Page 24 of Renewal After Dark

Blaine’s deep sigh was loud and clear.

“I can’t imagine how tough this is on his family and yours. We’re doing everything we can to find them.”

“I know. Thank you, and I’m sorry I woke you. I wasn’t even thinking about what time it was.”

“No worries. I need to get going anyway. Not sure which is worse, the storm prep or the cleanup.”

“Definitely the cleanup. What’re you hearing about Jeff and Kelsey?”

“Both are on the mend. He’s got a stint in rehab ahead of him before they can return to the island, but he should make a full recovery.”

“Thank goodness for that.”

“Indeed. I’ll never forget the sight of that barn collapsed on them.”

“Me either.”

“All right, I’ll let you get to work. I’m sticking close to home for now but call if you need me. My team is available for anything you need.”

“Will do. Please tell Tiffany that Jordan and I are thinking of her and Ashleigh.”

“That’ll mean a lot to her. Thanks.”

Mason ended the call, thinking about how weird it must be for Tiffany to be upset about Sturgil being missing when he’d been such a dick to her. He headed for the shower, still pondering the mysteries of love and grief and hoping for Tiffany and Ashleigh’s sake that Sturgil was found alive. But the longer he was missing, the less likely that became.

Even if he was a dick, he wouldn’t make his loved ones suffer this way.

He turned on the shower and was grateful for hot water. Power had been spotty since it returned over the weekend, so he never knew what to expect.

Mason turned his face up to the hot water and tried to relax muscles gone rigid with stress over the last few tumultuous weeks. Having their island under assault by Mother Nature had taken it out of him and everyone else who worked in public safety.

Because his eyes were closed, he had no warning before Jordan’s warm, sexy body was pressed against his back. Just that quickly, he wanted her. “What’re you doing up so early?”

“I wanted to see you before you leave.”

“I’m glad you did.” He moved carefully to turn to face her, wrapping his arms around her and holding her close. “Best way to start the day.”

“Mmm, for sure.”

“How’re you feeling?”

“Not nauseated for once.”

“I’m glad.” He hated how difficult her pregnancy had been so far and wished he could do something to ease her burden. “I hate when you feel shitty.”

“I do, too.” She looked up at him with the eyes that had captivated him from the first time he ever saw her—after saving her life. Then she’d turned right around and saved his. “But I’m not feeling shitty now.” She slid her hand down his chest and curled it around his straining erection.

His legs went weak under him as she stroked him and kissed his chest. “Jord… Uh…”

Her giggle echoed off the shower walls.

“Are you laughing at me?”

“Maybe a little.”

He put his arm around her and lifted her, pressing her back against the wall.

She batted her eyelashes at him. “Whatever is happening, Chief?” she asked in the coy tone that drove him wild.

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