Yes, he had, by slipping the damn thing off her, and putting his mouth, his hands, and his cock all over her.
He tugged her forward and pressed his mouth to hers.
She made a small sound he loved and kissed him back. He felt the slightest twinge in his gut, the only sign left of his healing gunshot wound.
He barely remembered the wild dash from the Western Desert to the hospital in Luxor, and he knew Layne still had nightmares about it. But he’d made it. Thankfully, so had Dr. Stiller. Hale had found the man in the tunnels of Zerzura.
“Get a room,” a deep voice growled.
Declan rested his forehead on Layne’s and once again wondered how their hot little holiday had turned out like this.
He turned his head and saw Logan, wearing a pair of flowered surfer shorts, stretched out on a lounger a little farther down the beach. Beyond him, in the water, he could see Callum paddle-skiing with Hale and Morgan.
His parents and Darcy were around somewhere, too, no doubt making cocktails.
Layne laughed. The sweet, joyful sound filled his chest.
She was happy. Hell, he was happy.
Her discovery of Zerzura had made headlines all around the world. The university was tripping over itself to offer her whatever she wanted, and everyone was clamoring to interview the beautiful tomb raider who found an undiscovered oasis and defeated the bad guy.
When she stroked his belly, he realized she was touching his new puckered scar. The healing skin was still pink and shiny.
“I’m here, sweetheart,” he murmured.
She nodded. “I love you, Declan Ward.”
His hands tightened on her. God, every time he heard those words, they never failed to amaze him. Layne had brought him back to life, brought him back to his friends and family, and all the things he’d loved.
Anders was dead, and Dec liked to think those people he’d failed were at peace now.
Like him.
He pulled Layne in for a kiss. “I love you too, Rush. I had no idea that a wild treasure hunt for a lost oasis would be the thing that led me to you.”
Her finger stroked down his chest. “I think you have a few more wild adventures in your future, Ward.”
He stood and scooped her into his arms. Time to head to their private villa tucked away among the palm trees. He ignored the whoops and whistles of his friends and family. “Oh, I hope so, Rush. I hope so.”