Page 102 of Love Me Fearless

This helps, she said. Meaning me being here. Holding her. Touching her. Caring for her.

Things I can’t do from the UK or Florida or from thirty thousand feet.

Kirilee’s words rattle around in my mind.

I think I’m in trouble.

I think I’m in love.

Fuck!

Ava stirs, and gives a soft sigh, like she’s happy. Through the walls, Thea giggles, followed by Dylan’s low tones.

“Should we get up?” Ava asks, her tone wistful.

I caress her low back, beneath her T-shirt, taking my time. “Maybe we let them take the morning shift today.”

“Mmm.” Her fingers brush up and down my chest, her touch soothing and tender. I drink it in while forcing my worries aside.

I have four more days to figure out how to keep my world and hers connected. To find a way to keep my heart from ripping in two.

Scooping her up, I lift her on top of me and tug her shirt off so I can caress her everywhere. She’s so soft and warm, her limbs relaxed, as if the nightmare that had her so scared last night has faded far from her thoughts. I savor the weight of her body against mine as I trace the curves I love so much. She kisses the crook of my neck and sighs. My hunger stirs from deep inside me, but I tell myself to be patient because having the luxury to touch her and caress her like this is worth savoring.

From the kitchen comes the shuffling of feet and the murmurs from my family starting their day. Then the front door shuts, and the house quiets.

“Should we get going too?” she asks, but doesn’t move.

“Is that what you want?” I cup her ass and gently rock my hips against hers.

With a soft chuckle, she nips at my earlobe. “We have to leave this bed at some point this morning.”

I roll her over and kiss down her body while she squirms. “Not until you’re satisfied.”

She hums her reply. “I’m not sure we can accomplish that before breakfast.”

Fuck, do I love her challenges. I part her open with my tongue, making her gasp. “It’s worth a try.”

After we saygoodbye to Thea and Dylan, I hop in my truck to follow Ava to the sheriff’s department. My phone lights up with a text from Luke Ballard.

I can do better than call. I’m here.

Fucking finally!

With a grin, I tap his number, and seconds later, my old friend’s steady voice fills my ears. “I thought the Boulder Mountains were big, shit. No wonder you’re part mountain goat.”

I laugh. “When did you get in?”

“Last night.”

“I hate the circumstances, but…” I pause at the end of my driveway behind Ava, who checks both ways and turns right, toward town.

“I feel you,” Luke replies, his tone heavy. “Are you home on leave?”

“Yeah, my mom’s having some health issues.” When I turn to follow Ava, the rising sun blasts my mirrors. I reach up for my shades stashed above the visor.

“Damn, I’m sorry.”

“She’s doing better now, so…” My tongue refuses to form the words that should come after that, so I force down a swallow.

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