Chapter 18

After providing the details of what had occurred to Detective McNally, the EMTs examined me. When they cleared me, Kain took brought me back to his place and made me warm tea.

Like a protective wolf, he sat next to me on the couch, brushing a hand over my face, my hair, my arms. "Who hit you? Was it Bleeding Heart?"

I drank the warm tea and placed it on the coffee table. Rubbing the deep V between his eyebrows, I said, "No. It was Dennis."

"It's a good thing he's dead." Pouting, Kain examined the scrapes on my palms. "He did this too?"

"They're minor," I said.

Though I didn't like the person Dennis became when he was drunk, sadness overcame me. He needed help for his addiction. Maybe he would've recovered, maybe not. But I didn't want to see someone die like that again. The warm blood had splattered on my clothes and face. It was too horrific, and I understood why so many people had PTSD.

I prayed I wouldn't have any nightmares from today's event. I took Kain's hand in mine because he made me feel safe. "I'm okay."

He probably understood my state of mind, sighed, and the tense expression on his face softened.

"Bleeding Heart is going away for a long time, if he survives prison."

I rested my head on his shoulders. "That's good."

"I've never felt fear like this evening, Eva."

I sat up and stared at him. For someone reason, Kain appeared nervous.

"What's wrong?"

He rubbed the top of my hand with his thumb, soothing me more than he knew.

"Nothing's wrong. I couldn't wait to see you today. When my meeting ended early, I went outside hoping to see the Uber pull up. When you didn't show up, fear spiked in me. My mind wandered to terrifying scenarios." He paused for breath. "I love you so much, Eva. I was so frightened I could've lost you."

Warmth spread all over me.

"But you didn't." I kissed his forehead, his cheek, and his lips. "I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere. A dangerous criminal has been caught, and the town is safe again. Let's talk about something positive for the rest of the day, okay?"

His eyes flickered. "I have something pretty to show you."

I arched an eyebrow. "Show me."

"You stay put. I'll be right back." He got up and walked toward the kitchen.

When he returned, he held a gorgeous vase filled with passionflowers.

"For you." He gave me the vase.

"Thank you. Where did you get these?"

"At your shop. Where else?"

"But when? I didn't see you come in."

"I called and spoke to Erika, asking her when you wouldn't be around so I could stop by. I told her to keep it quiet." He smiled, revealing that dimple I loved so much. "I tipped her well."

"Well, aren't you sneaky?"

"I chose each flower myself. I pick you—will you pick me?" He laughed at himself.

So cheesy.Love blossomed in me.

I placed the vase on the coffee table and kissed him. "I'll always pick you."

A goofy smile spread on his face.

It was true what people say about love, that it inspires you to do and say silly things. I loved how we entertained each other with humor, despite our age difference. Right now Kain looked and acted like he was in his twenties.

"Let's take our relationship to another level, okay?"

"What do you mean?"

"Move in with me. It will save you money for the shop. And it will give me access to you all day and night." His eyes gleamed with mischief. "I just want you with me all the time. On your days off, you can stop by my office downstairs for afternoon nookie."

I laughed. "You just want nookie."

"Only with the woman I love. Besides, you're due for those ab exercises and a self-defense class. I have a workout planned for every part of your body, baby. Want me to show you?"

He nuzzled my neck, making me laugh. The horror of today slowly faded from my mind as love and joy overwhelmed me.

"So what do you say?" he asked.

I considered him, studying his handsome face. Those gray eyes trained on me. Swirls of light blue gleamed in his irises with a hazel rim around it. I could look into his eyes all day long.

Kain had entered my life, showing me the potential of my heart and helping me achieve my dream. There was no other man who loved me like him. He was the strong and protective man I'd always wanted. But he also had an adorable and funny side that made me laugh. Love and laughter were the accented pieces in a floral arrangement. Without them, the bouquet lacked its luster.

"How could I say no to afternoon nookie?"

He laughed and kissed me. "Wise decision."

"I've gained some wisdom being with a man of a certain age." I grinned and shifted to sit on his lap.

"This man of a certain age has a lot of things to show you." His hands cupped my ass.

"I'm waiting." I looped my arms around his neck.

"One more thing to show you." He removed his T-shirt, revealing the mesmerizing tattoo of four passionflowers surrounding the black rose.

"Wow." I studied the intricate design. "It's beautiful. The rose doesn't look as dark anymore."

"Because it's not. You're my passionflower, and you inspired this art. You chased the darkness away from this rose."

It was the most beautiful declaration anyone had ever made to me. Tears overflowed from my eyes.

"I love it. Thank you for being the best thing that happened to me."

"There's one thing you can do to thank me right now."

"What?"

"Have a passionate evening with me. Like I said, I've had a workout planned for you since this morning." Heat flashed in his eyes as his hands gripped the hem of my shirt.

"I'm all yours."