“Your chariot awaits.” Reid helped her stand and put her arm around his neck. There it was again. Spice. She inhaled deeply.
Reid leaned in. “You really need to quit sniffing me,” he whispered. “You’re going to give me a complex.”
Chills raced down her spine at his nearness but were quickly replaced by heat as embarrassment consumed her. She got situated in the back of the taxi the best she could. The numbing medication was starting to wear off. While her body had quit burning with embarrassment, her leg continued to burn.
Reid buckled JJ into the back seat and then rode up front with the driver.
Back at the bank, the transition from the taxi to the rental car was quite a feat. The rental was a taller SUV. Reid had to pick her up by the waist and lift her a little so she could get in the seat without putting weight on her injured leg. Then, she wiggled until she was fully seated. The warmth of his hands lingered on her waist.
The ride down the old road to the cabin was jarring, and with each bump or pothole, pain would shoot down her leg. She couldn’t wait to be at the cabin. Not only that, but she was also beginning to feel a little awkward wearing half a pair of pants.
Reid parked the car and turned to her. “Wait right here. I’ll go open the cabin and then come back to help you out.”
“Momma, can I go with Mr. Reid?”
“Yes, baby.” There was no sense in making him wait in the car with her.
Both boys got out of the car and walked up the stairs. JJ grabbed Reid’s hand. Reid didn’t try to pull away. Then, he was picking up JJ and whispering something in his ear. After unlocking the door, he put JJ down and turned back toward the car.
She opened the door and turned, her feet hanging out. Reid grabbed the crutches from the back of the SUV and set them against the car. “Let me help.”
She scooted to the edge of the seat. He grabbed her waist and gently slid her to the ground. Heat spread from his hands and through her body. Her knee grew weak, and she staggered, grabbing his biceps to catch herself. His strong hands remained on her waist and steadied her.
She stared into crystal-blue eyes. His breath hitched, much like hers just had. She wrapped her arms around his neck, bringing his lips closer to hers. His breath washed over her face. She rose and closed the distance. When their lips met, fire blossomed in her stomach. Small, tender kisses turned her to mush. Reid’s arms encircled her and lifted her slightly. She was floating, immersed in the moment. It was just her and Reid. Two lives intersecting at a beautiful moment. Feelings laid bare. She didn’t want this moment to end, but she knew it had to.
She pulled her mouth free. “Wow,” she whispered into his cheek.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Wowwas right. He hadn’t expectedher to kiss him, and he definitely hadn’t expected his body’s reaction to her kiss. His pulse thudded in his ears, and his chest had a fullness he’d never experienced
They rested cheek to cheek. He still held her slightly off the ground. “What do you say I put you down and we go inside before JJ comes out looking for us?” His voice was husky.
She nodded.
He gently placed her on her feet and made sure she was steady before reaching for her crutches. She took them and started toward the stairs. He followed close behind, making sure she didn’t fall.
“Go on to your room. JJ is supposed to be getting you a pair of pajama pants.”
“I definitely want out of these pants. I’m not trying to start any new fashion trends.” She laughed as she maneuvered to the bedroom.
JJ came out and shut the door. “Momma’s going to change.” He plopped down on the couch.
Reid hovered close to the bedroom door. He was worried she’d lose her balance and fall. She’s been through so much already.
She’d grown to be much more to him than just a woman who was in danger. She was smart, compassionate, and everything he hadn’t known he was missing in his life. Then, there was this little red-haired boy who’d captured his heart like his mother had. His chest ached with joy.
Something clattered to the floor, and Quinn grunted. He knocked on the door. “Everything okay in there?”
“I’m fine, but I’ve dropped a crutch.”
“Do you want me to send JJ in?”
“I’m dressed. You can come in.”
He opened the door, and she sat on the edge of the bed, her cheeks red from exertion.
“I think you need some rest. How about you lay down?”
