all kinds of things. The future was momentarily forgotten.
“When you look at me like that...” Giving a low growl, Hendrix settled his mouth on hers, warm and hungry, almost desperate.
Onboard, she parted her lips and his tongue licked in for a deeper taste.
She, of course, got carried away, but as always, Hendrix kept his head.
Both their breaths were loud when he said against her throat, “I want you to stay, Joey.” His open mouth teased a path to her ear. “Now, tomorrow, next week and next month. A year.” He lifted his head, capturing her gaze with stormy gray eyes. “Indefinitely.”
Her heart missed a beat.
“But,” he added, as his fingers delved into her hair, cradling her skull, “I don’t want you pressured in any way. You’ve been lacking options, but not with me. You and Ryder are safe here, sofor now say you’ll stay. The decision for more doesn’t have to be made right now. Or even this month.”
There couldn’t be a more generous man on the planet. He was the total opposite of Ted, and it caused a drastic shift in her priorities.
Ryder would always be her number one concern. After him, she’d badly wanted total independence, seeing it as the best way to protect them both. She hadn’t wanted to rely on anyone, not in any way.
Now that no longer mattered so much – because she knew shecouldrely on Hendrix. He was rock steady with a streak of honor a mile wide.
