Page 119 of Trusting Skulls

I run my nails over his scalp, completely satiated and relaxed. Why was I so nervous? Ash is a gift, and I’ll cherish him forever. I’ll never hesitate with him again. I’ve never felt more safe and secure with a man as I have with him.

“I love you, Ash Taylor.”

He chuckles and lifts his head to look at me. “I love you, too.” He kisses the tip of my nose and then pulls out of me. “Let’s shower.”

My eyebrows rise in surprise, but I let him tug me from the bed. This is something else I’ve never done. I guess I had a lot more firsts to experience than I thought, and they all belong to him.

As Ash washes me gently, I begin to understand the looks I see pass between JD and Elizabeth. That silent awareness between couples. Two people who know each other more intimately than any other person. Something sacred that’s reserved for them alone.

Raffe was right. Maybe it’s not too late for me. The things I’ve given away, while sexual, weren’t intimate.

Ash’s hands roam between my legs, but not in a lustful way. It’s a soft, gentle touch. It’s done in a loving, appreciative way. His gaze meets mine, and he pauses. “Are you okay?”

I nod like an idiot, hoping he mistakes my tears for water droplets.

He finishes washing me, and then he hands me the washcloth.

I mimic the way he touched me, and everything begins to fall into place. Why have I been selling myself short? This is the best thing I’ve ever experienced. The connection. The trust.

When I’m done, he hugs me, rocking us back and forth under the spray until the water begins to run cold. It’s amazing.

We change the sheets on the bed, giving each other shy smiles as we work together, him on one side and me on the other. Once we’re settled under the covers, he pulls me close, spooning me from behind.

“I’m scared,” he says quietly.

“What?” I turn, but he nudges me with his chin, chuckling.

“I’m scared to tell JD that you won’t be sleeping under his roof anymore.”

“Oh.” It makes me sad, but I understand what Ash is saying. After what I just experienced with him, I don’t think I’ll be able to spend another night apart. “We’ll tell him together.”

He hugs me tight. “We’re a team.”

“I like the sound of that.”

“Good.” He kisses the back of my head and then he quiets.

I lie still, listening to the soft sound of his breath. Carefully, I tuck every detail away in my mind.

I never want to forget this night for as long as I live.

Chapter Fifty-Two

Lexie

Istare at the giant box of letters in my hand. The one on top breaks my heart clean open. “Why did you pick me to help you with this? You have so many people close to you.”

Rachel finishes tying the little bow on her grandchild’s shower gift. “Because you’ll be able to explain it better than anyone, and just because you weren’t close to me until recently doesn’t make us any less close.”

“I don’t know.” My teeth worry at my bottom lip. “I’m not very good at communicating with people.”

She raises her eyes, giving me her full attention. “You’ve had to let go of one family to embrace another. I have complete confidence you can do this. You are my angel, and this little trinket is proof.” She taps the box.

When she sees my reluctance, she tries again. “I heard you were there for my brother last night.”

I laugh harshly. “He drank a whole bottle of whiskey, and I couldn’t stop him. I think that should be proof I’m not the right person for your mission.”

“He cried.”

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