Read Online Slow Burn by Cheyenne McCray - Free Book Online Page A

time.
    “Will you hold me?” She wasn’t sure where that came from, but she wanted to be closer to him.
    He hesitated. “Sure, honey.” He adjusted himself on the bed and she scooted closer so that her head was resting on his shoulder and his body was within inches of her own. Her good arm was beneath her so that she wasn’t lying on her injured one.
    She gave a contented sigh, feeling safe and cared for. It was the first time in fifteen months that she’d felt that way. She filled her lungs with his masculine scent and his body heat surrounded her, warming her to her core.
    He rested his hand on her hip, even more heat traveling through her at his touch. “Tell me about Indiana.”
    She shrugged, glad her arm didn’t hurt her when she did so. “It’s a pretty quiet life in a town that’s even smaller than Bisbee. I work with my cousin and just try to enjoy the simpler things in life.” She smiled. “Like embroidery. I embroidered some blocks that my aunt quilted.”
    “It sounds like you have a good life there.” His eyes were dark as he studied her. “Did you date?”
    “No.” Her smile faded a little. “I don’t know that I can. I’ve never had a normal relationship, and honestly, I’m not sure how a healthy relationship works.” Trace lightly stroked her hip, which seemed to give her the courage to continue. “I was a different person with Salvatore. He controlled me, told me what to wear, what to do, what to say, how to act. He even controlled my interactions with my friends.” She looked away from Trace’s gaze. “I don’t want to ever lose myself in a man again.”
    “Don’t let one bad man continue to control your life,” he said softly.
    “I know. You’re right.” Wanting desperately to move the topic from herself, she turned her gaze back on him. “What about you? Any serious relationships? Have you ever been married?”
    “Never been married.” The way he watched her made her feel like he was waiting for a reaction. “I’ve dated women, but nothing serious. At least not on my side.” He stopped moving his hand and rested it on her hip. “It’s not like me to have such an intense reaction to a woman like I’ve had with you.”
    “You have?” She almost couldn’t breathe.
    He reached up and ran his knuckles along her cheek. “From the very beginning, I’ve wanted nothing more than to steal you away from everything and take care of you.” He slid his fingers into her hair. “But I also wanted to see you thrive and grow stronger every day like you have over these past months. You were an amazing woman before, but I like this new, independent you.”
    “Thank you.” She snuggled in closer to him, her palm on his chest, her head tucked under his chin. “That means a lot.”
    Her eyelids grew heavy. She was so content at that moment, more content than she ever remembered feeling in her life. Her eyes drifted closed, and in moments she slipped away into a deep and restful sleep.
    ~~*~~
    Christie was still sleeping when Trace woke the next morning. The day was overcast, dim light barely making it through the skylights. The fire had died down and a chill had descended over the room.
    He watched her for a long moment, her face relaxed in sleep and looking more peaceful than any time since he’d met her. It had felt so good holding her last night.
    At the same time it had been rough—he’d wanted her so badly that he hadn’t slept well at all. He’d finally fallen asleep but he woke up with morning wood.
    His arm was numb from holding her all night, and he hated to move and wake her. But Mother Nature called and was becoming ever more insistent.
    Tingles prickled in his arm as he managed to adjust Christie and move her onto the pillow. He slid out of bed, hardly able to take his eyes off the beautiful woman lying there.
    He headed to the bathroom and took care of business. She was still asleep when he returned. After shedding his sweatpants, he pulled on his jeans and