Page 95 of Stay with Me

She stares at me for a moment speechless. I think over my words as I search her face. She reaches for me and cups my jaw.

“Knight—”

My phone rings cutting her off. I growl as the ringing demands my attention. I’m on leave, but because of the nature of the case I just came off and now this shit with Broker, I need to be available to my superiors in case of an emergency. If the Cap is calling me in for some more bullshit, I’m going to lose my shit.

“Hold that thought,” I say and peck her lips.

I get up and go for my phone across the room. I don’t recognize the number, which pulls a frown. I pick up and place the phone to my ear.

“Hello.”

There’s silence, but before I can speak again the line goes dead. I pull the phone from my ear and stare at it. That makes twice now, I get this feeling in the pit of my stomach.

I catch myself before I let the tension show in my body. I don’t want to alarm Reminisce. We’ve been having a great last few days. I don’t want to ruin it because of a call and feeling in my gut.

“Everything okay?” she calls from across the room.

I force a smile on my lips before I turn to her. “Yeah, baby. Everything’s fine. Come shower with me, and I’ll start dinner after.”

“It’s my turn. I’m making your favorite,” she says with a happy grin.

Again, the desire to have this always hits so strong my heart skips a beat. I move across the room to scoop her up in my arms. My back pinches a little reminding me of the bullet that entered my body.

I shove back all the things that come with that reminder. I want to remain in this bubble for as long as I can. If I let that world back in, I could lose this one. That’s not an option.

“I love when you cook for me. Just so you know, I’m having you for dessert.”

That crazy laugh rings out, and my chest swells. God, I love this woman so much.

CHAPTER 36

Commitment

Reminisce

Again, he’s looking at me with such an intense gaze. I can’t help wondering what’s on his mind. I snuggle closer to him in the bed.

I’m going to enjoy this last day. Tomorrow morning this time I have to return to my real life. The office is calling, and I have to answer.

“What?” I ask reaching to caress his stubbled jaw.

“Do you ever envy Saga and Legend?” he says thoughtfully.

I freeze. I envy my sister and brother more than I should. I want what they have.

“Yeah, I do,” I whisper.

He reaches for my fingers and holds our hands in the air together. He stares at our intertwined fingers. My hand is so small wrapped in his. After a few moments, he brings my fingers to his lips.

“I didn’t think I wanted all of that. Now, at thirty-three, I do. It feels like something’s missing.”

I swallow nervously. I want children and a husband, but I don’t want to fear becoming a widow or my children becoming fatherless. Yet … I love this man and the sight of our palms pressed together makes me want those things with him.

“Do you think … would that mean you want a lifestyle change as well?” I ask shakily.

He swallows hard, shifting his gaze to mine. He nods. “Yeah, I just don’t know where I want to go from here. I’m no singer or painter. I’m too impatient for that shit Lord is into.”

I laugh, but I think over his words too. My brows draw.

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