Page 50 of Wild Rush Of Love
Prayed that an old man’s words would come true.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Reena hatedthe tension coiling tight in her belly. She had a headache, knew it was because she couldn’t stop thinking about Rush leaving in thirty-six hours. She’d promised him—herself—she wouldn’t worry about it, and she’d tried—really she had. But he wasleaving.
“Hey.”
She smiled at Caitlyn. “Big crowd tonight.”
“Yeah. Someone started a rumor Sky and Teagan were here.”
She’d heard the gossip, and if she wasn’t so tied in knots over Rush’s imminent departure, she might be excited about the possibility.
“They’re not.” Caitlyn frowned. “We’re going to have to give them something though.”
“Is Hunter around? Maybe he’d do a few songs,” Reena suggested, scanning the crowded bar.
“Maybe.” Caitlyn pushed to her toes. “Oh, there’s Ailis, she’ll know what to do. Gotta go. Catch you later.”
Her friend disappeared into the crush and Reena headed back to Sunday’s Side. It was getting late but things didn’t appear to be slowing down. If anything, it was busier than when she’d first arrived. That was five hours ago. She was ready to go home. Climb into her bed with Rush.
She needed the reassurance of his arms around her, holding her tight, to prove he hadn’t left yet. Her eyes stung and she blinked several times, swallowed down the emotion clogging her throat.
“There you are.” Arms slipped around her waist from behind, Rush’s warmth and unique mountain scent surrounding her. “I’ve been looking for you. Needed a cuddle to get me through the next hour.”
Reena smiled. Even in the face of all her sadness, Rush made her smile. “Better?”
“No. How much longer?” He turned her in his arms and bent his mouth to her ear. “I want to get you alone so I can strip you naked and kiss you all over.”
“Rush.” Reena glanced around to be sure no one overheard him.
“Guess I’ll have to be satisfied with this for now.” He nibbled at her ear, making her giggle. “That’s better. I don’t like that frowny face you’ve got going on tonight.”
She sighed and leaned into him. “I’m missing you already and you haven’t gone yet.”
“We’ll make it work, Reena.” He squeezed her tight. “I promise you.”
With everything that she was, she wanted to believe him. Except she thought the distance and time apart would work against them. Establishing a new relationship had enough hurdles without throwing in living in different states and only being together a few days a month.
“I’ll quit my job if I have to.” Gripping her shoulders, Rush held her at arm’s length. “I’ve got some money put away. And I’m positive I could get a job easy enough.”
“You can’t quit your job. You’ve worked at Winter Lake Lodge for fifteen years.” He couldn’t be serious. It had to be a line he was throwing out there. They’d barely known each other a month and he wanted to toss his life away as though all those years didn’t matter? “No. You can’t quit your job.”
“It’s just a job. I can get another one. You’re more important. There’s nothing holding me in the mountains. I don’t have family there. Or a house.”
“No.” She shook her head. “No. We’ll work it out without you quitting.”
“Reena. A little help here,” Felicity called out behind her.
“Go. We’ll talk later.” Rush nudged her into motion. She wanted to argue but they were still slammed and it wasn’t fair for her to let Felicity down.
Reluctantly she went back to work. She ended up doing an extra hour before Mrs. Wallace shooed her out the door in spite of the still-packed pub and restaurant. Meeting Rush at the door, she took his hand and they started the walk home in silence.
Reena didn’t mind the quiet. There was nothing either of them could say to ease their minds, and right now, she was content to enjoy a late-night walk with her hand in his. There’d been plenty of nights where she’d done this trip alone and would be plenty to come in the future. For now, she’d make the most of having Rush with her.
They didn’t speak when they reached her house. Not a word was uttered as they went inside and headed for the bedroom. And when they stripped out of their clothes and climbed into bed, it was to the sound of their pounding hearts and their shallow breaths.
No words were needed to express what they were feeling. Coming together, they slid slowly into the passion they’d built over the week. When climax came, it was hot and sweet and unlike anything they’d done before.
