Page 97 of Betrayed

“I wanted to be close to you, to hold you. To be sure you were safe.”

Light from the waxing moon poured between the curtains illuminating the side of her face, enough that he watched a contented look cross her face.

“I expect nothing from you right now. I simply want to be near you. But if you want me to go back to the couch, I will.”

Her hand shot to his chest. “No. Stay. Hold me.” Her voice shook, and she sniffed.

Sliding one arm under her and wrapping the other around her waist, he tugged her close. “AJ?”

Another sniff. She slid her arm around him and snuggled her head into him. “It’s okay. You’re okay. I’m okay. This is exactly what I need, but I didn’t know how to ask.”

“Never hesitate again to tell me you need me to hold you. I’m a total dolt. You just have to tell me like it is. I’ll try to be less doltish, but—”

“But you’re my dolt, and I love you.”

It was his turn to laugh. “Thanks. I love you too.”

They snuggled close to one another. Logan’s body ached to know his wife again, but he was equally exhausted, and within minutes they both fell asleep.

AJ rubbed her eyes. It was morning, but she did not want to wake up.

Movement in the bed next to her made her eyes snap open.

Logan.

He was here with her. She could hardly believe it. She had hoped for this but hadn’t dared to believe it really would come about. He’d been so closed off from her for so long, was it truly possible they could be “us” again?

Careful not to wake him, she slid her arm beneath the pillow under his head. He stirred. Turning toward her, he ran his hand across her abdomen and then around her, burying his head against her head and shoulder.

He kissed her neck. “Good morning, Mrs. Jackson.”

She giggled. “G’morning, my dear husband.”

He faded again. She’d always been more of a morning person than he was.

She stroked his hair while she prayed for him and their safety.

Logan was her husband. She was so glad she never gave up on him, even though she hadn’t exactly fought very hard. She had wondered plenty of times if one day she’d get served divorce papers, but they had never come, and she was so grateful. She knew she would never file, but he had been completely in the right to do so. Still, he hadn’t.

She kissed his forehead, and he stirred again.

With eyes closed, Logan said, “You’re inviting trouble, Mrs. Jackson.”

“We’re married. It’s no trouble.”

He pushed himself up on his elbow and gazed into her eyes. “Do you mean that?” His hand that had been tucked around her ran up and down her side.

She nodded ever so slightly.

“Morning breath and all?”

Her heart raced. “Since when did I care about that?”

His smile quirked with anticipation. “Are you sure you’re ready?”

“I’ve been ready for five years.”

He lowered himself until his lips met hers. Soft and sweet until passion roared like a bonfire, and they gave themselves fully to one another as husband and wife.