Page 64 of Fire and Rain
“I had a nightmare. I just had to see if Maverick was safe.”
Sean walked up behind her, rested a big hand on her shoulder. “He’s all cozy and fine. Hey, youarecrying.”
“It was awful, Sean. I woke up to find him gone and the door open. You weren’t here, and I couldn’t find him anywhere. I ran up and down the streets, calling for him. I was terrified.”
“That was a really bad dream. But Iamhere, and your baby is safe.”
She stroked Maverick’s downy head, and she and Sean left his room.
Out in the hallway, Sean drew her into the shelter of his embrace. “You’re trembling.”
She sank against his bare chest, his warmth enfolding her. “He’s all I have left, Sean. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost him, too. Sorry I woke you.”
“You’re not going to lose him.” He stroked her hair. “Do you need a drink—Scotch, wine, warm milk and honey? I make a mean hot toddy.”
She thought for a moment about suggesting he sleep in her bed, but only so she could feel safe and fall asleep, of course. But that would be devious—delicious and devious. She stepped back, resting her palm against the middle of his chest. “You need to get some rest. I’ll just read until I’m ready to try sleeping again.”
He ran a finger down her cheek, and his gaze fell to her lips. For a moment she thought he was going to kiss her, but the moment passed. “I’m right out here if you need me. No one will get past me.”
She could have thanked him and gone to her room right then, but she didn’t. “I hope you’re comfortable.”
“Are you kidding?” He gave her a lopsided grin. “I could probably sleep on the floor. Or maybe leaning against the wall.”
She found herself smiling. “I really am sorry I woke you. I hope you get back to sleep. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Eden.”
She walked into her bedroom, climbed into bed, and picked up the book on her nightstand. But there was no way she could read—not after that nightmare and not after being held in Sean’s arms. Her gaze kept moving to the door, part of her wishing that Sean would come to check on her and stay. After an hour or so, she finally quit trying to read, closed the book, and turned off her bedside lamp.
But it was a long time before she fell asleep again.
* * *
June 13
Sean openedhis eyes from a dead sleep to find Maverick’s face inches from his.
Maverick held a little finger to his lips. “Ssh. Sawn seepy.”
“Iwassleeping.” Sean sat up. “Good morning, buddy.”
“Maverick! I told you to be quiet and let Sean sleep.” Eden hurried in from the kitchen wearing jeans and a T-shirt and scooped up her boy. “Sorry, Sean. You can go lie down on my bed if you want. You’ll be able to shut the door.”
“What time is it?” He had no idea.
“Almost seven-thirty.” She carried a squirming Maverick to the table and put him in his highchair. “I made coffee. I thought we could both use some.”
Coffee.
Thank Christ.
“That sounds incredible. Thanks.” He stood, folded the blanket and the sheet, then retrieved his handgun and slipped the holster into his jeans. In the kitchen, he found a dish of scrambled eggs and a plate of sausage. He snuck a piece of sausage and ate it with his fingers. “This smells delicious. Venison?”
“Natasha’s husband, Craig, took down a buck last November.” Eden prepared a small plate for Maverick and carried it to the table. “He smoked it at my uncle’s place and gave some to everyone in the family.”
“Nice.” Sean made a plate for Eden and handed it to her, then poured himself a mug of coffee. “Sit down and eat. I can serve myself.”
“Okay.” She smiled, but he could see dark circles beneath her eyes.
