Page 52 of Bryce

His hands tightenedwhen she started to move away. “I did not mean to offend you.”

“I am notoffended.”

His raised brows hadher blowing out a breath. “Not much anyway. Look, I don’tknow what to make of this, of us, and I am trying to look past thefact that as soon as people find out, there will be talk.”

“So?” Hischin angled arrogantly. “Let them bloody talk.”

“The talk willbe about me, not you. They will wonder what the hell you’redoing with me, and I am here wondering the same.”

His expressiondarkened. “You’re still wondering? Christ!” He blewout a breath, his fingers biting into her skin. “Haven’tI proven myself enough?”

“This is new,exciting, and right now we’re alone here in this private space.The reality has not hit us yet. As soon as it does, things are goingto change.” She moved her shoulders restlessly and realized shedid not have time to deal with this.

She had an inn tosalvage. Bookings will start almost immediately, and she had to getthe place up and running. She had not taken this into consideration.She had not counted on him being here and boxing her in like this.

She loved him, butshe was realistic and practical and practically, she knew this wasgoing to turn out badly – for her. “I cannot deal withthis right now. I need to call Ned and see if he can start on therepairs immediately. The electricity is still out, and the landlinesare down. I am going to have to go into town.”

His hand drifted toher neck. “Look at me.” He demanded. When she did, shesaw the impatience rioting. “I am here, and I want to help. Iam in your life and you’re going to have to bloody well dealwith it. I am not leaving, and I want to damn well help. Don’tlet pride get in the way of common sense. Use me.”

She struggled withdoubts and fear. She had always been independent, and she did notwant him to feel obligated to lend her a hand. But he was right, sheneeded help.

“Fine.”She muttered and he had to fight back the smile at her ungraciousresponse. “I will go in town, and you can start looking at thedamages and making a note of them. I am not taking your money,”

“I heard youthe first time.” Tilting her chin up, he kissed her roughly.

With a sigh, sheleaned into him and deepened the kiss.

“I am here,”he said thickly, eyes blazing, “I am in your life and one daysoon, you’re going to have to accept it. Go.” He kissedher again before stepping back.

*****

The first thing shedid was to go and check on Sandra and the newborn. Brian was thereand greeted her with a hug. “I was planning to drive up to seeif you were okay. You beat me to it.”

She hugged him backand handed him the bag of goodies she had bought. “I saw brokendown electric lines.”

He nodded and takingher arm, led her through the tidy living area and into the kitchenwhere Sandra was seated around the table and nursing her son.

“Hey.”

“Hey.”Moving forward, she bent to look at the baby. “is it myimagination or has he grown since I last saw him?”

“He has!”Sandra beamed at her, motherhood settling over her like a warm cloak.“Has to since he eats nonstop. I cannot keep up with him.”She looked up at her husband. “Where are you going?”

“To see what Ican help out with. The roads need clearing and Trevor said he needshelp with the tractor.” He bent to kiss her on the lips and rana gentle hand over the baby’s sparse head of hair. “Begood for mama.”

“How does itfeel?”

Sandra effortlesslytransferred her son to the other breast. “Wonderful. I neverthought I could love someone so completely. No woman will ever begood enough for him.” The fierce protectiveness on her face hadZahra laughing.

“And you? Allalone up at that inn. I was worried.”

Zahra shiftedslightly and avoided her friend’s eyes. “I was notalone.”

“Oh?” Herfriend tucked the blanket a little more securely around the baby’sneck. “Jessica stayed?”

“No” Shebit her lip. “Bryce was there.”

Sandra’s eyesflew to her face and stayed. “I see.”

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