Page 40 of Echoes of You

I quickly released Maddie and sat up. “Cold shower is calling my name.”

I made a beeline for the bathroom, grabbing my duffel on the way. Turning the water as cold as it would go, I stayed beneath the spray until I got my body under control. It took longer than ever before as if my bodyandsoul battled to keep their distance from Maddie.

Stepping out of the shower, I quickly toweled off and got ready. By the time I made it out into the living area, the scent of something amazing filled my nostrils. “Have I told you lately that I love you?” I called.

Maddie snorted. “You mean your stomach loves me.”

“Same thing.”

“Sure,” Maddie said, handing me a breakfast burrito wrapped in a napkin. “I didn’t realize how late we slept. I need to get to The Brew. I want to get there early for my first shift.”

My gaze roamed over her. She’d gotten ready for the day and made breakfast in the time I was in the shower. She had her hair curled in long, loose waves framing her face and wore light makeup that made the blue of her eyes somehow seem brighter if that were possible. And her lips…whatever she’d done to them made them look so damn kissable. Or maybe that was just how I saw them.

I hated the idea of an endless stream of guys coming into The Brew today and hitting on her. I cleared my throat. “I can drive you. I need to get to the station anyway.”

Maddie’s brow furrowed. “I need my car so I can get back home.”

“I’ll drive you home.”

“Nash…you can’t be with me twenty-four-seven.”

I grinned at her. “Sick of me already?”

She let out an exasperated sigh. “You know I love having you around. But I also don’t want to be a burden.”

“Screw that.”

“Excuse me?”

I pulled Maddie into a hug, being careful of her ribs. “Get it through your head that you will never be a burden to me. I love spending time with you, and I missed the hell out of you while you were gone. So, just let me have my Mads time.”

She eased into me as her tension melted. “Okay.”

“Good. Now, let’s hit the road.”

“I get off at least an hour before you. I need my car.”

I let out a little growl but knew she was right. “Fine, but I’m following you in my SUV.”

Maddie sighed. “I don’t have the energy to argue with you.”

“Good.” I released her and took a bite of my breakfast burrito. The moan that slipped free couldn’t be helped. “You are an angel among mortals.”

Maddie snorted. “You just like bacon.”

“Both can be true.”

I climbed into my SUV and followed Maddie into town. I finished the burrito before we were halfway there. Pulling to a stop in front of The Brew, I jumped out as Maddie parked around the corner.

Striding toward her, I studied Maddie’s movements. She didn’t seem to be in pain, just stiff. “Text me if your ribs start hurting too badly, and I’ll take you home.”

Maddie shook her head. “I’ll be fine. I took the medicine, and honestly, standing is more comfortable than sitting anyway.”

“Just let me know how you’re doing.”

A soft smile spread across Maddie’s face. “I will.” She stretched up onto her tiptoes and pressed a kiss to my cheek. “Have a good day.”

“You, too.” The urge to press my hand to the spot where her lips had been was strong. The deep need to pull her to me and drink her in was even stronger. But I forced myself to stay put as she disappeared into the café.

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