She stared right into his eyes and sucked harder. Leon gasped as his whole body tensed and his release hit. Flora kept her lips firmly planted around him as he cried out her name. Slamming his hand down on the mattress, he bucked and writhed as the world exploded around him.
Spent, he slumped back on the mattress. Flora crawled up the bed and curled into his side. From somewhere, he found the strength to pull the bedclothes over them.
“Tomorrow, we are getting those condoms.”
She chuckled, her soft breath tickling his ear. “I agree, but the improvisation was fun.”
“Fun?” He tightened his arms around her. “It was wonderful.”
The words were inadequate. He couldn’t begin to tell her what it meant to have her in his bed, their limbs entwined, her head on his chest. He didn’t know how to convey the peace their passion had brought him.
“This—” Flora lifted her head to look at him. He caught a glimpse of tears in her eyes and understood their source. She wasn’t crying because she was sad. She was crying because, like him, she was letting go. “It feels good, doesn’t it?”
“It feels perfect.”
Reassured, she nestled back into his arms. “Tell me what to expect at the animal sanctuary tomorrow.”
“Well, it’s a sanctuary and there will likely be some animals...” Flora dug an elbow into his ribs, and he laughed. “Okay. I predict it will be busy.”
“Why?” Flora stroked a hand lazily up and down his arm.
“Because people are still intrigued by Steffi and her story. Although she keeps out of the limelight these days, it doesn’t mean the attention has completely died down. There may even be some press there.”
“You’re talking to a newbie in town, remember?” He could hear the confusion in Flora’s voice.
“Of course. I forgot. You remember the Anya Moretti story?” Leon asked.
“The famous actress who went on the run when she was wanted for murder? Didn’t it turn out she was wrongly accused, and she married the guy who helped her clear her name?” Flora leaned up on one elbow. “Are you saying that Steffi Delaney is Anya Moretti?”
“That’s right. She gave up the celebrity lifestyle when she married Bryce, but, like I said, there is still a residual interest in her story.”
“Oh.” The glowing look faded from Flora’s eyes and she chewed on her lower lip for a moment. It was easy to follow her thoughts.
“You can’t let that social media page stop you from going out and encountering new people,” Leon said.
“My rational self tells me that, but there is a little voice inside me that wonders how many people at the animal sanctuary tomorrow will have seen that social media page. My picture was splashed all over it, so I’ll be easily recognized.” She looked pale and vulnerable with her hair tumbling about her shoulders. “I’m new in town. For many Stillwater residents, those lies will be the only thing they know about me.”
“Hey.” He drew her back down into his arms, holding her tight against him. “I’ll be at your side. Cameron and Laurie will be there, and I’ll introduce you to Bryce and Steffi. There’s also Cameron’s other brother, Vincente, and his wife, Beth. If anything, it’s a good chance for you to get to know more people. Trust me. It will be fine.”
Gradually, he felt her start to relax. “I do trust you.”
“Good. Because I have just had another innovative idea.”
Her chuckle vibrated through his chest. “You have? Tell me more.”
He lifted her hair and whispered in her ear.
Flora gasped. “Dr. Sinclair, you are a wicked man.”
“I hope to be. If you’ll let me, Dr. Monroe.”
She squirmed with pleasure as his hand moved down her body. “I’m all yours.”
They were the sweetest words he’d heard in a long time.
Chapter 12
The following day dawned bright and clear and, although Leon could tell Flora still had some reservations, they planned to set out for the animal sanctuary just after lunch.
Their departure was delayed slightly when Tiny tried to eat Bungee’s dinner. The ensuing disagreement resulted in both cat and dog bowls being upturned. Water was spilled, and food scattered across the kitchen floor.
“While we’re at the sanctuary, maybe we should ask Steffi if she accepts donations?” Leon asked as he and Flora cleaned up the mess.
“You think we should take her some dog and cat food?” Flora was on her knees, wiping up water, but she paused to look at him as she spoke.
“No, I think we should give her Tiny and Bungee.”
She looked so beautiful as she started to laugh that his heart almost flipped over. “You don’t mean that.”
“I could be persuaded.” He softened the threat by leaning forward to kiss the tip of her nose.
The twins were sitting at the table with paper and crayons, drawing pictures of the animals they hoped to see at the sanctuary. When Leon finished sweeping the floor, he wandered over to look at their artistic endeavors.
“Is that a dinosaur?”
“It’s a lion.” Frankie’s tone expressed his opinion of Leon’s intelligence. It wasn’t high.
“Ah, it was the color that confused me. I don’t think we’ll see many lions today, especially not green ones.” Leon studied Stevie’s drawing and decided against trying to decide what it depicted. “What’s in your picture, Stevie?”
“Rabbit.” Stevie’s tongue protruded from the corner of his mouth as he concentrated.
“We will see lots of them,” Leon said.
“Want a rabbit like in Stevie’s picture.” Frankie bounced up and down in his chair.
Leon looked at the squiggles on Stevie’s page. “They won’t look quite like that.”
“Want a rabbit. Want a rabbit.” Stevie looked up from his picture and joined in with his brother’s chant.
“Great.” Leon glanced over his shoulder at Flora. “That’s all we need. Bungee can chase the rabbit and Tiny can chase both of them. Why don’t we just get a whole Noah’s Ark?”
She came to stand beside him, leaning her head briefly against his upper arm. “Oh, Leon. Have we completely destroyed your peace?”
“Yes.” He checked to make sure the boys weren’t
