Page 87 of Lodged

“Thank you,” Ruin says as she traces circles with her finger on my chest. We’re lying by the fire after making love and enjoying the quietness of the house.

“What for?” I ask, placing a kiss on the top of her head.

“For everything. Ever since I met you, you have made it your mission to take care of me, to make me your priority. Thank you.”

“Thank you for choosing me, twice.” She giggles, and I hug her closer to me.

“I know we can laugh now, but when you were hurt in the hospital, I was back in Raleigh with my heart broken and no way of knowing if you were going to be okay.” I close my eyes and remember those days full of anguish and desperation.

“And you came to Azalea Creek?”

“I did,” I tell her as the memories of that day play in my head. “I went into Rosebay Apothecary, and Miss Dorothy, who I didn’t know at the time, told me she didn’t know you. But then she called River, and he told me about the accident and asked me to stay away.”

“Oh, so that’s why she wanted to apologize earlier at the festival?” Ruin asks, and I nod. “Huh, I wonder why she didn’t tell you,” she continues as she drapes her leg across mine. Her knee lands on top of my dick, which immediately perks up.

“I think everyone was trying to protect you. Plus, she didn’t know who I was to you. I didn’t say I was your boyfriend. I just said I was looking for you.” Ruin nods as if it makes sense.

“Then, after talking to River and Rain, they agreed to let me see you in the hospital. You were in a coma, and it broke my heart to see you enduring so much pain. But when I touched your hand, you woke up and freaked out at the mere sight of me. The doctors had to come in and sedate you again, and pretty much warned me to not come back and disturb you.” I retell the story of one of the hardest days of my life.

“Oh, Gio. I’m so sorry. I don’t remember that, at all! I wish it would have been different. You know how much I love you, and I’m sorry for having caused you all that pain,” Ruin says, her hand covering my cheek.

“You don’t need to apologize, sweetheart. Your brain was in protective mode, trying to give your body time to heal.” I turn my face and place a kiss on her palm.

“Anyway, I’m glad we were able to find each other. There were many sleepless nights when I wondered if I had left someone in Raleigh, and if I did, why hadn’t he come to see me. My brain was a mess, and I thought my life was over. As much as I love spending time with my family and living near them, I don’t want to be a waiter for the rest of my life, you know?” She sighs, and I start playing with her hair, running my fingers through it.

“I know, sweetheart. It was a dark time for all of us, but as you said, we’re past it. And it goes without saying, you have my full support for whatever you want to do next. If it’s going back to school in Raleigh, we’ll make it happen. If you want to stay here and find something else that gives you joy, we’ll make it happen. Whatever it is you want to do next, we’ll make it happen. Together.” She lifts her head, and when I look at her eyes, I see they’re misting over.

“No more tears, unless they are happy tears, baby girl.” She chuckles, and I turn us over, getting on top of her and burying myself inside my favorite place. All night long.

Chapter 38

Ruin MacAllister

Last night was epic. Being with Gio is out of this world: his kisses, his touch, the weight of his body on top of mine. Our breathing entangled into one. After the third round, my back was starting to hurt, so we moved to his bed and continued talking and making love. It was something we both needed to satiate our bodies and souls.

I woke up half an hour ago and found Gio’s side of the bed cold. For a moment, I panicked and thought everything had beenjust a dream, but then the smell of bacon and eggs drew me out of the bedroom.

After getting dressed, I find a very sexy man making breakfast, his bare back on full display, with a pair of gray sweatpants hung low on his waist.

“Good morning,” I say as I hug him from behind.

“Good morning, sweetheart,” he replies, turning to give me a toe-curling morning kiss. “Ready to eat?”

“I’m starving,” I say with a grateful smile when I see all the ingredients for my special pumpkin-spiced cocoa on the counter. I get to work on the cocoa while Gio plates our food. It feels like no time has passed since those days I spent at his place before the holidays.

“Don’t think I haven’t noticed how good you look in my shirt. I’m just making a herculean effort to let you eat before I can have you for dessert.” My core immediately throbs, and I have to press my legs together to find some relief.

We sit down to eat, and I try to act demure, resisting the urge to gobble up the food so Gio can make good on his promise. Just then, his phone pings with a notification. He frowns at first, but once he sees who the message is from, he smiles and passes the phone to me.

Rain: Morning, lovebirds. Mama is making stew for dinner tonight. You two better show up on time and without any visible hickeys.

I crack up and look at Gio to see what he wants to do.

“If Mama MacAllister is making a special Sunday dinner, we better go.” He shrugs like it’s the most natural thing in the world to have dinner with my family, and I love him a little bit more for it. I send a quick text back to Rain, letting her know we’ll be there. After taking a sip of my cocoa, I look Gio in the eyes.

“I’m trying really hard here to not be jealous about the fact that you text my sister, but I don’t even own a phone anymore.” Gio stops mid-chew and swallows the bite of food in his mouth.

“Ruin, I never had any non-sisterly thoughts toward Rain. The only reason I have her phone number, and River’s and Miles’ too, is because I’ve been in contact with them ever since your accident. She told me about the accident and about the doctor’s instructions not to tell you about your past. Trust me, sweetheart. I wanted to tell you who I was from the very first moment I saw you at the diner, but knowing what the doctor had recommended, I decided to follow the rules and pray like hell that you would fall in love with me again.”

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