Page 77 of Running Blind

Actually, everything about her made him want to spend the next week in bed, exploring her from head to toe, cataloguing every curve, every scar, every freckle.Thoroughly.

She ran her fingersthrough his hair and he closed his eyes.So good.

“While I have your attention,” she said, “I have a favor to ask.”

“Anything.” He opened his eyes and got lost in her emerald gaze. He could never refuse her.

“Rockley and I need a place to stay. Do you know anyone with a room for rent who doesn’t mind dogs?”

Was she serious? “I have a spare half a bed. Or is that too much too soon?”

She smiled.“No. I just didn’t want to pressure you…or assume anything.”

“I’d rather not waste another day. Fourteen years is long enough to wait before moving in together, don’t you think?”

“Definitely.” She toyed with his shirt collar, her face turning sober. “As long as it won’t bother you that I squeeze the toothpaste tube from the top.”

“Trying to warn me off already?” If she was this scared, maybeshe really did love him.

Her mouth twisted and she shrugged.

“I’m not that petty, but if it worries you, buy your own damn toothpaste. We don’t have to shareeverything.” He nipped at her sweet mouth. “Winters are cold here, you know.”

“I noticed.”

He chuckled. “This is nothing. Wait until February.”

She gave a resigned sigh. “Well, you said you run hot. I’m sure you can figure out a wayto keep me warm.”

He sucked on her soft, warm bottom lip. “I already have a hundred ideas.”

She caressed his cheeks and frowned.

“What?” he asked, gently tugging on a strand of auburn silk that fell across her face.

“You know I can’t have kids. And I’m not sure I’ll ever want them, adopted or otherwise.” A little crease formed between her brows. “Someday you might resent me for that.”

Finally,her real concern. He grasped her hands and kissed her fingers. “I’d love to raise children with you, and even get married if I can ever convince you to take that leap of faith. But I wasn’t lying, Cait. None of that matters without you. At the very least, we’ll have Rose and Shaylee’s baby and Luke to spoil rotten. I’m content to be an uncle.”

A tear slipped down her cheek and she swiped it away.“Truly?”

His heart swelled, too big for his chest. “Truly.” He meant it, but he’d probably have to convince her daily. Lots of fun ways to accomplish the task came to mind. “Besides, we have fur kids.”

She bit her lip and nodded. “I hope they get along.”

“They’ll learn.” He smoothed his hands over her staticky hair. “What do you say?” He dug his keys out of his pocket. “With this house key,I thee cohabit?”

She laughed and then studied him for a long moment, as if measuring the truth in his eyes. “Yes.” A thousand-watt smile lit her face and she kissed him hard. “Yes, and I love you.”

He couldn’t hold back a satisfied grin. Or stop touching her. “That’s all I need to know.”