AllFreeNovel
Share Us
At her sharp intake of breath, he frantically retracted. “Honey, I’m only talking about hugs and kisses. Nothing else is on the table. I won’t ever push for more.”
Vi dropped her head. Why? Shame? Embarrassment? Those emotions weren’t his goal at all.
Rory lifted her chin and gazed into her wet eyes. Black trails of mascara streaked down her cheeks. Fishing in a pocket, he offered her a handkerchief.
Blotting her face, she gave him a watery smile. “Thank you.”
When she seemed at a loss, he said, “So, I’ll ask for a kiss now and then, but it’s okay to say no. And if you want a kiss, Red”—he couldn’t keep from grinning—“I can deliver.”
Her shoulders heaved.
Oh, dear. What had he done? Much as he wanted to scoop her into his arms, he reached for her hand. Massaging her fingers, he asked, “You’re in pain. How can I help?”
When she curled into a ball, and the silence lengthened, he said, “I’m a safe place, Red. You want to talk, I’m here. You need a hug?—”
Rory barely heard the whispered words. “Hold me.”
Oh, he could do that.
He shifted to face her and opened his arms. “Come here.”
As if a small child, she cuddled into his chest. He wrapped his arms around her, certain she could hear his heart pounding. Her trust soothed any fear of having said the wrong thing.
The braid trailed down her back in a river of red gold.
He whispered, “May I touch your hair?”
She rose from his chest and gazed at him with red-rimmed eyes. “When I didn’t want to go to bed, it’s how Daddy would get me to sleep.” Her energy seemed to fade with each word. She melted against him. “If you’re okay with it …”
Rory held her, stroking her back until her tense muscles relented. He slowly wound his fingers through the braid, gently removing the pins until a curtain of flame draped her back. The silky texture between his fingers provided a measure of contentment he hadn’t known existed.
Sure enough, Vi fell asleep. Minutes ago, her breathing had evened out. The desire to stay all night with her in his arms was tempting.
With a sigh, Rory eased her off his chest. Limp as a ragdoll, she never stirred when he laid her on the sofa. The overhead ceiling fan blew cool air down. He stretched, then retrieved his jacket and covered her.
Slipping out the front door, he spied a police car driving slowly by the house. Tavo came to a stop, giving Rory a hard stare. “Sup, bro?”
Oh, great. Tavo’s job required him to pay attention to questionable situations. He’d definitely question the late hour if nothing else. “I took Vi to the New Year’s Eve gala. Then a late-night chat.” He gave Tavo an even look.
“Okay. I hear you.” Amusement replaced the edge in his voice. “Was this the big date that ramped both of you into a tailspin?”
“Yes,” Rory couldn’t resist crowing a little. “Things are progressing quite well.”
A smile played about Tavo’s lips. “Glad to hear it. Guess the massage helped, huh?”
Anger flared, closing Rory’s throat. The anger he hadn’t known existed. Of all the busybody things to say. “Stay in your lane, dude,” he said through tight lips.
Tavo merely gazed at him, not budging. Finally, he turned, throwing the words over his shoulder as he headed back to the patrol car. “If you want to keep this gal, you need to keep your word.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Seated across from Jesse, Vi tried not to fidget. He’d sent a text earlier asking her to stop by. She hoped the meeting classified as a follow-up about her schedule. Or had he decided to let her go? An MT with hands not up to par wasn’t good for business. What if she couldn’t work full-time? Would he still want her on staff? Breathe. The windowless room frayed every nerve ending she possessed.
Jesse turned from his computer screen. Black wavy hair curled beneath a red Peeps’ baseball cap. His dark eyes pierced hers. Many Peeps’ employees feared him. His intensity could be a bit much, yet he’d never been moody with her.
“Have you enjoyed your time off?” Jesse arrowed straight to the point. One thing she appreciated about him. Usually.
Vi crossed her legs, then crossed them the other way. “Yes. Thank you. I needed it.”
