Page 39 of Before the Storm
She gripped his shoulders, tugging him closer.
He couldn’t afford to get any closer or he might be tempted to do more. Instead, he flicked his tongue over her clit.
“Oh God. It’s happening again,” she whispered.
Music to his ears.
He slowed his motions, giving her a chance to catch her breath. He crawled back to the bed, pulling her close to his chest.
“I didn’t know that existed.” She nuzzled her face into his neck.
“Now that you do, you should never be deprived.”
“But you are.”
“Nope. If you’re satisfied, I am too.”
“I’m not so naive that I don’t know when a man is in need of attention.” She raised her hand.
He grabbed it before it got close to his waist. “We’re not doing anything other than that today,” he said. “Besides, we’re supposed to be at the women’s shelter in an hour. Time for showers. You can use the master. I’ll take one in the guest room.”
“I don’t want to kick you?—”
He hushed her with a kiss. “I insist.” He lifted the blanket, covering her body. “We can stop at the restaurant and grab a breakfast sandwich.” He stood.
“Phoenix?” She clutched the covers to her chin.
“Yes?”
“Thank you.”
“You don’t ever have to thank me for something as selfish as that.”
She blushed. “I feel like the selfish one.”
He leaned over and kissed her sweet lips. “Not even close.” He turned and stepped from the master. He leaned against the door and closed his eyes. No one had ever touched his heart the way Janelle had. If he were being honest, she’d taken it and he was never getting it back.
8
“How are you doing?”
Janelle glanced up from her sandwich. “Would it be weird to say I’m doing great?”
Foster laughed. “No. Not at all.” He pulled up a chair. “Some of my most rewarding days outside of being with my family are spent here at this shelter.”
“What you all do here for these women and their children is amazing.”
“I wish I could say that everyone who walks through these doors doesn’t ever have to suffer heartbreak again. But unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. There are many who go back to their abusers or are taking drugs and can’t kick the habit. My ex-wife was one of them.”
“Phoenix told me what happened. I’m so sorry.”
Foster nodded. “Thank you. I tried to help her as best I could. But she could never put herself or anyone else before the drugs. It caused our families a lot of pain. But I’m in a better place now. I found love again. I have a beautiful wife. A wonderful family. I’m happy.”
“I’m glad.”
He reached out and took her hand. “I’ve been watching you with the women and their kids here. You have a lot of compassion and a ton to offer. I hope you will consider being a regular face here.”
“I plan on it.”
