Page 86 of Long Past Deadly

“No. You’re going to be sore. We need to wait.”

“How do you know?”

“Honey, trust me. We do not need to explain that complication to Cait.” Quaid separated from her, and she missed him immediately. He went to the bathroom, came back with items to clean them both, then shoved at the covers and adjusted the pillows.

She watched, bemused.

He coaxed her to move into a sleeping position. Pulling her against him, he tucked the covers around them. “And there is no one and done here, Lani,”

“Thank God.”

“This from the woman who told me a week ago not to touch her.” He smirked, and settled in comfort.

She let the warmth of him lull her to sleep. “Right person. Right time,” she whispered.

Quaid may have agreed.

&&&&&&&&&&

QM International Situation Brief: 05:45:15 PST 12/22 – San Diego HQ. Headquarters remains in lockdown. Security Level 5 remains in effect. International operations continue. All personnel utilize chain of command for information. Ϙ

Getting woken by his phone chirping was not how Quaid wanted to start his day. Alanna’s legs were tangled with his. Her soft skin held just so against his was the best thing to ease him into what was destined to be a complicated day. But her head was under her pillow, he had half a blanket, and he was reluctant to wake her. The woman slept like crap. So did he. Not last night, though. She was a bed hog, and he let her take it because they were here together and the rest was unimportant.

His phone quietly buzzed again. Remy’s name popped with the 5:22 on the screen. He eased away. She made noises at the movement, but he tucked the blanket around her and she settled. The text message requested assistance. The construction crew had arrived early. He needed a boss and was reluctant to wake Mackey who’d managed several problems in the night. Remy must not have slept at all.

Guilt flashed. He shoved the thought away. He would not let the idea grab ahold and kill how content he was this morning. He and Lani deserved the time together. Needed it, if truth be told. This thing between them was fragile. Building stronger was going to time and lots of one-on-one. Secrets. Memories. Goals. Sex. They needed time for it all.

He answered Remy. Let them assess. I’ll be there in a few minutes.

He used the flashlight on his phone to find his clothes – the dirty ones on the floor – and made a face. He’d years ago dropped the habit of field clothes being worn five times because there was no laundry service in a warzone and no butler.

He had backups here. They were in his locker on the fourth floor. A pit stop and a quick shower were necessary. He dressed quickly, but kept glancing at Lani, not wanting to wake her, but also not wanting to leave without kissing her goodbye.

He sat on the bed to put on his shoes. The bedding rustled, and she slipped a hand over his back. “What happened?”

“Remy needs me. No emergency. Go back to sleep.” He stared into sleepy blue eyes, a face wrinkled with heavy sleep, tousled whiskey hair – his hand had been tangled in it most of the night, and a warm, naked body leaning against him.

He choked. He didn’t want to move.

“What time is it?” She whispered against his ear, and the air tickled.

“Five thirty.”

She glanced at the windows. “Sun rising?”

“Not yet.” He was as hard as a bloody steel rod and talking his body into not doing what was such an obvious move tore him to pieces. Business or woman?

That stopped him flat. He’d never faced such a choice before. He walked away from women without a thought. He wouldn’t be walking away from Lani.

He settled on a compromise. Hand in her hair again, he kissed her, taking long moments to enjoy how she snuggled close, ran fingers through his hair, and sighed against his lips.

“I promise, we’ll get back to this. But Remy needs help.”

“Go. I’ll join you in a bit.”

He dropped his forehead to hers and held for one more moment. She tipped her face and kissed him again. “Thank you for last night.”

“Thank you, Wildcat.” He rose. Her hands slid off his body. The regret bit hard.