Page 106 of All We Need

I hate that this can’t be permanent.

His deep groans pull me from my inner turmoil.Myblood heats as his tight ass, perfectly round, disappears into the bubbles and he settles against the tub.

With his eyes closed, he blindly reaches for me. “Getin here, beautiful.”

My towel drops to the floor, andIpad over to where he waits.Hecracks one eye, that single pupil blowing wide when he takes me in.

The hot water stings my cold skin asIstep into the tub and situate myself between his open legs.

“Much better.”Hewraps his arms around my tummy, fingers tracing over an old scar on my abdomen. “What’sthis?”

“I had my appendix removed whenIwas fourteen.”Raisinghis hand from the water,Icount the small white welts along his skin. “Ibet you’ve lost track of where you got all these from?”

He huffs. “Comeswith the territory.”

That’s how we stay, losing track of time, our hands wandering over each other’s slick skin.Thetouches aren’t sexual, but comforting.Likewe’re memorizing the contours of the other.

The view outside the floor-to-ceiling window is spectacular.Alight dusting of snow floats from the sky, glittering against the deep orange sky as the sun descends.

I’d happily stay here, hiding from reality and responsibilities, but that’s not us.

As if reading my mind,Boothmurmurs, “Ihave to head back into town tomorrow.Simon’sbeen covering my shifts, but he’s burned out since we firedKyle.”

He massages my biceps as they bunch up with tension. “Ishould too.God,Ineed to messageMartinso he kno?—”

“I’ve already told him you’re okay,”Boothinterrupts. “Thatwas all.”

I twist in his hold. “Thankyou.”Restingmy forehead on his chin,Iinhale his smoky scent lingering with the calming eucalyptus aroma of the bath.

“He, um, asked if he could meet with you.”

My head snaps up. “Hedid?”

“Did you want me to tell him it’s too soon or…?”

“You don’t have to do that.”Myvoice grows tight, andIwince at my defensiveness.

Booth peels my dripping hair off my shoulder. “Whenare you going to get it into your head thatI’mnot here to take charge?Youlead;Ifollow.”

I wind my arms around him, pressing my face into his neck.Mybody is bare, but my next request leaves me most exposed. “Willyou come with me?”

His fingers drift up and down my spine. “Youdon’t even need to ask.”

My heart sings, the trust in his words strikes a chord deep in my chest.Hisown heart strums against mine, both beating in harmony asIlay open-mouth kisses down the column of his neck.

“What about what’s important to you?”Myquestion comes out senselessly.

He stills.

“What do you mean?” he asks warily.WhenIraise my head, he blinks down at me rapidly.

“About working somewhere else.Thedreams you told me about.I’veseen you work,Booth.Yourtalent knows no bounds.Haveyou ever thought about researching other oppor?—”

“They’re dreams.That’sall.OnesIput to rest a long time ago.”Iblanch in surprise.Histone and face are harsh.Astark contrast to the gleam in his eyes when he shared his aspirations with me.

“But why?”

“I don’t want to talk about this,Aly.”

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