She turned the page and realized it was the last thing he’d written in the book.
Looking up, she wondered why they’d put up with her this long. “I wasted a lot of time and cost us precious memories.” What she wouldn’t give to be able to look back and remember that at least they’d made love together and been there for each other before he was gone. The thought made the tears overflow.
James and Vincent took places on either side of her on the bed and Vincent held her jaw in a gentle grasp as he said, “I didn’t show you that to bring you new recriminations. I wanted you to see his last words. ‘Find the missing peace.’”
James said, “If we were a puzzle, we’d always be shy one piece because he’s gone but I think we still did exactly as he wanted us to do. We’ve brought together the missing pieces.”
Chapter Fifteen
Vincent took a deep breath and said a prayer that he wouldn’t get ahead of himself, that he wouldn’t push her too much with what he had to say. He wanted her more than he’d ever wanted any other woman, as she perched there on the bed, so tiny and vulnerable. The fact that she was the strongest woman he’d ever met only served to increase the contrast between those two parts of her.
“Fluff, there will always be a Patterson-shaped hole in our lives. But for me, the missing piece is you. I want you—I need you—in my life. You know that. But if you have to go I’ll let you go. If, because of me, you’re expecting, I won’t do anything to make things harder because I don’t want to push you away. Just…will you stay with us tonight? Both of us?”
A pretty blush filled her cheeks and she looked down at her hands, as if choosing her words.
“Stay with us tonight, honey,” James said in a voice raspy with emotion. “Let us love you together. Let us take care of you. Then at least you’ll know what it could be like.”
Vincent smiled, knowing James would do everything in his power to convince her to stay.
She stood from the bed and turned to them. At five feet tall, she was nearly at eye level with them as they sat on the edge. She removed her sandals and slipped the capri pants she wore down over her hips and let them fall to the floor. “I need a shower first.”
Relief flowed through Vincent as he pulled off his boots and rose from the bed. Her eyelids shuttered a little as she turned her attention to him as he unbuttoned and unzipped his jeans. James did likewise and they both watched as she turned and sauntered on shapely legs into the bathroom, clad in only her white button-down blouse and pink lace panties. His hands itched to squeeze her little bouncy bubble butt as he followed her.
James nudged him on the arm and gave him an appreciative nod, letting him know he’d put his feelings into words well.
In the bathroom, she stood at the shower, adjusting the water temperature. Her blouse was completely unbuttoned, revealing a white lace bra underneath. She cast a gaze over her shoulder, warming him with her hazel eyes as she watched him finish undressing. Her breathing changed and she shifted from one foot to another as she stared at his cock, desire glowing in her eyes. She took in a slow breath and he saw the way her chin trembled, as if she was still experiencing the residual effects of having cried earlier.
He tugged at the back hem of the shirt and she allowed it to slide down her shoulders and off into his hand. He pressed his nose to the collar and breathed in her sweet scent, watching as her cheeks grew even rosier and she looked at him as if in awe. After she’d removed her bra and panties, James helped her into the shower. They watched as the water splashed on her shoulders and sluiced down the contours of her breasts and torso. His dick jerked in reaction.
What was left of his rational mind wanted to know what her decision was right then. Wanted to demand that she stay. There was even a part of him that hoped she was pregnant. Just one more way to tie her to him…to them. He didn’t want to disrupt her life. He believed in the deepest part of his soul that she belonged with them. But he also knew he couldn’t force the decision from her.
She lathered a washcloth and the herbal scent of the bodywash filled the enclosure. Taking the washcloth from her, he rubbed the suds across her collarbones and over her shoulders. The trust in her eyes encouraged him and he smiled down at her and kissed her temple. She lifted a hand to both of their chests and a soft sigh escaped her as James stroked her skin and helped him bathe her from head to toe.
She bit her lower lip as his soapy hands encircled her breasts and whispered, “Your big, strong hands feel wonderful.”
“They’re so callused, I feel like I have to be careful that I don’t mar your skin with them.”