“He only told me it was complicated,” I said. “Then when we got back, all I could think about was you. I didn’t pay any attention to his cases.”
“You’re trying to tell me you two are in the same office and you never discuss your work?”
“Baby, I promise…” I reached for her waist, but she blocked my hands.
“Don’t baby me. I want the truth, Patrick Knight. Melissa’s been through hell, and I won’t waste time on players who have no respect for women.”
“I respect you.” My fingers threaded with hers, and I pulled her to me. “And I believe you. I’m sorry about what happened with Melissa. Fuck, I want to kill that guy.” My voice grew softer. “Please believe me when I promise you, I didn’t know about any of it until today. Derek was seriously playing it all close to the vest. Probably to protect her.”
Her lips were still a tight line, but she was in my arms now. My muscles were starting to unclench, and when she lowered her head to my chest, they completely relaxed. I kissed her head and she turned her cheek to the side, pressing it against my heart.
“She’s so hurt,” Elaine said, her voice cracking. “I’ve never seen her so devastated. Even after it happened. I know she’s still in love with him.”
My hands rubbed her slim back. “Her husband?”
“No.” She shook her head. “Derek. Melissa loves Derek. She barely spoke the whole drive home, and I think she was just holding on until she could be alone and fall apart.”
“We’ll check on her,” I said, moving my hands down to her waist. She was wearing a black skirt, and a sleeveless black top that was slightly cropped, exposing a half inch of her lined torso. She was so beautiful. “Let’s make up first.”
“I’m not sure if I’m ready.” She stepped back, but I caught her hand, bringing her back to me.
“Look,” I said, catching her chin and raising her eyes to mine. “I love you, and I’ll do whatever I can to help Derek bring that guy down. He’s already started working on it, building a case.”
Her expression changed as I spoke, and the look in her eyes—happiness combined with wonder—melted me.
“What did you just say?” she asked, eyes shining.
I tried to remember. I replayed my words in my head until I realized it. Shit. My jaw clenched, but I didn’t answer. I hadn’t meant to say that out loud yet.
“Patrick?” her voice was soft, almost a whisper and this time she caught my chin with her slim hand, forcing my eyes to meet hers.
“I called you baby,” I said, a grin touching my lips. “I know you love that.”
“That wasn’t all you said.” Her voice was lower and she rose on her toes, putting her face closer to mine. Her arms wrapped around my neck and we were a breath apart, noses almost touching. The scent of her delicate perfume surrounded me, and her lips parted. I barely moved, covering them with mine, mouths opening, tongues curling together.
In a flash she was off her feet and in my arms. I carried her back to the bedroom, and we were on the bed, her hands working at my belt, my hand fishing in my pocket for protection. Soon enough I was rocking into her, her legs wrapped around my waist, any disagreement between us forgotten.
Which brought us back to the lovely moment of her body under mine. We were still partially dressed, but I’d managed to get her out of that black top and bra. Her skirt was another matter, bunched around her waist. My shirt was still on my shoulders, but it was open, allowing her breasts to be flush with my skin. I kissed her temple, her eyebrow, her nose.
“What was it you said before?” Her eyes sparkled as she repeated the question from earlier.
I couldn’t help but smile. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“I think you do.”
With a deep breath, I gave in and said it.
“I love you, Elaine Merritt. I love your eyes and your laugh and the way your lips feel against mine.” It was all coming out now in a rush, and I wasn’t stopping it. “I love how smart you are and how much you care about your students. I love that you’ll protect your friends. I love your independence…”
Her chin lifted with her laugh, and she pulled her body closer to mine. “I’m not so independent,” she said, kissing my jaw. “I couldn’t go a whole week without you.”
“I’m so glad you couldn’t,” I said, pressing my lips to hers again briefly. “I love making love to you. I just… I love you.”
It was the first time I’d said it to any woman not related to me since Stacy, but it was so right. It was so much more than that near-mistake, that injury that had left me going down a self-destructive path. That had led me here.
My heart was something I’d gladly give her. I’d given it to her already, she just didn’t know. I was afraid it was too soon, yet everything leading us to this point solidified my decision.
For a moment, she only looked at me, that beautiful smile on her face. Then she pulled her body up, placing her mouth close to my ear. “I love you, Patrick Knight.” Her soft lips touched my skin. “I love you so much.”