Page 87 of Merging Wright

I fucking hate this river.

The cold hits me instantly, and I struggle to breathe between the shocking water and the exertion of chasing someone.

I gasp as I break the surface, frantically searching for the man who jumped off the bridge.

Whoever he is, I want him alive so we can find out what the fuck was his plan. Why was he present at Adventure Dex, and why did he run off once I called out to him?

My name screeches through the night.

“Jane!” I spin in the direction of my name. Did something happen to her?

With limbs that can hardly move, I swim toward the riverbank. Struggling to stand, the heavy sound of boots rushes toward me from underneath the bridge.

“Mach,” Jane gasps.

I almost fall over from the force of her throwing her arms around me. Catching myself, I’m slow to return her embrace but eventually lift my arms, hugging her for her heat.

“What were you thinking? What were you doing?” Jane’s voice is muffled as she holds onto me, tightening her arms around my neck.

My hand shakily rubs up her spine. “I’m okay.” But am I? Who was that man and what did he want?

“You’re an idiot.” Jane’s voice holds no scold, though. “Don’t you ever, ever, ever, leave me like that again.”

A joke is on the tip of my tongue, ready to tease her about losing out on an orgasm but something in Jane’s tone warns me not to tease her.

Worry.

Fear.

Concern. For me.

“I’d never leave you, baby.” With my teeth chattering, I tighten my hold on Jane, needing her warmth. Too soon, she pulls back but grips my upper arms.

“We need to call the sheriff.”

“What am I going to report?” I didn’t catch the guy. I didn’t even properly see him. And he didn’t cause any harm.

Jane glares at me, chewing her lip as she does. “What if Myles was right?”

Fuck Myles. He’s the last name I want to hear right now.

“What if that person was at Adventure Dex to break in?” Jane’s voice trembles with thick concern. “Or cause a fire?”

“Jane.” I exhale, breath misting in the cool evening air. “The fire at The Barber Shop was a fluke. This guy was probably looking to break in, steal some money and run.” I pause. “It’s not like he could slip a canoe into his pocket.”

My attempt to lessen her concern and tease her fails. Jane’s hands slip from my arms, and I instantly miss that small touch. I’m freezing.

“We should get you home. You need to warm up.”

At least we agree about one thing. There’s only one place that can heat me quickly, and I need to finish what I started earlier with my wife.

+ + +

“Jane.” Her name is raspy and rough on my tongue once we finally make it to our bedroom. My feet ache from my barefoot run. My legs are still shaky. I’m fucking freezing.

“What do you need, baby?” Her asking me, tacking on the endearment, has me in action. Despite the pain in my feet or damp-cold on my skin, I rush her as we stand in our room, still dressed, wet and shivering.

“Need you,” I whisper.