Page 59 of Love Unbound
She finally looked up, not entirely meeting his eyes. They were so sad, so morose. She reached up and let her fingertips flit over his facial hair, as he’d learned that she liked to do. He caught her hand in his and pressed a gentle kiss to the center of her palm. She smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes, but almost. He would take it.
“What would you like for dinner? Since I get you for the whole evening,” he murmured, “how about a hot bath in that big ol’ bathtub you’ve got in there?”
Jodi smiled again, getting a little closer. “Only if you join me.”
“Try and stop me,” he smiled down at her. How had this girl stolen his heart so thoroughly? he wondered as he stared into the sapphire blue eyes that had become so dear to him.
His decision had been made the other night, after Jodi had woken from whatever terror that had haunted her in sleep. Leaving her wasn’t only impossible, but the thought cut him to the core. When she had whispered ‘I need you’ so quietly he’d almost not heard her, it had been the honest truth when he’d whispered back the same words to her. Whatever this was, wherever this could lead them, he had to find out.
He loved her. Irrevocably. He probably had the entire time. He wasn’t sure how to tell her, though, or if she felt the same way.
Early evening sun filtered in through the windows, dancing along the shiny wooden floors, dust floating through the sun rays. And with her smiling once again, that little light beginning to return to her eyes, he kissed her mouth. “I need to shower. I smell like barn animals.”
Jodi nuzzled her nose into the hollow of his throat, breathing deeply, then letting her breath out slowly. “You smell wonderful.”
Free laughed out loud, shaking his head. “You need your senses checked then.”
Jodi whined when he made to stand, holding on tighter. “Please don’t go yet,” she murmured quietly. It was the second time she had said similar words in the last several days. He squeezed her tightly and kissed her languidly.
“I’m just showering. I’ll be right back, I promise,” he said and winked, setting her back down on the couch. “Ten minutes, tops.”
When he came back after showering hurriedly and filling the jacuzzi tub, she was no longer on the couch. He found her in thekitchen, wearing only his t-shirt, her legs bare to high thigh, her breasts bouncing beneath the soft, faded fabric. She was flitting through the kitchen, placing crackers, fruit, sliced deli meats, and cheese on a platter. A bottle of red wine was opened, two glasses waiting beside it. When she heard him, she turned, and he was grateful that her smile was once again true, reaching her eyes.
She gestured toward the spread on the tray shyly. “I thought this would go well with a bubble bath.”
Yep, his decision had definitely been made. Leaving this woman would kill him on the inside.
Before the sappy grin that tugged at his lips gave him away, he picked up the bottle of wine and two glasses. “Lead the way.”
They luxuriated in the hot water, feeding each other bites off the tray of food, and between the wine and the hot water, they were feeling relaxed and happy. They sat facing each other at opposite ends of the tub, bubbles floating on the water between them. He said something and Jodi laughed out loud, throwing her head back. She had piled her curls high up on the top of her head, and the heat from the water had left stray tendrils curling wildly around her face.
She took a sip of her wine, smiling languidly over at him. “Thank you,” she said quietly.
“What for?” he asked, tilting his head. This was the most domicile thing he’d ever done with a woman. Freeman Thorp, in a bubble bath, drinking wine? But he loved it. Because he loved her.
She shrugged, causing the water to lap at the edges of the tub, over her breasts. His eyes darkened at the sight. She was so beautiful.
“For this,” she said, gesturing to the space between them. “For cheering me up.”
He found her foot under the water, near his thigh, andsqueezed it gently. “Anytime, Jodi.”
And he meant it.
Chapter 44
“We’re going to be late.”
“I can’t reach my toothbrush,” Free whined.
Jodi gave him a sidelong glance at him over her shoulder, his chest pressed against her back. Her arms were above her head, securing her curls up with a decorative clip as she stood in front of the mirror in the bathroom. She glanced down her body, where each of his hands cupped a breast, his fingers idly playing with her nipples.
“Mmm, Free,” she sighed, letting her head drop back onto his shoulder. “That sounds like a you problem.”
“Your tits just fell into them,” he teased, nuzzling the side of her neck with his nose, pressing hot kisses along her jaw. “It’s not my fault.”
“You’re horrible,” she breathed, letting her hands fall to cover his. “Stooopp,” she cried softly, stilling his fingers. “They’re so sensitive.”
“I’m sorry,” he murmured, pressing his palms to them, lifting them. “I didn’t realize.”
