Page 29 of Finding Home

“That’s it, babe. You’re doing so good. You’re so fucking strong, sweetheart.”

I turn into his touch, inhaling the smell of him. Sweat, sawdust, and sandalwood. “I checked on her a few minutes ago, she’s still out. Oh, and Tink has taken up sentry in front of her bedroom door. Here, look.” He pulls out his phone and shows me a video of him checking on Lizzie. “I wanted you to be able to see she’s good as soon as you woke up. This was just fifteen minutes ago.”

“What time is it? How long was I out?” For some reason, I feel sheepish all of a sudden.

“It’s just after midnight, and not nearly long enough. You should try to sleep some more.” My eyes bore into his, bouncing back and forth. Too many emotions threaten to pull me under. I’m not ready to face the storm building inside of me, needing something to just shut my mind off and keep me from spinning out of control. My eyes dip to his lips, and he inhales sharply. My eyes dart back to his, those gorgeous piercing blue eyes that I could lose myself in, and I realize that is exactly what I need right now, a distraction. To lose myself in the moment.

He must see where my thoughts are going, and opens his mouth to speak, but I don’t let him. My mouth clashes with his, my tongue darting out, asking for entry, which he gives. Our tongues collide, and a small whimper is pulled from me. He feels so good, so right. I need more. Climbing onto his lap, my knees straddling his thighs. His fingers thread through my hair, before massaging my scalp. The sensation is so delicious. I claw at his shirt, desperate to feel him. He raises his arms, letting me pull his shirt off, before I yank mine over my head, holding him against me. I feel the ridge of his erection against me, and I grind on it. Reaching for his pants, nearly frantic with need, my hands shaking. I’m shocked when his hand grasps my wrist.

“Harper, wait, babe.” It’s like ice cold water is tossed over me. I move to get off him, my face burning with embarrassment. Firm hands grip my hips, keeping me on him. I drop my chin, not waiting to meet his gaze. His warm lips come to my forehead, and I melt against him.

Burying my face against his chest, I mumble, “Sorry, It…It’s fine. I get it. I’m such a mess right now, it’s too much. Fuck, I’m too much, my life…”

His lips capture mine in a bruising kiss. It only lasts a few seconds but steals my breath. “Good, now that you’ve stopped talking, it’s my turn.” His fingers grip my chin lightly. “Babe, look at me. There’s my girl.” Another quick peck on my lips. “First, let’s get one thing straight. You are not too much. You will never be too much. You are fucking perfect and have quickly become the person I most look forward to seeing each day. It’s taking every fucking ounce of my strength to not take what you are offering. I’m so gone for you, Harper, but you are exhausted and went through hell today. I’m not going anywhere, and there will be plenty of time for this later.”

Wetness floods my panties, and I rub against him, smiling. He hisses at me, but his lips are quirked up in a devilish smile. “You are playing with fire, Harper, and I’m trying very hard to be a gentleman. Now, if you aren’t going to sleep, then let me make you something to eat.”

Biting my lip, I look at his face. Dammit, I know he’s right, but I want him so much, and I want to escape the way my mind is replaying every second of this afternoon. “Want to join me in the shower?” His laughter is quick and full of mirth.

“Don’t tempt me. Food, shower alone, then bed.” He tries to sound stern, but the warmth of his stare feels like a warm blanket being wrapped around me.

Chapter 21

Jace

I make some grilled cheese sandwiches and heat up a can of soup I found in her pantry. She eats the soup, but only nibbles at the sandwich, too wrapped up in her thoughts.

“Jace, this was so kind, but I think I want to hit the shower and crawl into bed.” Watching her hurt and struggle is a special kind of torture. She only takes a few steps before turning, eyes filled with uncertainty. “Would you stay with me tonight, Jace?”

I eat up the distance between us in two steps, wrapping my arms around her. “There is nowhere I would rather be, babe. Do you need help?”

Her lips quirk, and a tiny bit of light shines in her eyes. “I wouldn’t turn down an extra hand in the shower.” Staring into her eyes, I try to read her, and the vulnerability there snaps my resistance.

“Let’s go, babe.” Grasping her hand, I lead her through the bedroom and into the bathroom. She looks unsteady and exhausted. Leaning into the shower, I turn it on, cranking up the hot water. Harper joked once that if she doesn’t look like a lobster getting out of a shower, it’s too cold. The warm steam quickly fills the bathroom. Gently, I help her out of her clothes. Dirt and mud are caked on the knees and back of her jeans, and there are small muddy handprints on her shirt from where Lizzie held on. Tears clog my throat at the sight. Once Harper is naked, I quickly strip out of my clothes and pull her into the shower.

“Mhmmm, this is perfect.” Harper leans into the streaming spray with her eyes closed.

“Shit,” I hiss as the scalding water hits my skin. “There is no way you like this.” Harper adjusts the temp down, slightly chuckling.

“You big baby.” She’s swaying on her feet as she turns into me. I hold her as the water streams over us for a few seconds, doing my best to ignore my rapidly hardening cock.

“Turn around.” I step back to grab the shampoo from the ledge and pour some in my hand.

“Jace, you don’t have to do this.” Shock is etched on her face. How long has it been since someone took care of her? I swirl my hand, motioning for her to turn around, then start working it through her hair. Massaging it into her scalp, loving the contented noises she makes. There is mud in her hair, and it takes a minute to work it out. Then I rinse and massage the conditioner in. Once her hair is clean, I reach for her loofa but decide I prefer to use my hands. Rubbing over her body, hands gliding across her skin, cleaning away the day. As sexy as she is, it’s an honor to get to take care of her. Once she’s clean, I hastily scrub myself. By this point, the water is cooling to a more bearable temp for me, so it’s likely cold for her. Still holding her slightly as we step out, I stretch, grabbing the towel hanging from the rod and wrapping her in it.

“Harper?”

“Hmm?” She’s dead on her feet and all loopy. It’s impossibly cute.

“Where are extra towels?” She points to the cabinet in the corner. Grabbing two, I wrap one around my waist, and the other I use to dry her hair. Her eyes are glued to where the towel hangs low on my hips. My overly eager cock perks up again at her attention.

“Keep looking at me like that, babe, and I’m going to break all my promises to myself. So, get that cute ass in bed.” She hesitates like she’s thinking about refusing me, calling my bluff, but she finally turns around, sauntering out of the bathroom, her hips swinging a bit more than normal. Little tease knows exactly what she’s doing, and my cock happily plays along, going to full attention. On silent feet, I catch up to her, smacking that swaying ass, earning a satisfying squeal from Harper. Sweeping her into my arms, I carry her the rest of the way, setting her down then following her body onto the bed. My lips instantly find hers. I already know I won’t let it go beyond this, but I’m no monk and can’t resist her siren call completely. The kiss shifts from playful and fun to something intense and emotionally charged. Harper clings to me, pulling me closer, her nails scraping against my skin, clawing me to her. Then she’s gasping with tears in her eyes.

“Oh, God, Jace.” She hiccups into my chest. I roll to my back and pull her, so she’s draped over my chest, and my heart fractures at her broken sobs. “I could’ve lost her today.” The air leaves my lungs, and my own tears threaten to break free. I swallow them down; I can and will process this later. Right now, my job is to just be here.

“I know, babe, but you didn’t.” Brushing the tears from her face, I hold her, offering her a safe space. My hands stroke her back and brush through her hair. Harper’s breathing eventually slows and steadies; the rigidness of her body softens, as sleep pulls her down. Before closing my eyes, I run through the breathing exercises I did with Harper earlier. Hearing it from her lips, the fear and reality of what could have happened today is intense and all consuming. I’m blindsided by how important they both have become to me in such a short time, and fuck, life can change in an instant. My head is racing with plans for the future. A future filled with this woman and her mini me.

I awake to Tink pawing at my arm that is holding Harper to my chest. Both of us are still in our towels from the shower. Tink is insistent in her pawing. Afraid she will wake Harper, I shift, sliding out from under her, and settle her under the covers more fully. My clothes are rumpled and dirty, but there’s no alternative, so I pull them on and follow Tink from the room, assuming she needs to go out. Instead, she leads me to where Lizzie is sitting on the couch, her small hands clutching the remote, and she’s pointing at the TV, jabbering a string of unintelligible words at the fact that it isn’t doing anything. She’s in Sofia the First pajamas, and her hair is sticking out in every direction. Tink goes and sits at her feet. I think my dog has found her new person, and it isn’t me, and I’m not even a little upset.