Deceived (Unlikely Heroes Book 3)
Page 34
She watched his Adam’s apple bob up and down as he swallowed. “You taught me how special it is too,” he whispered huskily.
She wiped at a tear. “Before you, I didn’t think I was loveable. I was always the outcast, the weirdo, the freak. My Tourette’s scared everyone away. I didn’t think I’d ever find a man who wasn’t bothered by it. But you…for some reason you don’t care. You’re special, Zach Sullivan.”
He cupped her cheek. “You’re special, more than you realize.”
She lowered her gaze. “I’ve been thinking about the future and I decided I’m going to open a private law practice in Sandpoint. Evan left half of everything to me in his will. The other half goes to his friend Robert. I want to use some of the money to get my practice up and running, but the rest I want to use to help girls who are forced into illegal prostitution by men like Larry.”
“That’s very generous of you,” he murmured.
She drew in a ragged breath. “Okay,” she said softly. “I need you to…hold me now.” Please, hold me tight. After admitting so much, spilling out her heart and soul, she couldn’t help but be afraid of rejection.
Zach groaned softly. He dragged her back into his arms and squeezed her tight. He winced and Meg knew his ribs hurt, but he wouldn’t release her. Pressing soft kisses to her face, he whispered, “I love you. You’re an incredible woman and I feel fortunate that I met you. I don’t know where I would be without you. You changed me, made me a better person.”
She gave a shaky laugh and leaned back, looking into his eyes. Her heart filled with so much joy it felt like it would explode from her chest. No one had ever said those words to her before. He loved her. He loved her!
“I love you, too, Zach. I never thought I would love a man the way I love you.”
She gently ran a finger over a bruise on his cheek. “Does it still hurt?”
“Not as much as being away from you.” Zach crushed her to him again and brushed a lock of hair away from her face.
“Thank you,” she whispered, leaning back to look into his eyes.
“For what?”
“For showing me what I’ve been missing for so long. For teaching me how to fall in love. For…just being you.”
Zach settled back against the pillows, tightening his arms around her, and pulled her into his lap. And just held her. They sat that way for a long moment, neither speaking, neither caring about the lunch that sat untouched on the nightstand. Meg sighed contentedly as she snuggled against him.
“Evan’s friend Robert called me this morning. He wants to help with Evan’s funeral. We’re going to dinner tomorrow night to discuss everything.” Her breath hitched as she again thought of Evan. Dear, sweet Evan. Gone because of her.
Zach tightened his arms around her. “I’d be happy to help too, if you want.”
She wiped at a tear. “Thank you.”
They sat in silence for another long moment. Then she lifted her head and brushed her lips against his.
“I can’t wait until you heal so I can show you how much I love you.”
Zach’s eyes blazed. “Damn woman, what if I told you I can’t wait that long?”
She giggled and leaned back. “We’ve got a little while before Kristen gets home. I promise to be real gentle. That is if you’re up to it.”
His nostrils flared. His eyes darkened to a deep slate gray. “Now?”
Meg felt a certain part of his anatomy begin to stir beneath her. Her breath caught.
“Yes. Right now.”
He wrapped a hand around her neck and gently drew her face down to his.
“I may be sore,” he said huskily. “But I’m not dead.”
Their mouths met.
Meg sighed as she leaned into him.
She’d never been so happy. So much in love. Or felt so privileged in all her life.
“I love you,” she whispered.
And with all the love and tenderness pouring out of her, she showed him just how much.
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About Leslie Georgeson
Leslie Georgeson began writing at the age of fourteen and has been weaving tales ever since. She’s an avid reader and craves edgy, unique stories about strong characters overcoming difficult struggles. She likes to make her own characters suffer through life-altering hardships, but she believes happy endings are what make all the struggles worthwhile.
Leslie lives with her husband, daughter, two horses and a cat on a quiet county acreage in Idaho. Visit her webpage at http://lesliegeorgeson.com/ to learn more.
Other Titles by Leslie Georgeson
AVAILABLE NOW:
No Son of Mine
Stolen – Book 1 in the Unlikely Heroes romantic suspense series
Abducted – Book 2 in the Unlikely Heroes romantic suspense series
Deceived – Book 3 in the Unlikely Heroes romantic suspense series
COMING SOON:
Stoned – Book 4 in the Unlikely Heroes romantic suspense series
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