Paradise took Blake’s hand to walk back to the house. His firm grip lifted her fatigue, and she slowed her steps to prolong the time with him. “Anything from Mason?”
“I haven’t checked my phone.” He pulled it out and made a sound of surprise. “He said his camera picked up a couple of predators, but they were wolverines.”
“So that would explain the meat left for them.”
“I guess so. We’re back to square one on finding the owner. I’ll give Drew the collar. It matches the one out on the bridge over the pond. Maybe he can track down where they were purchased and see if any were bought in our area.”
“It’s a long shot.”
“It is.” Blake stopped and embraced her. “But hey, I got to spend a few hours with my girl, even if she was focused on another male.”
“A strong one too. Did you feel that guy’s muscles?” She ran her palms down his biceps. “On second thought, you have him beat any day.”
“Does that mean it’s okay if I rescue you on occasion?”
His teasing grin made her smile. “I’m learning to like it just a little. Your strength doesn’t have to make me weak. We complement each other.”
He cupped her face in his palms, and his lips met hers in a slow exploration that left her legs trembling. Her breath caught in her throat when she pulled away. “No fair,” she whispered. “You have to hold me up.”
“I think I can manage that.”
He gathered her closer until she couldn’t tell where his heart left off beating and hers began. Her fingers tangled in his hair at the back of his head, and she deepened the kiss until her legs were rubber.
He gulped in air when he pulled away. “I’d charge a whole prowl of leopards for just one kiss like that.”
“I think it would be worth more, way more.” Her lids were heavy, and she didn’t want to move from her comfy position against his solid chest. “We should get some sleep.”
“You mean you’d rather wrestle with Levi’s stretched-out arms and legs than make out with me?”
“I wouldn’t say that.” She chuckled. “It’s way past my bedtime.”
He nuzzled her neck. “Clark texted Mom and told her what was going on.”
Shivers ran down her spine at the feel of his lips on her neck. She wanted nothing more than to stay right here for the rest of her life. But there was work to do before she could let herself think about what their future might look like. All she knew was that home was wherever Blake was. His faith and strength of character were a beacon she could follow even as she learned more about her own walk of faith. It felt so puny next to his. He’d been through so much, and his steady progress forward neverfailed. Maybe it had only been a forward progression of inches at times, but he never gave up.
It was hard to think with his warm lips trailing along her neck and jaw. “How do you do it?”
“Do what?”
She smiled. “Stay so strong and focused.”
“The only focus I have right now is the taste of your lips.”
“And I haven’t had chocolate-covered peanuts in days.” Paradise gave a little push on his chest, and he let her move him back a few inches.
He grinned and swiped his hand through his dark hair before his expression grew somber. “It’s all God, babe. But for him I would have done nothing with my life. So follow him, not me. I’m just a guy with lots of flaws.”
Blake could be hardheaded and determined to wrap her in cotton, but he was the only man she’d ever loved like this. With her history that said a lot.
Paradise managed to abort her yawn. “I know it’s late, but since we’re going to Pascagoula tomorrow, there won’t be time to look through that box I got from Lily. You game to stay up and see what’s in there?” She sat on the sofa with all four cats touching her, either on her feet or on her lap. They wouldn’t take kindly to being disturbed.
Blake got up and headed toward the kitchen. “Sure. I’m a little hungry. I think I had two bites of my shrimp boil before Mom asked me to do something, and then I forgot about it. Want any leftovers?”
“I only got a taste of your mom’s pecan pie—it was awesome.If there’s any of that left, I’ll have a piece.” She swept her hand over her current feline situation. “I’d come help you, but they have me pinned down.”
He grinned. “I can handle it by myself. I think Mom made extra pies for the family. The boys begged.”
“Of course they did.”
