Stitch by Jaime Lewis (ebook reader online .txt) 📗

cheek. “I don’t want the ‘new’ Mia as you put it. I fell in love with the same person you are now. I fell in love with who you are on the inside. None of that has changed, and I don’t want it to either.  Now, do you want to tell me what had you so zoned out in front of the fire a little while ago that you didn’t even notice me standing right in front of you?”

She laid her head back against his shoulder and looked up at the sky.

In the mountains, the stars seemed so much closer and appeared bigger and brighter. It was like thousands of diamonds sparkling against the ink-black sky.

“I was thinking about home, more specifically, where home is for me.  I always considered the ranch in Oklahoma as my true home, but I haven’t lived at the ranch in years. With my mom moving to Virginia Beach, the ranch really wouldn’t feel like home anymore. I mean, my sister and her family will be living there, but it would feel weird since that’s their home now to make new memories in.”

“Aw, baby, you’ll still have all of your memories to fall back on. Look at the brighter side of things. At least the ranch will still be in the family.  I’ve met your sister and her family, and I know that she will carry on traditions you all shared when you were kids growing up.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right. But then I think about where my temporary home is now.”

“Your temporary home?”

She sighed, “New York. I mean, I have a job that pays very well.  When I say very well, I mean way above what the average vet is normally entitled to right out of school. But, honestly, the money doesn’t make me happy. I put in full days every day of the week. Some nights I don’t even leave the clinic until around eight or so. I’ve only just begun my career, and I feel burned out already.”

He shifted in the seat, where he could see her face better.  “What are you saying, Mia?”

“I’m saying that I don’t want to go back to New York. I want to be near my family and friends. I want to find a job in my field of work that I’ll enjoy but still be able to have a social life.” Stitch could tell she wasn’t finished, so he waited while she found her words.

She pulled back and looked up at him, placing her hands against his cheeks. “I want home to be with you. I know that probably sounds crazy, considering we literally just confessed our love for one another a day ago, but I’m being totally transparent with you right now. I love you so much. I want our relationship to grow and prosper. I want us to start making memories of our own. I just want you.”

When Mia finally finished, Stitch couldn’t hide his excitement.  Hell, he knew his smile was probably a mile wide. But damn if her words hadn’t squeezed his chest a little tighter.

He held her chin and kissed her. “Your words undo me. I love you so much and want those exact things with you. When all this is over, I’m going with you to New York and helping you pack. I’m sure your partners in crime will be ecstatic to have you living nearby. But nobody will be any happier than me. Well, I take that back. Your brother is going to be damn happy. But, Mia, your home will be with me in my home until we find something we both want and are happy with.”

“I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

She leaned forward and kissed him. When she went to pull back, he cupped the back of her head and drew her back in.  He had been patient long enough. He wanted to taste her. He flicked his tongue against her wet lips, indicating he wanted in. She obliged, and he slid in, intertwining his tongue with hers. His hand slid to the nape of her neck, and he caressed her skin as he made love to her mouth. She shifted, and he felt her flinch before she pulled back. He licked his lips, savoring her unique taste, but when her eyes met his, he saw the agony and became immediately worried.

“What’s wrong?”

“I just moved the wrong way, and my ribs didn’t like it. I’ll be okay in just a minute,” she said, biting down on her lip and trying to hide her pain, but she was doing a terrible job and she knew it because Stitch narrowed his eyes at her.

“The last thing I wanted to do was cause you more pain.”

“You didn’t!” She pleaded with him. “I’ve waited over a year for you to kiss me like that. Pain or no pain, I wasn’t letting it ruin the moment. Believe me; I want so much more of you.”

Well, hell….how could he argue with that. He couldn’t, but her pouty face made him chuckle.

“Babe, I enjoyed that kiss just as much as you, but you are in pain.  Come on, pill time.”

“Nooo….”  She whined.

“Yes, remember no setbacks in your recovery.” She looked up at him and stuck her bottom lip out, and batted those damn puppy dog eyes that would get her whatever she wanted. He gave her a quick kiss. “Don’t look so sad; I’m joining you. Believe it or not, having you next to me helps me sleep better as well.”

He stood, lifting her, and she snuggled into his chest.

After making another sweep through the house, double-checking the locks, and setting the alarm, Stitch stripped down to his boxers and crawled into bed. He wasn’t surprised to find Mia already fast asleep. As soon as he cozied up behind her, she turned over and snuggled into his side, making him smile.  He hoped like hell they would soon get a lead on the New York situation because he was ready to begin his life