Page 96 of Mountain Protector

“Lark.”

“It’s not your fault, you know.”

Knox blinks. “What?”

“What happened.” Slowly scooting forward, I snuggle against his side. As his arm comes around me, I add, “I know you’re blaming yourself. I heard you talking to Gage at the hospital. But it’s not your fault.”

Pain darkens his gaze. “If I hadn’t told you it was Ed?—”

“There was no way to know. What are the chances, really? Ed never came to my office. It was just a fluke, Knox. And I’m the one who gave it away, with mystupid blushing and getting all flustered. I should have kept it together better.”

“Songbird, no.” It’s quick. Adamant. “It wasn’t your fault. With the news I gave you… Of course you would be shocked. I should have come up with something different.”

“You shouldn’t have. If you hadn’t said it was Ed, he could have asked me to go somewhere with him and I would never have suspected. Please don’t beat yourself up over this. It’s not your fault, just like it’s not Alec’s or Enzo’s. Sometimes crap just happens.”

“Well, it shouldn’t happen to you.”

“Knox.” My voice softens. “I’m luckier than most. I have an incredible boyfriend who came after me. Rescued me. Not just once, but over and over. That’s what I care about.”

He stares at me for a moment, emotion working in his eyes. Then he lets out a heavy breath. “Okay. I’ll work on it.” A beat, and then, “How about if I make you some soup? And are you feeling up to seeing your dad? He’s been texting.”

“Oh, yes.” My poor dad. He must be desperate to see me by now. “I’m good to see him.”

“Alright.” Knox stands. “I’ll let him know to come by. While we’re waiting, that should be enough time to have some soup.”

“And maybe wash up a little,” I add. “Even though I changed my clothes, I still feel kind of yucky.”

“Not a shower,” he warns. “With the heat, and your head… Later, if you want, I can help you take a bath, though.”

“Oh?” My mind is suddenly filled with the image ofKnox naked, sitting behind me in the bathtub while he strokes a washcloth over my skin, kissing my neck, his arousal nudging?—

“Songbird.” There’s a hint of laughter in his tone.

“Yes?”

“Are you thinking about us in the bathtub?”

I touch my cheek. Definitely hot. “Maybe.”

His lips quirk. “While I love the idea, I think tonight might be a bit soon for that.”

“I guess.” Widening my eyes at him, I ask, “But maybe in a few days?”

Knox bends down and gives me a soft kiss. “We’ll see. Now. I’m going to call your dad and get the soup started.”

“Okay.” We smile at each other, and everything else slips away—the lingering pain from my concussion, the terror from earlier today—until it’s just us, showing how much we love each other without saying the words.

And then my stomach chooses to rumble loudly, breaking our silent connection. Knox chuckles. “Well, I think that’s a pretty clear message. Soup. And maybe some buttered saltines to go with it?”

“That sounds good.” I slowly rise from the couch, testing my balance, while Knox watches me eagle-eyed, his hand outstretched to catch me. “I’m fine,” I assume him. “No dizziness.”

“Okay. But be careful. And if you need my help, or you get light-headed…”

“I’ll let you know. I promise.”

But I manage my brief trip to the bathroom without issue.

And after brushing my teeth, washing my face, and a quick wipe-down with a washcloth, plus brushing the dried bit of blood from my hair, I feel much closer to normal again. Before I head back into the living room, I change into Knox’s oversized Buchanan Builders sweatshirt and my comfiest leggings, adding a pair of the fuzzy socks Winter brought, explaining, “I don’t think they actually help with a concussion. But they’re just so soft and cozy, I thought it would feel good wearing them.”

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