Love(76)

“How?” I smiled, loving being in his arms and hearing his voice.

“Because you are amazing.” Lifting me again, he carried me upstairs to the master bedroom. Laying me gently on the bed, he climbed beside me. “Welcome home, Goody.” His lips descended to mine and I placed my arms around his neck. Careful to not lie on my stomach, he deepened the kiss and I sighed, relaxing into him.

“I’ve missed this,” I said, sliding my hands across his shoulders and down his arms to his strong, bulging biceps.

“Remember all those days of kissing, necking, petting and making out we did when we first got together?” His eyes were twinkling.

“Yes,” I whispered breathlessly as he lowered his face, kissing across my cheek and down my neck.

“Remember them well, because we’re stuck back there again until you get a doctor’s clearance.”

I sighed in frustration, and he chuckled. “Not so fun being teased when the shoe’s on the other foot, is it?”

“No, not at all. But lucky for me, you happen to be an expert at kissing; so I still think I’ll have plenty of fun.”

He slid his tongue across the front of my neck and kissed up the other side, whispering near my ear. “I think we’re going to drive each other crazy.”

I laughed, stroking my hand over his thick black hair. “You’re most likely right, but with all that anticipation—at some point, it’s going to be explosive.”

Lifting up, he stared at me, grinning. “Oh, you have no idea how explosive.”

“I bet I do.”

Grunting, he pushed away from me and got off the bed. “I need to leave before things get too crazy. You rest and I’ll be back with food. Anything special you want me to buy?”

I bit my lip, smiling as he readjusted his clothing. “So you got me all riled up, just to leave me?”

Arching an eyebrow at me, he folded his arms. “I think it’s pretty evident you aren’t the only one riled up. Now answer my question.”

I laughed and shrugged. “I’m good with whatever you want. My appetite has been a bit touch and go, lately.”

“Understandable. I’ll try to find something to tempt you. Be back soon.” He headed toward the door. I got off the bed and followed him. “What are you doing?”

“Following you to the door.”

“No, you aren’t. I just carried you to bed because you were feeling faint. Now lay down. That’s an order.”

I sighed, knowing better than to argue with him. But it didn’t bother me because I was really tired. “I love you. Be careful. Hurry home.” He watched as I crawled onto the bed.

“I’ll be back before you know it.” With a wink, he disappeared from the room.

***

The sound of the doorbell woke me up and I was briefly confused about where I was. Attempting to shake the fog from my head, I wondered how long I’d been asleep as I crawled from the bed. Quietly, I padded my way to the door and opened it, finding Russ standing on the porch.

“Hey, Russ!” Smiling, I opened the door wider. “Come in.”

“I’d love to, but I can’t. I’m working tonight. Besides, Dylan told me that I couldn’t come by for three days because you’re having ‘alone time.’ No, I don’t want to know what that means—though I’m pretty sure I’ve seen most of the lead up to ‘alone time’ between the two of you in the past.” I couldn’t help my laugh as he continued. “I’m just running an errand for the chief.” He handed me a large manila envelope. “This is the fire investigators report on your house. Dylan needed it for the insurance claim.”

“Thanks. I’ll be sure that he gets it. I wish you could stay.”

Russ smiled. “So do I. Soon,” he promised. “Enjoy your ‘alone time’.” He turned away and headed toward his pickup.

“Russ,” I called after him and he glanced back. “Dylan and I are planning on having a small family get-together this weekend. We’d love it if you’d come.”

“I’d like that. Sorry I’ve got to run. Talk to you later.”

“Have a good night. Be careful.” He gave a wave and I shut the door, looking down at the envelope he’d left me. Opening it carefully, I reached inside and pulled the documents out.

Scanning through the first page, I saw it stated things that Dylan had already told me. I flipped to the second page, and the doorbell rang, again.

“Russ?” I called, turning around to open it. But it wasn’t Russ on the doorstep.

“Hello, Cami. Do you remember me?” Studying the tall, brown haired guy on the doorstep, I searched my mind. His good-looking features were familiar, but it took me a moment to place him.