Limitless Love (Lotus House #4)(50)
“No. But I am sleepy and hungry.”
I pulled back, kissing her long and slow before grabbing her tank and helping get it over her head. Next, I eased the sweater over her arms.
“How do you feel otherwise?”
“Mmm, yummy.”
Again I chuckled and helped her off the table.
“No, babe. I mean where they removed the stitches?” I asked while leading her out of the office.
We didn’t run into anyone on the way out, which meant no questions as to why it took so long to leave the room, and I thanked the big man above for the small favor. She didn’t need to feel embarrassed after what was a priceless moment for the both of us. I’d never forget getting her off in the doctor’s office, and I didn’t think she would either. Mission accomplished.
“I think I feel pretty good. Of course, it’s sore and it did hurt, but afterward was pretty darn great.” Her cheeks flushed a rosy pink. I’d pay good money to see that blush on her face regularly.
“Darn great?” I laughed while buckling her into my SUV then rushing around the other side.
“Yeah, darn great.”
I maneuvered my body over the console and kissed her long, hard, and so wet she sighed sleepily when I finished. When I pulled back, I focused on the dreamy quality in her gaze and opened my heart to her.
“I am so into you.”
Her return smile was huge, bright, and so fucking brilliant. “I’m into you too, Clay. Very into you.” She beamed and then blushed again.
God, I loved that look on my woman. Pretty and pink.
“Where do you want to eat? Anywhere. Fancy, expensive, you name it; I’m buying you whatever you want because I’m so proud of you taking on that procedure the way you did. Blew my mind, beautiful.”
She placed her hand over mine. “Honestly, I was thinking a bowl of soup and a sandwich at Rainy Day Café followed up with a treat from Sunflower Bakery would be awesome.”
I put the car in gear and headed to the normal haunt near Lotus House. I shook my head.
“What?” she asked, a smile to her voice.
“I offer you anything and you want to go to a café where your entire meal won’t even cost fifteen bucks, and that includes the treat at Sunflower. And that’s if they charge you.”
“I love Rainy Day and Sunflower.” She shrugged. “Why go overboard when simple is just right?”
“Why indeed? Well, what my girl wants, she gets. We can even pick up some glittery cookies for the queen to have when we pick her up. She’d like that.”
I glanced over when she squeezed my hand. “So. Very. Into. You.”
Chapter Eleven
When the heart chakra is open, an individual has a desire to bring happiness and joy to others, including their partners, friends, and acquaintances. Finding peace in all things is a guiding nature for this individual.
MONET
Clayton found us a table at the back of Rainy Day Café. I loved coming here, because just walking into the café gave patrons the feeling of entering a rainforest. Living potted plants dotted the environment, their vines stretching across the ceiling and walls. Coree and Bethany, the sisters who owned the place, did a great job of keeping the hippy, organic vibe of the street and served food worth eating. Hearty, healthy, and delicious. Not a combination every restaurant was capable of, but they’d found a balance.
“You seem happy,” Clayton said while pulling out my chair. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had a man pull out my chair. Kyle never did in the years we were dating or when we were married. The simple act made me feel special.
I smiled and sat, making sure not to lean my sore back against the rungs of the chair. “I am. Being here is normal. Feels good to be out and around people I know and the things that make me feel like myself.”
“Makes sense.” He scooted his chair a bit closer to my side of the table so he could put a hand on my knee. The warmth from his palm seeped into my muscles, instantly giving me a serenity I hadn’t anticipated feeling. His touches did that. Warmed me. Gifted the sensation of being safe. Coveted.
“I’m going to work tomorrow,” I announced firmly.
Clayton’s gaze slashed to mine. I could easily see concern etched into the fine lines around his sky-blue eyes.
I placed my hand over his where it rested on my knee. “I can’t hide in my house forever. Who knows when they are going to catch Kyle, if ever. He could be long gone…”
“You don’t know that,” he growled angrily.
Licking my lips, I thought about how to best address what I wanted to say. He needed some semblance of security. “Look, I cannot allow my ex to control my life any more than he already has. I did it for too long when I was married to him. Now I’ve done it for over two weeks. The stitches are removed and I have clients to tend to. People who need me. Count on me.”
Clayton’s jaw hardened, and a muscle ticked in his cheek. “I need you. Lily needs you. Alive.”
His words arrowed into my heart. I closed my eyes against the pain, the concern I knew was leading his fear. “The building has security. I’ll leave before it gets dark. Whatever it takes.”
“Whatever it takes?” He cleared his throat and squeezed my knee.