Page 44 of Hostile Witness
He trailed kisses across her cheek. “You’re alive and talking to me. It can’t be that bad.”
She dipped her chin. “Some days, I can’t even look in the mirror. It’s bad. Like right now, I’d love nothing more than to take this between us to my bedroom. I really want to, but I won’t take my shirt off. I can’t. Not yet.”
Nodding, he framed her face with his hands. “What’s your shirt got to do with it?”
She smacked her lips together and winced. “That’s my worst flaw. Scars from an auto accident. They’re tragic—disfiguring.”
He raised her chin with a finger and peered into her eyes. “Scars are just that. Scars. The most unattractive qualities are attitudes.” He pulled her in for a hug.
She relaxed into the expanse of his chest, wrapping her arms around him. “I haven’t wanted anyone in, like, forever, and I want you in the worst way right now. But I’m not prepared to share my scars—not yet.”
He held the embrace and massaged her back. “You can have your way with me when you’re ready. It’s a trust thing. I get it.”
Tia leaned back, peering deep into his eyes. “Haven’t you read about me at work or had somebody tell you? Believe me, my bad decision was worse than any of yours.”
He held up a finger. “No. I haven’t read about your life at work. I could, but I’d rather hear it from you when you’re ready—ifyou ever want to talk about it. That’s up to you, your decision.” His expression stilled and grew serious. “Where’s the guy now?”
“What makes you think a man was involved?”
“Tia, please.”
“He’s dead. The same auto accident that kept me out of work for over a year and gave me the scars I want to hide. He was a detective and, I found out that night, a dirty cop, too. I think he made a mistake and was blackmailed, because he was crazy with remorse the night he died. I had no idea even though we were engaged.”
She startled when his phone vibrated in his pocket.
His big hands kneaded her shoulders as he glanced at the number. “I’m really sorry. I have to get this.” Slipping his hand through hers, he traced the sensitive underside of her wrists as he answered the call. “It’s Ethan.” He kissed Tia’s forehead and mumbled, “Uh-huh. Is she all right?”
The voice on the other end sounded rushed, urgent.
“Okay, tell her I’ll be there shortly.” He disconnected the call, returned to her bottom lip, and savored like she was a delicacy he meant to enjoy. Painstakingly slow. Shaking off the moment, he straightened and cleared his throat. “I gotta go. My grandmother tripped on the stairs.”
Tia hopped off the countertop. “Nan?”
He nodded. “Yeah, they think she’s okay, but they’re taking her to the emergency room to make sure nothing’s broken. I want to be there with her.”
“Yes, of course. Do you want me to go with you?”
He gave her a quick kiss. “No, thanks for offering, but you’re scheduled to pick up Flynn, our other patient.”
“Oh yes, right.”
Tia swatted his butt. “Then get out of here before I rip off your clothes, climb on top, and ride you like a rodeo queen. I need to think about all this. Please take the sweets. It’s harder to think when I feel fat.” She shoved his jacket and the leftover doughnuts into his arms.
Halfway out the door, he leaned his head on the frame and whispered, “Tell me you’ll do that rodeo-queen thing sometime, T. I’ll live for it.”
She was barely able to keep the laughter from her voice and gave him a gentle shove onto the porch. “Text me later and let me know how Nan is doing or if either of you need anything.”
“Will do.” He headed down her walkway.
Tia shut the door and grinned. Whoever said that breakfast was the most important meal of the day was right.
27
Two days later, Tia stopped to admire her new garden. The blend of colors was almost magical, a real stunner. She could just imagine how vibrant it would be in late July and August when the perennials in the back of the bed had matured and the annuals in the front had grown to their full width and height. Oh, she could hardly wait. Planting had been a fabulous investment of her time on what would’ve otherwise been a wasted afternoon.
And wasn’t she the lucky one when Ethan had trenched and removed the sod on the new section? His generosity never failed to get her attention. Most people would’ve said goodbye and gone on with their day. Not him. Much to her recent delight, he almost always stopped to help. She’d seen it with complete strangers several times. And that kiss over there? Her insides tingled every time she thought about it.
Maybe she should trench the big sugar maple and plant variegated hosta or even liriope underneath? She ambled closer to the tree and crossed her arms as she imagined the fresh plantings. Well, the hostas would be showier, what with their purple-stemmed flowers. On the other hand, liriope wouldrequire less maintenance, and the debris in the late fall would be far less to manage.