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“It was fine. I just want to explain why I’m so inexperienced at this.”
His grin was immediate and his eyes twinkled. “Well, so far, I can say you’re doing very well. A+.”
Even while she was embarrassed by the conversation, he could make her laugh.
She blew out a deep breath and he tapped her on the nose. “It’s okay, Tessa. We’re not in a race. We’re not going to do anything you’re not comfortable with. It’s not like most people jump straight from a first kiss to sex. We’ll take our time. Enjoy getting to know each other again.”
“See. Best man ever.”
Flynn rolled his eyes and squeezed her arms. “What else? I can see there’s something else bothering you. Tell me.” His soft voice was commanding and kind. A weird combination but it made this easier.
“There are scars. Lots and lots of scars.”
“I guessed that from the number of surgeries.”
She nodded. “Not just my legs, although those required the most work. My arms. My back. Wrists too.”
His eyes were warm with concern. “I’m so sorry you’ve gone through all of that, Tessa. But scars only show that you’re a survivor. That you’re strong enough to keep moving forward. That you chose again and again and again to take the next step. If anyone thinks less of you because of that proof of your power, they’re not worth your time.”
The intensity of those brown eyes on hers convinced her he meant every word he said.
Then he gently lifted one of her hands in both of his. She wore a long sleeve shirt like she always did. Long pants and closed in shoes as well. Flynn ran his finger softly along the hem of the cuff. He looked to her for permission. When she nodded, he eased up the sleeve.
Most of the scars had faded over time, but they’d had to do several surgeries to repair her wrists so that her hands would function normally. The doctors said they’d been squashed in the fall.
“The major damage was mostly repaired by the time I woke up. They hadn’t done the final surgeries while I was in the coma.” Because they hadn’t wanted to waste the time, effort, and expertise if she wasn’t ever going to need her hands.
Flynn ran his finger over the scar tissue and then lifted her hand to kiss the area. He repeated the procedure with the other hand.
She was a quivering puddle of goo when he smiled at her.
“You’re beautiful, Tessa. All of you. A few scars don’t change that.”
She didn’t bother reminding him there were more than a few. He wouldn’t care. And that not only amazed her, it hit her directly in the heart.
She’d always loved Flynn. He’d been her brightest light in a dim childhood. He’d been her friend and had brought her into his circle of friends, into his family. She’d loved him with all of her teenage heart.
And her heart hadn’t changed its mind after all this time.
Flynn opened his eyes when Jetson let out a soft bark.
After Tessa had opened up about her scars and her virginity, they’d talked some more. Kissed some more. And then simply held each other until they drifted into a much needed nap after their sleepless night.
Waking with her wrapped in his arms felt surprisingly natural. She fit. They fit.
While they’d had a good couple of hours and had made progress in getting to know each other again, they really hadn’t done any of the work needed to ensure she would be safe to stay at Midnight Lake.
To do that, he needed to take down the Pavic family.
Jetson barked again and Flynn turned to see what had the dog’s interest. He spotted the cat sitting on top of Tessa’s bag, pawing at the food jars inside.
When the cat knocked itself off the bag, his chuckle had Tessa stirring. She smiled and stretched against him, making sure his body was reacting properly. All systems go. Which reminded him she was a virgin. He told his body to slow the hell down and kissed her hair as chastely as he could.
The cat let out a yowl and Tessa leaned up to an elbow to look. Ginger slapped her paw against the bag and then glared up at the humans.
Flynn stroked Tessa’s hair. “I think your little Ginger is hungry again.”
She laughed. “Now whatever gave you that idea?”
