Page 116 of Kissing Kin
“Could Valentina have caused that gust?”
****
As bedtime approached, Luke caught me in his arms. “It’s less than two weeks until we’re married.” He nuzzled my neck as he drew me near. “Close enough.”
I glanced from the rocker to the double bed. “Close”—his breath tickled, but I pulled away, stiffening—“but no cigar.”
He nibbled my ear as he whispered. “No need to be close-minded.”
“Uhn-uh, in these close quarters, you’re already too close for comfort.” Though smiling, I shook my head as I extricated myself from his grip. “Case closed.”
“I had a feeling you were going to say that.” He gave a rueful grin as he opened a box. “Which is why I bought this.”
Inside the cardboard box was what appeared to be a roll of blue velour. “What is it?”
“An air mattress with a built-in pump. No more sleeping in that rocking chair. No, ma’am.” He reached for my hand. “Of course, you’re welcome to join me…take it for a test rest, you might say.”
“Right…” I slipped my fingers from his grip. “Back in a minute with sheets and a pillow. Need a blanket?”
“You could warm me…” He dimpled.
“Hey, we’ve waited this long.” More than tempted to yield, I cautioned myself as much as him. “We can wait a few more days.” I nodded toward the dog, sleeping on a rag rug. “Maybe Teddy will join you.”
“That’s all right.” Shrugging, he unrolled the mattress, then connected the pump. “I’d rather wait in hope.”
I pulled the linens from the hope chest. “Need any help making the bed?”
His hands caressed mine as he took the sheets. “No, but you could help with other things.”
“Never mind.” Summoning my willpower, I pulled away. “So do you want to shower first or me?”
“You go—and don’t worry about using the hot water. I’ll need a cold shower, anyway.”
Chuckling, I fired a parting shot before I closed the door. “This isn’t easy for me, either, you know.” Then setting my engagement ring on the sink’s ledge, I undressed and stepped in the shower.
A few steamy minutes later, I cinched my robe and reached for my ring. The sink’s cold porcelain taunted me as my fingers searched for it. I know I put it here…didn’t I? My breathing ragged, I poked behind the faucet, got on my knees to search the floor tiles, and rummaged through the cabinet. Where’s my ring?
“Luke!” I threw open the bathroom door and rushed out, along with the steam. “My ring’s gone!”
“What happened?” Jumping from his chair, he raced into the room.
“I set it on the sink before I showered. Now it’s gone.” A tension headache starting, I pressed my fingers into my temples.
“It’s got to be here.” He dropped to his knees and explored every inch of the small bath’s floor.
I ransacked the cabinet and double-checked the shower. “It isn’t.”
“The ring didn’t just walk away.” His eyes widened. “The drain!”
“I hope not.” My heart sinking, I hunched my shoulders. “How could I be so careless?”
“Don’t worry. We’ll find it.” Despite his consoling words, his face was ashen. “I’ll be back a minute with a wrench. Get a bucket, lay some newspapers on the floor, and don’t run any water!”
****
He took apart the drainpipe and emptied the trap. But two hours later, he shook his head as he reconnected the pipes. “It either washed away or never fell down the sink.”
My guilt was so overpowering, my chest ached. “I know I had it before I showered.”