Page 34 of Jenna's Threatened Sanctuary

She swallowed hard, not sure how to respond to the flutter in her stomach. She’d ignore it for now. “Good night…or morning. Whatever it is.” Heat flooded her cheeks, and her stupid voicerose high. She turned and fled into the kitchen, needing a little distance to get her head on straight.

Sadie followed, heading straight for the coffee maker. She stayed silent as she quickly prepared a pot, filling a mug. “Would you like something?”

“Not sure what I want,” Jenna said letting out a long breath.

Sadie gave her a knowing smile then sat at the kitchen table.

Jenna shuffled to the cabinet beside the sink and grabbed a mug for herself, debating over whether to grab coffee and hope the caffeine carried her through the day or a soothing cup of chamomile tea. She glanced over her shoulder. “Did you rest at all?”

“Tommy stopped by once his shift was over and kept watch so I could sleep a little. He cleaned up the mess in here and secured the door as best he could with the glass shattered. Amelia had a slumber party with Uncle Owen and Aunt Marie. She’s probably already awake and playing with Nora.”

“I’m sure they all loved having Amelia over. I know Oliver is always delighted to see her. She’s so good with the little ones.”

At almost six years old, Amelia was the oldest child of the volunteers at Safe Haven Women’s Shelter. She took her role as the eldest very seriously, helping wherever and however she could.

“So how are you really?” Sadie tapped her collarbone with her index finger. “I didn’t get many details about what happened, but your throat looks pretty bad. You must have been terrified.”

“I’m exhausted and sore. I don’t have it in me to talk about this right now.” She rested one hand at her side, the empty mug dangling from her hooked finger, and used her free hand to rub small circles over her temple.

“I understand, but make sure you find time to talk about it. What you went through was traumatic. Don’t brush those feelings under the rug,” Sadie said. “How’s Calvin?”

“He’s okay. Just a few stitches. Rest is the best thing for him right now.”

Sadie lifted the steaming mug to her mouth. “And why aren’t you doing the same? It’s been a long night. You need to sleep.” Her gaze dipped to Jenna’s throat and an angry red color invaded her face. “You’ve both had a hard couple of days.”

Sighing, Jenna set the mug back on the counter. Right now, her stomach couldn’t handle anything. “You’ve been up all night, too. It’s not fair to ask you to stay awake any longer.”

Sadie’s eyes softened. “You don’t have to ask me to do anything. I’m here. And when everyone’s gotten some sleep, I’ll continue to be here for you. Just like the rest of your friends. I hope you don’t mind, but I spoke with Mrs. Collins about what happened last night. She’s offered you, Oliver, and Calvin a place to stay until it’s safe for you both to return home.”

Gratitude had tears misting in her eyes. Volunteering at the shelter had brought so much more into her life than she’d ever imagined. Women who loved her and her child and would do anything to help them. “Thank you. I’ll call Mrs. Collins and work everything out after I talk to Calvin. But staying with her at the shelter seems like the perfect answer.”

Tiny grains of fatigue clung to her eyes, and it took all the energy she had left just to keep standing. “Wake me if you need me.”

Stepping into the hallway, she hesitated. She should go into the guest room and snuggle her son close. But she didn’t want to wake him before he was ready, and her heart led her somewhere else.

Her steps slowed as she approached Calvin’s bedroom. She tiptoed inside, not wanting to alert him to her presence. Shestudied the man-shaped bump under the comforter. The steady rise and fall of his chest told her he was already asleep. Quietly she slipped under the covers. The mattress dipped with her weight, and she huddled under the soft blanket.

Her muscles tensed for a beat, then she relaxed, squishing her hands between her cheek and the feather pillow. She shifted, turning on her side to face away from Calvin before she stroked his cheek or brushed the too-long hair from his forehead.

She fought back the ever-present ball of confusion ping-ponging around her insides. Exhaustion might weigh heavy on her shoulders, but the whirling thoughts in her brain refused to let her rest.

Calvin’s arm tucked her against the warmth of his body. She fit against him like a puzzle piece. Tears filled her eyes as a soothing peace calmed her jumbled thoughts. It was too bad it did nothing for the constant doubt nagging her conscience. How could she live without him now that he was back in her life?

His heat engulfed her, and she burrowed into his embrace. Tomorrow the questions and doubts and fears would still be there. But in this moment, she’d sink into Calvin’s arms and enjoy this tiny piece of heaven.

Calvin tightenedhis hold on Jenna and cuddled her against him. Her familiar curves molded to him. His blood hummed. Slivers of awareness dragged him from a deep sleep. He squeezed his eyes shut to stay in a state of oblivion just a little while longer. Only in his dreams was it possible to hold Jenna so close. Desire flared hot in his veins. Damn, he could even smell her shampoo.

Drawing in a deep breath, a strand of long hair brushed against his nostril and tickled the sensitive skin.

What the hell?

He peeked open one eye and tensed. Jenna lay beside him in his bed, her ass pressed to his groin. Her head nestled in the crook of his arm. He fought the urge to bury his face in her neck as lust constricted his core. He groaned, reluctant for anything to interrupt whatever dream had landed him in the one place he longed to be. He wasn’t sure how Jenna ended up in bed beside him, but he didn’t want to piss her off by taking things further than she intended.

The buzz of her phone cut through the silence. Jenna shifted, her elbow connecting with his side.

He hissed. All his muscles clenched in response, and he circled his arms tighter around Jenna.

Her eyes flew open. Confusion swam in her large, blue irises. She reached toward the side of the bed and fumbled with the still-ringing phone before handing it to him.

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