Love Lifted Me Read Online Free Page B

her office, eased the door closed, then took her hand and pressed it over his heart. “It’s like wild mustangs in there. I can barely breathe. When I walked into the shop, I didn’t know if you were going to welcome me or shoot me.”
    â€œShooting might have been appropriate. But not my style.” She pulled her hand away, the vibration of his heart still tingling on her palm.
    â€œI’d deserve it.” He dropped into the rickety metal chair she kept beside the desk. “I’m sorry, Jade.” He peered at her. “You are the last person in the world I’d ever want to hurt. In fact, I was trying not to hurt you. Instead, I caused the worst kind of damage.”
    â€œIt’s okay.” Jade ran her hands over her jeans. “Believe it or not, I do understand. For what it’s worth, I shouldn’t have run off like I did. I should’ve . . .” She paused to let her emotions clear. “I should’ve stayed. Given you a chance.” Her heart knew he was remorseful. Knew he’d been faithful to her since their wedding. But hiding the existence of Asa cut far deeper than the affair with Rice.
    â€œDo you think Asa will remember me?”
    â€œSure, Max. I show him your picture—every night.”
    â€œYou show him my picture?” Max rose up, reaching for her, taking hold of her arm and palming the curve of her cheek. “Thank you for taking care of him. For loving him, Jade.”
    â€œHow could I resist? The little booger is all charm and sweetness.” Max’s touch ignited fiery shivers. “I . . . I’m in love with . . . him . . . already.” She couldn’t think. Only feel. If Max didn’t stop stroking his thumb across her cheek she’d collapse into a quivering puddle at any moment.
    He’d told himself the whole flight home to go slow. Gentle his way back into Jade’s heart and mind. Not go all husband on her.
    But alone with her in her office, all bets were off. He pulled her to him and her curvy soft body started a consuming blaze. He ached to kiss her, carry her upstairs to the shop’s loft, and make love.
    He wanted to show her the old Max was dead. The new and improved Max stood before her, a solid and trustworthy man. Faithful as the rising sun. But he couldn’t tell her; he had to show her. Going for sex within thirty minutes of his homecoming wasn’t his best first move.
    Besides, the loft? Too fraternity. And his hands all sweaty from nerves. So, he let go. One thing he’d learned at the ranch was to let go. He backed toward the door.
    â€œI thought I’d bunk in Beryl’s old room until we work things out. We are going to work things out, aren’t we, Jade?”
    She nodded. “We’d kick ourselves if we didn’t try.” She moved toward him and brushed her hand over his check, her mountain-flower fragrance filling his senses. “Cowboy stubble.”
    â€œShould I shave?” Max cleared his throat. Nothing like stoking his passion fire just when he’d doused the flame. “Too Marlboro Man?”
    â€œNo, not at all.” She tipped her head to one side. Even the swing of her ponytail was sexy. “Max Benson, the Marlboro Man lawyer.”
    â€œThere you go.” He grinned. “See you at home?” He nearly bent to kiss her cheek, but backed up, opening the door.
    â€œSure. Asa will be happy to see you, Max. He will.” Jade led the way back into the shop, passing through the shower of sun drops falling through the back window. “I can order Mario’s. Didn’t you say you missed his pizza?”
    â€œI did, yeah.” But was he hungry? He was starving. But not for Mario’s. Max hoisted his duffel bag to his shoulder. “See you soon.”
    â€œOkay.” She exhaled, shyly digging her hands in her pockets. It was her go-to move and it endeared her to Max even more. If possible. “See you at .