The one place she never wanted to leave.
Duke broke their kiss then pressed his lips to her cheek and blazed a trail up the side of her neck. “Did you hear everything I told my sister?”
She grinned, replaying the way he’d spoken with such conviction, and shrugged. “I walked in about the time you mentioned you want to be with me in Hillmore. That’s all I need to know.”
Pulling back, he framed her face with his hands. “It’s true. I like it here, have since the moment I stepped into town, but it’s you that makes this place special. You make me excited to wake up every day and get my ass to work.”
“You mean you’re more excited to see me than Lane?” She trailed her fingers along the hard muscles of his back. She itched to lift the soft fabric of his shirt over his head and see every inch of him.
He huffed out a laugh and his warm breath tickled her skin. “Is that a serious question?”
“Good answer.”
He traced his thumb along her hip bones. “Did you get everything unpacked?”
Frustration simmered in her blood. She didn’t want to talk. She just wanted his mouth back on hers. “Mm-hmm.”
“Good,” he whispered in her ear. “I like the thought of you in my bedroom.”
A shiver ripped up her spine. Her breath caught in her throat. She wanted to recommend they make that thought a reality, but there was another part of the conversation she’d overheard that needed addressed. She took a small step back, needing space between them if she wanted her head on straight.
His brow furrowed. “Are you okay?”
“We should go see Heather.”
Indecision scrunched his nose. “I’m not sure if that’s the best move.”
“It’ll be fine. A deputy is there anyway to guard Heather’s room, and you’ll be with me the entire time. There’s not muchChrissy, or anyone else, can do when I’m surrounded by an entire hospital full of people. Besides, think about your sister.”
“It’s kind of hard to do with when I’m kissing you.”
Chuckling, she slapped at his shoulder. “You know what I mean. She doesn’t know anyone in town and now she’s there all by herself. She’s probably scared and lonely. That’s not fair to her. I heard your sister mentioning your mom’s coming. We can spend time with Heather and keep her company until then. It will give us a good chance to see if Heather can recall anyone Chrissy’s gotten close with lately back in your hometown.”
Duked dropped his forehead to rest on hers. “You’re right. We shouldn’t leave her alone all day. She’s been there a few hours already. I told myself she was probably sleeping and it was better to stay away, but that was just to make myself feel better. I selfishly wanted to soak up this time with you.”
She smoothed a hand on his chest. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Good.” He looped an arm around her waist and pulled her against him, planting one more kiss on her mouth before letting her go.
She stood still and chewed her bottom lip.
“What is it?” he asked.
“Are you okay with me meeting your mom?”
“Are you kidding me? I can’t wait for her to meet you. She’s going to love you.”
She reached for the sun pendant that usually hung around her neck, flinching as though she’d been punched in the heart when it wasn’t there. “Are you sure? I never know how to act around mothers. It’s like because I never got to know mine, I feel like I have this huge sign above my head that readsOrphan girl. Please love me.With the guys I’ve dated in the past, it’s either made their moms pity me and treat me like I was made of glass or keep me at a distance because they didn’t want to get too close then not be around anymore when we inevitably split up.”
“Be yourself and she’ll love you just like I do.” His eyes flew wide, and he snapped his mouth closed before opening it again. “I mean…it’s just that…”
She swallowed back the emotion threatening to mist her eyes. It was just an expression, not a declaration of feelings. She couldn’t react in a way that would scare him and push him away. They’d discussed taking their time, moving slow and seeing what the future held. Not jumping in with I love yous and ridiculous expectations.
But it didn’t feel ridiculous. Didn’t feel out of bounds to think about love. Shit, she had to get a grip.
“Don’t worry. I understand what you meant. I know you’re not in love with me.” She laughed, the sound forced and brittle. “I mean, that’d be crazy, and we have enough craziness going on right now.”
Something flashed in his eyes but it was gone before she could name it. He cleared his throat. “Yeah. Sure. I just meant I know my mom will like you for being yourself because you’re a great person.” He playfully landed a light punch on her shoulder then walked toward the door. “Ready?”
