Page 21 of Weston

She was staring up at him, face flushed and lips slightly swollen. “Well, that was a mouthful and you didn’t even say anything.”

That adorable snort-laugh erupted from her like it always did when she was nervous, and when she covered her mouth, Wes’ heart melted. He reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I missed you, Ellie-Bean. More than words can ever express.”

His admission came out low and far raspier than he intended, but Ellie had that effect on him. For a moment, he thought about kissing her again, but he knew better and didn’t want to push her too fast. Love and desire were pounding through his veins, but he was worried she wasn’t ready for more. Not yet, but he held out hope that her memory would come back and they could move forward together.

If it didn’t…

Well, they could cross that bridge if and when they came to it.

“I keep picturing something,” she said softly, “and I’m not sure why.”

“What?”

“I know it sounds silly, but did we ever…make snow angels?”

The memory of that night returned in blazing technicolor glory. “Yeah,” he said, unable to hide the smile that took over his face. “Me, you and way too much hot chocolate spiked with peppermint schnapps led to some shenanigans in the snow.”

A pretty blush stole over her cheeks, and he couldn’t drag his eyes off her. Not for anything. His wife was the most beautiful woman he’d ever known, and with every glimmer of a memory she mentioned, he was more determined than ever tohelp her through this dark moment and guide her back into the sunshine.

???

It seemed like every time Wes kissed her, a memory came back. The image was so clear, Ellie could taste the chocolate and peppermint on her tongue; smell the fresh, icy air laced with snowflakes and pine; feel the weight of Wes’ heavy body covering hers, pressing her down into the snow, kissing her into oblivion.

His brown eyes were staring intently at her again. He watched her so closely all the time. It felt good to know he was always looking out for her, ready to jump in and protect her if necessary. When his phone beeped with a text, Ellie cleared her throat and shifted.

“It’s Brand,” he told her. “Mitch wants to move our meeting up. Must’ve found something important.”

“Can I come?”

Wes didn’t even hesitate. “Of course. C’mon.”

Without thinking, they both reached for each other’s hand and walked back to the car. It felt so natural that Ellie didn’t question it. She just laced her fingers through his and followed him. She had an innate feeling she would follow this man anywhere.

As they drove to Old Glory, Ellie couldn’t stop sneaking peeks at the attractive man beside her. A stranger and her husband. The irony of the situation was a bit too much and she was trying to figure out the best way to navigate these unchartedwaters. Half of her wanted to take things slowly while the other half of her wondered what would happen if she threw caution to the wind and jumped him. Would her memory come rushing back? Because she desperately wanted that. Sheneededthat.

Once they reached Brandon’s bar, Ellie hesitated. Wes picked up on her doubt and turned toward her.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“Are you sure it’s okay that I’m here? I know you mentioned what your team does is secret.”

“Wherever I go, you go. And they all know it.” He sent her a devastating smile and she could’ve sworn her world tilted.

Once again Wes took her hand and she held on tightly as he opened the door and led her inside. The whole crew was already there, gathered around a corner table, and friendly greetings filled the air. Relaxing at the warm welcome, Ellie smiled shyly. She couldn’t miss how everyone seemed to zero in on the way she and Wes were holding hands.

“How are you guys doing?” Corey, the one with the stunning ice-blue eyes, got up and walked over. She appreciated how he had helped keep her calm after they’d found her in Indonesia. He had a tranquil air about him—almost peaceful—that made her comfortable.

“Good,” Wes answered, squeezing her hand.

“You must be Ellie,” a woman said, moving up beside her. She looked to be around Ellie’s age and had pretty red-gold hair and friendly dark brown eyes. “It’s so wonderful to meet you. I’m Julia Evans.”

“My fiancée,” Brand said, coming up behind Julia and possessively wrapping his arms around her waist. He pressed a kiss to her head and she laughed. They looked incredibly good together and seemed so comfortable in each other’s arms.

Ellie’s attention flicked over to Wes. Had they been like that, too?

“Congratulations,” Ellie said. “Have you set a date yet?”

They exchanged smirks. “We’re working on it,” Brand murmured.

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