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But he didn’t press her on whatever it was bothering her. Mitchell just did what he could to coax joy into her big brown eyes.
“Thank you, I know she’s been hoping to get her things.” He took the box and stepped inside to set it on the bench by the door. Then he went for the bag. The officer handed it over with a smile. After tipping his green campaign hat, the man strode to his car and drove away as the first snowflakes started to fall.
He glanced up and the darkening sky told him they were in for another storm. Heading in, he booted the door closed behind him and called out for her.
“Coming,” she hollered.
Sure enough, soon she strode into view and he sucked in a sharp breath. He wouldn’t ever tire of looking at her.
“State Patrol found your rental and brought you your stuff.”
Her eyes lit from within and she hurried the rest of the way, socked feet not making any noise on his hardwood floors.
“Thank you, Jesus!” She hit her knees as she slid right up to the bench the box had been placed on.
Mitchell watched, fascinated, because he thought she would have gone for the bag first, to check clothing, etcetera. But no, she was digging into the box that, quite honestly, looked like it was filled with junk.
Her gasp ripped from her throat and snagged his attention. Mitchell watched as she gently brushed her thumb over the pocket watch in her hand. He wasn’t able to make out the design but something pulled him closer to her.
“Are you okay?”
“I am now.” She tipped her head back, the move allowing him to see the tears which lingered on her thick, curvy eyelashes. Closing her fist completely around the object, she exhaled and pushed up from the floor.
Unable to keep his hands to himself, he tugged her to him, settling her against his chest. “It’s snowing again. You may have to wait another day or so before you can leave.”
“I have my things now, Mitchell. I’m okay staying at a hotel. I never meant to cramp your style. You’ve done so much for me already.”
“Stop talking, Flykra. I want you here with me. I’m not taking you to a hotel, unless you can look me in the eye and tell me that’s what you want.”
Mitchell expected a bit of hemming and hawing. But again, he should have known better with this woman. Without hesitation, she looked at him.
“I most definitely don’t want to sleep away from you if I don’t have to. You’re very warm and comfortable to sleep on, despite having all these muscles.” She walked her fingers up some of those very muscles, even as she remained tucked to his chest.
Chin resting on the top of her head, he chuckled. “Glad I can be of service.”
Hope wrapped her arms around him and squeezed. “You’re passable.”
He nipped the top of her ear and smiled at her squeak. “Not what you were screaming this morning. Or earlier this afternoon.”
“A gentleman doesn’t kiss and tell.”
Sliding his hands down her body until he cupped her ass, he nudged her face up to capture her lips. “We both know I’m no gentleman when it comes to you, Flykra.”
She dragged her fingers through his hair and skimmed her nails along the nape of his neck. “I know and yet I keep coming back for more.” One more kiss before he let her step away. “I need to make a call. Do you mind if I charge my phone? You can have the other phone back. Maybe they will refund it. Thank you, though, for getting me one.”
“Anything for you, Hope.”
She blew him a kiss as she swiped the duffel by its dual handles and slung it over one shoulder with ease. He watched her as she took it to the far end of the bench and sat it there before unzipping it and digging into an interior pocket. A sleek graphite case was in her hand when she pulled it free.
“Thank God,” she muttered before a charging cord followed.
Why she hadn’t had it in the front of the car with her, he wasn’t sure. He had work of his own to do, yet he couldn’t drag himself away. Hope hummed to herself as she plugged in the phone and punched in a code.
She remained like that, on her knees by his bench, not overly concerned with comfort or anything other than what was on the phone screen before her.
“Are you going to stand there and watch me all day? I thought you had work to do.”
Hope never lifted her head as she spoke to him and Mitchell simply crossed his arms, hooked his ankles, and leaned against the nearest doorframe as he continued to stare.
“You’re much more interesting to watch.” God’s honest truth.
