His palms caress my back as he says, “Can I walk you home?”
“Uh, sure. I just need to put on my shoes.” I bend over and slide into my shoes, using his shoulder to balance myself. Once I have them on, we begin our way back to mama’s farm.
Pierce and I are walking the footpath and we’re about halfway there when, abruptly a flying object zooms past mine and Pierce’s heads. Yanking me back, Pierce yells, “What on God’s green earth was that?”
The hair stands up on the back of my neck as I try to look around to see what whizzed past us but it’s so dark, I can’t find anything.
Pierce tugs me in closely and urgency overtakes his voice, “Let’s get a move on it. I’m not sure what that was, and I don’t like the thoughts of us being out here in the dark with a potential threat.”
We pick up our pace and make it to the barn in record time.
Without discussing the plan, we climb up to the loft as soon as we reach the barn.
I pace back and forth as Pierce and I try to figure out what could be going on. We come up empty handed as we exhaust all the possibilities each of us think of.
“Uh, I need to get out of my bathing suit and into some dry clothes,” I blush shyly.
Searching the pile of blankets for clothes, Pierce asks, “Do you have pajamas out here or any clothes for that matter? All I see are blankets.”
“I can just wrap a blanket around me tonight, and after mama goes to the stitchery in the morning, I’ll change at the house.”
“I’m not so sure I can sleep next to you, knowing you’re completely naked,” he admits as he tugs off his shirt. “Here, wear this.” He offers me the garment with a grin.
Pierce holds up a blanket so I can take my swimsuit off with a modicum of privacy. Slipping on the cotton t-shirt, I bunch the material in my hands and close my eyes, rubbing it against my face. “Mmmmm, this well-worn baby soft t-shirt is now mine, you know that, right?”
“Babe, anything I have is yours…even if it is falling off of one of your shoulders.”
Babe, hmmm? I love the way he just let that roll off of his tongue without even thinking about it. I can get used to that.
A small blanket is wrapped around my middle, and I collapse down at Pierce’s side, facing the window again. Knowing I only have on this shirt, my face reddens a little as we assume our usual positions.
Pierce spoons behind me, hovering over my neck and sending goosebumps all over me. He whispers into my ear, “How did you sleep the past two nights?”
Reversing to face him, I squint my eyes. “Umm, is that a trick question? I stayed at the house both nights and attempted to sleep on the couch. Mama woke to my terrifying screams in the middle of the night. All she could do to soothe me was to get me to drink water and hum softly to get me to escape the hell I was reliving in my night terrors.”
“Oh babe, I knew you suffered, but not to that extent. If I had known, I would have slept on your front porch just to be there for you.”
I close my eyes, and sigh, “There’s no way you could’ve known. I’ve hidden so much from you. I’m sorry, I promise to do better and fill you in on my past. But you have to let me do it on my own time.”
His lips graze mine as he vows, “I promise.”
Not hesitating a second longer, he wraps his hand around the nape of my neck then slides his fingers into my hair as he slowly devours my lips with a fierce hunger. He nips my bottom lip, and we breathe into each other's mouths, tasting and craving one another, breaking away only a few times to come up for air. Our ignited passion seems to simmer after a time as our kisses morph from aggressive to passionate, slow, and tender.
After that last hungry kiss, I’m unable to open my eyes for a few moments. I feel Pierce relax, and as he lies on his back, he tugs me close. I rest my head on his chest, praying to God that I don’t drool on him again. Recognizing that we don’t have to wake up early to train, I know I’ll sleep better with Pierce beside me. Before long, sleep consumes me.
18
Pierce
Blasted sun! There has to be a way to close these shutters and keep the light from brutally waking us up at the crack of dawn. Moving my left arm to shield the rays from blinding me, I’m comforted as I look down. Tova is still asleep on my chest with her face tucked against me, protecting her vision from the bright light. Her blonde hair is glistening in the soft morning light. She’s so beautiful. I can’t keep myself from running my fingers through the silky strands. God, how did I get so lucky?
Groggy eyed, she lifts her head to look at me.
“Morning, glory. Seeing as how you didn’t move a muscle at all last night, I’d say you slept pretty well.”
“Uh, huh. I’m glad to see I didn’t drool on you this time. God, that was mortifying.” She yawns, mumbling against my skin, her cheek still pressed into my chest.
I squeeze her ever so snuggly. “So, Mr. Hughes cleared you for training?”
“He gave the okay for swimming, light jogging, and hiking. So long as it’s not a terrible climb, requiring me to use my shoulder excessively. He removed the sutures and said that I was healing up nicely.”
“That’s impressive. I didn’t think the stitches would come out until Wednesday. I’m not second-guessing him, but do you mind if I look at your back?”
Keeping the blanket wrapped around her bottom half, she lifts the shirt—the one she’s now claimed—over her back and onto her shoulders, attempting to keep her front half covered and consents. “Sure.”
I whistle an astonished catcall and trace her scar with the pad of my thumb.“Your laceration…it’s entirely closed up.”
She hums “Mm-hm,” dragging the top back down over her torso.
Tova shifts to face me and crosses her legs. She adjusts the blanket over her lap, so she doesn’t reveal anything. “Mama is probably out of the house now. The Hands aren’t supposed to be here at the barn for at least an hour or so. So, no one should see me scamper off to the house. I’ll shower and get dressed. Are you up for a hike today?” she asks, avoiding the topic of her scar.
“Absolutely, but Mr. Hughes said not to overexert yourself. I’m cool with just hanging out here if you’d rather,” I emphasize, not wanting her to re-injure herself.
Placing her hand on my thigh, she continues, “No, I want to show you the waterfall. Do you want to go grab some swim trunks from your cabin and meet me back here?”
“I mean, I guess, if you’re sure.” I reach for her hand.
Squeezing my fingers, she assures, “I’m positive.”
As I stand, I pull her up with me. Poised in front of her, I give the tip of her nose a peck. “Okay, Spitfire. I’ll meet you back here in a bit.”
Back at my cabin, Jace greets me at the door with a knowing grin. “Hey man, all is forgiven?”
I clap him on the shoulder, not making eye contact as I walk past him and head inside. “More than you know.”
“Woah now, cat got your tongue? You’ve never held anything back from me.” He follows me to our shared room.
I grab my duffel bag and start shoving my few belongings inside.
Jace, unsure why I’m packing every single thing I own, asks, “Care to tell me why you're packing up all your stuff?”
I plop down on my bed and sigh. “Jace, take a seat.”
Curiously surveying my body language, he cautiously sits on his bed. “Pierce, you’re starting to worry me.”
I wave him off, reassuring him, “Awe, don’t worry about me. I’m better than I have ever been before. I have a serious question to ask you.”
“Don’t egg me on. What is it?” he grumbles, stern-faced.
Without dilly dallying any longer, I ask, “Care to be my best man? I’m going to ask Tova to be mine and only mine for all eternity today. We’re hiking up to some falls she’s been raving about, and I know it’s the perfect time to ask her. She’s the only one for me, Jace. I don’t expect there will be a long courtship because, God…I can’t hold out
any longer.” I laugh.
Jace wrinkles his forehead. “Bro, you sure about this? You’ve only known her for what, like six weeks. Here you are packing up all your shit like she’s done gone and said yes. You got balls of steel, man. I’ll give you that.”
“Never been more sure of anything in my entire life, I’ve known since the first day I saw her that she was the one. There’s no doubt I’m going to build a life with her, share a home, have a family, and love her with all that I am for the rest of our lives.”
He props himself up with his arms and leans back on his bed. “I’m happy for you, man, really I am. You know I’ll be right by your side. So, why are you packing all your stuff right now?”
“We may not be hitched just yet, but I can’t live another day without her. I’ll be staying in their loft in the barn. Tonight, at suppertime, I’m going to ask her mom if I can make it into a living quarter for Tova and me. I want it to be a surprise, so don’t mention it to Tova.”
His eyes widen and his mouth gapes open at that thought. “I’m not planning on staying there forever. There’s a lake at the edge of her mom’s farm. I want to purchase some of that property from her mom and build a quaint little lake house for us there.”
Shifting from his relaxed position, he leans forward, placing his elbows on his knees. “I can only hope that one day I’ll be as happy as you are, buddy. When are you going to tell Kage, the rest of your family, and the guys?”
“After she says yes, of course,” I chuckle. “So, maybe Sunday, we’ll have supper with my family. I’ll introduce her to my family. I know Kage has definitely told them about me being lovesick. I’m not about to walk into the lion’s den on Monday with Tova wearing a promise ring and Kage not knowing anything about it. He’ll have my head on a platter and embarrass the shit out of both of us. You know that.”
He stands up and smiles. “Sounds like you’ve thought it all out. Just tell me where and when to show up, and I’m there.”
“Thanks, man, that means a lot. As soon as we iron out the details, I’ll fill you in.”
Grabbing my bag, I pounce out the door of the cabin toward my new home. I guess I am overly confident, but I’m not taking no for an answer.
I wander on my path, picking up some twine and attempt to make it into a promise ring. Dang it. My hands are dripping sweat; that’s supposed to be Kage’s area of alteration, not mine. Crap. Wiping my hands nervously on my jeans, I finally finish the braid, placing it into my right pocket.
Completely oblivious that I’ve made it to the gate at her house, Tova jumps up on it, causing it to rattle, and I jump out of my skin as it startles me.
“Ahh! Woman, are you trying to give me a heart attack?”
She’s laughing hysterically. “You should have seen your face.” Bending over and gripping her stomach, she continues to bellow.
Finally, wiping tears from her eyes and trying her best to stand tall, she asks, “What were you so deep in thought about that you didn’t even hear my feet crunching on the rocks as I was approaching you?”
I throw my duffle to the side, closing the gate behind me as I enter.
“Humph, you think I’m going to tell you, after I just about shit my britches.”
“Oh come on now, don’t be a sour puss. I’m sure some of my undies will fit you until we wash yours.” She giggles and slaps me on the rump.
I grab her by the waist. “You think you’re funny, don’t you?” I lean into her, kissing her softly on her smiling lips.
“Ha, it’s pretty obvious that I’m hilarious,” she laughs. “You don’t pack lightly, do you? How many swimming shorts do you think you’ll need,” she asks, gesturing to the sack.
“A man can never be too certain which set of trunks to wear.”
“K, let’s take your bag to the loft. Grab whatever set of shorts you want. Judgment-free zone right here, buddy. I’ve got a picnic packed. I’ll grab it and meet you outside the barn.”
We hike up a cleared path for about a mile and a half. Tova veers us off the beaten pathway onto a smaller trail and within another mile, we finally reach our destination. Roaring waters deafen my train of thought. When we stop near the edge of a cliff on a jagged rock, I’m in awe of the breathtaking view.
Tova clutches my hand. “Magnificent, isn’t it?”
It’s definitely spectacular. Rapid gray and blue water whooshes from overhead, cascading into a dark abyss below, spraying us lightly as it passes. Taking the satchel of goodies from my other hand, Tova sits it on the ground.
Shucking her clothes, she reveals a slinky bikini and an already gleaming wet body from the hike up here.
“You mean to tell me that you just jump into depths of the unknown, and I’m supposed to be okay with that?”
“Not getting cold feet, are you? I’ve done it my whole life, and I’ve not died yet.”
“Never, I just want to make sure that…” Before I can complete my sentence, she swan dives into the ravine below.
Holy Hell! Where is she?
I search for what seems an eternity when she finally surfaces. Good God, this woman is fearless. She’s yelling something, but the thundering falls drown out her voice.
Discarding my jeans and shirt, I leave my swim trunks on, figuring, Why the hell not. I leap out as far as I can when suddenly gravity consumes me, plummeting me into the void below. Heat immediately surges from my hands. Holding my breath, I swiftly swim to the top. I finally emerge, taking in a gulp of air and search for Tova. She swims to me, taking my hand, and the heat simmers as my adrenaline calms down.
“Such an adrenaline rush, right?” she shouts.
“Yes, Spitfire. You could say that,” I retort loudly.
Approaching the edge of the riverbed, we climb out onto dry land.
“Now that I’ve made you pee yourself, I’ve worked up an appetite; wanna eat?”
“You really know how to keep a man on his toes, don’t ya?” I leer at her.
“You wouldn’t have it any other way,” she responds with a bright smile and a quick peck to my cheek.
Locking our fingers together, we trail back toward the food. My eyes wander to her sleek legs; they’re lean, toned, and perfectly etched out, defining her muscles with every step she takes. Tracing her body, my eyes appreciate the view even more, watching the drops of water dance off of her toned abs that, unfortunately, I wasn’t able to view when she got out of the pool the other night in the gloom of the gym. Oh, but not now… She’s stealing my breath away, in broad daylight, all over again.
As we reach our destination, Tova releases my hand, leans down, and grabs our towels. Turning to hand me one, her front grazes my chest revealing that she’s either cold or is as attracted to me as I am to her. I wrap my towel around her, using the excuse of the cold to my advantage, and pull her even tighter against me, her breath hiccupping at the sudden move.
“Cold?” I ask, beginning to dry her off. Warming my hands and rubbing them against the towel, I dry her back. She wraps her arms around my waist and throws her towel over my back and shoulders as well, mimicking my movements. She’s so damn considerate. I’m not cold, but she doesn’t know that.
Continuing to dry her, I notice chill bumps all along her arms, so I bring the towel to them, wiping away the rogue drops.
In the heat of the moment, the fire rages in my bones as she throws our towels to the ground and her lips meet mine. We taste each other feverishly, caressing and exploring each other’s bodies.
19
Tova
We recover from our heated make-out session, Pierce stopping us before going any further saying, once again, “The timing isn’t right.” I lay out a red and white gingham blanket and spread the food out, placing our canteens of water beside each plate. Sitting crisscrossed facing each other, we make our sandwiches, then heap potato salad, cowboy caviar, and some cut-up fruit onto our plates.
“When exactly is the ‘timing’ going to be right?” I ask. I sure flipping know that
I’m ready now.
“Well, I already see a little sparkle in your eyes. When all the darkness and doubt go away, your eyes will let me know.”
“I’m so glad that my eyes get to determine what my heart wants.” I toss a strawberry at him.
“Now that you mention it, what does your heart want, Tova?” he asks, biting into his sandwich.
“I want you, Pierce. I love you. I’m pretty sure I’ve loved you from day one,” I admit, blushing timidly as I tuck my chin, peeking up at him through my lashes.
Leaning over our plates, he skims his lips over mine. “You have no idea how happy that makes me to hear you say it.”
He sits back down, reaching for his pants. Sliding his hands into one pocket, he extracts a piece of braided twine—a promise ring. My heart stutters inside my chest, and my breath comes in fast and shallow.
Fartnocker, is this really happening?
My eyes go blurry as my heart races.
No. No. No. What in the world is happening?
Shaking my head, I close my eyes, trying to focus. When I open them again, everything is freakishly sharp. I can see the individual hairs on Pierce’s face. I glance at his arms, and I swear I can see blood cells coursing through his veins, leaving behind a trail of flames. Redirecting my gaze to the twine, I can see each fiber of the respective threads. When I gaze at the landscape ahead, my focus is on particular things instead of the full view.
I can see a single mouse sniffing a flower, but it blurs the rest of the countryside out. My vision is acute when things are two to three feet from my face. Still, my peripheral vision seems to have increased in diameter as I’m keenly aware of smaller things moving, like the birds stirring in the trees. Not only that, things are not very colorful. My vision is restricted to two, maybe three colors. Not understanding what the hell is happening to me, I smack a palm to my head. When I open my eyes, I can see color again and things as they’re supposed to be.
Protecting Tova (Iron Mountain Book 1) Page 10
