screen door. I can reach the key into the door knob”
So they were working as a team again was what he thought as he did just as she instructed by yanking open the screen door and slightly leaning down so she had easy access to the door knob from her secure place in his arms.
Unlocking the door she gave a push and the beautiful craftsman door with the stained-glass windows on top swung open and in he stepped to what until this second had been her private sanctuary.
With her clutched securely in his arms Nick made sure the front door was shut and locked before turning to take in the interior of her magnificent home in the hills. More than a bungalow, the high ceilinged lay-out was beautifully restored with all the wood accents to be expected in a craftsman home. Beautiful hardwood floors, wood beamed ceilings, endless multi-paned windows, and a large stone fireplace dominated the open floor plan.
The décor incorporated soothing earth tones, natural colors, all muted and soft, just like the woman who lived there. Nick was enchanted, mesmer ized and impressed all at once. Ever the problem solving, practical minded business man, he was also relieved to see how open everything was because that would certainly make it easier for her to navigate while she was up on crutches.
With her arm firmly around his shoulder as he carried her through the living room, Shannon realized in horror that without thinking she’d been lightly running her fingers back and forth on his neck. Doing so had seemed so natural to her. She thought back to her reaction when he called her little one; that he did so as if he’d been doing it every day for the last eight y ears. When she had stroked his skin it too seemed like she’d done just that only yesterday. It felt as though eight years of separation had simply melted away. The thought was staggeringly seductive to her long starved senses.
Lowering her onto the oversize sofa before settling a small pillow beneath her injured foot to keep it slightly elevated, his brilliant hazel eyes intent with purpose surveyed her with a raw hunger and a genuine concerned appraisal for her comfort. “What do you need Shannon, what can I get for you to make you more comfortable. Would you like something to drink?” he asked in a husky, concerned undertone.
Even though she knew she shouldn’t be, Shannon was stirred by his continued attention. Finding it hard to relax she was reassured by being in her own home again after a day which had strained her nerves and tested her resolve to be unmoved by this man’s sudden involvement in her life.
After a quick sigh that spoke more of comfort than pain, her thready little voice stated a hesitant , “I could really use a drink of water. If you don’t mind. The kitchen’s behind us.” she said gesturing with her head toward the wood and marble kitchen behind them to the left.
“ There are usually a couple of cold bottles of water in the fridge if you wouldn’t mind getting one for me.” she said in that breathy little way he remembered so well.
Glad for something to do besides standing there feeling like a dope, Nick sprinted off in the direction of the kitchen to grab them both something to drink. Seemed like a better option than falling to his knees so he could tell her how glad he was to see her again
The kitchen was just as magnificent as the living room with the distinctive beams running across the ceiling highlighting the use wood all throughout the room from the glorious floors to the well-crafted cabinets and the interesting stove hood. A center island and all the countertops were covered in a beautiful, highly polished dark marble with gold flecks that reflect ed the lighting from the restored hanging lights , giving the entire kitchen a magical feel.
On the end of the island counter was a large stone bowl, deep and long, filled with bananas, apples, and kiwi fruits. Next to that was a piece of paper and a pencil which Nick saw was the start
So they were working as a team again was what he thought as he did just as she instructed by yanking open the screen door and slightly leaning down so she had easy access to the door knob from her secure place in his arms.
Unlocking the door she gave a push and the beautiful craftsman door with the stained-glass windows on top swung open and in he stepped to what until this second had been her private sanctuary.
With her clutched securely in his arms Nick made sure the front door was shut and locked before turning to take in the interior of her magnificent home in the hills. More than a bungalow, the high ceilinged lay-out was beautifully restored with all the wood accents to be expected in a craftsman home. Beautiful hardwood floors, wood beamed ceilings, endless multi-paned windows, and a large stone fireplace dominated the open floor plan.
The décor incorporated soothing earth tones, natural colors, all muted and soft, just like the woman who lived there. Nick was enchanted, mesmer ized and impressed all at once. Ever the problem solving, practical minded business man, he was also relieved to see how open everything was because that would certainly make it easier for her to navigate while she was up on crutches.
With her arm firmly around his shoulder as he carried her through the living room, Shannon realized in horror that without thinking she’d been lightly running her fingers back and forth on his neck. Doing so had seemed so natural to her. She thought back to her reaction when he called her little one; that he did so as if he’d been doing it every day for the last eight y ears. When she had stroked his skin it too seemed like she’d done just that only yesterday. It felt as though eight years of separation had simply melted away. The thought was staggeringly seductive to her long starved senses.
Lowering her onto the oversize sofa before settling a small pillow beneath her injured foot to keep it slightly elevated, his brilliant hazel eyes intent with purpose surveyed her with a raw hunger and a genuine concerned appraisal for her comfort. “What do you need Shannon, what can I get for you to make you more comfortable. Would you like something to drink?” he asked in a husky, concerned undertone.
Even though she knew she shouldn’t be, Shannon was stirred by his continued attention. Finding it hard to relax she was reassured by being in her own home again after a day which had strained her nerves and tested her resolve to be unmoved by this man’s sudden involvement in her life.
After a quick sigh that spoke more of comfort than pain, her thready little voice stated a hesitant , “I could really use a drink of water. If you don’t mind. The kitchen’s behind us.” she said gesturing with her head toward the wood and marble kitchen behind them to the left.
“ There are usually a couple of cold bottles of water in the fridge if you wouldn’t mind getting one for me.” she said in that breathy little way he remembered so well.
Glad for something to do besides standing there feeling like a dope, Nick sprinted off in the direction of the kitchen to grab them both something to drink. Seemed like a better option than falling to his knees so he could tell her how glad he was to see her again
The kitchen was just as magnificent as the living room with the distinctive beams running across the ceiling highlighting the use wood all throughout the room from the glorious floors to the well-crafted cabinets and the interesting stove hood. A center island and all the countertops were covered in a beautiful, highly polished dark marble with gold flecks that reflect ed the lighting from the restored hanging lights , giving the entire kitchen a magical feel.
On the end of the island counter was a large stone bowl, deep and long, filled with bananas, apples, and kiwi fruits. Next to that was a piece of paper and a pencil which Nick saw was the start
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