My Salvation by Michelle Dare Page B

know I didn't, but you two need a
little comfort so I’m here to provide it. Now sit and I’ll bring
the mugs over to you.”
    * * * * * * * *
    Once the steaming mug was placed in front of
her, Cali seemed to snap out of the numb state she was in. She was
scared to the point of shaking. No one came to mind who would want
to harm her. She thanked Adeline and took a long look around the
kitchen.
    “Owen, your home is beautiful.”
    The house had a U-shaped kitchen with white
cabinets and on the top of the upper ones were smaller glass door
cabinets for more storage. The under cabinet lighting showed off
the different browns and tans in the granite countertops and the
matching subway tile backsplash.
    All of the appliances were stainless steel and
appeared to be commercial grade. There was a large center island
where a second, smaller sink was located. The floors throughout
were a light wood. It was her dream kitchen.
    Owen and Cali were seated at a breakfast nook
located right off of the kitchen. She looked over to him and
noticed he never even heard her. Lifting her hand, she ran it
across the stubble on his cheek. He leaned into the warmth and
closed his eyes for a minute.
    He finally stood and said, “Come on, let’s go
shower and try to get some sleep.”
    Cali followed his lead, walking up the flight of
stairs. They walked into the master suite and he dropped the bags
on the floor. She was exhausted, but not too tired to notice the
sheer size of the bedroom.
    He had a large, California King bed set on a
dark mahogany frame and large headboard. The bedding was a deep
sapphire blue and the floor was a darker shade of wood than
downstairs. The ceiling was recessed and had lighting built within.
Near the large bay window was a seating area with two overstuffed,
light tan chairs and ottomans.
    Owen walked to Cali and pushed her hair from her
face. He cupped her cheeks in his hands before gently kissing her.
“Go jump in the shower. There is a hair dryer underneath the sink
if you want to use it. I’ll take one when you’re done. We need to
get some sleep.” She hugged him tight and whispered another thank
you.
    She stepped into the master bath and took a ten
minute, hot shower. None of the clothes she had were clean and she
wasn’t allowed to disturb the ones in the cabin. She dried her hair
quickly and walked out of the bathroom completely naked. Owen had
been checking his phone, but quickly glanced up when she entered
the room. His eyes roved all over her.
    “I don’t have any clean clothes. Do you have a
shirt I can borrow?”
    “I do, but you’re not getting it. I want to feel
your body against mine when we sleep.”
    A slow smile crept across her face. “Okay, but
don’t get any ideas. I’m so tired I can barely stand.”
    She climbed into the bed and slid underneath the
soft, cotton sheets. Sleep overtook her before Owen finished in the
shower.
    The next morning when Cali opened her eyes to
see she was alone in bed, but laying on the pillow next to her was
a folded piece of paper. It read:
    Stay in bed all day, rest. Your clothes
should be clean and outside of the door by the time you wake. If
you need anything at all, Adeline will be downstairs. She takes
care of the house for me. Call when you can. I want to hear your
voice since I’m not able to see your beautiful face.
    XO
    OLM
    Cali smiled at the hug and kiss he wrote on the
note. She sat up and her eyes swept the room for her purse.
Standing, she realized she was still completely naked, but a black
robe was lying across the bottom of the bed.
    She grabbed the robe and put it on. Pulling up
the collar, she inhaled deeply. The robe smelled like Owen. A mix
of aftershave and a smell that was unique to him. It was a clean,
crisp smell and reminded her of being in his arms at night.
    Bending, she pulled the phone out and called
him. He answered on the first ring. “Hi, beautiful.” The smoothness
of his voice sent a shiver through her.
    “Good