Chapter 10

Ten

Kami

I followed Mrs. Morgan's directions to the log cabin in the woods. It was exactly as I imagined it when Trevor described it to me last night. Of course, at the time, I'd imagined coming here under very different circumstances.

I trudged up the steps to the door and knocked. I got no answer.

I looked around the house. Trevor's truck was pulled up out front so I was sure he was here. I gave the doorknob a try and found it open. Feeling like a criminal about to get caught, I pushed my way into his home.

"Trevor! Are you here?" I stood in the entryway as I called out to him. When I got no response, I wandered farther inside.

Tables and shelves were lined with pictures of him in his Navy uniform. Others of him with his unit at different functions. He built a life of danger and survived, I realized. He protected others and sacrificed all in the name of becoming a better man for me.

Humility and humbleness sank into every pour of my body.

How did I luck out to have someone so strong, caring and thoughtful of me as a soulmate?

I continued on toward the back part of the cabin. His home reminded me of a miniature version of the lodge. I would have loved for him to bring me home to a place that reminded me so much of where we first admitted our feelings to each other so long ago.

A quick check around told me the cabin was empty. I made my way to the windows that took up most of the back wall of the house and peered out to the forest beyond them. Did I see someone move out there?

I swallowed. Hard. And moved to the door that led to a deck. The apology I owe him lodged in my throat along with the bitter fear that kept stopping me from finding my happiness.

But no. I'm here to share that fear and let him know how I feel. It was scary though. I've never let anyone besides Asha that close since Trevor left me behind years ago.

Standing on the deck, I tried again. "Trevor! Are you here?"

Nothing.

"Trevor, please! I'm so sorry. I just…I need to see you, to apologize."

Movement to my left caught my eye. I turned to see an enormous grizzly bear lumbering out of the tree line headed in my direction.

When he got about halfway to me, the beast stopped and let out a roar that almost brought me to my knees. It took every ounce of strength I had not to stumble backward. I might even have left imprints of my fingers in the railing of the deck.

I pulled in a shuddering breath, closed my eyes for a long second while I dug deep for my courage, and then opened them and took a slow step backward.

And then there he was. Walking out of the woods stopping next to the man-eating beast.

What?

"Trevor, he's going to maul you. What are you doing?" Wide-eyed I stumble backward and fumble for the handle to the patio door.

Trevor chuckled. Actually freaking chuckled. "Sally here? Nah. She's a gentle giant. I've cared for her for a while now."

He unhooked a hinge and lock and only then did I realize Sally was in an enclosure.

Trevor stepped out and relatched the door behind him.

"Why is she in a cage and why in the world would you put yourself in so much danger by going in there?"

"Sweetheart, I'm not going to do something that I know would outright get me killed. But I am also not going to sit by and let those around me - people and animals- in need of help suffer when I could do something about it. Sally here is a tame bear I rescued from the circus. She's going to a large enclosure in about a month. In the meantime, we're friends."

I just realized something and feel kind of stupid. The outdoor adventure guide business is just as dangerous as the private security job. Teeth and bullets were not much different. He crossed the short distance between us and I blurted out the first thing that hit my tongue.

"Sometimes I am my own worst enemy."

He took the porch steps two at a time and I fell into his arms the second he opened them.

"I'm so sorry," I whispered into his neck. "I'm so, so sorry I'm such a nutcase."

And as I pressed myself into him, my arms around his neck I whispered all my secrets and apologies and words of love and of the future I wanted for us.

"I wanted you to bring me to your house. To our home. I'm sorry I ruined it all. I'll leave if you want me to. I'll go back to New York and you'll never have to see me again, but I couldn't leave without explaining and telling you how very, very sorry I am."

Strong fingers worked into the lengths of my long hair.

"Shhh, sweetheart. It's okay. I understand." He rocked me back and forth and all I could do was hang on tight.

"I'm sorry."

He pressed a kiss against the top of my head, and even though it had only been a few days of him doing that, the gesture felt so familiar. So loving.

"I love you, Trevor. I want you. I want us."

"Do you mean that?" His smooth, husky voice was even rougher than usual.

I pulled back so I could look up into his eyes as I told him the truth. "Every word. I'm done with not letting emotions into my life."

His arms closed around me so hard and tight, I had to fight for my breath. But it was worth it. I peppered kisses over every inch of skin I could. After long minutes of us just holding onto each other, Trevor scooped me into his arm fireman style.

He carried me up the back deck, through the great room and into his bedroom. He placed me on the black quilt as gently as if I was made of crystal.

"You don't get to change your mind again after this, Kami. So tell me now. Are you going to stay here with me?"

I stared into his penetrating gaze and held it with my own. I made a vow to him that meant more to me than any wedding vow I'd ever heard uttered.

"Yes."

"I never thought I'd get a second chance, but here you are and you're mine." He came down next to me and cradled me close to his body.

"I'm yours," I repeated, meeting his eyes. "And you are mine."

He nuzzled my neck, grazing his teeth up the length of my neck. "How long will you stay?"

I laughed softly. He already knew the answer but I figured he wanted to hear the words as much as I wanted to say them.

"As long as you want me." I raised a hand and ran it over his cheek, reveling in the feel of his warm skin beneath my hand once again.

"Forever," he said, taking my mouth in a hard, claiming kiss. Our clothes came off and he spread my legs. I beamed up at him and for the first time the tears that sprang to my eyes were happy ones.

"Forever it is then."

I took his length in my hands and guided him to my entrance. "Now make love to me, Trevor. Show me what it's like to be wanted by my soulmate."