21

 

“We’re home.” Gage gently stroked her cheek, and Cara leaned into the sensation of warmth and security as she slowly woke.

“What time is it?” She shifted, and stretched stiff muscles.

“It’s after two in the morning.” Gage’s voice sounded raw with fatigue.

Green numbers glowed on the dashboard’s clock, confirming the time. Guilt prodded her. “I should’ve helped you drive. How’s your leg?” She blinked, but her eyes refused to remain open.

“Better.”

“Mmm. That’s good.” With the truck’s engine turned off, the warmth in the cab slowly dissipated. She scooted over and snuggled against him.

“Sorry, but we’re going to have a cold boat ride to the house.” He rubbed her arm as if preparing her. “The temperature’s dropped into the forties.”

Cara groaned. “I don’t want to move. Let’s just sleep here tonight.” She tucked her face into his neck. His scent, all male with a hint of spice, surrounded her. She inhaled. “You smell good.”

“Cara.” He breathed her name on a sigh. “It’s not safe.”

“We’re in the middle of nowhere. There’s nobody around. I don’t think Santiago followed us.”

“That’s not what I’m referring to.” His voice deepened, taking on a gravelly edge. “Think about what you’re asking me to do.”

“What do you mean?” Then it dawned on her. She’d just asked Gage to sleep with her in a parked truck. Her cheeks flushed hot and she inched away. “I didn’t mean that kind of sleep.”

“I know you didn’t.” A nearby lamppost illuminated his taught features. “But, we both know where this attraction we have for each other could lead. I’m exhausted and more prone to give in to temptation. I figure you might be, too. That’s why I’m going to take you to the house, and get you settled in upstairs. Alone.”

Gage exited the truck and loaded their gear into the boat, leaving Cara with her spinning thoughts. He was right. She might have allowed things to happen, even instigated something she wasn’t prepared to finish.

Gage’s regard for her and his self-control more than impressed her. It carved out another notch in her heart that only he could fill.

Lord, I’m falling for him. But, does he have a place in his life for me?

Gage waved at Cara, signaling he was ready for her. She braced herself for the cold and climbed out, locking the truck behind her. Careful not to slip on the narrow wooden planks, she walked the length of the pier. When she arrived at the boat, Gage stood below, looking much like he had the first time they’d met. His face was cast in shadows, and he had a hood covering his head.

She turned around and stepped down to the first ladder rung. He gripped her waist, and she released her hold on the pier, confident he’d bring her to safety. He pulled her close, and she slid down the length of him, completely at ease. They settled into the seats, side by side. Cara snuggled against him, not only for warmth, but because she liked being close to him.

He started the engine and pressed the throttle. Again, as he had the first night, he sped through the winding creek as if he had night vision.

“I still don’t understand how you know where you’re going with all these twists and turns.” She called over the engine’s sounds.

“It’s not that hard. The trick is to keep to the north side. The southern parts of the creek end up in a dead end.”

Cara nodded and relaxed, enjoying the hum of the motor, the sounds of the water rushing past, and the husky scents of earth and wetlands. Before long, Gage slowed the motor.

“Are we there already?” She didn’t see the house yet. Except for dim light from a crescent moon and a sprinkling of stars, darkness claimed the area.

“Not yet.” Gage’s tone sounded crisp against the stillness of the night.

“Then why—”

He cupped his palm around the nape of her neck, brought her face toward his and kissed her so suddenly and deeply she lost her breath. The shock of his lips against hers brought an awareness tingling throughout her body. Even her toes felt the effects.

When their lips broke apart, he rasped, “Thanks for believing in me.”

“What?” Dizzy from his unexpected kiss, Cara fought to understand his words. “I was just sitting here.”

“Yes.” He chuckled. “And you didn’t scream when I lifted you into the boat. You didn’t scoot away from me as if I had some kind of disease.” He smoothed his thumb over her cheek. “But best of all, you trusted me to get us through the creek and home again.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything. Actions speak louder than words.”

Cara couldn’t agree more. His actions tonight had cemented him a place in her heart. She was about to admit as much, but he released her, pressed the throttle, and steered the boat around another bend.

By time they arrived at the house, Cara had savored his kiss in her mind, replaying the moment at least a dozen times. One glance at Gage’s features, and she expected he hadn’t gotten away free and clear from the kiss either. His nose glowed pink from the cold, but his warm smile indicated his thoughts were lingering on her as well.

When he cut the engine, Cara helped him unload their luggage. “It’s nice to be back. I feel safer here.”

Gage picked up his cane, climbed up on the dock, and glanced toward the darkened house. His smile faded. “Let me check out the house before you go in.”

Cara swallowed down her sudden reluctance to be left alone. He was only acting for her benefit, after all. “I’ll wait here.”

Within a few minutes, Gage stood under the porch light, giving her the all clear. They were safe—at least for a little while.

She tugged her jacket closer around her, hurried to the porch, and Gage ushered her inside. Fully awake from the cold air and the exhilarating kiss, the implications of what could’ve happened tonight hit her full on. “Thank you, for what you did back at the truck. Not many men would’ve shown me that kind of respect.”

Gage stepped close, placed a finger under her chin, and gently lifted. “Respecting yourself and your body, is not only a good idea, it’s what God wants.” His appreciative gaze darted over her. “You are worth waiting for.”

Cara’s throat dried, and she couldn’t speak.

“Your future husband, whoever he may be, is one lucky man.”

I want it to be you. She wanted Gage McKenna with every fiber of her being. But, could she tell him as much?

God willing, Jonas would be arriving soon, and she may not get another chance. Before she had time to second-guess herself, she placed her hands on his chest as she placed her heart on the line. “When Santiago aimed his gun at me, I was not only afraid of losing my life. I was afraid of losing my future. And it became clear, I want that future to be with you.”

Gage’s gaze held steady on hers, but he remained silent as if he wanted to say something, but couldn’t form the words. And then Cara sensed him withdrawing as an unreadable mask fell over his expression.

He gently removed her hands from his chest. “We don’t always get what we want.”

Her stomach dropped, and an ache formed inside. “But, the way you kissed me—”

“It was a kiss, Cara. Not a proposal.” He dropped her hands and spun on his heel. Then, he was gone.