Page 136 of Counting On You

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Kaiden

I’mon the brink of falling asleep, but somehow rest just won’t come. The soft moonlight is streaming through the window, bright enough to illuminate contours of the woman snuggling in my arms. It must be around four a.m.—only four more hours until I’m expected to leave.

Vicky and I are both silent, lost in our thoughts. We’ve been drifting in and out of sleep, too afraid to fall asleep, too afraid to lose those final moments together. At some point, she stirs, her voice a mere murmur as she speaks.

“I’m sorry. I had no idea this would end so badly.”

“Shit was prone to happen.”

“I know, but I’m still sorry. You’re leaving because of me.”

“To be fair, you did warn me.” I wrap my arms around her body and pull her closer to me. She smells like she always does—of sweet roses and warmth. “Come on, Vicky. This isn’t so bad. I’m not dying. I’m just getting out of here. You should be happy for me. I’ll get some change in food, and they’re even throwing in a free plane ticket to London to get rid of me.”

“You’re not funny.” In spite of her reproachful tone, a soft smile’s playing on her lips and her eyes are sparkling. “You’re risking your company. No man’s ever done something like that for me.”

“Then you haven’t met the right man.”

“What you did…” She shakes her head.

“Whatever happens, I did it for you. You’re worth it.”

“I want to be mad at you.”

“No need for that.” I kiss the tip of her nose gently. “A simple thank you would be appreciated but not required. Maybe you have a good parting gift in mind, something to remember you by when I lie awake alone at night.”

“Alone, huh?” There is a short pause. “God, Kade. Why the hell did you have to lie that you blackmailed me?”

“You know why. I’d rather be the perpetrator than you getting in trouble. Though truth be told, we both know you have a little crazy streak.”

“I don’t think I do,” Vicky protests half-heartedly.

“You climbed up the rose trellis in the middle of the night.”

“It’s not the middle of the night, and I’m really good at climbing.” Her laughter is quiet, but it’s the most beautiful laughter I’ve heard in my life.

“You should demonstrate those skills by climbing on top of me.” I wink at her, even though I hope Vicky will honor my request rather than see it as a joke.

“They asked me if I wanted to report it,” Vicky says.

“And did you?”

“Of course not. I tried to convince them that you weren’t to blame but they wouldn’t listen.”

“I bet you did. Seriously, it’s not a big deal, Vicky. I’m expected to do six more weeks in London, and that’s it. No one can force me to stay. No one can keep me away from you forever. I don’t have to attend court-mandated rehab like you, so I’ll be out sooner than you think. And I’ve been told the London institution is a piece of cake compared to this. I’ll get a phone and even have access to the Internet.”

“I bet they’ll supervise every step.”

I laugh. “Now don’t be jealous, baby. I bet I’ll have a blast.” I turn to take in her beautiful features. She looks serious, thoughtful. “Are you going to miss me?”

“Never. I don’t know how you’d even come to the conclusion that I might miss you.”

“Maybe you will after I’m done with you.” I switch on the nightstand light and walk over to my packed luggage.

“What are you doing?” Vicky asks warily.

“Close your eyes.”

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