Page 100 of Heart Taker

Damien gave my neck a teasing kiss and worked his way up to my mouth. He was gorgeous any day, but naked, and wet? If I didn’t have the wall to support me, I would’ve fallen on my ass.

“Did you expect anything less?” he murmured.

“No, but I’m not sure I want to tell anyone else,” I grumbled. “I don’t care if other people think this is a mistake. It’s not.”

Damien’s hands slid up my back, higher, then cupped my face. The kiss he gave me was slow and sweet, hitting me right inmy feels. I gripped his forearms, and I held on tight, unwilling to let go.

“Baby, I’m sorry,” he whispered.

“For what?”

“You’ve got enough pressure as it is. I don’t want to make your life harder.”

“You’re not.” I shook my head. “Now stop distracting me and get washed up. We’re going to be late.”

A half hour later, we were dressed and headed out the door, taking separate cars of course.

I gave Damien the address of the nursing home and while he headed off to run errands, I drove to River’s to pick up Jo.

“I guess I don’t have to ask how your weekend’s going,” Jo teased as he hopped in the truck. “Are you finally going to tell me who put that smile on your face?”

I so wanted to tell him. Then, I figured I didn’t need to. As soon as Jo saw me with Damien, he’d know.

“I had a good night,” I offered. “What about you? How’s River?”

“He’s good. I mean, he’s still upset about his parent’s split, but we talked about it. Even if he moves, our friendship doesn’t change.”

“And you?” I asked as I pulled out of River’s driveway and headed back to town. “How’s the new medication?”

“Better. No dizziness.”

I reached for my brother’s hand and squeezed it tight. “I’m so fucking happy to hear that.”

We pulled up to the nursing home parking lot a short while later.

Jo and I entered the home and found my dad sitting with the other residents in the lounge, playing bingo. The game was organized once a week, and every resident was an eager participant. There were prizes, like books and puzzles,and competition was surprisingly fierce. The desire to win, no matter the game, no matter the circumstance, was human nature. Several volunteers helped the residents with their cards, including my dad.

Jo and I grabbed a couple of nearby seats and waited until the game was done. No one interrupted bingo time; it was sacred.

After a half hour, Mandy, his nurse, wheeled Dad over to us.

“So, how many games did you win?” I asked.

My dad held up two fingers.

“Nice. You going to share your prizes with me and Jo?”

My dad shook his head slowly, and Jo and I laughed.

“You want to sit outside for a while? Get some sun?” I asked.

He nodded. I took over from Mandy and wheeled my dad out of the residence with Jo following.

Damien was waiting there, on the grounds, standing by the picnic table with our championship trophy in his hands. I guess that excuse was as good as any.

My heart was so full at the sight of him that it took everything in me to keep calm.

“Whoa, Banning is here,” Jo remarked and patted my dad’s shoulder. “Isn’t that cool, Dad? That’s Silas’s coach come to show you their championship trophy. What a great surprise.”

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