Page 75 of Hit the Ground
“He might not be, but I am.”
That made her laugh. “Maybe I’ll show you.”
I tugged her hand, pulling her from her chair. She gave a startled yelp before settling on my lap, like she’d always belonged there. My palm found the back of her head, her hair spilling through my fingers, and I met the bright green of her gaze.
“When you’re comfortable enough with me to do that, I’d be honored,” I murmured. “But we’ve got time. There’s no need to rush into anything. I’m happy learning you piece by piece.”
She rubbed her lips together and pulled in a shaky breath. “I love that, Caleb. I do. But if I’m being honest…” Her voice dropped, low and husky. “Slow is the last thing I want with you.”
That hit me like a jolt. “Yeah?” I sounded rougher than intended. “I'll follow your lead. I’m ready for whatever you want with me, but I need you to be sure.”
Her lashes lowered, her fingers finding the button of my shirt, toying with it. “Do you think I’m damaged?”
“No way in hell.” My brow knit tight. “Why would I think that?”
Her eyes didn’t lift. “After I was attacked, I felt stupid. Afraid. Like I’d been walking around with blinders on. But in some ways, I’m lucky I don’t really remember what happened. The drugs left a blank spot in my mind. I know I was hurt, and he would have done worse if no one had intervened. I’m luckier than so many women.”
She swallowed hard. “But that night has nothing to do with what I want with you. When we’re kissing, when you touch me—it’s not connected to him in any way. Not even close. I’m not scared with you. I want you. I want this. More than anything, I know I’m safe with you.”
“Good. You’ll always be safe with me. Wherever this leads, that won’t change,” I promised, my throat thick with emotion I did my damnedest to tamp down. Now wasn’t the time to get angry. I had Alice here, in my arms. No one was going to hurt her. I’d make certain of that.
She cupped my face with both hands and skimmed her lips along mine. “I would love to sit here in your lap and talk to you all night, but I won’t be able to relax until I clean up the kitchen.”
I rolled my forehead on the side of her head. “I hear you. But you cooked me one of the best meals I’ve ever had. There’s not a chance you’re cleaning up.”
“We’ll do it together.”
I patted her hip. “You got a deal, darlin’.”
Even scrubbing dishes with Alice sounded far better than anything else I could think of.
At the sink, she bumped her hip against mine, handing me a soapy plate. “If you’re not careful, I’m going to get used to this.”
I grinned, flicking a drop of water at her. “That’s the plan, Allie-girl.”
Chapter Twenty-nine
Alice
IfIweremorelevelheaded when it came to Caleb Kelly, I would have said three dates in one week was too many. I would have been worried we were rushing—burnout from too much, too soon. But then he’d asked me over to his place Saturday for dinner, and I hadn’t hesitated to accept.
Now, we were on his deck, drinking beer and eating the chicken he’d grilled. His flannel hung loose on me, the sleeves rolled three times still swallowing my wrists, but it smelled like him. The night was cool enough I burrowed into it, grateful for the excuse to wear something of his.
Overhead, the sky stretched wide and endless, pinpricked with stars so bright they seemed almost close enough to touch. We weren’t far removed from town, but it felt like we were in a different world.
I leaned my head back and sighed. “I love it out here.”
“Me too,” he agreed. “Don’t think I could live anywhere else. Not long term.”
“I don’t blame you. I love cities, and I’m glad I got to live in San Francisco, but this is a lot more my speed.” I crinkled my nose. “I prefer not to be so close to other people.”
His mouth quirked under his beard. “I’m sorry. Should I move back some?”
I reached out and snatched his hand, cradling it between mine. “Don’t even think about it. In fact, you could be closer.”
He nodded toward my plate. “Are you finished?”
“I am, but—”
