Page 34 of The Leaving Road

I was met with a tired gaze. She was still so damn pretty that my mouth watered, and I felt all my anxiety from this night and the drive melt away just from one look.

“Come on sweetheart. Let’s get you to bed.”

“Uh, no thanks. I don’t need your help.”

If she were mine, I would have thrown her over my shoulder for that remark, use my shirt to tie her to the bed, and give her a spanking until she was begging for me. I didn’t think telling her that would go over well, so I stuck with being a gentleman.

I’d be whatever she needed me to be, though I couldn’t help myself from pulling her into a hug. She looked so tired and so sad, and the beast inside my chest was thundering for me to make it better, to make her feel better. I wanted to wrap her up and take her inside, never let her leave and protect her from the harshness of the world. I felt her body melt into mine and I inhaled her scent deeply. Even after this hellish day, she still smelleddivine, like jasmine and coconut. I released her before my conviction of acting like a gentleman went out the damn window.

We finally made it to her door, and she kept her back to me. I might not have had a relationship with her for the last eight years, but whether she wants to admit it or not,I know her.I knew she kept her back to me so I couldn’t see the emotions playing out in her eyes. I wanted to beg her to turn around. I would beg and worship at her feet if she gave me even an inkling that’s what she wanted.

I couldn’t help myself from sliding my business card with my cell phone number into her back pocket. I knew the light touch I gave her while sliding my card into the pocket was affecting her because I saw her skin break out in goosebumps. And while she might not have realized it, she had let out a breathy sigh—and that had me almost picking her up, throwing her over my shoulder, and showing her exactly what I felt for her.

I needed to leave before I did something she clearly wasn’t ready for.

“Call me. Text me. Whatever. Just contact me,” I said, backing away to give her space to go inside.

I waited until I knew she was safe with the door locked before I made my way to my vehicle. Tonight only reaffirmed what I had been working through since she came back into town.

Magnolia’s mine, always has been. And I will burn the world down proving myself to her.

Chapter 22

Magnolia

Despite how tired I was, I didn’t sleep well. I kept tossing and turning, wondering if I should just give up and head back to the clinic. Eventually, I decided better of it as Dr. Lewis would promptly tell me to go back home and to bed. When my alarm finally did go off, I was wide awake, looking at the ceiling with my heart still in turmoil from yesterday’s events. I pulled myself out of bed and forced my way to the hot shower while my muscles protested my movements.

I didn’t process much of my usual morning routine, other than the fact that I did it. My main and only goal at this time was getting to the clinic as soon as possible to be of help.

Stepping out into the fresh air with a hint of salt from the sea was jolting me awake more than my coffee ever could, but a truck idling next to mine had me stopping on my front steps. Then I realized exactly who that truck belonged to.

Sloan.

The door to his truck popped open, signaling he was indeed getting out. I had to admit, I was a bit shocked to see him at such an early hour. I had assumed he would still be in bed, fast asleep, not here, walking over to me with what looked like a latte from one of those artsy coffee shops in town. The way too expensive kind, butoh so goodkind.

“Hey there, gorgeous. You’re a sight for sore eyes this morning.”

I couldn’t help the befuddled look I’m sure was clouding my features. “What are you doing here?”

My tone sounded even a little harsh to my ears, and I saw him wince as he took a step back, as if for the first time he was second guessing his actions.

“I figured you’d be heading back in as early as you could, and I wanted to be ready with some coffee…although, it might be cold now. I had it nestled on the passenger’s seat with the heated seat option on…”

I couldn’t help the laugh that escaped me. “The heated seat option, huh?” I held out my hand. “Well, since you went through all the trouble…”

Sloan placed the drink in my hand, and I couldn’t help the grimace that took over.It might have been good, but it was positively cold.

“It’s delicious,” I choked out.

Now it was his turn to laugh and he shrugged. “I should have gone with the ice coffee version; I’ll remember that for next time.”

“Pretty ballsy for you to assume there’d be a next time.” I took a second sip of the cold coffee. Even though it was cold, it was stillcaffeine,and I’ll be damned if I let that go to waste.

“Won’t there be?” He posed the question to me, effectively leaving the ball in my court.

Instead of opening that can of worms, I went with a subject change instead. “So, just the coffee this morning? Or is there something else I can do to help you with this morning, Sloan?” For some reason, every time I spoke his name, goosebumps erupted over my skin—it was becoming areal problem.

“I’d like to follow you to work again, considering you didn’t sleep much last night, and help out this morning if needed. I also have some donuts in my car…”

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