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She’d spent the morning pulling up maps on the internet, mostly because she still had a lot to learn about searching the web. She’d packed her briefcase and drawing bag with the items she’d need to capture some of the main elements she wanted to incorporate into this new building they were commissioned to design. Of course, she had her phone for pictures, as well, but drawing the intricacies as she studied the building was by far more productive for her.
Letting out a slow breath, she glanced at the clock on her computer—fifteen minutes to go. She placed her hand across her stomach to quell its rolling. She hoped they could just relax and be themselves today. It would be amazing to see whether they could be good together or if their time had passed them by.
This was all a dream come true. She’d been so afraid to hope that she’d ever see David again. Then she’d dreaded that if she did see him, he’d still be happily married. That would be like a knife to her heart. Not that she didn’t deserve it—she deserved that and more.
“Are you ready?”
A chill ran up her arms at the sound of his low, sexy voice. She’d always likened his voice to that of Trace Adkins, and she wasn’t disappointed in that comparison. Though, back in the day, Trace Adkins wasn’t even someone she’d heard of. The first time she’d seen him on television, her heart raced and her vision blurred when she heard him speak. It was then she knew who he sounded like. She couldn’t react because one of Nicholas’ men was there in the house with her – always watching. It was sickening. But she remembered purchasing his songs, and, in her mind, when he sang, it was David singing to her.
“Oh. Yes.” She cleared her throat. “I’m all set.” She picked up her bags and her little black leather purse, slinging it over her shoulder. She finally allowed herself to look into his eyes and what she saw there stopped her in her tracks. His jaw wasn’t clenched in anger or frustration. That was the first time since she’d seen him a couple of weeks ago and the transformation was stunning. His posture was a bit more relaxed. He still stood tall, and his shoulders were broad, but he didn’t look as though his knees were locked.
“You’re staring.” He smiled after he said it, but she couldn’t help herself.
“So are you.”
He dipped his head, his smile growing larger. “You got me there.”
“You look more relaxed, for some reason. How did you do that?”
“How about I explain it in the truck?”
“Deal.” She stepped past him and turned off the lights in her office. Her office mate, Seth, was out on a job today.
As he’d done this morning, he placed his hand at the small of her back as they walked, and she’d be lying if she said it didn’t affect her. It did. He’d always done that when they were in college, and she loved it. Touching him or him touching her had always been a thrill. It kept them connected in a small way, but it always felt intimate.
Waving goodbye to a few of her co-workers, she stepped out into the warm summer air and took a deep breath. Not sure which direction to turn, she glanced up at him, and the thrill that ran the length of her body and hit her straight in her most intimate parts when she saw that he was looking at her, threatened to buckle her knees.
“Over here.” His voice slid over her. She did a quick intake of breath and slowly let it out to calm her raging heart and her newly awakened hormones.Whoa.Those feelings had left her thirty years ago. She’d put them to sleep and didn’t think she’d ever awaken them. When Nicholas deemed her worthy enough to have sex with her, she’d closed her eyes and endured it. He didn’t bother her often, except when he knew she particularly loathed his presence, or when he wanted her to have a child—then he demanded sex. She was so happy when she found out she was pregnant because she knew this would stop his nocturnal visits. Otherwise, he slept with whomever was his latest pleasure toy, or he’d sleep in his own room. She didn’t care where he was as long as he wasn’t in her bedroom.
David led them to a newer Ford pickup truck. The dark blue in color was so similar to his eyes.Haggerty Securitywas printed on the side in a medium gray color. It looked rich and classy. Typical.
He followed her to the passenger side, hit a button on his key fob to unlock the truck, and opened the door for her. Running boards dropped down for her, and he took her hand in his to assist her up into the truck. He stared into her eyes a brief moment before a sweet smile formed on his lips. He nodded and closed the door. She watched him walk around the front of the truck to his side, and her stomach came alive with butterflies.
He jumped into the driver’s seat, put the key in the ignition and twisted. The truck roared to life and his radio popped on. Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes were singing “I’ve had the time of my life.” Her breath caught in her throat as she turned to look at him. “You still listen to this music?”
He took a deep breath and twisted in his seat. His right arm rested across the seat back, his hand near her head. She felt his fingers sift ever so lightly into her hair. He swallowed. “I’ve been seeing someone.” She jerked back in her seat, tears threatening. “No. Not like that. I mean, I’ve been talking to a psychologist to help me deal with this situation.”
“I’m a situation?”
“Kiera.” He cleared his throat. “Not you. This.” His hand floated back and forth between them. “I don’t know how to handle the anger, frustration, surprise, and the feeling that I have no control over any of this.”
Reaching up and cupping his jaw in her hand, she smoothed her thumb over his cheek. The light stubble felt so exciting against the soft skin of her thumb. “I completely understand. I’ve seen a doctor for the past five years.” Her fingers sought his hair, and the soft texture felt heavenly as the sun glinted off the silver. “I have to find someone here, and I’m so happy you have and that you’re willing to try and deal with it all and not ignore me.”
He grunted an almost chuckle. “I couldn’t forget you. I can’t ignore you. I won’t ever forgive myself if I don’t see if we can come back from all that has happened.”
Tears instantly seeped from her eyes and rolled down her cheek.
“My doctor took my call this morning after you left my office.” He continued, “I felt better immediately. His advice for today? Let go. Just be with you and get to know you again.”
She swallowed, grabbed a tissue from her purse and dabbed at her eyes. “It’s more than I could hope for. Though, I’ll be honest and say I’ve been hoping for so much more. I can’t help it. For the first time in my life, I feel free to dream.”
His eyes glistened with moisture as they stared into hers. Slowly, he leaned forward, cupped the back of her head and pulled her to him. His lips so silky and full covered hers softly. He began to pull away, but instead turned his head slightly and captured her lips fully. His tongue slid into her mouth, and she whimpered. He commanded her mouth with those expert lips. Tasting, nipping and gliding along hers in the most demanding yet hopeful kiss she’d ever had.
Her hands gripped his shoulders and held on. She was buckled into her seat, which was probably a good thing because, given the go-ahead, she’d climb over the console and straddle him in a heartbeat.
Both of them needing air, their lips parted but their foreheads rested together, and they each regulated their breathing. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to embarrass you in front of work, but I needed to do that.” His voice was gruff and raspy, and she smiled.
“Don’t care. I love that you needed to do that.”
