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His eyes drift closed, but my thoughts race. I had sex. And I really liked it. It was better than I expected. And obviously, Knox is being the gentleman and saying all the right things. All the things one would expect him to say. But he really didn’t seem to mind my scar. There are Facebook groups dedicated to scars, and so many others are proud. They don’t let them bother them. Maybe now I can be braver, too. More like the others who are leading such amazing lives.
Knox’s arm jerks and his chest rises. He’s fast asleep. I can’t believe I finally did it. We did it. Knox and me. I just hope in the morning things aren’t awkward. I’ve read about the morning afters. Now, it’ll be my turn to experience one. My stomach squirms and flips. But I close my eyes and focus on my breathing. I’ll need my sleep to face tomorrow.
CHAPTER 23
Knox
She’s deep in sleep, her melodic breathing pattern denoted by the slight movement of her ribcage. It’s early. Judging from the golden rays peeking through, it’s just past daybreak. A sheet covers the curve of her hip down the length of her body. During the night, after retreating to the bathroom, she put her panties back on and one of my basic white t-shirts.
If I were a selfish man, I’d wake her with my fingers and tongue. My body wants her. But I won’t do that to her. She’ll be sore and needs her sleep.
I’m as quiet as possible getting out of bed, which, as a soldier trained in stealth, is pretty damn quiet. After I get a coffee pot going for her and leave a note, I’m careful to lock the door behind me and set the alarm.
The early morning hours on the beach are calm. It’s low tide, and the packed sand stretches far. There’s one lone surfer in a meditative trance. The low tide waves are too calm for action, but there’s more to surfing than getting up on a board.
On a normal day, I’d clock seven miles, but the stretch of beach gets busier the farther down I run on unfamiliar terrain. My gut stirs uncomfortably.
Sage is safe at the house. There’s no way anyone can find us.
But that’s what you thought on the hike.
I change direction, headed back to the house, pushing it double time.
What happened last night probably shouldn’t have happened, but we’re both consenting adults. By anyone’s standards, she waited long enough. Although I do wish she’d been honest with me.
What would Sam say about us? He sent her to me to keep her safe. There’s no way he’d want me crossing this line. He’d want better for his sister.
She lives on the other side of the country, and as a rule, I’ve avoided long distance relationships. But I’m no longer in the military. Maybe long distance is more manageable for civilians? Day by day. That’s how to take it. That’s what I’ve always done.
I promised Sam I’d look out for her. I didn’t realize how seriously he took that promise until she showed up at my door, but now that she’s here, I’ll be looking out for her for the rest of her life. From afar or by her side.
By her side. That phrase is loaded. But it also feels right. But I’m getting way ahead of myself. We’ve spent a couple of days together. That’s it. And we have last night. If I wasn’t her first, would all these thoughts be hounding me? Would I be sitting here thinking about protecting her forever? Yeah, I would. Because of Sam.
But last night definitely put a spin on things. And she actually thought she wasn’t good. Last night was incredible. It wasn’t just a hook-up. The emotions I felt. The connection. No, that comes from caring for someone. But none of that changes that it’s only been a couple of days.
Sand coats my calves and ankles. Sweat soaks my shirt and drips down my brow. I kick my shoes against the piling, remove them, and tiptoe back inside. Stillness greets me. The coffee pot’s full. In the bedroom, she’s still asleep on her side. She hasn’t moved.
Showering is out of the question, since doing so would wake her, so I head back into the kitchen, knock back a bottle of water, pour myself a cup of Joe, and login through the VPN to check in.
There’s a list of updates on the group board.
Max
Surveillance outside J Ringelspaugh home. Plan is to approach him this am.
Kairi
On site team checked out Sloane Watson apartment. Place still holds her stuff. Doesn’t appear she packed to leave. Her desk is clear. No computer.
Kairi
Neighbor at apartment complex recognized photo. Said she hadn’t seen her in a few weeks. Never spoke to her.
Kairi
Sloane Watson’s US bank accounts and credit cards remain open. No one has accessed them.
Kairi
