Chapter Six

Bryce finished with the lights around the window, then put a big green window sticker of a leprechaun in the center. She was having a good time, but Mick popped into her head, then she jumped when Luke touched her shoulder.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes. No. I'm so scared what will happen when he finds us." She faced him. "And he will, Luke. He will not give up."

"I won't let him take her. I'll protect you both." He touched her hair. "I promise."

He pulled her into his arms, and she wrapped her arms around his waist and sobbed.

"This is the only time I've prayed for bad weather," she said with a smile.

"I get that." Luke put his hands on her cheeks and raised her head to look into her eyes. "As long as I'm around, he won't get to you or Leah."

"I hate putting you in the middle of this, Luke."

"You're not. I'm more than willing to help you, Bryce." He kissed her lips. "I am so attracted to you."

"I feel the same about you."

He lowered his lips to hers and kissed her. When she moaned, he pulled her tight against him.

"I want you so much, Bryce, but I know we have to wait."

"Why?"

"Because you just had a baby."

"Yes, a little over eight weeks ago."

"Okay, so what does that mean?"

She smiled. "It means I can have sex at six weeks."

"I don't want to hurt you."

"You won't. I saw the doctor; she said I could resume having sex if I want since I'm healed."

"If you want. Do you want?"

"I know I want you."

****

Luke picked her up and carried her out of the room, along the hallway, and entered another room. He placed her on the bed and stared down at her.

She lay there, breathing heavily, her chest heaving with each labored breath. He couldn't help but drink in the sight of her, every inch of her flawless body calling out to him. His hands roamed over her curves possessively, as if claiming her as his own. He quickly removed her shirt and jeans, leaving her in just her panties and lace bra.

He could feel the heat emanating from her, beckoning him closer. With a rough tug, he tore away the thin fabric of her panties, revealing the dark patch of curls hiding beneath, then he unclasped the hook of her bra and removed it. She was perfect. A grin spread across his face as he leaned down to take her soft lips in a searing kiss that left them both breathless.

He kissed his way down her body, savoring every inch of her soft skin. When he reached the juncture of her thighs, he couldn't resist taking a moment to admire the sight before him. Her sex was slick with desire, her slit glistening with wetness. He could smell her arousal, a musky, intoxicating scent that drove him wild.

With a groan, he buried his face between her legs, running his tongue along her slit. She cried out, her hips bucking involuntarily at the contact. He lapped at her greedily, savoring the taste of her. He could feel her clitoris swelling beneath his tongue, and he sucked it lightly, eliciting a moan of pleasure from her lips.

His hands roamed over her body, cupping her breasts and teasing her nipples into hard peaks. She writhed beneath him; her hands tangled in his hair as she urged him on. He slid a finger along her slit, feeling her warmth envelop him.

He moved his finger against her, clitoris. He knew she was getting closer, her breath coming in short gasps. With a final, desperate cry, she came, her body convulsing.

He moved up her body and stared into her eyes. She lay there, spent, a contented smile playing on her lips. He knew that he had given her pleasure, and he couldn't wait to do it again.

After retrieving a condom, he rolled it over his hard cock, and positioned himself between her legs, he was so hard, he ached. Feeling her quivering under him, he had to grit his teeth so he wouldn't take her hard. He guided himself before pushing forward slowly but surely into her tight warmth. She gasped.

"Are you alright?" he whispered, not wanting to hurt her.

"I'm wonderful," she said.

He pressed his lips to hers as he began moving his hips. She wrapped her legs around him and pulling him closer.

Their lips fused together in a feverishly tender kiss as their hands roamed over each other's bodies, indulging in a sensual exploration. With every caress and stroke, they discovered the feel of each other. Bryce's hip or the firmness of Luke's biceps. Goosebumps spread over their skin like wildfire as each caress ignited another hidden desire within.

Tension bristled between them as their fingers intertwined and held that fleeting moment when passion was about to overflow. Luke moved with slow thrusts, feeling her body effortlessly respond to his touch.

In this breathless respite between waves of ecstasy, they locked eyes, sharing those questions that words could never convey, a caress or trembling sighs of pleasure. As they lay entwined, Bryce nuzzled against Luke, her gentle breath brushing his chest as she reveled in the carnal chaos left in their trail.

Their constant push and pull toward the edge of ecstasy only made them crave each other more intensely. Luke pressed his lips onto Bryce's once again, savoring every taste and exploring every inch of her mouth with passionate fervor. As they moved together, their pleasure grew stronger and stronger until they both reached the peak of their desire. In that moment, they let go, and Bryce's cries mingled with Luke's deep groans of satisfaction.

As they entangled their limbs, basking in the aftermath of the pleasure they shared, Luke and Bryce looked into each other's eyes. Their bodies pulsed with satisfaction and shared intimacy, and the wonderful weight of their journey seemed radiant beneath the darkness of the room, and he realized he never wanted to let her go.

He raised his head, pressing his lips gently against hers before rolling onto his back and pulling her close. Her arm draped across his chest as they both lay there, breathing heavily. Luke kissed her forehead with tenderness.

"That was incredible," she whispered, still catching her breath.

"I couldn't agree more. Are you okay?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.

"Yes, I'm fine," she reassured him. She propped herself up on her elbows, placing her hands on his chest and resting her chin on them as she gazed at him in awe. "I never knew it could be like that. I've had orgasms before, but not like that. Now I understand what a truly mind-blowing orgasm is."

Luke chuckled softly. "Glad to have been able to do that for you."

"You're in trouble now, McCallister. I'm going to want to do that a lot more," she teased, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

"Oh, God," he muttered, then laughed.

"I don't think I can move," Bryce said, laughing.

"How about a shower together?" Luke suggested with a grin.

Bryce's face lit up with excitement. "I would love that."

Luke clasped his hands behind his head as he watched her slip into his T-shirt. "You look gorgeous in my shirt, baby, you didn't need to put it on. It's not like I haven't been over every inch of you."

She turned to face him, lifting the collar of the shirt to inhale deeply. A smile crossed her lips as she exhaled. "It smells like you. Come on, cowboy, let's shower."

Luke's grin widened as she left the room, then he got himself up and followed her.

After their shower, they returned to the living room and Bryce walked to the window. Luke heard Bryce gasp in excitement.

"What is it?" he asked, turning to see her looking out the window with wonder.

"It's really snowing," she said in awe.

Luke joined her at the window and saw the fluffy white flakes falling from the sky. "Damn. I think we need to get Leah."

"I agree," she said, biting her bottom lip.

As they stood by the window, the icy pellets began to ping off the roof of the house. Luke sighed.

"We need to get moving," he said reluctantly.

Bryce nodded in agreement, knowing that it was dangerous to drive in these conditions with a baby in tow.

"I hate that you'll have to bring us back here."

"I'll be fine, but we should probably leave soon before it gets worse," Luke suggested, already making his way toward the door.

"You can stay with me if you need to when we come back," Bryce offered with concern etched on her face.

"Thank you, darlin', but I'll do my best to get us there, safely. Don't worry, I promise we'll make it," Luke reassured her with a reassuring smile. "But if the roads are too bad, I'll just sleep on your couch."

"Okay," Bryce agreed reluctantly as they made their way outside and into Luke's truck which was covered in a layer of ice.

"I don't like this," Bryce said nervously as she climbed into the passenger seat.

"I'll get us there safely," Luke promised confidently. "I won't let anything happen to you."

She held onto his hand tightly as he started the truck and drove out of town toward his parents' place, determined to get them there safely before the storm worsened.

****

Bryce gripped the handle above the door as the truck slid on the icy road.

"I hate the thought of you driving in this, Luke."

"Yeah, I agree. If I can't make it home after we come back with Leah, I'll stay. At least I'll be close to the office."

"You'll walk in this weather? With all the ice?"

"I've faced worse." He chuckled.

"I can't imagine how bitterly cold you'd be."

Luke shrugged. "You get used to it when you have to be outside all day on a case."

"I don't think I could ever get used to being out in this weather."

"Sweat in the summer, freeze in the winter."

"Glad that's not me." Bryce shook her head as they drove down Main Street. It was deserted, but the parking lot of the diner had quite a few cars there. "I can't believe that Connie is open."

"She rarely closes. Just in case someone wants to get some food."

Luke hissed in a breath when the truck slid.

"They're covered in ice," he said.

"They look dangerously slippery," Bryce said with concern.

"They are, but I'll just take it slow." His phone buzzed and he removed it from his coat pocket.

"Mom, we're on our way." Bryce heard him say. "Yes, they're bad. I'm taking it slow. We'll be there soon. I will, Mom. Love you." Luke placed his phone on the center console and glanced at Bryce then back to the road. "She's worried."

"She's not the only one."

Luke squeezed her hand. "We'll be fine."

A tense thirty minutes later, he stopped the truck beside the porch of his parents' house.

Bryce sighed with relief. "God, that was nerve wracking, and we have to do it again."

They stepped out and walked across the porch. Luke was about to open the door when it opened, and his mother stood there. She waved them inside, hugged Luke, and then Bryce.

"I was so worried."

"I was scared to death and now we have to do it again."

"No, you will not. You will both stay here tonight. No arguments." Lisa put her hands on her hips and glared at them both.

Luke looked at Bryce. "It's the smart thing to do."

"There is plenty of formula and diapers. You're very smart to pack way more than you need." Lisa laughed.

Bryce chuckled. "I do tend to go overboard a little."

"Well, thank God, you do. Are you hungry? I have plenty of things for sandwiches."

Bryce was about to answer when her stomach rumbled, and everyone laughed.

"I'll take that as a yes. Get out of those wet clothes. Bryce, I'll give you a T-shirt and sweatpants. Luke, honey, I'm sure there's plenty of clothes for you in your old room."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Was Leah good for you?" Bryce asked with a smile.

"A perfect angel. Let me get some clothes for you, Bryce. You can take a hot bath if you want. Leah just went down for a nap."

"I'd love a hot bath, if you're sure. I'd like to see Leah first, though."

"I'm positive. Make yourself at home. Luke, you should put dry clothes on too. Come with me, Bryce. Leah is in the room you'll be using."

"I hate putting her out," Bryce whispered as she walked past Luke.

"You're not." He grabbed her wrist, then leaned down and kissed her. "Go get warmed up. I'll see you in a little while."

"Okay." Bryce hurried out of the kitchen to follow Lisa.

They climbed the stairs, and Lisa showed her to the spare bedroom. She saw Leah in her seat and walked toward her as she looked around the room.

"This is beautiful, Lisa. You're so kind to allow me to stay."

"Nonsense. There's no way I'd let you and Luke leave in this weather. Especially, with that baby."

"Yes, ma'am. I'm just not used to people being so kind."

"That's about all you'll find in Clifton, Spring City, and Hartland."

Bryce smiled. "I'm beginning to realize that."

Lisa hugged her. "The bath is through that door. Take your time. What woman doesn't love a long, hot soak in a jacuzzi tub?"

"Jacuzzi? Oh, you just sealed the deal in me staying." Bryce laughed.

Lisa grinned. "Soak as long as you'd like. Leah will be fine. In fact, I'll take her downstairs so you can use the jacuzzi."

Bryce blinked back tears. "Thank you," she whispered.

Lisa hugged her again. "Honey, I don't know what's going on with you and the father of Leah, but I know something is. You're safe here."

Bryce wrapped her arms around her and sobbed.

"Is everything alright?" Luke asked.

Bryce looked at him as she wiped tears from her cheeks.

"Yes. I'm going to relax in that tub and your mom is going to take Leah downstairs."

"Okay. I'm going to grab a shower." Luke stared at her for a few seconds, then moved out of the doorway and disappeared to his room.

Bryce looked at Lisa. "I'll tell you all about it soon. Thank you. Your sons are amazing men, and I can see why. You and Daniel are wonderful."

"Go get in the tub. I'll get some clothes and be right back."

Bryce nodded, entered the bathroom and gasped at the large jacuzzi tub. She turned the water on and got it to the right temperature when Lisa knocked on the door.

"Here you go. You might have to roll up the legs a little. I'm a little taller than you." Lisa smiled.

Bryce took the clothes, set them on the sink counter, and looked at Lisa.

"Thank you."

"You are very welcome. You can come downstairs whenever you're ready. No need to hurry." Lisa pulled the door closed as she left.

Bryce quickly stripped, stepped into the tub and groaned at how good it felt. She sat forward, pushed a button and the jets started, making her grin. She leaned against the back of the tub and closed her eyes. She just hoped she didn't fall asleep, she thought with a smile.