Resolution (A Golden Beach Novel)

by Kim Loraine

  “Lauren? Are you okay? What happened?” Alex’s voice held a note of panic as he rounded the corner and caught sight of her.

  She’d never seen him decked out in his bunker gear, but the sight sent a rush of arousal rocketing through her and settling immediately in her core. Holy hotness. Her cheeks flamed as he drew closer until he was kneeling directly in front of her.

  “Hey, Lauren?” He snapped his fingers in front of her.

  Shaking her head, she pulled herself together. “I . . . I dropped a glass. My sister wouldn’t pull out the shard or drive me to the hospital.”

  He cupped her calf and helped her raise the injured foot. “You should have been elevating this.” Pulling another chair around, he propped her foot up and rose. His lips pressed into a thin line as they waited for the medics.

  “I didn’t think you’d be working today.”

  A frown creased his brow. “Got called in.” He ran one hand across his jaw as he assessed her. “You promised you’d answer.”

  “I was going to, but I had a two inch piece of glass sticking out of my foot when you called.”

  His eyebrows rose. “Shit. Sorry. I guess that’s a pretty good excuse.”

  “You really went to Michigan?”

  Nodding, he bit his lower lip. “I met your mom.”

  “Oh, gosh. I’m sorry.”

  “She’s fucking awful.”

  Lauren let out a soft laugh. “You have no idea.”

  The paramedics filed in and took over as he stood beside her, watching them work. Once she was loaded on the stretcher and into the ambulance, he stared after her, the look on his face making her chest constrict painfully.

  “You want to ride in with her, Alex?” she heard Donovan ask.

  Did he? She couldn’t deny the desire to have him near. When his gaze locked on hers, she nodded once causing him to grin and climb into the medic unit.

  “You know, if you wanted some attention, you could have just answered—”

  “Shut up, smart guy. You might be charming and super sexy right now, but I’m impervious to your hotness.”

  A smile turned up the corners of his mouth. He took advantage of the fact that the medic hadn’t gotten in with them yet by reaching out and brushing a lock of her hair behind one ear. The soft whisper of his fingers against her skin sent tingles through her. “You think I’m charming?” He leaned closer. “And sexy?” Then, before she could respond, his heated breath tickled her ear. “And hot?”

  Good lord, how was she going to resist?

  “I’m delirious from blood loss. You can’t hold me to anything I say.”

  He laughed, the sound warming her heart. “Have you decided to stop running from me yet?” Sliding his palm over her belly, he stared into her eyes, a tenderness in his gaze that made her stomach flutter.

  “I’m not running. I’m trying to be cautious. There’s a difference.”

  “Jesus, Lauren. What do you call leaving without warning and ignoring my calls?”

  She wanted to be angry, that fire rising in her chest, until she let his words sink in. “My father died. That’s why I had to leave so suddenly. I dropped my phone in a puddle, and when I finally got a new one, I was in the middle of signing the paperwork to take him off life support.” Taking his hand and linking their fingers, she tightened her grip and willed him to understand.

  “Okay, ready to go?” The paramedic climbed in with them, effectively ending their conversation.

  Alex didn’t leave her side until she’d been seen, stitched up, and was safely in the car with her sister. Before Chassity pulled away from the hospital, Alex leaned through the open car window and cupped the back of Lauren’s head. His lips hovered over hers as he murmured, “I’m not giving up on us.”

  Tilting her chin, she brought their mouths together in a soft kiss. As she pulled back, her eyes found his. “Good.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Finishing his shift had been complete torture. Alex let out a groan as he finally got on the road, heading for home so he could shower before making his way to see Lauren. They were on their way back to each other, he could feel it in his bones. As he pulled into the driveway, thinking of Lauren sent a wave of gratitude crashing over him. This was a second chance, and he wasn’t going to squander it.

  After showering and changing, he gathered his jacket and stepped into some boots. His stomach fluttered, filled with butterflies at the thought of seeing her. Yesterday she’d told him not to give up, but he knew she needed him to ease back into things slowly.

  Walking down the hall, he stopped at the closed door of the guest room. Besides Donovan, no one had stayed there since Alex had moved back in. He closed his eyes and took a steadying breath. That room had been meant for so much. When Roxie had gotten pregnant the first time, they’d immediately gone out, bought curtains, paint, and his favorite, a little stuffed fire truck toy. He’d told Roxie, girl or boy, every kid needed a fire truck.

  He chuckled to himself as he thought about the brief argument they’d had right in the middle of the store. He’d gotten his way, and they’d made up shortly after. For the first time since she’d died, he realized he didn’t feel the crushing grief that usually settled over him when he thought of her. Reaching into his pocket for his phone, he dialed Lauren’s number, hoping to be able to talk to her before he showed up at the beach house.

  “Hello?” The word was uttered in such a soft whisper, Alex had trouble distinguishing the voice behind it.

  “Chassity?”

  “Hi, Alex. Lauren’s sleeping right now.”

  Glancing at the clock, he frowned. It was almost ten in the morning. “Is she okay?”

  “Well, she didn’t really sleep much last night. She said it was a combination of the baby being restless and the fact that her foot had been impaled yesterday. She won’t take anything for the pain.”

  Running a hand over his jaw, his lips twitched as he tried not to smile. He should feel bad she was hurting, but the image of her stubborn, adorable ass refusing pain medication made him proud.

  “I’ve got something to take care of, but I want to come by and see her. I’ll bring lunch if you want.”

  Chassity heaved a sigh. “You are so fucking awesome. Why haven’t you just clubbed Lauren over the head and married her? Didn’t they used to do that in Scotland back in the olden days? I’ll pay for your flights.”

  This time he did laugh. “I’ll be there by noon. Don’t wake her. Is her foot elevated?”

  “Yes.” He could almost hear her rolling her eyes. “I’m going to take a nap, too. I was up most of the night with her. Just let yourself in. I’ll leave a key under the mat.”

  As they hung up, he thought back to the first time he’d met Lauren’s out-of-control little sister. He’d hated her. Now was a different story. The girl was a firecracker, but she was loyal to her sister.

  Locking up his house, he headed for the truck, needing to make one stop before picking up lunch and going to get his girl.

  His mom sat on the porch, as usual when the weather was nice. She held a mug between her hands while she watched the sleepy neighborhood come to life. As he parked, her face lit with pleasure, sending warmth through him. No matter what, he knew she’d always be there for him.

  “Alex, honey. What brings you over here?”

  “I’ve got something I need to talk about, Mama. You busy?”

  Holding one arm out, she scooted over on the step and made room for him. “I’ve always got time for you.”

  As he took a seat, his chest tightened. His family only knew the bare minimum about Roxie, about Lauren, about most things in his life. He’d thought that was the right way to go about things, until now.

  “I know you loved Roxie,” he started, willing the tremor in his voice to su
bside. “She loved you, too. But there’s a lot about our relationship you don’t know. I think I need to tell you.”

  She listened as he poured out his hurt and his guilt. Save for a few soft gasps during the particularly painful memories, she stayed silent, just holding his hand as he spoke. When he was done, she had tears glistening in her big blue eyes.

  “Why didn’t you tell me any of this before? You had to go through all of that by yourself.”

  Pursing his lips, he shook his head. “I don’t know. Roxie didn’t want anyone to know about our problems. It just wasn’t how we did things. But I realize now, that everything we went through really messed me up for a long time. I’m sorry I didn’t talk to you.”

  “And now you’ve had to deal with even more because of Lauren.” Her eyes were hard and he immediately regretted not sharing more about his situation with Lauren.

  “Mama, Lauren is the most wonderful woman I’ve ever known.”

  “But she left you, lied to you. She’s having that police officer’s baby.”

  Gripping both of her hands, he smiled. “No. She’s having my baby. She tried to tell me so many times. I was just so used to being with someone who skirted the truth all the time, I wouldn’t allow myself to see beyond my distrust. I love her and I know she loves me. I just have to prove to her that I’m not going anywhere.”

  A soft smile appeared on his mother’s face. “Oh, my boys. When you fall, you fall hard. Just like your daddy.” She pulled him in for a hug, squeezing him tight.

  Pulling away, he looked her in the eyes. “Do you still have that box of baby stuff I gave you after we moved to Richmond?”

  Eyes shining, she nodded. “It’s in the closet in Mitchell’s room.”

  Standing, he helped her up and they walked inside together. Even if Lauren wasn’t ready to come back, he’d show her he was in this for the rest of his life.

  Chapter 32

  A low voice murmured, just on the edge of Lauren’s consciousness. Fingers ran through her hair, bringing her back from sleep to reality. She sighed and blinked away the remnants of her dream, unable to stop her heart from swelling at the sight of Alex’s handsome face.

  “Hi.” She had to push through the tightness in her throat, but when he smiled, wide and genuine, all of her nerves were gone.

  “Hey.”

  The way he was looking at her sent a bolt of need straight to her center and she had to remind herself that this was her sister’s house. They weren’t alone. They weren’t together. “What are you doing here?”

  “I brought lunch. How’s the foot?”

  Gently wiggling her toes, she winced as the stitches pulled. “It hurts, but I’ll be okay.”

  “Chassity says you won’t take any painkillers.”

  Shaking her head, she worked to sit up. Alex’s hands immediately went around her, pulling her to a sitting position and lingering just a little longer than they needed to. “I don’t want to hurt the baby.”

  Pressing a kiss to her forehead, he sighed. “I get that. Can I take a look at it?”

  She nodded and worked to control her raging hormones as he leaned across her and removed the bandage. His amazing rear was so close, she could reach out and touch him if she wanted to.

  Stop, stop, stop. What was wrong with her? Replacing the bandage, he sat back in his place on the large coffee table and ran a hand through her hair. Good lord he smelled amazing. Her nipples tightened and she was sure he could sense the lust raging through her.

  “Looks good. You’ll probably be as good as new in a week or two.”

  Swallowing hard, she stared up at him. “Good. That’s great.”

  “We, uh, we never got to finish our conversation in the ambulance. Why didn’t you tell me your dad died when I called you?”

  “I . . . He was still alive. He didn’t tell us he was sick. I had just found out he was dying and that I was the one who had to decide to take him off life support.”

  He gripped her hand, running his thumb across the inside of her wrist. “Lauren, I’m so sorry. I don’t know what to say.”

  “You don’t have to say anything. I shouldn’t have spoken to you the way I did. I was a mess.”

  Shaking his head, he leaned in closer, so close she could see the beat of his pulse against his throat. “You don’t have anything to apologize for. I jumped to conclusions, thought I’d scared you off. I thought you were both leaving me.”

  Unable to keep herself from touching him, she cupped his face in her palm, loving the feel of his day-old stubble on her skin. “We’re right here. I’m not going anywhere, Alex. Even if we’re not able to move past friendship, I’d never take your daughter from you.”

  A fire lit behind his eyes, bright and intense as he stared at her. “It might take weeks, maybe months, but I promise, we’re moving way beyond friendship.”

  She wanted so badly to kiss him. His lips were so close. “Alex?”

  As if he sensed her need, he leaned closer. “What is it, baby?”

  Her breaths came in soft pants as his mouth closed in on hers. “I . . . I think . . .”

  He inched nearer. She could feel his breath against her skin, her hand drifted down over his neck until it rested over his heart. Biting her lower lip, she squirmed as he ran a finger over her neck and traced her collarbone. “What? What do you think?”

  Shivering, she leaned her head back to give herself a little space to think. How could she make the right choice with him so close? “I think we need to slow down.”

  His hand stopped for the span of a heartbeat before his lips twitched and he cradled the back of her head. “I think that’s the worst idea you’ve ever had.”

  Dipping his head, he closed the space between them. The instant his lips touched hers a fire blazed through her. Oh, yes. She’d been fighting it for so long, but having him touch her, kiss her, was the only thing she needed in this moment. Her brows furrowed, a small moan escaping as he deepened the kiss and both of his hands tangled in her hair. He took her mouth with desperate abandon, as though he thought she’d vanish if he stopped.

  Breaking the kiss, he stared into her eyes, searching her expression. “Lauren, we don’t have to rush anything, but you have to know I don’t plan to live my life without you. I’ll wait until you’re ready. But I need to know you still love me.” His voice broke as he spoke. “Just give me that. Because I fucking love you, so damn much.”

  Tears flooded her eyes, distorting her vision. “I’ve never stopped loving you. Not for one second.”

  He claimed her mouth again, this time softer, more tender, and controlled. Threading her fingers through his hair, she pressed her tongue past his lips and a thrill ran through her at the soft groan that fell from him. His hand slid down the column of her throat before he palmed her breast. Sparks ignited in her body at the contact. She’d spent many nights dreaming of this very thing.

  “Alex, not here. Chassity . . .”

  “Is on a walk. She left when I got here. Told me to have you call when it was safe to come back.”

  Chuckling, she rolled her eyes. “That was a little over-confident, don’t you think?”

  He let his hand drift down the swell of her belly and between her thighs. “I guess that depends on your reaction.” Massaging her inner thigh, he smirked as she shivered. “Are you ready for me? Slick and needy?” Gripping her hand, he brought it down to his obvious arousal. “This is what you do to me, Lauren.”

  “Oh, goodness.” It came out as a harsh gasp when his fingers slid over the juncture between her legs.

  “Come home with me. Stay in my bed. I’ll take care of you until you’re back on your feet. Forever, if you want.”

  She knew what he was offering, and it was so tempting. But they’d agreed to take things slow, at least for now. Drawin
g a heavy breath, she grabbed his hand and moved it away from her body which was screaming for release. “Not yet.” His lips pressed into a thin line. “I want you, Alex. So badly. But we need to take this one step at a time. When I come to stay, I want to be sure it’s forever.”

  Nodding, he sat back, running his hand through disheveled, dark blond locks. “Fuck, Lauren.” He let out a sigh. “You’re right. I’m sorry, I got carried away. You’re so fucking beautiful, and it’s been so long since I’ve had you.”

  A disbelieving laugh escaped her before she could stop herself. “Beautiful? I’m almost seven months pregnant. I’ve got swollen . . . everything.”

  His eyes found hers and the look in them made her heart stutter. “You are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. I don’t think I’ve ever loved anyone more.” He laid his cheek on her belly, pressing a soft kiss to the fullness.

  Her stomach growled as he moved away, making them both laugh. “You said something about lunch?”

  “Absolutely. Come on, put your arms around my neck.”

  She did as she was told and when he scooped her up from the couch, she let out a squeal of protest. “Alex, I can walk.”

  “Baby, I know you can. I don’t want to let go of you just yet.”

  Nuzzling his neck, she smiled against his skin.

  “Should we call Chassity?”

  A devilish gleam shone in his eyes. “I’m not ready to share you. I think I should let Sully know she’s in town. Maybe he can keep her occupied until I’ve made up for lost time.”

  “You’re awful, pimping Sully out like a dirty whore.”

  “I believe the term you’re looking for is gigolo, and he won’t mind. He hasn’t stopped talking about Chassity since the last time she was here.”

  He placed her in a chair and headed to the refrigerator, pulling out the bag of food.

  “Really?”