Two on the second floor. One on the first floor. The remaining area on the first floor is partitioned into storage rooms for the four apartments."
They emerged from the stairwell into a small foyer. He unlocked the door and turned on the light. "Wow."
Her eyes were drawn to the wall of windows and the absolutely beautiful view of the harbor. Lights danced on the shore across the expanse of water. To the far right was the industrial port and the bright lights illuminated massive ships. To the left, the city rose away from the water like a sentinel. "This is beautiful," she whispered as she made her way into the vast living area.
The dark leather furniture popped against the soft beige carpet. Carpet that Gage could destroy with a juice pack and muddy feet. There was a massive television on the far wall, but who would ever want to watch television when they had a view like this? Brody grabbed her overnight bag and slid his hand under her shoulder holster, taking the weapon with him. She watched him place her weapon and his on a high shelf on the far side of the room, but she couldn't resist one more look at the magnificent view.
Brody came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist looking at the view with her. After a moment he whispered, "Are you afraid we're making a mistake?"
She nodded. "I am. I seem to make a lot of them where you're concerned."
"Then let me make the decisions for us." He shifted away, and her heart stopped. He turned her around and wrapped her in his arms once again. His lips found hers, and the hunger that had abated during the trip across town rippled to the surface, slicing through the waves of self-doubt and whirlpools of guilt and regret. He held her as he backed up. He guided them deeper into his apartment, but his mouth and hands eliminated any concern that had been building. When they stopped moving, her shirt hit the floor. She found his warm skin under his t-shirt and peeled it over his head. They toed off shoes, and jeans slid to the floor.
Amber brushed her hair from her eyes and gasped softly, "Oh..."
Tattoos that weren't there the last time they were together now adorned his chest and arm. She traced the writing on his bicep that told of his salvation and hope. The Bible verses were unexpected.
"You weren't religious before." The words were the last thing she'd expected on his body. He was raised in the church; she wasn't, and Brody never mentioned his beliefs.
He placed a finger under her chin and elevated her face. When her eyes locked with his, he whispered, "I found my faith when I hit the bottom."
"As did I." She reached up and pushed his long bangs from his eyes. "We hurt each other."
"We did. But never again. Never." His head shook slowly as he spoke.
Those beautiful eyes were focused on her and only her. She felt cocooned in the man. "I promise to talk to you if I'm afraid or confused, not to run away."
The corners of his lips ticked up for a second. "I'll come after you if you do."
She cupped his face with her hand. "Will you forgive me?"
"If you want my forgiveness you have it."
"What if I want your love?"
"I'm here." A soft smile on Brody's face was the only warning she got before he swept her off her feet and walked her to the king-sized bed by the wall of glass.
She sighed as he lowered her onto the bed and found his way between her legs. His lips traveled the length of her neck, and he paid particular attention to the sensitive spot at the base, swirling his tongue and sucking the skin into his mouth. Ten years disintegrated as they came together. The time that separated them turned to dust and was swept away on the fresh breath of desire and the warm breeze of renewal.
He lowered down her body, finding her bra clasp and eliminating the impediment. She ran her hand over his hot skin as he feasted on her breasts. Sensations lapped at her, building inside. He lowered further, trailing hot kisses down her abdomen to her hip. The elastic lace of her underwear snapped under his grasp and the material fell away, replaced by Brody's lips.
She arched into his touch. One hand stayed in his hair, to guide him, as if he needed the