Bring Me Home for Christmas (Virgin River #16)(35)

“I don’t know,” he said, shaking his head. “I hate it when she’s pissed at me.” He ran a big meaty hand over his face. “You sure you’re going to be all right if I leave you?”

She nodded. “I’m sure. I think this worked out just the way it’s supposed to.”

“And your ankle doesn’t hurt too much anymore?” he asked.

She shook her head.

“Okay, one more thing, Becca. If anything happens and you need me, will you call me?”

“Huh? Richie, you never act like this!”

“Yeah,” he said, running a hand around the back of his neck. “I know you think you’re the boss, the big sister, but it really bothers me to see you upset. I do care about you, you know.” He grimaced. “Don’t tell anyone I said that.”

She put her fingers over her mouth to cover her laugh.

“If you’re sure, I gotta go. I’m leaving early in the morning—I have work on Monday.”

“Yeah. Go,” she said. “And hey, Rich? Thanks. That was a real nice brother-thing to do.”

“Yeah? Well, don’t get used to it.” He stood up. “Call me if you have a problem. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“Jack and Preacher said they’d be looking out for you, too.”

“Thanks.”

He leaned down and gave her a kiss on the forehead. “See ya in a week or so.”

“Drive carefully.”

Because Rich needed to be on the road by about 4:00 a.m. to make the drive to San Diego in just one long day, he left the bar early. Dirk and Troy didn’t have as far to go the next day—Sacramento was approximately a five-hour drive. Denny made sure Becca was settled in his apartment, then drove out to the Riordan cabins to hang out with his friends.

Becca had been asleep awhile when he finally came in. It was almost midnight. She kept her eyes squeezed shut while he undressed in the semidark. She was afraid a mere glimpse of him undressed might blow her mind. She held stock-still while he rustled around on his blow-up mattress. Seemed like he flipped around for a long time before she said, “Everything all right, Denny?”

“Huh?”

“You sound real restless,” she said. “You okay?”

“Just getting comfortable,” he said.

“Why don’t I sleep on that thing tonight so you can get a good night’s sleep in your own bed,” she offered.

“I’ll be fine in a second. This bed is good.”

“I don’t mind at all….”

“Shh,” he said. “Go back to sleep.”

But she was completely conscious of his presence. She inhaled deeply; she could smell him and he was divine. She wanted to put her arms around him, hold him, kiss him, taste him… She had missed him so.

Becca had absolutely no idea where they might go from this point, but one thing was glaringly obvious to her—she had to come clean with Doug. She wouldn’t cheat; she wouldn’t mislead. And she couldn’t leave Doug believing they were quickly moving toward a permanent commitment when, in fact, she was trying to figure out what her relationship was with her ex-boyfriend.

Which meant there were going to be two very uncomfortable phone calls in the morning.

Becca dreamed about the day she met Denny. On a weekend pass from Camp Pendleton, Rich brought Denny over for dinner with their parents. Becca was home from college for the weekend.

They locked eyes and that was just about it. He grinned at her and she smiled at him. Rich said, “Oh, crap! I should have known something like this would happen!”

From that moment on, if they were in the same room, they were touching. They abandoned Rich and went off to be alone together. They talked on the phone daily, sometimes several times a day. There was passion between them almost instantly. They talked about everything in life; they could go from hysterical laughter to serious heat in seconds.

When they made love for the first time, it was perfect. That first time they were a little clumsy, but utterly intoxicated with each other’s bodies. By the time they’d made love a few times, they were absolute experts. Denny taught her about men; he told her nothing was easier than satisfying a guy, so encouraged her to help him concentrate on pleasing her. He put her at ease; he inspired her trust. While she felt inexperienced and awkward, he treated her like a goddess. Every time they made love was better than the time before.

She woke up at dawn, her eyes misting over with memories, with longing.

She heard the shower running in the little efficiency and was grateful. She needed a little time to compose herself. By the time he came out of the bathroom, she was ready to face him. She did have to concentrate to keep from staring at his na**d chest.

“Want me to take you to breakfast with Dirk and Troy?” he asked.

“Are they leaving right away?”

“We planned to meet at Jack’s for breakfast first.”

“Why don’t you go ahead while I dress. I think I’d better make a couple of phone calls before sliding down the stairs.”

He pulled on his sweater, boots and jacket. “If you want help, call Jack’s and I’ll come back for you.”

“Thanks,” she said with a wan smile.

He frowned slightly. “You okay, Becca?”