Kiss Me Awake (32 page)

“Jaida,” he said. When she didn’t stir, he brushed his fingers under her chin and called her name a second time.

Velvety blue and fierce with love, her eyes opened, and the way she was looking at him did crazy things to his insides. “We have to go.”

“Kiss me awake,” she said then closed her eyes.

God had already awakened her. He had been the one to open her eyes and bring her back to him. “I thought you were already awake. Or are you talking in your sleep?”

In feigned repose, she didn’t answer. He stroked his finger around the perimeter of her face, marveling again at how lovely she was.

He nudged her shoulder and without opening her eyes, she sighed. “Are you going to argue with me, or are you going to kiss me?”

His mouth tilted. “What do you think?”

I want to thank those who graciously assisted me in the completion of this novel. 

To editor, Renee Gray-Wilburn, thank you so much for your labor, your advice, and your encouraging words.

To my ‘readers’, Deb Weyandt and Deb Momyer, I greatly appreciate you giving up your free time to read through and critique my work.

To Leah Nawrocki for passing on her Photoshop skills even when it hurt.

And a special thank you to my husband and children for always being there. You are the best part of my life.

And an extra special thank you to Jesus Christ, lover of my fickle soul. Thank you for the promise, and for giving purpose to this crazy life.