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“So, what’s it going to be?”
She reached over, retrieving an object from the bedside table. She opened his hand, laying the shell on his palm. “I found this on the beach in North Carolina right before you came back to me.”
“I remember seeing it. This is the shell you wrote about in the story.”
She nodded. “See the heart shape in the middle of it? That represents my heart, and the shell is me.”
“Go on.”
“Seashells get broken by the crash of the waves on the beach or feet stomping them into the sand. They’re still pretty when they’re broken, but think of how exquisite they are when they’re whole. Do you understand me so far?” He shook his head. “I guess what I’m trying to say is you’re holding me in your hand.” She closed his fingers around the shell.
Reece was quiet as he sat on his haunches, studying his closed fist. “This shell survived the crashing waves and crushing feet.” He looked up at her. “It and you are a lot stronger than you think. I will protect you both as best as I can.”
She slid down on her knees to him. “I gladly accept your proposal, Mr. Woodhouse.”
He leaned away, studying her. “I have a condition for you, too, Miss DeLancey.”
“What is it?”
“Don’t run away from me anymore.”
“Where would I go that you couldn’t find me? I think you had a tracker injected into my bloodstream when I was knocked out.”
He clasped her neck. “I’m serious, Nicole. You have the power to break me too.”
She quieted instantly, biting her lip. “I don’t want to run anymore, but I can’t promise I won’t panic when something hurts me.”
“Panic all you like. Throw wine bottles at my head if it makes you feel better; just don’t run.”
She nodded. “I promise, Colin.”
He tucked her hair back behind her ears. “Good, because for a while there I was considering getting you fitted with concrete tennis shoes.”
She giggled. “Now that’s hardcore.”
He shifted, pulling her on to his lap. “Speaking of hardcore . . .” He waggled his eyebrows at her.
She pressed forward, rocking against him. “Well, I am still tingly.”
He began nibbling the underside of her jaw. “I bet I can make you more so.” And he did just that.
Chapter 14
He lifted her from his lap and stood, helping her to her feet. He cupped her cheeks in his palms, kissing her tenderly as his fingers massaged the back of her head. He nudged her backward, the backs of her knees hitting the bed. He kept pushing until she was lying flat with him atop her.
“You are so beautiful.”
She closed her eyes. “No, I’m not. I may be slightly cute, but that’s about as far as I’ll go.”
“Open your eyes. Look at me, Nicole.” When she did, he touched her face in reverence. “I don’t see you that way. I see much more than these arching eyebrows,” he said as he traced them with his thumb. “Or these eyelashes dipped in red wine.” He bent his head, kissing each eye. “Or the silky canvas of your cheeks with their tinge of a natural rose blush.” He kissed across her cheek to the tip of her nose and on to the other side.
“It’s not your face or your body I’m speaking of. I’m talking about your soul. You have such an innate goodness in you that it shines through. That’s what makes you beautiful. It was one of the first things I noticed about you.”
She turned her head, kissing his palm. “I must admit I noticed your face first, then your ass, then your . . .”
He chuckled. “I’m pouring my heart out to you, and you’re making jokes.”
She grinned at him. “I don’t need the sappy words, Colin. I know how you feel about me.”
