Keeping Kenzie - Pepper North Page 0,6

clothes by the door.

“I can’t believe they let you go in!” When the fire marshal had related that the stairs were unsafe to support anyone, Osiris had asked if he could take another route. Kenzie still replayed his athletic prowess in her mind. Muscles bulging, the firefighter had climbed up the balconies to her floor and let himself in through the sliding glass door.

Minutes had passed as she watched from below. Finally, Osiris had reappeared with a partially filled trash bag. He tied it to a back belt loop on his pants and climbed down quickly.

“I have a bit of experience with fire scenes,” he commented wryly, pulling her away from her memories.

“Sorry you had to see all my underwear.”

“I’ll survive. Hopefully, I got everything.”

“Anything you found is great.”

“We’ll put a load of laundry in after I show you your room. You have to work tomorrow, right?”

“Yes. Thanks for letting me park in your driveway.”

Osiris approached and brushed her bangs out of her face. Cupping her cheek, he said softly, “You don’t have to thank me for everything. I’m glad to help.”

Instantly, her eyes filled with tears, and she pulled Cupcake close to her chest. “You’ve been so awesome. You saved my life. You’re giving me a safe place to stay. You even got some clothes for me. I don’t know what I’d have done without your help,” she whispered.

His thumbs wiped away the fat tears that careened down her cheeks. “It’s my pleasure.” He picked her up in his arms and carried her to the couch. Sitting down, he cradled her against his chest.

Kenzie knew that she should move away, but she couldn’t. Osiris was her rock. So strong and kind, he was the kind of Daddy she’d always dreamed of finding. Allowing herself to be comforted, she relaxed against him and pressed her ear to his chest. The steady thud of his heartbeat reassured Cupcake and her.

“Baby girl,” he said softly, stroking over her arm and back to comfort her as she cried. He didn’t try to make her stop, as if he knew she needed to get them out.

A soft kiss softly landed on her hair. Kenzie reacted without thinking and tilted her head back to offer her lips to Osiris. The gentle kisses that followed made her turn more fully toward him. Deliberately, she laid Cupcake on her thighs before curling her fingers into his T-shirt to cling to him.

When Osiris brushed his tongue across the tender skin of her inner lips, she opened her mouth for him eagerly. He didn’t rush. It was as if he had all the time in the world to taste her and explore. Kenzie tangled her tongue with his. The masculine groan that emerged from his throat sent vibrations through her body. She squeezed her thighs together as she felt herself becoming wet.

His powerful hands set her slightly away from his body. They looked at each other, both breathing heavily. Osiris tenderly brushed the trails of tears from her cheeks.

“I don’t want you to take this the wrong way.” His hand stroked through her hair. “Baby girl, you have a home with me for as long as you’ll let me keep you. I hope you’ll decide to stay forever. There’s something between us.”

“I’ve never felt like this before,” she whispered.

“Neither have I. Now, you’re exhausted. I’m going to show you to the guest room.”

She nodded and yawned, unable to pretend that the last of her energy was gone. Kenzie had always been one who needed eight or even nine hours of sleep to feel her best. Being woken up so early in the morning hours and watching the fire destroy so much of the building had taken an emotional toll as well.

Osiris tucked Cupcake into her arms. He rose to his feet with her in his arms and set her feet gently on the carpet. “Naptime, Little girl.” Taking her hand, he led her to the hallway. She stopped before they could walk far.

“Can I put a load of clothes in your washer?” Kenzie asked.

“Of course. Let’s go.” He reversed course and led her into the laundry room, picking up the bag as they passed.

“I think this will fit one load, but I threw in a few extras, so we’ll have to go through it.”

“Extras?” she asked, setting Cupcake on a shelf to the side as he set the bag on the dryer.

Lifting one finger to have her wait, Osiris worked to untie the knotted top. It stubbornly refused to