Loving Against the Grain (Into the West #2)

Chapter 15

 

Emmaline surfaced gradually the following morning from a deep, dreamless slumber, vaguely aware of a pervasive warmth and security enveloping her entire being. The heat radiating from behind invited Emmie to close her eyes and sink back into oblivion, but the heavy arm around her middle, with its palm resting open upon her baby belly, sent her mind cartwheeling back into yesterday, and Coffee’s heavy-handed attack. Although a rational part of her brain told Emmie she was safe, the rest of her tensed, muscles clenching at the memory of his assault, pulse tripping as remembered images returned, breath hitching as that caged feeling overtook common sense…

“Relax. It’s me.”

The voice, hoarse and raspy from sleep, came directly behind her as part of that source of warmth, relieving Emmaline with its familiarity immediately. No longer did the weight of his arm imprison; cage her in. Simply by his verified identity did her fear slip away, allowing her to sag into the comfort and security just his proximity conveyed. Noah. Her husband by necessity; savior by nature. Emmie closed her eyes on a reassured exhale.  

A thought needled its way past the relief and comfort flooding her system, and Emmaline frowned at the intrusion, desiring only to sink back into that twilight interim between sleep and waking, content in the knowledge of her safety. But the notion would not be ignored. Opening unfocused eyes to stare at the wall of her little oasis, Emmie started to speak, croaked, and cleared her throat self-consciously before asking the man at her back, “Aren’t you late for work?”

She instinctively knew Cookie would not expect her at work, nor did she even care to go in. And, surprisingly, she found she didn’t want her husband returning to his job, either. That thought startled Emmie. Just as the feeling of contentment stealing over her while in his embrace puzzled her. When had Noah Lawson become wanted in her eyes? Since only yesterday, when he’d come charging to her rescue as her white knight? Or last night, when he’d lain with her to keep her nightmares at bay? Maybe even earlier?

Before she could contemplate the answers to those questions, the man under scrutiny pressed a quick, impulsive kiss at the nape of her neck before flopping onto his back. The bed dipped and rocked, unfamiliar movement to Emmie, who’d never slept with a man in the innocent definition of the word. Eyes widening and thoughts tumbling over his unexpected show of intimate affection, Emmie lay frozen on her side while Noah replied.

“By now the whole camp knows what happened yesterday, courtesy of Cookie, no doubt, and everyone will expect me to stay home and take care of you. Which is exactly what I’m going to do.” A slight edge to his tone, as if he expected an argument, had Emmie rolling to face Noah as he stared at the ceiling, loath to leave this cocoon of pink bliss he’d been invited to share yesterday evening. Turning his head on the pillow to meet her crystal blue gaze directly, hair fanning out in a gilded waterfall, Noah’s eyes dropped to the purple bruise riding high on Emmie’s cheekbone; and narrowed, before returning to her surprisingly placid expression. Emmie shrugged at his comment, though the movement lacked punch, snuggled under the covers as she was, with only her neck and head exposed like a sleepy turtle.

“So you won’t get into trouble?” Emmaline asked, eyes drawn to her husband’s mouth curiously, seemingly fascinated with the line of morning whiskers riding his upper lip. She licked her own, and raised her gaze to Noah’s, only to find him watching her mouth hungrily. She swallowed loudly, and his eyes bounced back up to hers, a faint flush the color of her lampshade creeping over his features. Turning his head skyward once more, embarrassed at being caught ogling but unwilling to end this cozy pillow talk, Noah answered, “Um, no. Not at all. Ramon will be there anyway.” Shooting one more look at her, he continued, “Uh, you do know you probably don’t have a job anymore, right?”