by Linda Oaks
“They haven’t lived here in a while. Last year, I ran across Chase and Chance in upstate New York… Rochester. There’s a little pub called The Drunken Star. You might be able to find them there. They also own a gym nearby. I can’t recall the name.”
Something cold, almost calculating, flashed in the depths of her golden brown eyes. Her face tightened, but her lips curved into a grin that didn’t quiet reach her eyes.
Who was this girl and why was she looking for the Logan twins?
“Thanks,” she murmured, and without another word, she hurried across the yard to the car that sat idling in the driveway. It was an old Impala; the paint blue and faded; the body dented and rusty in spots. The hood was a washed out red, almost pink. It was painted a different color than the rest of the car. In the passenger side seat sat a young girl also with dark hair. They looked like sisters.
“Everyone’s waiting,” Nate reminded me, and I glanced once more at the two girls before he ushered me away from the door. “I already told everyone about my plans to open a bail bond agency here in Crawley.”
It was a dream of his. I was so proud of him, only this time he would be handling all of the boring aspects of the bond instead of chasing after the bonded if things went south. It meant he could still be a part of what he loved and actually spend more time at home with those he loved. When we’d married, Nate had turned over The Eight Ball to me. It was my baby, and Cecil was now my assistant manager.
“That’s fine, honey,” I reassured him. It wasn’t a big deal. It was okay that he’d told them without me. Hank darted past us, disappearing into the kitchen. Together, we walked up the hallway.
“Today’s been full of surprises,” he commented, smiling down at me. “I can’t wait to tell everyone about the baby.”
Oh, I’d almost forgot.
“Speaking of surprises,” I said, and Nate’s steps slowed; his pace no longer matched mine, forcing me to stop. He squeezed my hand reassuringly. We stood in the hallway staring back at one another. Before I could say a word, a dawning expression registered on his handsome face. His eyes flickered from mine to my belly.
“Miley?”
His eyes were wide. He looked terrified, but when I smiled at him and nodded my head, he burst out laughing.
“Twins?” he asked.
I nodded again.
“Seriously?”
I nodded once more, and he pulled me against him. Before I could speak, his lips covered mine. When I ran out of air, I turned my head and gasped for a breath. How can this man still take my breath away? As I stood there within the shelter of his arms, I’d never felt more loved or cherished in all of my life. Warm lips gently brushed my cheek and he buried his nose in my hair. I heard him inhale. “I love the way you smell. I love the way you feel. Hell, baby, I love everything about you.”
“Even my freckles?” I teased, and at the rush of his warm breath in my ear, my skin erupted in goosebumps. My nipples tightened and his fingers contracted against my hips.
“Especially your freckles,” he reassured, and he pulled away to gaze down at me. “You know we have a house full of people here. Right?”
None of that mattered. He could read me like an opened book. He was thinking the same thing that I was. There was even that mischievous gleam in his eyes.
“They’ll never miss us,” I told him. He didn’t speak a word but grabbed my hand and led me quickly back down the hall to the stairs.
“Nate, I was joking,” I protested… well, not really, but he was right, we had company.
“Too bad,” he replied, and swooped me up into his arms. I was giggling as he carried me up the stairs.
Maybe, they wouldn’t notice our absence after all.
I WAS DELICIOUSLY sweaty and sprawled wantonly naked across Nate’s chest like a limp rag doll without a care in the world. His fingers gently brushed away the hair stuck to the side of my face. I rolled my head onto his shoulder and stared up into his hazel eyes. “I love you,” he said, and my lips curved into a smile reciprocating his. Here lately, that’s all I did was smile, and he was the reason why.
“I love you,” I replied in return, and there were no truer words that had ever been spoken.
One big hand cupped my cheek and the other cradled the slight curve of my belly. He gazed back at me as if I’d hung the moon. He made me believe that anything was possible, and because of our love… it was.
“You, Sierra, and these babies are my world, my reason for living — my life. You, Miley Triton, you’re my home. The word never held any meaning for me until now… until you. You showed me the way home.”
As I lay there staring back at him, I considered his words. “You’re wrong, Nate. We showed each other.” I explained, and then leaned forward, placing my lips against his. His scent filled my nostrils, alluring and addictive. He smelled untamed; of the woods, crisp and clean. His scent was all his own, alluring and addictive. I’d never tire of it. I’d never tire of him. He made my heart smile.
He pulled back and placed a light kiss on the tip of my nose before he fell back against the mattress and stretched. I loved looking at him. If I could, I would keep him naked. “Should we get dressed now?” I asked, remembering our guests downstairs. He grinned at me while running a hand through his dark hair. It was sticking up all over his head.
“I hate to move,” he said, stifling a yawn. “You think they’ve missed us yet?”
Before I could speak, the bedroom door rattled loudly. Surprised, I jerked against him, and he started laughing. “The door’s locked. Don’t worry.”
“Daddy?” Sierra called, pounding hard against the door. “Are you in there? Is Mommy with you?”
I giggled and quickly covered my mouth. I was amazed it had taken her this long to miss us.
“Get dressed,” Nate ordered in that low husky voice of his that made me tingle. He rolled away from me and was still wearing a smile as he sat on the edge of the bed naked. It was one of those smiles that always managed to make me drop my panties, no questions asked. He grabbed his jeans from the floor and stood. I watched the ripple and play of his rock hard muscles as he slid his jeans up his muscular thighs. He’d decided to go commando. We’d been in such a hurry to lose our clothes, I noticed my panties were lying clear across the room.
“Daddy?” Sierra yelled once more. Nate shot me a look of exasperation as I lay on the bed trying hard not to giggle. I couldn’t help the snort that escaped my lips.
“Yeah, baby,” he called out. “Mommy and I are in here.” He grabbed his shirt from the floor and turned, pointing a finger at me. “Get dressed, now.” He was still smiling, so instead of obeying him, I stayed put, completely aware of his eyes watching me as he continued to dress. I hated to move. I hated to put clothes on. Poor Nate, I thought staring back at him as my thoughts drifted.
He’d changed our lives, and in return, I’d made sure he’d never see another minute’s peace.
“Is home everything you imagined it would be?” I asked him, and since he was now dressed and walking toward me, I sat up and moved to edge of the bed to stand before him. My legs quivered. He held my panties clenched in his big hand. Beneath his intense gaze, my heart fluttered wildly out of control. Once more, warmth pooled between my thighs. He had the ability to keep me in a constant state of arousal, and he knew it.
With Sierra pounding on the bedroom door and a house full of guest’s downstairs awaiting our return, Nate took the time to take me in his arms. When I started to bury my face in his chest, he hooked a finger beneath my chin, forcing me to look at him. It had been a silly question I know, but there, reflected within his gaze… there was no mistaking the depths of his love.
“Home is everything and more,” he stated, flashing me those irresistible dimples of his right before his lips covered mine.
He was so right. It really was everything and more.
~The End~
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
LINDA OAKS has always had a passion for bo
oks. At the age of five, she was a book of the month club member. Her love for books eventually led her to a love of writing. She resides in Eastern Kentucky with her husband, two children, five dogs and a pet rabbit named Dozer. She can be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. She can also be reached by email at [email protected]. She loves connecting with her readers.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
First and foremost, I’d like to start off by thanking C.E.O. Nathan Van Dyken and the team at Blue Tulip Publishing for making this book possible. Thank you for your belief in me and my stories and your continued support. You guys are the BEST!
A huge thank you and shout out to Jena Brignola for her patience and her amazing ability to read my mind. She also creates out of this world book covers and teasers. You are AWESOME, Jena and thank you once more for the BEAUTIFUL book cover and the gorgeous teasers for The Way Home. I’d also like to thank Opal Campbell at Video’s by O for her WONDERFUL book trailers!! Thank you, Opal!!! You are a doll!
Next, I would like to thank Monica Kimble, Amy Neighbors Senethavilay and Kathleen Payne. Thank you for ALWAYS believing in me. I was BLESSED to work with the three of you on this book. Thank you for your patience, your devotion and drive and your INCREDIBLE talent. I am truly GRATEFUL. Thank you for the continued love and support. I think the WORLD of you three and value your friendship!!! Thank you for helping make my story SHINE!! I LOVE you all dearly!!! ❤
A huge thank you to Jeri, Anne, Samantha and Cherrie for reading chapters and providing feedback. You guys are the best!!! I VALUE your insight and APPRECIATE your friendship!!! ☺ I’d also like to say thank you to author KD Wood for her amazing KINDNESS. You are awesome, my friend!!!
There are so many people I’d like to thank. I hope I haven’t left anyone out. I would also like to thank all of my fellow authors at Blue Tulip Publishing for their friendship and support. Thanks for everything! I am so lucky to work with such an AMAZING group of talented people!
I would also like to thank all of the book bloggers out there who selflessly devote their time to promoting authors. You guys are AWESOME!!! I appreciate each and every share, post and comment. Thank you from the bottom of my HEART!! ❤
I’d also like to thank the following for their continued support and friendship:
{Love you all!!!}
❤ Jill Sava of Love Affair With Fiction
❤ Amy Neighbors Senethavilay of Pages Abound
❤ Danielle Reyes of Danielle’s Escape and Book Boyfriends
❤ Anne Bollman of The Book Adventures of Annelise Lestrange
❤ Nichole Dennis of Fictional Rendezvous Book Blog
❤ Amy Rogers of One Book Boyfriend at a Time
❤ Playpire Reviews
❤ S.A.S.S.
If I’ve left anyone out, I truly apologize.
To my FAMILY, I love you more than words can ever convey. Your continued support and belief in me, keep me going. You are my WORLD and will always, always have my HEART. ❤
I would also like to THANK YOU, the reader, for purchasing this book, your reviews, kind words and your continued support!!! I hope you enjoyed Nate and Miley’s story!!!! You guys are TRULY AMAZING!!! Thank you!!! XOXO ❤
Last but not least, I would like to thank GOD for through HIM all things are possible.
Thank you ALL from the bottom of my HEART!!!
Best WISHES and HAPPY Reading,
Linda ❤
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