Bloodline (Sue Thomas FBEye)

Bloodline - Chapter Six

Night had fallen over the mountains. Snuggled in front of the fireplace with Levi, Sue breathed in the homey scent of burning woods. For the last fourteen days, she'd called the cabin home, and with one more week to go, she found herself holding on to those last seven days of peace. Here with Jack, she'd found a sense of belonging that had escaped her all her life. She would miss the little cabin.

Levi lifted his head and tipped the cup of hot chocolate she held in her hand.

"Levi!" The warm liquid seeped into her shirt and she recoiled. Sad brown eyes looked at her. "Yes. That's your fault."

Though holding a book and a cup with Levi's head on her lap hadn't been the smartest move she'd ever made.

Jack was on his way, but she didn't expect him for another hour or so. It should give her ample time for a shower or a long bath. The door was locked. She was tempted to lower the inside bar for additional protection, but in second-thought, she didn't in case she fell asleep in the tub.

"You'll have to stand guard, Levi. We don't want to lock Jack outside."

After a long walk in the woods in the afternoon, a succulent supper and a generous piece of cake, Sue dozed off in the warm water, daydreaming of brown eyes and tender touches.

The shower curtain ruffled and a draft of colder air rose the hair on her arms.

"Levi?" She peeked around the curtain and caught the door as it closed. "Is someone there?"

A head peeped from above the rod, spiking her heart rate.

"Jack! You scared me to death."

"Sorry." His sheepish grin as he gazed at her looked anything but sorry. "Mind if I join you?"

Heat infused the cold water. "I... I was getting out."

"Let's see if I can help with this." He swept the curtain open and knelt by the tub with a huge towel. As he dipped his free hand in the water, his fingers tickled her toes. "Water is cold. How long have you been in here?"

The amount of time vanished from her mind as his lips perused on her bare shoulder. Whatever he murmured or said was lost to her. Water escaped down the drain, and the air cooled her body. She shivered as he scooped her in his arms and wrapped her in the yellow towel. Strong hands gently dried her skin and awoke her senses.

She leaned her head in the crook of his neck and breathed in his scent. "I love you."

He'd left three days ago, and she'd counted the hours before being in his arms again.

Burst of air tickled her earlobe as he whispered in her ear. She couldn't hear the words, but the meaning was as clear as spring water flowing down the mountain on a sunny autumn day when he carried her into the dim bedroom and tenderly loved her long after the fire died in the fireplace.

She rested in his arms, her head on his chest where the erratic beating of his heart slowly subsided against her ear. His hand caressed her back, and her own breathing evened out.

"I love you, Jack."

His body shifted under her as he stretched his hand toward the night table. The lamp he turned on shone a soft blue glow on the walls. He cupped her chin and tilted her head.

"I love you, too." Unadulterated love irradiated from the depths of brown eyes. "Could we talk, or would you rather sleep?"

"Is there anything particular would like to talk about?" She liked to talk before they fell asleep.

He kissed the tip of her nose. "Lucy."

An invisible grip squeezed her heart. "Has something happened to her?"