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Ike was happy. He smiled so much around her he used facial muscles he didn’t know he had. Was that selfish? His dad would say it was a mistake. Aiden would agree, but probably wouldn’t say it out loud.
“Great plan,” he said to Myra. Releasing her, he took her hand and walked her to the patio door.
He held it for her. She glanced up at him with that sassy look he loved. “Just because I agreed to let you kiss me anytime doesn’t mean you’ll go all alpha male on me, right?”
“I wouldn’t dare.” He grinned, but what exactly did that mean to her? Could he change his instincts and still ensure she was safe?
At the hockey game, he’d let her protect Beau while he took out Donavon. What if she’d been closer to Donavon and he’d had to stand and protect Beau while she fought the muscle head? It hadn’t happened, so he shouldn’t worry about it.
“Good man.”
They walked into the room, and Beau jumped to his feet. “So … everything’s good?”
“Yes.” Ike squeezed Myra’s hand, and she smiled. “Very, very good.”
“Incredibly good,” Myra agreed.
“That’s what I like to hear.” Beau rubbed his hands together, grinning. “Now, since I’m proving I can be faithful to Bermuda—even if she never believes it—we can’t go clubbing.”
“Way to ruin our exciting evening,” Myra teased.
Ike laughed. He actually wouldn’t mind going to a dance club. If he could dance with Myra.
“Funny,” Beau said. “More card games?”
“Sure.” Ike led Myra to the table. He’d rather be alone with Myra and kiss her, but he wouldn’t ditch Beau.
“I’m like a domesticated old man with you two around and Bermuda ticked at me,” Beau said. He winked at Myra. “Who knows? Maybe soon you’ll have me praying and repenting of all the drunken parties and sexy women.”
Myra and Ike both cracked up at that. “I would love to help you find Jesus,” Myra said.
“You and my mama both.” Beau held up a hand. “Not today.”
They settled around the table and picked up where they left off in the last game.
Ike couldn’t take his gaze off of Myra. She sparkled. Had that really just happened? He’d admitted to emotional feelings. He’d kissed her. The kissing had been almost as incredible as she was. They were in a relationship.
The past twenty minutes and the vision of growing ever closer to Myra blew his mind. Was it smart? How should he know? He did know that he’d never been so happy or hopeful for his future.
Hours later, they finally checked the house and Beau’s suite, made sure Ike’s extra cameras and sensors were working, and said goodnight to Beau. Ike held Myra’s hand and they walked down the stairs. He walked with her into her suite, and they settled onto the loveseat. Even simply sitting side by side, holding hands, was incredible to him. He rubbed his thumb along the back of her hand, and she visibly trembled.
“I thought you were getting used to my touch,” he teased.
“I don’t think I’ll ever be ‘used’ to your touch.” She blinked up at him, so beautiful. Could this warrior woman truly be his? “Your touch is too stimulating to me.”
“Stimulating?” He almost choked on the word. Maybe he shouldn’t be alone with her in her suite.
“Sorry. That wasn’t right. Invigorating. Inspiring? I don’t know. I love your touch, okay?”
Ike grinned. “I love that neither of us is eloquent.”
“Ah.” She punched him with her free hand. He loved that it hurt. “Speak for yourself.”
“I am warrior.” He thumped his chest. “I like pretty lady.”
She laughed out loud. Then she kissed him. Ike wrapped his hands around her waist and kissed her back.
The kiss slowed down after a magically long time. Ike rested his forehead against hers.
