Chapter 12
Reese read and reread Garrett’s note at least a dozen times by the time he got home. It wasn’t so much what it said, but just the fact that he’d bothered to make her breakfast, and write her a note.
Ever since finding her in that motel room, he’d really gone out of his way to help her, protect her, and just see that she never felt like a burden or unwanted guest.
If it wasn’t for the gadget with the GPS locator, and if the van didn’t have a trap door in the floor, which she still found to be an odd thing, everything could’ve turned out so different. Reese had no idea where she’d be right now, or who she’d be with. She hadn’t recognized her kidnappers’ voices, and she didn’t get a good look at the driver, but she’d never seen them before. She could only assume they’d been hired by Russell, but she couldn’t even be sure of that because her pursuer was refusing to talk.
Reese put away the groceries Garrett brought home while he took a quick shower and changed. Then they sat in the living room watching a movie while eating pizza. Reese couldn’t get over how domestic it all felt, and she absolutely loved it. The man she’d avoided even talking to for over a month was now sitting next to her on the couch with his arm around her, and she’d never felt more at ease or at peace.
When the credits rolled, Garrett turned off the television, and she sensed there was something on his mind. Probably thatkiss she hadn’t stopped thinking about since it happened. He hadn’t brought it up yet, but she knew it was only a matter of time. She didn’t regret it. Not even close. But what if he did? What if all the kindness and care he’d shown her was just that?
“What are you thinking about so hard over there?” Garrett asked.
Reese sighed. If she put off bringing it up another second, she was likely to explode. “I was just thinking about the woods, and how you found me, and I…” She let her voice fade, not sure how to say it without sounding desperate or corny.
“Kissed me?” He offered.
Reese nodded. “We don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to,” she rushed to say, but then heard a soft chuckle coming from Garrett. “What?”
“I think you’re forgetting that I kissed you back.”
She had definitely not forgotten that. Though there were moments she thought she might have imagined it.
“I don’t know what I was thinking. I was just so overwhelmed and terrified and then relieved and happy to see you, and my head was just so all over the place, and I didn’t know what I was doing all alone out there, but at the same time I knew you’d find me, and then you were there and I just -”
Her rambling was interrupted when Garrett pressed his mouth to her lips, sealing whatever else she was going to say with a kiss. She tensed, not sure if this was a dream or reality, but then his familiar scent and that taste of safety and home hit her, and she melted into him just like she had in the woods. He took his time, kissing her, caressing her mouth, and when she opened for him, he carefully explored her tongue and every inch of it, like she was the most precious thing to him.
By the time he pulled back, she was breathless, senseless with need, and had no idea what she’d been saying just moments earlier. “I -”
“I think we should do that more often,” Garrett said, still holding her close.
Reese couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled out of her. “So, you don’t regret it?”
“Do you?” He asked, concern lacing his tone.
“No. Not even a little.”
Garrett let out a relieved sigh. “I’ve been wanting to kiss you for a long time. I just didn’t want to scare you or pressure you into doing something you didn’t want to do.” He leaned in and kissed her again, this time being a little less ginger about it. A soft moan escaped her throat as he deepened the kiss and wrapped his arms around her. Before she knew it, he had her on her back with him hovering over her, his body caging her in. But she didn’t feel trapped. She felt protected. Excited. Desired. And she wanted more. She nearly groaned in protest when Garrett pulled back and kissed her forehead. “You’re still recovering, but I’m glad you want me as much as I want you.”
Did she ever! All the nerves in her body were going off like a fireworks show, and if the wetness between her legs and the large, hard form she felt pushing into her lower belly was any indication, she and Garrett would be incredible together. “I do,” she breathed.
Garrett lowered his forehead to rest on hers. “You’re good for me. Probably too good. But you’re still sore, and I didn’t miss all those yawns you tried to hide.”
Reese smiled sheepishly. “I don’t know why I’m so tired. I swear I napped like half the day away.”
“You need your rest. Go get ready for bed. I’ll clean up.”
Reese sighed. She wanted to insist on helping, but she was oddly exhausted, and definitely still sore, though not as bad as yesterday. “Okay,” she agreed.
Garrett sat up, freeing her to stand. She winced as she came to her feet, her sore muscles not appreciating the small stretch.“Have you been taking the over-the-counter pain killer?” He asked, obviously not missing the discomfort she tried to hide.
“Yes, and it really helps. I’m just due for another dose.”
“Okay, don’t forget.”
“I won’t. Good night, Garrett.”
“Good night, Reese.”
