Waiting For Wren (Book Five In The Bodyguards Of L.A. County Series) (36 page)
Read Waiting For Wren (Book Five In The Bodyguards Of L.A. County Series) Online
Authors: Cate Beauman
“Yes, I think about you.”
“Does your heart beat a little faster when I touch you?” He slid his thumb over her rapid pulse.
She pulled his hand away. “I’m going to Santa Barbara.”
He reversed her grip, linking their fingers. “Because you want to or because you think you have to?”
“I have a job.”
“You can have a career here—reopen Cooke Interiors. My mother can come down and help for a couple months until Patrick’s ready to go again. She’ll love it.”
“You have no idea how much I want… I can’t do this, Tucker. I’ve had a lot of time to think. I’m not good at this kind of thing—commitment, trust.”
“We were doing just fine until I made a couple of mistakes.” He gripped her chin. “I’m going to make mistakes—probably a lot of them, but I can promise you I’ll never hurt you on purpose. I never meant to hurt you, Wren.”
Her breath shuddered out. “I hurt you too. You’re such a good man, Tucker. You deserve so much more than what I can give you.” A tear trailed down her cheek.
He wiped the warm drop away. “I know exactly who I deserve and exactly what I want. I’ve been waiting for you since the day you came plowing into Sarah’s hospital room.”
“But what about Santa Barbara?”
“If you want Santa Barbara, we’ll go. We can sell the house, and I’ll quit my job.”
“But you love your job.”
He shook his head. “I love you.”
Another tear fell as she closed her eyes.
“Do you love me, Wren?” He’d been certain Wren told him so as he lay in his hospital bed, drugged out of his mind, but as the days passed, turning into weeks, he’d convinced himself he’d dreamt what he wanted to hear. “Wren.”
She opened her eyes, staring into his. “Yes, I love you.”
He smiled with the rush of relief, certain he’d never heard anything better. “Tell me again.” He slid his fingers through her hair.
She leaned into his touch. “I love you, Tucker.”
“God, I need to taste you. It’s been too damn long.” He pressed his lips to hers.
“Mmm.” Her mouth warmed against his as she clutched his shirt.
He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her against him as her flavor flooded his system. He’d been starving for her; he wanted to eat her alive, but he kept the pace slow, savoring, teasing another purr from her throat as his tongue slid over hers.
Her hands wandered up, caressing his neck, her fingers brushing through his hair.
“Cooke.” He tugged on her bottom lip and rested his forehead against hers. “I need you. Please don’t walk away from me.”
She continued to play with his hair. “I don’t want to walk away.”
“Will you stay here with me and live in our house?”
“Yes.”
“Will you put me out of my misery and marry me?” He grinned.
She smiled. “Yes.”
“Can we do the whole kid thing?”
She snagged his lip. “I definitely want to make babies with you.”
“Right now?” He wiggled his brows.
Chuckling, she shook her head. “Not until Cooke Interiors is up and running again. But we can practice in our new bed.” She undid the top button on his shirt. “A lot.”
He grinned again. “I can live with that.” He pulled her fingers to his mouth and nibbled. “You haven’t asked about your ring.”
“I didn’t want to be rude.”
He grinned, pulling the two-carat silver stunner from his pocket, and she gasped. “This belonged to my grandmother. Staci loved it. My mother was saving it for her.”
She swallowed as her eyes filled. “It’s beautiful.”
“I think Staci would be happy knowing you’re wearing it.” He slid the square-cut diamond on her finger.
“I’ll never take it off.” She cupped his chin in her hands and kissed him.
He bent down, reaching for her.
She stepped back. “What are you doing?”
“Carrying you upstairs.”
“No. You’ll hurt yourself.”
“Nah.” He scooped her up, wincing, still a little stiff.
“See?”
“I’m fine.” He started up the steps, holding everything he’d ever wanted.
“You know, I think this is going to be good. We’re going to be good.”
“Baby, we’re going to be great.” He nuzzled her neck, making her laugh. “Welcome home, Wren.”
“Welcome home, Tucker.” She rested her head on his shoulder. “But your furniture has to go.”
“Aw, Cooke, every party has a pooper.”
Laughing, she kissed his cheek. “I guess that’s me.”
Chuckling, he turned down the hall, walking with Wren to their newly decorated bedroom.
About The Author
Cate Beauman is the author of the best selling series, The Bodyguards of L.A. County. She currently lives in Tennessee with her husband, two boys, and their St. Bernard, Bear.
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