Chapters (36)
He was warm everywhere they touched. His shoulder was muscled, as was his side. Slowly, cautiously, she shifted her right leg so it rested across his thigh.
“You can touch me anywhere,” he told her. “What’s mine is yours.”
“I wish I was brave.”
He smiled. “What would you do if you were?”
Wanting flared. “I think we both know the answer to that.”
He tangled his fingers in her hair. “Yes, we do, and best not to go there. I have a limited amount of control, and I meant what I said. This isn’t the right time.”
Did he want to mention when the right time might be? Just so she could clear her calendar and maybe get a pedicure at the nail salon?
“How’s your morning sickness?” he asked.
Now there was a change in subject. “Much better. It’s very much only in the morning and less and less each day. I’m still wearing my bracelets, but at some point, I’ll risk going without them.”
“You’ll be entering your second trimester soon.”
“I know. It’s exciting and scary at the same time. Mostly exciting. So far my stretchy clothes are all fitting, but that will change in the next couple of months. It’s so odd to think about. I know I’m pregnant, but sometimes I don’t feel it.”
“You’ll get there. You’re going to be a great mom.”
“Thank you.”
“Now close your eyes.”
She tilted her head to look at him. “What? I’m not tired.”
“You are. Your blinks are getting slower and slower.”
She wanted to protest that wasn’t true, but before she could say anything, he shifted so he could kiss her. For a second, he loomed over her, and she wished with all her heart that they were going to make love tonight. Just this one time.
But after brushing his lips against hers and staring deeply into her eyes, he reached over her and turned off the lamp, then did the same with the one on his side. He rolled onto his back again and pulled her close.
“Go to sleep, Dena. I’ll be right here.”
He felt so good, she thought, snuggling close and resting her hand on his chest. Warm and safe and everything she’d ever wanted. Not that she was going to sleep. She planned to stay awake so she could remember every moment. She would need the details for when she was eighty and reliving the past.
Only the next time she opened her eyes, the bed was empty and Micah’s side was cold. She turned to look at her clock and saw it was nearly five thirty. She had no idea what time he’d left or if he’d slept at all. All she knew for sure was that he was gone, and now she had to wait to see if he would come back.