How much I love you.
The whistling lulled me like the sound of waves crashing along the shore. I didn’t close my eyes. Curiosity wouldn’t allow me to.
No chains.
No doors.
No guards.
No bars.
No courtroom.
“Dismissed?” My voice cracked.
Nodding slowly, Josiah Blackwood stood before me in all his glory.
“You aren’t due in court for another week!” I rushed out, breathlessly.
Josiah stepped forward, removing the pitcher from my hand.
“A double-booked docket. A system error. When my lawyer was contacted, he insisted they give him the earliest available date.”
“That rarely happens.”
I couldn’t catch my breath. My head was spinning. Heat consumed me.
“It never happens.”
He engulfed me. I melted against his frame. This time, I didn’t shield my tears or wish them away. They drenched my cheeks, passed my chin, and slid down my neck.
“Shhhhhhhh.”
The pinned frustrations were liberated. I released them all.
I released everything.
I released anything attempting to prove my feelings for Josiah was fabricated.
“Quiet now, my love,” he whispered, coaxing my nervous system.
I drew large, round circles on his back. His energy surrounded me, bathing me in his tenderness. I became fragile glass in his arms. Easily broken, but so beautiful and firm.
“The prosecution still has no evidence, no body, no witnesses, and no motive. My charges were dismissed, and I was free to go immediately. That was about twenty-six hours ago. I made it home just in time to pick up Aubrey. I watched her entire forty-five-minute practice while thinking of you nonstop.
“Once Aubrey was safe in her mother’s arms, I did a hundred miles per hour getting to the fully fueled plane I’d been given access to. For the first time since my incarceration, I slept like a fucking baby knowing I was on my way to you.”
I peered up at Josiah. This moment felt so surreal. I’d imagined it a thousand times. But nothing could’ve prepared my heart for the pain his presence caused. It hurt so good.
“You’re home,” I choked out.
“I’m home,” he confirmed.
He wrapped his fingers around my neck, pulling my face closer. His tongue invaded my mouth ever so gently yet forcefully. My nipples hardened against my blouse. They ached for attention.
“Mmmm.”
In one swift movement, Josiah lifted me into his arms. Our lips were still connected. My center still throbbed.
