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“I’ll make sure I do all the work.” He gave her a wicked smile, then leaned in and took her mouth in a smoldering kiss.
“The man can kiss.” Faith sighed, opening her eyes.
“Regretting your decision, sweetheart?” He leaned in to nibble on her neck.
“No.” Faith stepped back. “Don’t come near me. I mean it, Ryan.” She held up her hands.
He smiled but stayed where he was. “Can we talk soon, Faith? Talk about what’s between us?”
“I-I don’t know what’s between us.”
“I know that when I see you, my chest hurts. I know that when I saw you on that trail, unconscious, I realized that if you didn’t wake up, my life would never be the same again.”
“Ryan.” His name was a ragged whisper.
“I know what this is, Faith. I’ve spent the day thinking it through. I know that I will always carry you in my heart.”
The hand she pressed to her lips shook.
“Just talk, baby. That’s all I want. Time to work out ‘us.’ Will you give me that?”
She managed a nod.
“Okay, good. When you’re better, we’ll work through this, but right now, I want you to use this place while I go and fleece your brother at cards. I won’t be back for hours, and you can be gone by then or not. It will give you some peace away from your well-meaning posse.”
Faith eased out a breath and hoped her body would stop wanting to hurl itself at Ryan. “Card night is starting early tonight. How come?”
“Apparently the fathers in the group can’t handle too many late nights anymore.”
Faith laughed. “I’d like to stay here for a while, thank you.”
“I can drive you home later.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“If you leave, text me when you get back to The Howler.”
She rolled her eyes but agreed.
“Remote is there, and plenty of supplies in the kitchen. Help yourself.”
Ryan disappeared into the bedroom, then came out in jeans and a gray sweatshirt.
“You’re losing your edge, pretty boy. That’s an old sweatshirt, and those jeans aren’t much better.”
In fact, what he looked was hot, but she wasn’t adding that.
“Want me to take it all off?”
“You wish. Now leave.”
“You’re a hard woman, Faith Harris.” He came close and placed a loud kiss on her mouth. “I love you, and I can honestly say I’ve never said that to another woman besides my family.”
Faith opened her mouth, but he placed his finger over it.
“Only when you’re ready.”
She nodded, and when he reached the door she said, “I care about you too, Ryan.”
