Page 95 of Anything for You
“I love you, too. And I think I might need to talk to someone to work through this delightful experience.” My lip trembled because I was exhausted, and now that the adrenaline that’d zipped through my veins when I’d seen Dorian had bled out of me, I was so, so sad my brother had been part of this.
“You probably do. I have a strong recommendation who’s local, but if she’s not a fit, we’ll find you someone great.” He dipped, pressing his forehead to mine then dropping a kiss there, before he straightened. “I think this was my last Saint mission.”
His expression was clear. Not cagey or wounded or angry or closed. It was like the experience today had solidified it.
He held up his hand to show a small shake. He looked at it, then shook his head in an almost boyish way. “When I realized you were gone, I went straight to Saint. Of course I did, but it wasn’t just because they have the ability to help. Then I was terrified coming here, but I knew I could do it. With these people around me, I knew. But I don’t think I could’ve for anyone else, not anymore, and that’s my sign. As we were getting ready, I just… I knew. This would be it. And I can’t explain why I know this, but I think I know—” His brow furrowed, and he glanced over at the crowd of bodies milling about, taking statements, taking information, sliding handcuffed men into vehicles. “I know they’ll still be there for me. Even if I’m not taking jobs.”
I pulled him to me as gently as I could. “I know that without any doubt.”
“Can we get your statement now, Ms. Jensen?” SheriffRyan stood a few feet away, a patient expression on his handsome face.
I grinned, determined to move forward—today, this week, this year… indefinitely. “Of course, Sheriff. What else would I want to be doing on a lovely fall evening such as this?”
CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR
Dorian
Afull week after Dove’s kidnapping, I straightened my tie in the mirror of my bathroom right before the doorbell rang. Bear’s nails tapped as he hustled to the front of the house, no doubt knowing exactly who he’d find on our porch.
I was already smiling as I pulled open the door, the ache in my ribs only a little more than a dull thud with some movements. They hadn’t been broken, thankfully, and the soreness of the bruising had taken major steps of improvement in the last forty-eight hours.
“You look so handsome! You didn’t need to wear a tie.” Dove reached for me, stepping over the threshold and into my arms in a heartbeat.
As usual, my heart thrummed with her nearness. We’d spent hours together this week, basking in each other andthe excuse for both of us to take time off. Pretty soon, I’d be in the full throes of the Christmas tree season and time off would be hard to come by until at least the week before Christmas. But for now, until Thanksgiving at least, I would give her every bit of time and attention she wanted.
“Wanted to look nice for Nan.”
She beamed. “You always look nice.”
I chuckled, pleased it didn’t cause lightning to shoot up my side anymore. “I’m not sure that’s true. I can get pretty gross out on the farm.”
Flames flickered to life in her eyes. “That’s still nice in my opinion.”
With a shake of my head, I bent to kiss her. Sometimes, her sweet mouth was just asking for it, especially when she was flirty like that.
Bear bumped against my leg and I finally, though reluctantly, pulled away. “You ready to go?”
Dove grinned. “Nan is going to be over the moon.”
As we loaded up into the truck and eased off the property, I eyed the entrance to the tree farm as we passed it. I’d been debating something and wanted to bring it up, but hadn’t managed to make myself say it yet.
“What are you thinking?” she asked, uncannily sensing my thoughts, no doubt.
With a light laugh, I glanced at her. Damn, but she was beautiful. The November temps had dropped enough that she was bundled in jeans, boots, and a bright blue jacket sporting a faux-fur-lined hood. It was adorable on her and made me want to bury my face into her neck.
Or maybe I always wanted to be close to her. Not even maybe. I did. And the further from danger and stress and exhaustion we’d gotten, the more the desire gripped me.
She’d resolved to back off on work because apparently, being kidnapped had given her some major perspective. She wanted to find the joy in her work again, and now that she’d let herself take a break, she already felt it coming back. In a surprising bonus to the ordeal, she’d said how meaningful she’d found helping the women on the compound and planned to go back and visit them… when she was feeling up to it. I’d made her promise not to rush it, and I believed her when she said she wouldn’t.
For my part, I’d committed to ending my part-time work with Saint and letting myself focus fully on the farm. Maybe I’d help with admin or something at some point, but while we were heading into the busiest season for the farm, staying focused on the one thing was my plan.
And maybe, this one other idea.
But part of me wondered why we hadn’t committed to simply spending at least three days a week naked in bed.Something to work towards.
“Dorian?”
I cleared my throat, my imagination running away from me. “Sorry. I have this idea, but I’m not sure how I feel about it.”
