Page 31 of River

“The bag is in my car; maybe your phone’s in there.”

“How did you get my backpack? I don't even know where I lost it.”

“It was in that closet where Steven was hiding.”

“That’s right, I forgot I put him in that closet. How is the little girl?”

“I talked to Joel last night while you were sleeping. He was on his way back to get you and stopped in Germany. Someone said that he was human trafficking, and he was arrested.”

“Why was he arrested?”

“They saw a little girl getting on his plane. It took three days for him to prove that it was his daughter. He heard we were there to get you and Steven out by then.

“So that's why he didn't come back and get us. That’s a big relief. I was starting to get pissed off because he never showed back up.”

“Yeah, that’s why I called him. I was angry that he would leave you there.”

“I’m going to get dressed, and I’m going to work with you. Please don’t argue about it. I feel great; I’m just a little sore, but that might not move from the bullet wounds that might be from us being awake all night making love.”

I chuckled. I couldn’t help but think the same thing. Okay, sweetheart, you win. It probably was from us staying awake all night making love, plus this morning. Just thinking about it makes me want to go back to bed.

“Me too,” she said, pulling her tee shirt over her head and walking down the hallway. I reached her before she got ten feet from me, and I carried her the rest of the way to our bed.

Two hours later, we were staring at each other. “I’ve never had this happen when making love before,” she whispered. “I’m not saying anything mean against my husband. It’s just that I was the only woman he ever made love with like he was the only one I’ve ever made love with.”

“We’ve only just begun, sweetheart; I have lots more to show you,” I said, kissing her.

“I can’t wait to try everything with you,” she said, her eyes drifting shut.

15

Kat

I stretchedand opened my eyes, smiling because, finally, I was where I belonged. I wanted to scream my love for River, but I knew that would scare him, so I kept it to myself. I showered and dressed and dug through my bag for my phone.

“Yes,” I said out loud, pulling out my phone and plugging it in.Then I walked Sissy outside to use the bathroom.

I wish Myrtle and Jack hadn’t become so attached to Penny, but as Jack said, they feel safer with her in the house because she barks when she hears something. I called Sissy, and we walked back inside. River stood there with Penny in his arms.

“How did you get them to give her up?”

“I convinced them they needed a smaller dog who wouldn’t chew everything up. I went back to the shelter and got them a Chihuahua. And they loved her. They said it would be easier for her to go places with them.”

“River Channing, I swear you better be careful, or I’ll fall in love with you.” He tilted his head back and laughed.

I cuddled Penny close, not realizing that tears rolleddown my cheeks. River pulled me to him and kissed me. I will do anything for you if it makes you happy.”

“Why are you home so early? You always leave work at six like I always do.”

“That’s because you were there. Only men are there, asking me a million questions about you. So tomorrow, you can return to work, so they’ll leave me alone.”

“Good, I miss work.”

“I brought Mexican food. Are you hungry?”

“Yes. I’m glad you’re home early. What’s going on at work?”

“Gideon and Cyclone are going to Africa. Have you ever met Matt Grey? He’s with the Army Rangers Special Ops?”

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