She trembled in his arms. Her familiar scent encompassed him, wrapping him up in the cozy, homey aroma that was his Kaia.
He eased her back into the house. Automatically, he put out his foot to block the exit, but no orange ball of fur shot out. "Dart hasn't come home?"
Solemnly, she shook her head. "No."
Damn if he didn't feel a sting of regret that the kitten hadn't made it back.
"But you're here," she whispered, and wrapped her arms around his neck.
He closed the door behind him with the heel of his boot. Reached for the switch plate to simultaneously turn off the porch light and turn on the living room lamp.
The illumination was sudden and startling in the throes of their embrace, and it moved them apart for a moment to catch their breaths.
Lamplight chased the shadows away and highlighted her cheekbones, the jut of her chin, and the provocative thrust of her nipples beneath the white cotton sleep shirt.
She seemed leaner, as if she'd been skipping meals. He understood. He'd had no appetite without her either. He couldn't eat. Couldn't sleep. Couldn't do damn much of anything.
"Sweetheart, I've missed you so much," he murmured, and watched a brilliant smile bloom across her face.
There was much to say. So many words. He didn't know where to start.
She studied him closely, her eyes saying what her lips did not. I missed you too, you big lug. Please tell me you've come home for good.
Her expression softened and her mouth formed a gentle circle. She reached out her fingertips, trailed them over his face. Touched his cheek, his jaw, his lips. "Is it really you?"
"It's me."
"And you're really here? I'm not dreaming?"
"It's no dream." God, his legs were so shaky, it was a wonder he didn't topple over.
"Ridge . . ." Her voice caught, light and joyful. "Oh Ridge."
"I'm here, I'm here." He pulled her into his arms again. Pressed her against his chest, hand to her back, rested his face against the top of her head, smelled the honest clean scent of her hair, watermelon and daisies.
Smelled daisies and heat and Kaia's hot little body. Savoring this moment. Knowing he would never have another exactly like it. Basking in the glow. Loving every sigh, every caress, every taste, every glance, every scent.
Grateful. He was so grateful to be here. So grateful she'd texted. So grateful she'd given him a loving, welcoming reception.
Honestly, he didn't deserve it, but he was deeply appreciative that she was so willing to give him a second chance without a moment of hesitation.
"Are you . . ." She stopped, pulled back a bit so she could see his face but did not break the circle of his embrace. "How long will you be here?"
"This is it. I'm back for good. I've come home."
Tears blurred her eyes. "Oh Ridge, don't tease. If it's not true-"
"It's true. I'm selling the drilling company to Lui Yan and, get this, Duke just offered me the Silver Feather."
"What?" Her eyes widened.
He told her about his conversation with his father. About the old man's change of heart and attitude.
"I don't believe it."
"I didn't either at first, but he seems sincere."
"There will be challenges working for him."
"That's just it. I won't be working for him. He and Vivi would stay living in the mansion, but the ranch will be mine."
"What about your brothers?"
"Like you said, there will be challenges, but I'm up for them."
"This is what you really want? You're not just doing it for me?"
"This is what I really want," he said, his heart filled to overflowing.
What a blessing to love the very place that called to his soul, the place where he had belonged all along, but never knew it. The place he'd missed for ten long years.
She shook her head, her hair swirling in a dark arc around her shoulders. "I still can't believe it."
"It's true. I'm here and I'm home and I'm with you. There's nothing I want more."
Her bottom lip trembled as if she wasn't sure she could trust the changes in him. "Oh Ridge . . ."
As small as she was, it took no effort to pick her up off her feet, kiss her again, and carry her to the cushy sofa nestled in the bay window.
She quivered in his arms, her skin flushed, her eyes bright. She smiled when he laid her down, put her mouth against his and devoured him with desperation, letting him know she was as full of loneliness and longing as he was.
"I want you," she whispered.
"Not any more than I want you." He pulled back a moment to stare down at her, marveling at the blessed gift before him.
Looking at her clogged his throat and clutched his gut. She was everything he had not known he wanted. Everything his heart and soul needed. She was his. A sweet, feisty, gorgeous woman. Who loved him and was whimpering for him to take her, "now, now, now."