How hard it would be to leave them, she thought with a tear escaping down her cheek. She was in love with Clay and she knew it, but it was hopeless. He took the beating for her. And she loved him even more for it, but she couldn't bring any more harm upon them, she cared too much.
She went to sleep with Elan that night and whispered softly into his ear, "We love them both too much…"
The next morning Clay was up and moving around in the kitchen. She woke up a bit groggy.
"What are you doing out of bed?" she asked as she put Elan in the makeshift highchair that Charlie had made for him.
"I'm feeling better and it's time for me to get back to helping dad."
"How do you feel?"
"It itches like crazy." He complained.
She smiled, "That is good, it is healing then. I will put some Aloe Vera on it and that will sooth it some before you go out."
"I have a good doctor."
She chuckled and put the coffee on. Clay came up to her and pulled her back against him, his arms going around her, just under her breasts.
"I have no right to touch you, but it's been crazy the past few days, wanting you so much."
Her breath hitched, but she lay her head against him, his admission had her wanting much more. Her head rested just under his chin. For a moment, she relaxed and enjoyed the feel of his arms around her. She closed her eyes and smiled. "You've been a bit delirious," she murmured softly.
"I'm not delirious and haven't been. I need you close like this; I've needed you for days."
"You mustn't say things like that," she turned to look at him.
"It's no use honey."
"What?" she frowned.
"I look at you and see the fire in your eyes, and my heart melts."
She gasp as she turned away, but he pulled her back against him once more.
For a second, she wanted to turn around and face whatever he was thinking, she loved the way she fit up against him, loving the way it felt to be in his powerful arms. She wished she was bold enough to turn around and seek the kiss they never shared, but she felt content being this close to him for a few seconds at least.
"Clay, you shouldn't talk like that… " she finally tried to move away.
He turned her around, and stared into her eyes, his intense gaze mesmerized her. His arms held her still. "Maybe I shouldn't," he smiled sexily at her now. "But the hunger inside me grows every time I look at you. And if I'm reading the signs right, you feel the same way. If not, just say so."
"Clay…" she began as his head began to descend, they were seconds away from kissing when a knock came at the door. Willa hadn't realized how close to him she was, as her breasts laid against his chest now, her lips a mere inch from his, her breath hitched, her eyes warmed, and her heart ached for this kiss. She didn't want to turn lose of the moment; it was so mesmerizing. The moment was so intense it took her several seconds to realize there was someone at the door. She looked into his eyes and saw what she was feeling, disappointment.
She couldn't stop the sigh escaping from her lips. His eyes burned into hers now, and he bent to touch his lips to hers for a second, like a feather blowing on her lips, before he turned toward the door.
She licked her lips, wondering if it actually happened.
"Damn…" Clay muttered, staring at her from the door. "Later, darlin' I promise you that." He smiled again and went to the door.
"Well, I heard you'd been beaten, thought I should look in on you and Charlie." The Doc smiled at him now. "Looks like you are better."
"I am, thanks to Willa's nursing."
The doc smiled at Willa and Elan. Willa was still reeling from the near kiss, but she recovered as quickly as possible and offered the doc some coffee.
"I'd love some. Then I'll take a look at those whip marks. Heard you ran into Haywood. He's nasty when he drinks." The Doc chuckled. "And he's been doing a lot of that lately."
"Yeah, I realize that now." Clay nodded as he sat at the table and Willa poured him a cup of coffee too. "He used not to drink so much."