Page 136 of Burning Skies
Smiling, he leans down to kiss me, but it’s interrupted when Jace opens the front door and yells, “Yeah, they’re in the driveway, making out.”
Beau’s expression flattens. “Did I say I love my family? Because Jace is getting on my last nerve.”
I take his hand in mine. “Let’s go say hi.”
“I’m kicking everyone out in half an hour. ’Cause you need to rest.”
I’m starting to ache everywhere, so I know he’s right. The doctor warned that I’d be sore.
It’s good to see everyone. Paige and Baylee brought mesnacks, and Beau’s brothers are so encouraging, but it’s nice once Beau and I are alone again.
The cabin is dark and quiet when we curl up together in bed. Fireball tries to sit on Beau’s head. He kisses her and sets her down off to the side of us.
It’s the darkness that helps me say the words. “I’m going to have a hard time if Melissa is having your baby, but… I want to try to work through it. I feel really possessive of you, and the thought of another woman having your child makes my claws descend.”
He pulls me closer. “Let’s talk about it tomorrow. Tonight is just about us. Tonight, we get to be grateful to have each other. There are no problems bigger than that. Melissa, that lot for your club, the shit with your father—it all pales in comparison. We got this.”
God, I needed to hear those words. I nod and close my eyes and let sleep take me.
Because in Beau’s arms, I know I’m safe.
53
BEAU
“Where are you going?”Honey asks as I try to slide out of bed.
“To make us breakfast.”
“Don’t go.”
Fireball hops on the bed and stretches out on top of Honey. I scratch behind her ears. “I think you stole my cat’s heart.”
“It’s only fair after you stole mine.”
“Back at ya, baby.” I stand, pull on some jeans, and stretch. Behind me, she groans.
“It’s not fair that you look like that while I’m black and blue.”
I head to her side of the bed and kiss her forehead. “Which is why you need some breakfast. So we can nurse you back to health.”
She pouts as she runs her hand over my biceps. “How much longer do I need to convalesce? It’s been two days, and the ibuprofen has helped with the soreness.”
It’s been a struggle not to touch her, so I understand. I brush the hair out of her eyes. “The doctor said the first three days are the acute phase. I think you should take a few days off work because you don’t want to jump back into strenuous activity. I’vegotten someone to cover my shift this week, so I’ll be around the ranch the whole time.”
“But I have so much grading to do.”
“What if I pick up your assignments? That way you don’t fall too far behind.” When she doesn’t say anything, I shrug. “Think on it while I make us something to eat.”
She nods and heads for the bathroom while I start cooking. We have to talk today. It’s a conversation I’m not looking forward to, but I’ve put it off long enough.
When she emerges, she’s wearing one of my Wild Heart Fire Department t-shirts and a pair of shorts. She’s such a beautiful woman. No makeup. Hair up in a bun. My oversized shirt. And she’s fucking gorgeous without even trying.
I plate our food, and we sit on the couch to eat. When we’re done, I broach the subject. “Babe, now that you’re feeling a little better, I need to tell you what happened with Mel last week.”
She stills. “Okay.”
“I went with Mel to her doctor’s appointment.” When she sucks in a breath, I cringe. “I wanted to make sure she was telling me the truth, and the only way I could do that was to talk to the doctor myself.”
