Marine's Mission - Rebecca Deel Page 0,10
of surprise, Owen’s tongue teased hers into a heady dance, one that sent her spinning into the stratosphere. The kiss spun out until Gigi lost track of time.
When Owen eased back and looked down at her, his eyes glittered. “Does that answer your question?” His voice was husky.
She forced herself to say the last thing she wanted. Attraction was one thing. Acting on it could destroy their friendship. “This doesn’t have to change anything.”
“Wrong, G. That kiss changes everything. Unless I’m reading this wrong, you’re attracted to me.”
Gigi smiled despite the butterflies in her stomach. “You could say that. What about you?”
“I’m crazy about you. I have been since high school.”
“Why didn’t you say anything when you returned from military service?”
“I wanted to give you a chance to get used to me.”
“I’ve known you for years, Owen.”
“Not like this, and not after my military service. I’m not an 18-year-old kid anymore. I’ve witnessed horrible things and made tough decisions on missions. I’m not the same, G.”
Her heart ached at the world of hurt in those few words. She had overheard enough over the years from his brothers to have a good idea what kind of tasks Owen had been called upon to complete. “You did what you had to do,” she said, voice soft. “I’m grateful you came home.”
He gave a slow nod. “Many of my friends came home in a flag-draped coffin. I’m a cop and an operative, G. Both jobs are dangerous. That won’t change.”
“I can handle it.”
He captured her mouth again, but this time the kiss was tender and turned her blood to honey. Man, she could so get used to this. Owen Montgomery was dangerous to her heart, though.
When he eased back, Owen said, “We’ll go as slow as you need. I want you to know the man I’ve become. One of the things I regret the most was passing up the opportunity to date you my last year of high school and when I was in the Marines.”
“You did what you thought was right.”
“I’m grateful you didn’t find someone else while I was gone.” He tilted his head, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Or did you?”
She shook her head. “They weren’t you.”
Owen blew out a breath. “Thank God,” he murmured. “Are you willing to give us a chance to be a couple, Gigi?”
Mentally taking a leap of faith, she nodded. “What if this kind of relationship between us doesn’t work?”
“It’ll work.” His tone brooked no argument. At that moment, he was every inch the Marine on a mission. “I want this. I want you more than any woman I’ve ever known. I’ll do my best to convince you that I’m worth the risk.”
“If this falls apart, I don’t want to lose your friendship. You mean too much to me. Promise me, Owen.”
“You won’t lose me. I give you my word.” He brushed her lips over hers in a gentle caress. “Try to sleep, G. Jessica will return in another hour to check on you.”
She bit her lip, wanting Owen to hold her. Probably too much too soon.
“What do you need?”
“I don’t need anything.”
“What do you want?”
“For you to hold me.”
Owen stilled. “Are you sure I won’t cause you pain?”
“Trust me, I won’t even notice.” She’d only feel his arms around her.
“Tell me if I hurt you. If so, we’ll find another way for me to hold you that won’t cause you pain.”
“Deal.”
He slid his arms under her back and knees, and shifted her to the left half of the bed, then he came around to the right side and stretched out his six-foot-four body on top of the sheet and blanket. Owen extended his left arm. “Rest your head against my chest. If you’re uncomfortable, we’ll try something different.”
Gigi rolled toward him, a slight moan escaping. Man, she had sore muscles everywhere from the wreck. Owen wrapped his arm around her and his wonderful heat seeped into her body, easing the pain. “Thank you.”
“No thanks necessary. I’ve wanted to hold you for years. This is pure pleasure.”
She smiled and drifted to sleep.
Sometime later, Jessica returned to see Gigi in Owen’s arms. The nurse appeared startled but went through her obligatory checks on Gigi’s vitals and responses to the same questions she’d asked each time she returned to the room. “Do you need anything, Ms. Warren? Another soft drink or another cold pack?”
“No, thanks.”
“What about you, Deputy Montgomery?”
“My brother brought me a drink when he took a break. I’m fine.”
“All right. If you change your