Page 55 of Sanctuary

“I feel really good. Thank you for being so good to me in bed.”

He tenses up for just a moment before he relaxes again. “You don’t have to thank me for doing something any decent man would.”

“Maybe. But I’ve never been with a decent man before. So thank you.”

He kisses me again. Then rolls us both over onto our sides and settles me against him so I’m not bearing his full weight.

We lie together like that for a long time, our bodies tangled together.

And I start to wonder if it’s possible for me to have this—have him just like this—for the rest of my life.

It would be a miracle. An unexpected benediction.

But maybe even this bleak, violent world can occasionally offer this kind of gift.

Three days later, I’m back in Monument.

For now I’m by myself, although Aidan is planning to join me here tomorrow after stopping by to pick up new jobs from James in Sharpsburg.

It’s strange to be alone after having Aidan by my side for so many days now, but it also makes it a little easier.

I have to somehow explain to Del and Cole how things have changed so dramatically in only a couple of weeks.

When I last left Monument, I didn’t want anything to do with Aidan. And now we’re… together.

Whatever that means.

I give a portion of my earnings from the jobs I’ve done to the town—my normal gesture toward being part of this community. Then I head for our little cottage.

Fortunately, Del and Cole aren’t in the middle of hot sex when I arrive this time. Cole is working a shift with the construction crew, and Del has finished her morning in the town garden and is on her hands and knees, scrubbing the kitchen floor.

She jumps up as soon as I let myself in the front door, and then she runs over to give me an enthusiastic hug. “Thank God,” she mumbles, squeezing me hard. “I was starting to get scared. You were gone so long.”

“I know. I’m really sorry. I got snowed in.”

“Snowed in? Where?” She looks astonished, and no wonder. It’s been cold and rainy here, but they haven’t had any snow or freezing.

“In the mountains west of here. It’s a long story.”

“Well, you’ll have to tell me the whole thing, but you can come in and get settled first.” She searches my face. Inspects my body. “But you’re okay? Did you get hurt?”

“I had a minor injury but nothing serious. I’m fine.”

“You look… Something has changed.”

“Yeah. It has. Like I said, it’s a long story.”

Del nods. Hugs me again. “I’m so glad to see you. I was getting all these weird forebodings. Cole kept trying to talk me out of them, but they really scared me. I was afraid I might never see you again.”

“I’m really sorry you were scared. But I’m here. I’m okay.”

Del’s reaction and the astuteness of her intuition make me feel kind of churny and uncomfortable. The way I feel when anything gets too deep or vulnerable with anyone other than Aidan.

I hide the discomfort as I go to my room and unpack my bag, making a pile for laundry and then returning my travel supplies back into the bag to be ready for when I leave again.

Stepping over to the old dresser against one wall, I stare at myself in the mirror with a cracked frame above it.

Del could see something has changed in me, but I can’t see it. The reflection gazing back at me is the same as it’s always been. Blue eyes. Pale skin. Freckles. Red hair pulled tightly into two French braids. Full lips. Curvy figure.

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