Page 23 of Finding Forever

Leaving my gloves on the sink, I cross the house. A dark shadow stands behind the recently repaired glass.

“Kit, it’s me.”

Luke.

Penny recognizes his voice and quiets. I disarm the alarm, fumble with the deadbolt, and pull the door open.

My heart slams into overdrive.

He looks tired, and his arm is still in a sling. His dark hair sticks up in unruly tufts, like he’s run his fingers through it too many times, and his scruff looks like shaving one-handed wasn’t worth the effort.

I don’t think I’ve ever reacted to a man on such a visceral level.

For a long moment, we simply stare at each other. The moment stretches until nerves and uncertainty have me reverting to hostess mode.

“Come on in,” I say, stepping back. “Let me take your bag.”

I reach for it, but he doesn’t let go.

“Kit.”

“Are you hungry? I can make you a sandwich if that sounds good.” He enters and I shut the door behind him.

His duffel drops to the floor with a thud. Then he takes my hand and draws me close. “Kit,” he says again.

I meet his gaze and feel it, the instant pull, the connection that hasn’t dimmed despite distance and silence.

“I missed you,” he says quietly. “Every damn day.”

I see the truth of it in his eyes. “I know we weren’t supposed to talk until we gave our statements. After, I figured you were busy. But I thought…maybe you’d call.”

His brows draw together. “I couldn’t say what I needed to say to you in a text, or even a phone call. And I needed to do my job.” He exhales. “That ended this morning.”

“What ended?”

“I’ve been in Reno, completing the paperwork. I separated from the Marshals Service.”

His words hit me. “You’re quitting?”

“Yeah, and it feels right. This wasn’t sudden.” He studies my face. “Beckett put in a recommendation for me with South Tahoe PD. I applied for a supervisory position.”

He hesitates. “Now I realize I should’ve talked to you first. I’m new to this relationship thing. I guess I’m still learning how not to screw this up.”

“You haven’t screwed anything up.”

“Good.” He breathes deep. “I’ve wanted to make changes in my life for a while. Lying in that hospital bed, I made the decision to quit.”

“That’s huge, Luke.”

He shakes his head. “What’s huge is wanting a life that isn’t always temporary. It’s wanting a relationship with you.” His grip tightens on my hand. “I want to build something—you and me. I’m not asking for promises. Just a chance.”

“Wait.” I back up as far as our joined hands allow. “You can’t have ended your career because of me.”

“I ended it because I’m ready for more. I want it all with you, Kit. A serious relationship with the potential for forever. Say you’ll give us a chance. That we’ll see where this connection between us goes.”

Something in his eyes draws me closer. I swallow against the tightness in my throat.

“I love you, Katarina.”