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With a frown, he says, “Well, I haven’t been able to work out. I dropped weight in the hospital and then Amber got me addicted to fucking carbs. I lost some muscle mass and gained…other mass. Don’t get used to this extra padding. It’s not permanent.”
I smile.
“God, don’t call me that.” He glances around at all the eyes watching us, including Sammy, who is drooling. “Come on,” he says, taking my hand. “Let’s find somewhere private.”
I glance at one of the caregivers because I have to check with them before I go anywhere, even outside. It sucks, but it’s the rules. She gives me a soft smile and nod before returning to reading a magazine.
Brody and I move outside to the fenced-in garden. He pulls me behind some bushes, pressing his lips against mine. Every organ in my body turns to mush. His kiss is the same. Strong. Steady. His tongue tastes my bottom lip and I sigh.
“Fuck, I’ve missed you,” he rumbles.
I squeeze his squishy biceps.
He presses our hips together so I can feel his growing bulge. “This much. My sheets are soaked from all my wet dreams about you.”
I tease his belt buckle.
“I’d rather wait until I’m inside you again. I’m still planning our next date. Maybe another trip to the ocean where I can make love to you on the beach.”
His words send a flood of heat through my core. I want to help him satisfy his needs right here behind these plants. Satisfy my needs. I don’t have my earbuds, but I contemplate straddling his hips so he can pin me against a tree. I miss the feeling of our bodies connecting.
I glance toward the house. Though we’re behind a bush, someone can probably see us. This place has zero privacy. Releasing my fantasies, I pull away from his touch.
He pulls me back against his solid torso and kisses my forehead. “We’re going to win this. Worst-case scenario, I buy a place here and they deal with me visiting every day and sneaking you out at night.”
“Worth it. I’ll find a way.”
“Then I’ll follow. Wherever you go, I’m going. I’m not leaving you. Unless you write me another breakup letter, but please don’t do that.”
I smile. My finger grazes his stomach above the bullet wound. He had so much internal bleeding and then an infection. Amber said it was a miracle he survived. I know it wasn’t a miracle. It was Brody. Through his willpower alone, he fought to stay with me.
He wipes a tear from my cheek as I say, I rest my ear against his chest and listen to his heartbeat. It’s as fast as mine. His warm, steady, reassuring love flows into me as my love flows out to him. I draw a heart on his chest with my thumb.
“I love you, too,” he whispers, wrapping his arms around me so I’m shielded from anything outside this moment. He kisses me, deep and slow, until every concern melts away.
I don’t know what will happen in the future, what my life will become, but somehow, it’ll all be okay.
Brody is here. He’ll always be here. Together is the only place we need to be.
Epilogue
Brody
ONE YEAR LATER
AFTER MY SHOWER, I THROW on a pair of jeans, leave my hair damp, and make my way to the kitchen. No shirt needed. Paige prefers me shirtless, which is fine by me. Less laundry to wash. I’m still working the extra padding off my gut, but she says it’s sexy. At least I can see the outline of my abs again.
I breathe in the smell of lamb as I enter the kitchen. This past month, she’s elevated her cooking game. Guess I should, too. I’m sure she’s tired of eating steak and broccoli when it’s my turn to cook.
I stop behind her near the stove to poke a piece of lamb searing in a pan. She snaps tongs at me until I step away. I lick my finger with a grin. “Not as tasty as you, but still delicious.”
Blushing, she shakes her head, returning her attention to the meat.
After securing my arms around her, I kiss her neck. My hands work their way to her hips, massaging the delicious curves of her ass.
