Page 15 of Ultimate Freedom

“Don’t you dare. I’ll never speak to you again if you miss this opportunity. Besides, you’d never forgive yourself.”

“Honey, I’m not even sure if they’ll accept me in the trial. What if he examines me and says I won’t be admitted?”

“Well, if he does, at least you’ll know you did everything you could on your end. Look, I figure the two oldies will mostlikely spend a couple of weeks here. You’ll probably be back in time to see them, right?”

“I don’t know. Hell, I don’t know anything. But listen, Clive’s here now. I’m closing the store for a few hours and heading your way. We’ll clear the road on the way in, and while he plows the parking area, we’ll have a bit of time together before I have to head back.”

***

True to his word, he showed up an hour later, and Demi’s whole body tingled when she saw him after so long. Glen met him at the door, and as Whit talked with him, his eyes sought hers, and their gazes met and held. His look burned a hole right through her defenses, and she yearned to be able to run into his arms and never let go. Only shyness and the other two playing cards at the table stopped her acting on her impulses.

Glen waited until Whit had devested himself of his outerwear and then spoke. “Demi said you want me to take you to the airport tomorrow? Good thing the weather’s clearing up. Norrie and Lexie will be back too.”

“Yeah, it’s best if you keep my big truck with the plow around here rather than have it sitting at the airport. Especially with your expected company. You okay with that?”

“Of course. Whatever you want. Okay if Rudy comes along?” Rudy gave him the thumbs up sign and grinned happy with the news. “He’s getting housebound and needs to get out. Plus, his older brother is arriving in Terrace tomorrow. We can hang out and bring him back with us, save him renting a vehicle. If you don’t mind.”

“No problem.” Whit walked to where Demi sat in her chair watching him like a hawk. “Any chance for a cup of coffee?”

Galvanized, she jumped up only to have him hold her shoulders to keep her sitting. He leaned down and brushed hislips over hers. “Not right now. But Clive will be looking for some when he’s finished plowing.”

Glen moved toward the sink. “I’ll get it, Demi. You talk with Whit.”

Whit held out his hand and waited until she took it, then guided her to stand and follow him to the bedroom. “Come help me pack.”

Once he’d shut the door, he turned and gathered her in his arms. “I’m sorry, honey. I hoped to be able to spend lots of time with you after Norrie and Lexie got back. I really was intending on explaining about the appointment. Everything is just so mixed up now.”

His tender voice, like balm to a wounded spirit, made her forget all her previous angst, and she simply nestled in lovingly, feeling his warmth and his strength. She basked in the safeness he always made her feel. Even his personal smell… that of a man whose been out in the fresh air, made her close her eyes and enjoy his nearness. “I would have come with you. You know that.”

“I do. But I understand how much Harold means to you. Besides, I’m not sure the doctor would advise you to be traveling this soon after your own operation.”

She pulled away to look up at him. “Whitaker Hart… don’t you start that nonsense with me too. Everyone treats me like I’m fragile, and trust me, I’m not. As soon as Lexie gets back, she’s promised to help me with some exercises to strengthen those muscles again, and I’ll soon be as good as new, you’ll see.”

Laughing now, he looked into her face. He placed his hands on both sides of her head, holding her there so he could gaze into her eyes. “I’ve no doubt whatsoever that you’ll be strong as a horse.” Then he rubbed his nose against hers before leaning in to kiss her forehead.

Not satisfied, Demi reached with her lips, searching for his. Once their mouths linked, it was pure combustion. They each struggled for control but neither had the strength to deny what was so obviously needed by both.

In seconds, they’d loosened their clothing, were against the wall, and he was deep inside her. Holding on with her one good arm, she sunk into every kiss, every caress, and as he plunged into her body, she kept her legs wrapped around his thighs and basked in the aching, breathtaking buildup of their passion.

Crushed by desire so strong, she couldn’t breathe. Instead, she softly moaned her delight while he did the same. Drenched, hungry, explosively close to completion, she tightened her inner walls and after a few more penetrations, she pumped him dry.

Incredibly sensitized, they held each other in place for long moments while the spasms continued, and shudders slowly ebbed. Finally, weak now, Whit lowered her carefully and leaned in so he could place his face by her neck. Groaning into her ear, he whispered, “I didn’t hurt you, did I? I’m sorry, honey. I couldn’t stop. You just look so beautiful.”

“I’m fine. It was good, Whit. It’s always good with you and me.”

A knock at the door sounded above the country music being played in the other room. They both stiffened. Glen spoke loudly. “Clive’s here now. Says you have to get ready cause he has another run to make before the end of the day.”

Whit’s voice sounded hoarse until he coughed to clear the after-sex grittiness from his throat. “Just packing. Be there in a minute.”

While he talked, Demi straightened herself and went to the closet to get his duffel bag.

By the time they joined the others for a quick coffee before leaving, Whit had given Demi extra keys for his house andinstructions on everything she’d need to know for the two oldies to have a good time.

“I’ll be back as soon as possible, baby. But we’ll talk every day. Promise not to overdo things.”

“Go.” She pointed at the door. “I promise. I’ll be fine.”

Glen and Rudy squeezed into the big rig with them as they drove back into town, and for the first time in many weeks, Demi found herself alone with Nito and Pearl…. and her memories of what had happened.

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