He stands at the French doors, violin tucked under his chin, pulling the bow across the strings creating the most beautiful melody I’ve ever heard. Shirtless in the moonlight, jeans hanging low on his hips, I watch as the muscles of his back expand and constrict with each move he makes. I stand silently watching him as he creates a piece that floats through the air and fills my heart and soul. When he finishes, he turns to place his violin back in the case catching sight of me out of the corner of his eye.
“That was beautiful.”
He smiles as he secures the violin case and then moves to stand in front of me. His arms encircle me and he places a soft kiss on my forehead. “You inspired it.”
My eyes find his, widening with his words. “Me?”
His hand cups my face, his thumb caressing my cheek, “Yes, you. Meeting you, falling in love with you has awakened my creativity.”
I run my hand over his muscular chest and then wrap my arm around his neck, pulling his face down until our lips are almost touching. “What do you say we go back upstairs and see if I can spark some more of your creativity?”
His smile is wide as he captures my lips in a teasing kiss, “I like the way you think.”
I squeal as Alek swings me up into his arms, causing my makeshift wrap to fall to the ground.
“My cover,” I gasp as I try to catch it.
He nuzzles my neck as he takes the stairs two at a time, “Leave it, you won’t need it anyway.”
Chapter 16
Alek
It’s been five days since Rose came home from the hospital and cabin fever is beginning to set in. I promised I’d get her out for a while today, even take her by the shop so she could check on things there, as long as she promised she wouldn’t overdo it.
Along with cabin fever, Rose’s determination has also returned. Confident she can bathe herself, I run her a bath and help her get undressed. After wrapping her cast, and getting her settled into the warm water, I washed her hair and left her to bathe while I started breakfast. Mixing some eggs, I add cheese, diced ham, and green peppers before pouring it into the skillet and placing it in the oven. I start a pot of coffee and then head back upstairs to check on Rose.
I knock on the door as I open it, “Are you doing okay in here?”
She’s submerged beneath the water, head back as she answers, “Mmm yeah, but it would have been much more enjoyable if you had joined me.”
I kneel beside the bathtub and kiss her forehead, “Next time, I promise.”
A lazy smile teases her delectable mouth, “I’m going to hold you to that.”
I smile as she closes her eyes sleepily again; it’s good to see her so relaxed. “You won’t have too, it’s a promise I intend to keep.” I hold out my hand, “Now let’s get you out of here before you turn into a prune.”
Rose places her hand in mine and I place my other hand at her side to help leverage her to her feet. “I’m going to get you all wet.”
I shake my head, “I appreciate the concern, but my shirt will dry, and you need assistance, so let’s get you out and dried off before the frittata burns.”
She cocks her head at me, “Anyone ever tell you you’re bossy?”
I chuckle as she gets to her feet and steps out of the tub. I wrap her in a towel and pull her flush against me, “I think you like my bossy side.”
A smile turns up the corners of her mouth, “I wasn’t complaining, in fact I find it very sexy.”
I drape my arms around her waist, “Do you now?”
She places a kiss on my neck, “Mhmm, very sexy.”
The timer sounds on the oven and I kiss the tip of her nose and take a step back. “You my beautiful Rose are very distracting. Now let’s get you dressed so we can go eat.”
I help Rose dress, and then brush out her hair, “Do you want me to braid your hair?”
She giggles and smiles, “You know how to braid hair?”
I chuckle at her surprise, “I’ve yet to master the fishtail braid yet, but I can do a basic one.”
She glances at me over her shoulder, “A fishtail braid? Who are you?”
I laugh at her question, “I’m just an uncle, wrapped around his six year old niece’s finger, who ends up with his nails painted and bows in his hair during every visit.”
I can see Rose’s smile reflected in the mirror above her dresser. “I bet that is the sweetest sight. What’s her name?”
I stand from the bed and help Rose to her feet so we can head downstairs for breakfast, “Claire, or as she would tell you, Claire Elizabeth Berringer. She’s as pretty as her momma, and will give my brother fits when she gets older.”
When we reach the kitchen, Rose pours us each a cup of coffee while I get the frittata out of the oven and place it on our plates. “What about your sister?”
I smile loving the fact that she wants to know more about my family. “Ahh well, my sister has a one year-old little boy. Tyler looks just like his daddy and has his momma’s temper.”
She laughs as she carries one cup of coffee to the table before returning for the second. “Let me guess, your sister is a red-head?”
I chuckle as I carry our plates to the table. “You would think so, but no. My Dad had a quick temper, so I’m pretty sure that’s where she gets it from.”
Rose cuts into her frittata and loads her fork, “I bet they were
