Page 55 of Jagger

Maybe there was much more to being able to share a space together in utter silence than I’d given credit for. I wasn’t antsy or worried he would explode into rage or bother me with additional questions. He was offering me space, much as I was doing for him. Yet I think we both felt more comfortable being around each other.

Even if the air continued to crackle with extreme electricity. A swarm of butterflies had taken up residence in my stomach, which allowed a rush of excitement where there’d been terror and fury only a couple of hours before.

I leaned my head back, thankful for our survival and for having my own private hero.

Even if they were words he didn’t want to hear. I’d whisper them softly in his sleep so maybe one day he’d come to accept the kind of man he was meant to be.

A protector.

I closed my eyes, stifling a yawn. My little girl was even snoring. So was the dog. What in the world was I going to do with her? Cally had grown attached to the dirty yet brilliant and amazing pup. Her gold fur was matted, her big brown eyes full of sadness, but to me she was the most beautiful dog in the world.

As I stroked Cally’s arm, I allowed myself to think about the strength and determination I’d seen in Jagger’s face. He refused to let my baby go when he could have died himself trying to save her. He was… amazing.

Maybe I’d dozed off, but I suddenly felt a lack of weight on my lap. Startled, I peered up and seeing Cally in his arms all over again brought so much joy into my heart.

He pressed his index finger across his lips, shushing me. “I’ll be back.” As he walked around the couch, I instinctively knew he was going to take her to bed. The dog dutifully followed, trotting up the stairs after giving me a look, asking me if she was allowed.

I nodded in return.

Why was it this moment in time felt like the perfect family I’d always wanted?

Maybe I was a fool and reminded myself nothing was perfect. He’d placed my wine on the table and the fire was slowly dying down. I eased off the couch, careful putting weight on my strained ankle, but I wanted to see his reaction when he put her to bed.

It was suddenly very important to me.

I partially hobbled, but made my way upstairs, tiptoeing as much as I could toward the bedroom. The pup was patiently waiting as Jagger lowered Cally onto the pulled back sheets. There was something quite special about the way he tugged up the comforter, taking his time not to wake her, but making certain she was all tucked in. Only then did the savior dog hop into bed, placing her head on Cally’s stomach.

Her tail even thumped gently as if thanking us for saving her as well.

I leaned against the doorframe, my arms folded and my heart full if only for a little while. It was tough not to make a sound asJagger brushed his curled fingers down Cally’s cheek. I did hear what he said to her and tears formed in my eyes again.

“Your mommy loves you, sweet Cally. You’re a very lucky little girl to have a mommy like that.”

I backed into the hallway so I could remain silent. Even breathing normally right now was hard. He’d untangled and unlocked so many feelings deep inside.

When he stepped out into the hallway, it was as if he’d sensed my presence. He shoved his fingers into his back pockets, giving me a funny little look that I couldn’t read.

“What is it?” I whispered.

“You can’t follow directions. I wonder if you play by any rules.”

“Rules? They bore me to death.”

“Oh, yeah?” he asked as he closed the distance, taking me into his arms.

“Uh-huh.” I rubbed my fingers through his beard, ending with tracing his mustache.

“Lady, I don’t know what I’m going to do with you.”

“What do you want to do?”

“Careful.”

I chuckled as darkly as possible. “Being careful is no fun. Is it?”

His grin was absolutely adorable. “No, I guess not.” He swept me into his arms as he’d done in pulling me off the mountain, taking long strides into the bedroom I’d chosen. He’d known itinstinctively or he’d checked on me the night before. Either way I didn’t care.

The feeling of being in his arms was incredible, almost as if it was meant to be. His eyes never left mine as he eased back the covers just as gently as he’d done with Cally, placing me on the bed.

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