Page 42 of My Salvation
CHAPTER 18
LOWELL
Waking up the next morning, I savor the feeling of Kate in my arms. In the past, I never would have spent the night, but with her it’s different. I couldn’t leave her last night, even after she insisted she would be fine.
My arms squeeze her tight as I kiss her sweet lips. She stiffens, and her eyes fly open. I guess she isn’t used to sleeping with anyone either. That little reaction gives me immense satisfaction. Her tension eases as she recognizes me. Her smile is a bit wobbly, but it’s there.
“Good morning, Lowell.”
“Good morning, my dear. I loved waking up with you in my arms this morning. How are you feeling?”
I lean back to assess her face. Her eyes carry her burdens as she gazes back at me. And she’s back to being guarded, but that’s not a surprise. She’s been incredibly strong and stubborn in dealing with the past on her own. It’s going to take time for her to open up fully and share those burdens.
She makes a face and responds quietly, “I’m not sure yet. Better now that I know you didn’t run away. Desperately in need of coffee, but ready to start the day.”
“I’ll get a pot going for you. Unfortunately, I’ve got to leave, as I have a conference call with my editor in about an hour. Are you OK with me sharing your past with Lev and Shaw?”
I watch her face close down as she thinks about it. Her first instinct is to tell me no, but I know how she feels about Lev, and her growing feelings for Shaw, so I’m hoping she changes her mind.
Shrugging, she responds quietly, “Yes, please.”
Sweeping her hair behind her ear, I whisper, “Thank you. I don’t like to keep secrets from them. And you won’t have to keep telling the story.”
Giving her another quick kiss, I get out of bed and stretch. Her eyes track down my body, taking in every inch, including my morning wood. Groaning, I reprimand her.
“Stop. I won’t be able to concentrate, because I’ll be thinking about you staring at my cock all day.” Her eyes fly up and meet mine. A small smile graces her lips. That’s better. “I’ll text you later.” Dragging on my clothes, I lean over for one final kiss and head out the door, leaving her to get ready for the day.
Driving to the ranch, my thoughts are buzzing with everything she told me. I texted Lev and Shaw before leaving her place, and they’ll be waiting when I get home. Lev will want to become her knight in shining armor, but I’m not sure what Shaw will say. He’ll probably empathize with her story the most, given his past, which means he can help her if he chooses.
Reaching the house, I run upstairs to grab one of my laptops, the one that allows me access to information the public isn’t privy to getting. Things like police reports. Walking into the living room, I notice both Lev and Shaw are sitting on the edge of their seats, waiting to hear about our Kate. Setting down the laptop, I strike a few keys to start a search on Kate’s story while I give them the info. When the search results ping, I twirl the laptop around to face Lev and Shaw so they can read the details as I tell them her story.
I explain how she lost her patient, friends and colleagues, almost lost her life and her husband’s life, and finally her career, because of a grieving father with a gun.
Shaw pales as he digests what I just told him. His head drops into his hands.
Lev’s eyes close before he jumps up and starts pacing. “Wait, her husband? She’s married?”
“Her husband committed suicide two years later. So, essentially, she lost her husband as well.”
Lev stops pacing and stares at me. “Fuck,” he roars. “I knew it was bad when she kept avoiding any personal discussions, but damn, I didn’t know it was this bad. Is she OK? Should I go over there and stay with her?”
“She said she was fine this morning, and ready to start the day.” Running my hands through my hair, I look at Shaw. “I just don’t buy it, though. Shaw, what do you think? You are probably the only person who has gone through anything remotely close to this situation.”
Shaw looks up, his face drawn as his own past reflects in his eyes. “She’s been dealing with it by herself for a long time. Too much hovering could make her retreat. Too little, and she could feel like we don’t understand. Let’s keep in contact with her today, and tomorrow night Lev can stay with her for a while. When’s she ready to talk, I’ll be here for her. How did you get her to talk in the first place?”
