Page 81 of Amnesty

He nodded sagely. “I won’t be okay unless—untilyou are.”

I whispered. “I love you.”

He dipped his head and kissed me. I could have melted into him, could have gotten lost with him.

Eddie ducked his head into my neck. “I really need to go check on the store.”

“Of course.” I’d forgotten about the store. I gasped. “I’m supposed to work today!”

He made a sound. “No. Management is giving you the day off.”

“Management?” I asked.

His dimples showed. “That’s me. I’m the boss.”

I mock scowled. “Are you giving me preferential treatment because I’m sleeping with the boss?”

“Maybe,” he drawled.

I giggled. It felt good. I didn’t know moments of happiness and comfort could exist in a storm. But he taught me they did.

“Seriously though, baby. You’re off today. And tomorrow. Take as much time as you need.”

“I don’t need time off,” I told him. “I need to live. To have the life I’ve built here. It’s the only way I can prove to myself that the past can’t have my future. It’s a lot to process and come to terms with, but I know I will. Especially with you by my side.”

“You’re sure?” He seemed concerned. “If you’re worried about the money, I’ll pay you. I don’t want you to worry about that.”

“I’m not worried about money.” I laid a hand on his cheek. “I don’t need money. I’m already a wealthy woman.”

His eyes warmed, the corners of his lips tilting upward.

“That’s how amazing you are, Eddie. After everything I lost, everything that was taken from me, I still feel I have so much. Because of you.” My voice lowered. “All because of you.”

He groaned. “You make it real hard to get out of this bed, woman.”

“Can you take me home on your way to the store?” I asked. “I want to see Maggie.”

“Of course.”

“Are you going to the hospital?” My voice was timid. Just thinking about Sadie brought on a rush of difficult emotions.

His eyes turned sad. “Yeah. After I check in at Loch Gen. My parents are probably anxious to talk to me.”

I nodded. “Maybe I’ll take just today off.”

Worry creased his forehead. The urge to play with his sleep-rumpled curls came over me, and I didn’t resist. “Are you going to be okay today? Want me to stay?”

“I’m fine.” I promised. “You need to see your parents, and I need to talk to Maggie.”

“I’ll come by after I get finished.” He promised.

“Take your time.” I fully understood that even though he was committed to me, there were many other commitments in his life.

“I’m only one call away, okay? If you need anything, anything at all, you call.”

“What if I need a kiss?”

“Especially if you need a kiss.”

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