Page 184 of The Holiday Clause
“Much. Thank you.”
“Any time.” She moved to rise, but he caught her hips. “Stay. I haven’t held you like this all week.”
She smiled and settled her weight onto his lap. “Is that your way of telling me you missed me?”
“It’s my way of telling you I can’t breathe when we spend more than a few hours apart. And that I’m sorry.”
Her lips parted slightly. “Grey... we’ve been over this.”
Stroking a hand down her thick braid, he admired the intricate twists. “The thought of anyone else kissing you or touching you… I can’t handle it. Never could.”
“No one touches me but you, Grey.”
“Damn right.”
She sighed and kissed him. “Besides. You were right. I think part of me likes your territorial side. I love your attention, even when you’re in a mood.” She laughed.
“What’s so funny?”
“Nothing.”
“Tell me.”
She hesitated. “Once I...” She looked away, unable to finish her statement.
He caught her chin. “What?”
“It’s silly. I was just remembering when I showed Keith Doble my boobs just because I wanted you to find out.”
“So he’s dead.”
She swatted his arm. “He doesn’t even live here anymore.”
“You think I won’t travel?”
She looked away.
“I should have stayed.”
“Maybe we both needed space.”
“Why didn’t you date when I was away? I wasn’t around to stop you?—”
“You’ve met your brothers, right? They’re just as bad. Besides, I didn’t want to date. I was too sad, worried you’d fall in love with some sea hag and never come back.”
“No escaping me now,” he rasped, toppling her to her back so he could kiss her properly. He pulled back and framed her face. “Will you come back with me?”
Her expression softened. “To your dad’s?”
“I know it’s a lot to ask?—”
“Of course, I’ll go with you.”
Relief struck sharp, and he pulled her close for another hard kiss. “Thank you.”
Wren packed an overnight bag, and he carried it out to the truck. It had been twenty years since she’d slept over with him and his brothers. A teasing sense of nostalgia played at the frayed edges of his memory in a way that made him feel like a kid again.
“Remember upside-down days?” She must have been having similar memories.
