Sunkissed (12 page)

“I’m all right,” she said. But Grant saw the tattoo of bruising along her eye.

He cursed, the urge to kill rising. Eyes zeroing on Detective Ryan, he asked, “Has Carlos been taken to the station?”

“Yes. You won’t be able to get to him.”

Grant swore again, but made sure to keep his grip on Natalie gentle.

“You should take her back to the house. Get her clean and warm.”

“All right.”

Detective Ryan gave Natalie his full attention. Smiling gently, he said, “I’ll be over soon to talk to you about what happened. But this is all over now. You don’t need to worry anymore.”

She nodded, rubbing tears away from her face as she held onto Grant. “Thank you.”

Insisting that he hold her, Grant sat her in his lap as they drove to the house, carrying her inside when they arrived.

She scrubbed every inch of her skin in the shower, the sound of Grant’s voice assuring her. She dried off before pulling on the blue robe Grant had handed to her over the door.

“Let’s get Detective Ryan’s questions over with. Then we can talk.” She nodded her agreement before they headed downstairs.

It took an hour until Ryan thought he had everything he needed. “I’ll be in touch if I have any other questions,” he said before bidding them both a good night.

Scooping her in his arms, Grant carried her up the stairs, heading for his room.

“You don’t need to carry me, Grant. I’m all right now.”

“But I’m not.”

She remained quiet until they were closed up in his room.

Laying her on the bed, he snuggled behind her, holding her to him. “I just need to hold you. I need
to feel you and know that you’re all right.”

“I need you too.”

“I was so worried. I didn’t know if I could get to you in time.” He shook. “I can’t lose you.”

“You won’t ever lose me.” Her heart broke from his fear, his distress.

She turned to face him. Lying heart to heart, they held each other, listening to each other’s breathing.

“I hate that all this is my fault,” Grant said, his words shaky.

She sat up, her hair falling over her shoulder as she looked down at him. “Why would you say that? It’s not your fault. It’s no one’s fault but Carlos’s.”

“But he worked for me.”

“You couldn’t have known what would happen.”

He sat up with her. “I’m sorry I freaked you out. I’m sorry you felt like you had to leave because of my feelings. I don’t want to push you. I’ll wait. I’ll be patient, Natalie.”

Her love for him overflowed. His heart was open, holding nothing back as he offered everything of himself. Even his pride. He was everything she wanted. Everything she would ever need. She was a fool to have worried about her independence. Being with Grant would make her stronger than she had ever been because he was there for her. And she knew he would stand beside her no matter what.

“I love you, Grant.”

He froze, stunned by her declaration. “Say it again.” His voice was hoarse.

“I love you.” Relief flooded his eyes. “I love y—.”

Grant’s kiss was firm, thorough in his need. He broke the kiss, pulling her into his lap as he held her tightly. “I love you so much I can barely stand it. You are everything to me and I’m sorry if that scares you.”

“It doesn’t anymore.” Her arms wrapped around his waist as she breathed in the spicy scent that was only his.

He went still against her. Using his finger, he notched her chin upward, capturing her eyes with his. “Does that mean what I think it means?”

She felt her eyes smile into his. “I don’t know. What do you think it means?”

“Are you going to marry me?”

“Is that a proposal?” she countered.

“Is that a yes?”

She laughed. “Yes. That’s a yes.”

His mouth crushed down on hers, and she chuckled again. This man, this wonderful, amazing, sexy man, was all hers. And she would spend the rest of her life loving him with all of her heart.

* * *

Later that night, wrapped in Grant’s arms, listening to his soft breathing as he slept, Natalie thought of her grandmother.

A tear rolled down her cheek, remembering the woman who had loved her no matter the circumstances.

Adele Cunningham had given Natalie everything. A loving home, friendship, and guidance. And as she looked up at the man in her arms, she realized, her grandmother had even given her Grant. 

Natalie ached that her grandmother had lived her whole life without Edward. But she was grateful that that love had brought her to Grant. Because without that picture tucked among Adele’s treasures, Natalie wouldn’t be here. She wouldn’t have Grant.

Looking out the window at the winking stars in the clear sky, Natalie wondered if her grandmother was out there, looking down at her. She liked to think so.

“Thank you,” she whispered, snuggling closer to Grant. “Tell Edward that I’ll take good care of him. I love you.”

As a star streaked through the sky, Natalie smiled. Love was the greatest gift of all.

*****

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My Only Wish

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