Wednesday(26)

It’s strange what being thrust into a dangerous situation will do to you. I found myself reflecting on my life. It was a true come-to-Jesus moment. I vowed that if my little boat found land again, I would finally have the talk with Chloe I’d been putting off since college.

And now here I was, holding her in my arms, listening to her sob and quieting her with kisses.

“I’m here.” I kissed her forehead. “Don’t cry.”

She looked up at me, her lower lip trembling. “I was so worried, Shaw.”

“I know.” I took a step back and looked down at her T-shirt. “I’m getting you soaked.”

Thunder cracked outside, and it seemed to break the trance Chloe had been in since I stepped through the door. “You must be freezing. Come on.”

She led me into the bathroom, stopping on the way to take one of the candles from the dresser to light our path. Once inside the bathroom, I began stripping off my soaked clothes. Wishing the power wasn’t out so I could take a hot shower, I pulled off my jeans and boxers and tossed them into her tub.

Now completely nude, I let Chloe put a blanket around my shoulders before we headed to her bed. She moved a plate holding a sandwich to the nightstand and pulled back the covers.

She was about to climb into the bed, but my hand around her wrist stopped her. Her eyes met mine, asking what I needed in the flicker of candlelight.

I lifted her shirt off over her head and stripped her down to her panties. I needed her body heat, but more than that, I needed to feel her skin on mine.

She never questioned me, never fought me. She gave me what I needed, always putting her own needs aside. If that wasn’t the definition of love, I didn’t know what was. But I also knew that I’d fucked things up between us and she was dating now, trying to move on.

I drew the blankets back, and Chloe slipped into the bed with me right behind her. We each lay facing the window, which was getting battered by the rain and wind. Water cascaded in a steady stream, and flashes of lightning lit up the sky every few seconds.

I held her close—her back against my chest and the curve of her ass nestled against my groin—and pulled the blankets all the way up to my chin, tucking them in around us.

“What happened?” she asked softly.

“When I went out this afternoon, it was clear. I knew about the storm, but I never expected it to get so bad so fast.”

She nodded. “Jason went by the marina looking for you.”

“I’m here now.”

I tightened my hold around her and she let out a soft sigh. I let her warmth surround me, heating me slowly from head to toe. My own personal sunshine.

“That storm was a wake-up call. I had a lot of time to think,” I said.

“About what?” she whispered.

“When I watched you on that date, you looked so happy. If he’s what you want, I’ll back away right now. I’ll step back and I’ll be your friend. No hard feelings.”

I swallowed a hard lump that had formed in my throat. Why were those words so hard to say?

She shifted, turning around to face me. “Why does it sound like you’re saying good-bye?”

“Because. I know you’re dating now, exploring your options, which is well within your rights.”

She made a noncommittal noise in her throat. “I’m not sure what I want. Besides, Bryan’s only in town on business.”

“What’s going to happen when he leaves? You get left behind with a broken heart?”

“What’s it matter to you? I didn’t think you cared anymore. You’re dating what’s-her-tits, anyway.”

Both my eyebrows shot up. “What’s-her-tits?”

“My point is, you were dating too.”

“No,” I said, correcting her. “Jason dragged me out. The first time I didn’t know it was a setup, and the second time, I went because your brother had started to get suspicious and was questioning my motivations with you.”

“So, what are you saying? You want me to date?”

I shook my head. “I want to keep you all to myself, but I don’t know if I can do that.”

She hesitated, chewing on her lower lip. “I don’t know if I can go on living in Samantha’s shadow.”

I nodded, quiet for a moment.

“There are a lot of things I never told you,” I said.

She waited, listening quietly to the storm and looking deep into my eyes.

“Not right now. Let’s talk tomorrow. I’ll explain everything to you.”

She gave me a look like she was wondering what I could possibly explain. But I was exhausted and just needed to hold her—especially if tonight was the last time I’d get the privilege of having her in my arms.