Page 43 of Gideon

“I am,” I said, grinning. “Those babies were the sweetest. The next time we see them, they’ll be full and sleeping. That’s all new babies do—eat and sleep.”

As we walked, Gideon said, “Gage is going to help me with the shower later. I’ve got a chair in there now. I’m lucky it’s a walk-in.”

“I’ll tell Gage I’ll help you,” I said, determined. I walked to Gage’s door and knocked, and when he answered, I hugged him, and so did Haley. “I’ll take care of Gideon from now on. He said it was okay.”

“If you need me, just call,” Gage said. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“Thank you,” I said before returning to Gideon.

“You’re sure about this?” Gideon asked, looking concerned. “It’s a lot of work and not easy.”

“I’m strong, so don’t worry about me,” I replied. “After your shower, I’ll massage your legs—you’ll like that. And I’m sleeping in your room so I can be nearby if you need me. I don’t want to argue about it.”

Gideon smiled. “Sugar, I’m not arguing. My legs may be damaged, but the rest of me works just fine. We could share the shower chair. What do you say?”

I laughed. “Let me put Haley to bed, and we’ll have all night to work on your legs.”

“Damn, woman, you’re killing me,” he muttered.

In the shower, I sat on his lap, washing his hair. “I missed you so much,” I whispered. “Does it hurt if I slide you inside me?”

“It’ll hurt more if you don’t,” he murmured, pulling me closer. I slid onto him, moving slowly, and we both groaned. I moved at my own pace until the tension was too much, and he grabbed my hips, guiding me faster. We came together, and I collapsed against him, my lips finding his.

“I missed this,” he whispered.

“Me too,” I said, breathless. “How about we move this to the bed?”

“Yes,” I said, smiling against his lips.

He chuckled, lifting me slightly so I could turn off the water. I helped him into his wheelchair, and we made our way to thebed. Gideon pushed himself onto the mattress, landing with a soft thud. I climbed on top of him, and we made love two more times before falling asleep in each other’s arms.

20

Laney

I couldn’t shakethe feeling that the lawyer might try something. He had lied about leaving town, and I couldn’t figure out why. “Why would he do that?” I muttered under my breath.

“Are you talking to yourself?” Gideon asked, his voice pulling me from my thoughts.

“Why are you up this early?” I countered, deflecting.

“Why areyouup this early?” he shot back, raising an eyebrow.

“I want to find out why the lawyer lied,” I said, crossing my arms. “There must be a reason, so I’m going to call him. That’s the only way I’ll get any answers.” I walked over, sat on his lap, and kissed him softly. “Why don’t I rub your legs, and I’ll make the call later?”

“That sounds like a great idea,” he said with a faint smile, “but I want to know what’s going on, too. Go ahead and call him.”

I nodded, feeling a mix of nerves and determination. I had to know if trouble was coming for me again. My mind wandered to when I first got the lawyer’s number: Jonah had beaten me, and the housekeeper had run to get David.

He’d given me his number and told me to keep it safe. I didn’t understand why at the time, but now I was glad I had it. After all, he had gotten Mike out of prison.

I dialed the number and put the call on speaker. Gideon’s gaze stayed locked on me as the phone rang—over and over—until a voice finally answered.

“Hello, how can I help you?” David’s voice sounded... off.

“David, it’s me, Laney,” I said.

There was a pause before he replied, his tone flat. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Johnson. You have the wrong number. Good luck finding your husband.”

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