Page 97 of Her Braun
He rushed her, lifting her up in his tight embrace and holding her tightly.
"I knew you'd be okay here with Gloria and Chief, but god... I wish I could have kept you with me at the fire house."
She worked her arms out of his embrace and wrapped them around his shoulders. "You had to concentrate on your job. I was fine here."
"Yeah?" He turned his head and pressed kisses to her cheek. "You ready to go home?"
He felt her shudder against him and worried that he'd said the wrong thing or was pushing too hard.
He heard her taking a deep breath and let it out as she rubbed her hand over his back.
"More than ready. I just... I just want to be alone... with you."
Gibson swallowed at the knot in his throat and felt tears well up. He felt her heart beating against his chest and understood her feelings. Because he wanted to be alone with her, too.
Slowly, he lowered her down to the ground, hating the thought of letting her go.
"I packed up breakfast for both of you."
He turned to see Gloria walking up with two covered plates, hesitating. "I'm sorry-"
"Please," she walked up and pressed the plates into their hands, "I'd love to have you two stay for breakfast, but I know how'd I'd feel if I went through something similar. I'd want Aldo to wrap me up in his arms and never let go. So go, take care of each other."
Gloria gave Kay a warm hug and then leaned up to press a quick kiss on Gibson's cheek.
"Later," she explained when she stepped back, "we want to have you both over for dinner or a lunch, your choice. Just talk to Aldo at the house and we'll make it happen."
Kay stepped forward and drew in a breath that lifted her shoulders. "Thank you, Gloria. You and Aldo were so kind tohave me stay while Gibson was finishing his shift. I greatly appreciate your help."
Gloria shook her head. "It was our pleasure. This house gets so empty now that Vitalia is out on her own and when Aldo has to dash off at the drop of a fire alarm, it's good to have someone else in the house. It brightens the energy in here. Especially good people like you."
Kay lowered her head for a moment before nodding. "Thank you... for everything."
"You're family now." Gloria put her hand on Kay's shoulder and gave her a gentle squeeze. "You're stuck with us." She stepped back and waved at the door. "Now, take your woman home, young man. I think the two of you have a lot to talk about."
Kay looked up at him and he saw more tears in her eyes, but he didn't think they were sad tears.
He saw the smile on her face and her whole body seemed lighter.
That made all the difference.
"Let's go home, honey."
Kay's shoulders relaxed and she nodded. "Let's go."
When they got home, Kay let Gibson take the lead. It might be her house on paper, but she definitely felt that it was home for both of them.
He put the plates in the refrigerator and steered her toward the bathroom.
Gibson started the water and while she stood before him, he stripped her of her clothing and put her under the comforting flow of water. After he took off his own clothes, he got in with her.
She smiled when she smelled his soap on his skin. She looked up at him as he reached for her bath cloth and her soap. "You showered at the fire house."
He smiled at her and started to move the textured cloth over her skin. "I was dirty and didn't want to come back to you with grime all over my skin."
She looked down as his hands gently scrubbed the cloth and bubbles over her skin. "Then I could have done this for myself."
"And miss the opportunity to pamper you a little? No thanks."
