Page 422 of A Matter of Time

“God, you look so good,” I sighed, taking in the sight of him…so much better, healing, back in one piece. “How do you feel?”

“Me?” He scowled. “Jesus Christ, J, you look like shit.”

I tried to get up, to move away, but he held me down easily.

“Stop screwin’ around, you know you’re gorgeous. I just mean that you look like you’ve been through it and… Christ, I’m never gonna let you outta my sight again.”

His eyes were so dark and beautiful. “Okay.”

He grunted before he lifted my chin to look at my neck. “Jesus, baby, you’re covered in bruises. How did⁠—”

“But you still like me, right? You still want me?”

“What are you talking about?”

It took me a minute to answer. “I’m not pretty right now.”

He lay down beside me, reaching out to touch my cheek. “Jory, I love the outside of you, I do. You’re beautiful, and just seeing you gets me going. But, honey, really…I’d never stick around if that’s all there was.”

I nodded, my jaw clenching tight.

“I love you, Jory. I love your good heart and your kindness and the way you bring out the very best in everyone you meet. I need you, because without you, I’m empty and mean.”

“No, you’re not,” I said, leaning into his hand.

He eased me close and kissed up my neck. “I can feel your heartbeat right here, under your skin.”

I felt my breath catch in the back of my throat. Just having him close to me was causing rippling heat to run through my body.

“You scared the hell out of me, again,” he said, rolling over on top of me.

“I’m sorry,” I said, staring up into his eyes. “I just knew that Susan Reid was the one who⁠—”

“I know, I know, but listen,” he said softly, his voice deep. “Don’t go anywhere without me from now on. I’d love to be your sidekick.”

I smiled up at him. “I think we both know who the hero of the piece is, Sam.”

“No, I don’t think we do,” he said before he leaned over and kissed me, slowly but thoroughly, taking his time, his tongue exploring my mouth. It wasn’t full of the usual heat and urgency, but I felt it sear through me just the same.

I whimpered when he pulled back.

“You need me.”

“Yes,” I agreed wholeheartedly, wriggling around under him.

He smiled suddenly. “What are you doing?”

“I’m trying to get rid of the towel.”

“I can see that.” He grinned lazily. “But, baby, you are in no shape for me to⁠—”

“Oh yes, I am,” I assured him, grabbing his hand and sliding it down over my groin, only terry cloth separating our skin. “Does that feel like I’m not ready?”

“Love,” he said gently, “you⁠—”

But I pushed up, shifting him off-balance enough that I could roll over on my stomach and breathe.

“And now what?” he asked as his hands rubbed over my ass.