later. “Journey’s right. It’s late and we need our rest.” He clapped his hands together as if finalizing a point. “I have to tell you, Miss Evans, that I’m feeling more positive about my situation than I ever thought I could feel. I have high hopes that you’ll find a way to get me home.”
Lou beamed with his praise. “My official position at this point is one of cautious optimism.”
Journey shook her head as she hugged her friend goodnight. “You’re so weird, Lou. But I love you.” She kissed the woman on her cheek. “Thank you for helping Reno.”
“I haven’t really done anything, yet. But you’re very welcome.”
Lingering until the other two left the living room, Journey once again checked on the dogs and made sure all the doors were locked. She took out a roast from the freezer and placed it in the sink to thaw for tomorrow’s big meal.
She felt as if a heavy weight rested on her shoulders. She was overwhelmed by all the information Lou had thrown at them. Most of the talk was over Journey’s head, but she was smart enough to realize headway was definitely being made. The likelihood of Reno finding his way home seemed to be higher with every passing hour.
“Stop it,” she whispered to herself as she made her way across the living room and kitchen in the dark. “Don’t be selfish. Look at it this way, you’re having the adventure of a lifetime. An opportunity to experience something you never thought possible.” Yes, she’d met Reno face to face. She’d been able to talk to him. Get to know him. Hold him close. Kiss him.
Refusing to cry, Journey choked back a sob lodged in her throat.
And now, she might have to let him go. Forever.
Nearing the hall, she reached out to find the door facing. When she did, her hand came into contact with something solid – yet warm. Something very much alive.
Opening her mouth to let out a cry, her startled gasp was captured in Reno’s kiss. He swept her up in his arms and carried her to bed. After placing Journey gently on the blanket, he covered her body with his own. “Can I stay with you tonight?”
“Again?” She pushed his hair from his face so she could kiss him on the nose. “This is becoming quite a habit.”
“A good one. Yes?” He eased to the side and cradled her to him.
A thrill ran through Journey. She couldn’t help it. She loved him so much. “Yes, a good habit.” How she wished it could be a lifelong one. “You’re happy, aren’t you?” She could hear it in his voice, she could feel it in the lack of tension in his body.
“I am.” He cupped her cheek, finding her eyes in the dim light of the moon. “I feel more hopeful than I’ve felt in a while.”
“I’m glad for you.” She brought her hand to his shoulder, urging him close. “I’m sad for me.” Lifting her head, she sought his kiss. “Make love to me, Reno. I need to know what it’s like to be with you.”
Before you’re gone forever.
She found those last words impossible to enunciate.
“Are you sure?”
Journey felt a mounting excitement in him. His breath quickened. She felt a part of him grow impossibly long and hard as he nestled against her thigh. “Yes, I’m positive. There’s no one in this world for me but you. Past or present.”
“How about future?” he asked in a whisper, his hand tugging on the shoulder strap of her gown.
“A future? Together?” she whispered as his lips found hers for a soul-stopping kiss.
“Together,” he murmured softly. “I want you to go with me when I leave.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
“Go with you to the past?”
The thought of traveling back in time with Reno took Journey’s breath away.
“Yes. I have to go, but I can’t bear to leave you behind. Will you do it? Will you go with me?”
“Yes. The answer is yes.” A delighted laugh burst from her lips as she wrapped her arms around him. “A thousand times yes.”
“Good.” He stroked the skin of her cheek with his thumb. “At this moment, I feel like anything is possible. We can do this. We can be together.”
So much elation filled Journey, she didn’t know if her body and soul could contain the joy. “There’s nothing I want more. I can’t wait to be with you.”
Reno held his face near to hers, their breath mingling, his lips close enough to rub against hers at will.