Page 89 of Guarded from Treachery

When I called Rory last night to give her the latest update, my normally reclusive friend announced she was coming to visit as soon as she could. I would never have pushed for her to come—she gets self-conscious around people she doesn’t know, though I wish she wouldn’t. But I’m thrilled she’ll be able to get away from her shelter in Vermont for a visit.

But the question remains—wherewillI be living?

Before I reply, I say to Matt, “It’s Rory. She said she has someone to watch the dogs at the shelter. So she should be able to come visit in a couple of weeks.”

“That’s great.” He smiles at me. “I can’t wait to meet your best friend. Do you think she’d want to stay in the spare room here? Or the client apartment might be available, depending on how our next pro-bono case goes.”

So he’s not kicking me out yet, even though my case is close to being solved. But how long does he intend for me to stay?

I want to ask him, but fear steals my words.

Instead, I quickly type out a reply to Rory.

Matt is awesome as usual. I would love to see you! I think San Antonio for now. If you want, you can stay in Matt’s guest room.

Once the message goes through, the three dots dance on the screen for several seconds.

In the guest room?? Does that mean you moved in??

Crap. Can Matt see her text? Is he going to wonder what I’ve been telling her?

But a quick side glance shows his gaze intent on his own phone, so I send a brief reply.

I’m not sure yet. We haven’t talked about it. I’ll call soon to fill you in!

Moments later, her response appears.

You’d better! I want to hear everything!

Smiling, I tap out one last message.

I will!

As I put my phone down, Matt does the same. Then he shifts me on his lap so he can meet my gaze. His expression shifts from relaxed into something more serious. “That was Dante. He wants to stop by with some news. Do you think you’re up to it?”

My stomach squinches into a knot. Part of me wants to delay it, to enjoy this peaceful time with Matt a while longer. Spend the afternoon snuggled on the couch together, watching HGTV and kissing and possibly making love if I can convince Matt it won’t hurt me.

On the other hand, I want to know. I need to.

“It’s fine,” I reply, hoping I sound at least somewhat convincing.

From the skeptical arch of Matt’s eyebrows, I don’t think I succeeded. But thankfully, he lets it go and simply says, “Okay. I’ll tell him to come over.”

After he taps out a quick message, he looks back at me, hesitating for a second before he adds, “I know you’re strong, Isles. So strong I’m in awe of you, really. But you’ve been through a lot. So if it feels like it’s getting to be too much, it’s okay to stop. To take a break. Okay?”

“Okay.” As he looks at me, there’s more than just concern in his gaze. There’s pride. Wonder. And so much love it almost brings tears to my eyes.

“Matt?”

Lines form across his forehead. “What, gorgeous?”

“I really love you. I just wanted to tell you.”

Emotion softens his features. “Oh, Isla. I love you, too.”

He touches my chin, tipping it up and lowering his lips to mine. It’s tender at first, soft caresses and gentle nips, but soon escalates to something deeper. Passionate. Our tongues dance together, stroking and exploring. Hints of apple and spice flood my senses, and I know I’ll never think of apple cider the same way again.

As our kiss continues, desire blossoms in my core. Dampness builds at the apex of my thighs. My nipples tighten, every brush against them sending tingles of heat and electricity racing through my body. Need coils in my belly.

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