and so far, this wasn't in the same ballpark as anything rational.
"Both Catherine's eyes were blue just now. Not the one green, one blue, they were both blue.” He swallowed hard. “They were the old Catherine's."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. How does that happen?"
"I didn't think it did.” Jim rubbed his eyes, making Frank believe he was trying to force the images out manually.
"Me either."
"You go talk to her. I'll be at the house. Bring the dog if ya want, but I won't keep him inside."
"Thanks, Jim."
Frank watched Jim go, not walking him out but waiting in the kitchen until the front door slammed shut. He wasn't sure what to do, or even what to say to Catherine. Suddenly he had to hold her in his arms. He wanted to see those beautiful mismatched eyes. It felt like he'd lose her at any minute. Something vicious beyond his control threatened his wife, his love.
He ran out the back, finding her sitting in the grass, near the roses he'd planted. Both her arms were around Win. From the look of them, hell and high water couldn't part those two. He sat on the ground with them.
"I don't want you to take him, please."
Frank gave Win a hug too, then pulled Catherine to him. Win was a little stubborn about moving, but finally gave in. Frank pushed Catherine to the ground, trying to see those eyes in the bit of light from the house. The green one appeared brighter, almost twinkling.
"Win, go in the house and play.” He couldn't explain it, but he needed her, to have her as part of him.
That's all he said before pressing his mouth to Catherine's. Her kiss was reluctant, but grew in intensity as their tongues intertwined. Even the taste of her had changed since her stay in the hospital. He wanted to drink it in, taste every bit of her. This was his wife.
He pulled her top free, nearly ripping her bra before he could reach her breasts. Her pants took less time. While enjoying her nipples, he unfastened her pants. She reciprocated, jerking away his clothes, but there, naked in the grass, their passions slowed as they gazed at each other, and he took in every detail of her body. Frank watched Catherine's reactions. Light touches down her sides made her coo while his lips on her breasts caused her to gasp in pleasure.
She opened her thighs to him, exposing her sex. He touched the outline then slipped lower, wanting to taste those lips too. She started closing her legs, almost nervous about his slow downward progression.
Frank flicked his tongue lower and her hips moved, involuntarily she spread her thighs. She watched him, ran her fingers through his hair. A strange quiver filled his belly, as if they'd never been together before now. They were learning each other. Their years of marriage were erased, and here they were, a man and woman. Whatever happened between them, he'd remember this moment, the look on her face, the way she sounded when he gave her pleasure. This woman had never betrayed him or never caused him pain.
"I love you, Catherine,” he whispered climbing higher over her.
"I love you too."
At her response, he entered her. Her soft body moved in time beneath him. They were one and more than physically. This was his mate.
Chapter Seven
The hour grew late before Frank took Catherine inside their home. She looked tired, so he'd carried her and tucked her into bed. Win went to the foot of the bed and lay on top of the covers like a guard dog.
"Will you be okay while I run next door and talk to Jim?"
"Sure.” She grinned in a sexy, sleepy way. “Don't leave me alone all night, though. I might get lonely."
"I won't be long."
He kissed her again and almost changed his mind. Jim might be waiting. He usually went to bed at eleven. Funny the things one knew about a neighbor, although Frank hadn't really known this, at least not consciously, until the night that night Catherine got hurt. The clocked ticked to midnight. Frank stepped outside, going down the front steps once he saw the lights on next door. The
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