Page 47 of Love's Cure

“It seems like a very difficult situation. I can tell it hurts you, and I’m sorry. How old were you when your mother married him?”

“Four. My father died when I was two.”

“So, Everett raised you,” Crystal said.

“Not really. He was gone most of the time with or without my mother, with or without other women. I give credit to my birth grandmother for helping me through some difficult times. And it’s her money that allowed me to make an independent break from the family. I’ll always be grateful to her.”

“GG, the Gilford girls’ grandmother, is that person for me. Guess we’re both lucky that way.”

Emmett took her hand. “Let’s walk down to the dock. The moon has risen and it’s a special sight to see it reflected on the river.”

“Okay,” said Crystal, understanding the turmoil with his father had erased some of the earlier passion rising between them.

They walked across the well-maintained grass and onto the dock. The moon, a glowing yellow ball in the dark sky above them, shed a silvery light on the moving river. They sat together on the bench staring out at the sight that was as mesmerizing as flames in a fire.

Emmett put his arm around her and drew her close.

With her head against his chest, Crystal heard the strong beat of his heart and realized Emmett was a survivor, like her. She lifted her face. “I want you to know I’ll always be here for you whenever you need to talk about your situation. My friends have helped me, and I want to do the same for you.”

He cupped her face in his broad hands and gazed at her, his lips spreading into a smile.

“You’re such a special woman,” he said softly before lowering his lips to hers.

His kiss was gentle and sure and then became demanding as desire rose in them both.

When their kisses weren’t enough, Emmett said, “Do you want to go inside?”

Crystal knew he was asking more than that. It’s what they’d both wanted from the beginning.

He held out his hand, and she took it.

Emmett led her into the kitchen through a temporary door where a glass sliding door would eventually be placed. They stepped through the construction area, into the living room, whose interior walls had been removed, and walked up the stairs to one of the guest rooms.

At the doorway, Emmett studied her. “Are you sure?”

Heart pounding with anticipation, Crystal said quietly, “Yes.”

Smiling with delight, Emmett picked her up and carried her over to the bed. Gently, he lay her atop the covers and climbed onto the bed beside her.

“I intend to enjoy every inch of you,” he murmured cupping a cheek in his hand and gazing at her with those beautiful eyes of his.

“Yes, all of me,” whispered Crystal as his lips met hers.

As they lay close, Crystal marveled at how well they fit together. She was overcome with the thought that she’d found her true home in his arms. When kisses were not enough, they eagerly removed their clothes to discover what else they could about one another.

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Crystal woke suddenly, and realizing where she was, she nudged Emmett. “Wake up! It’s late, and I need to get home. Misty is there and I have to get up early.”

Emmett opened his eyes sleepily and smiled at her. “Ah, fantastic woman, your wish is my command. First, another kiss.”

As his lips played with hers, Crystal reminded herself that she couldn’t stay, even though the thought was tempting. Making love with Emmett was soul-satisfying. More like a spiritual reunion.

She forced herself out of bed and tugged on his arm. “Sorry, but you have to take me home.”

Emmett got up and dressed as quickly as she. Crystal assumed that skill was part of being a doctor—coming awake easily and moving quickly.

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