Page 37 of When the Smoke Clears

I replace his hat. “I didn’t say it because I thought I was going to die. I said it so you would know I want to live. That I was going to fight.”

His hands come to my hips, and he brushes a kiss over my lips. “You didn’t wait to hear it back. You wouldn’t know what you mean to me.”

I blink to clear my vision. “I was hoping that you were genuine the day before. When you told me you were all in.”

His voice is thick. “I was. I am.”

“I love you, Sutton. I want this life with you.”

He kisses each of my cheeks. “ I love you, Maci.”

“I’m not always really good at talking about my feelings, but you need to know: I want you. I need you. You make me feel light, and free, and happy. So damn happy. And you are where I feel safest. Even when the entire world is crashing down, it’s not as scary with you.”

I’m unable to continue when he slams his mouth into mine.

His kiss is all consuming and I let him devour me, needing this connection. The last few days have been tense and painful in more ways than one. Whatever it takes to get us on the same page again, I need it.

“That’s good. Really good. Because I was considering attaching you to my body to keep you from leaving.” His boyish grin soothes my tired heart.

“So, I guess that means I’m not going back to Nana’s when I’m healed?”

“Not ifIhave anything to say about it. You belong here. With me.” His arms tighten around me. “And don’t even try to get up in your head about it. It feels right and you know it.”

“It does.”

“So, can you please unpack your stuff? There are plenty of hangers and space in the closet, and I’ll clear some drawers.”

My heart flutters and I nod into his chest.

His lips press softly to my cheek, before lingering by my ear to say, “By the way, I really fucking like how you look in my hat. Expect one soon.”

Heat rushes into my cheeks as I grin.

“I blamed the tailgate, but it’s your fault.”

I laugh. “What’s my fault?”

“Did you just laugh?” Sutton pulls me close to him, swaying us gently back and forth.

“I guess I did.”

“It’s an amazing sound,” he says into my hair. “I blamed the tailgate for our inability to have a conversation, but it’s just us.”

“We do have good chemistry,” I murmur into his chest.

He kisses the top of my head. His tone softens as he changes the subject. “How did it go at the police station?”

I grunt. “I’m not convinced Detective Porter believes me. Even though there are reports, only one actually implicates Colt. Everything else is just my word. And it’s a tangled fucking mess anyway, so…”

Sutton’s arms tighten.

“I think if they had enough to prove I was out of line they’d have arrested me already, but I don’t like not knowing where this is going.” I listen to the rhythm of his heartbeat and let his warmth seep into me.

After a minute, he speaks again. “I’m not going to push you to talk about what happened with Colt. Not when you first met, and not on that night. But the moment you’re ready, even when you don’t think you are, I’m here.”

I can’t bring myself to respond. My grip on his waist tightens.

“It’s okay if it’s messy. Or ugly.” His voice is quieter, even though there’s no one around except us. “Nothing you could say or do will make me feel differently.”

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