Chapter 7

Mitch awoke slowly. He stretched then raised himself onto one elbow and looked down at the sleeping woman curled into his side. The sun's early morning light came filtering in through her lace curtains and cast her face in its dappled, golden glow. He reached out and traced her serene features with a fingertip then felt his heart skip a beat as she smiled at the tender contact. Her lids fluttered open and she turned onto her back and met his gaze. Her eyes searched his features and he returned her smile, he had spent the most incredible night of his life with this woman … the woman he intended to marry and spend many, many more nights like this with. The campaign for her heart was set to commence right this moment and he was ready for the first battle to begin.

He barely allowed her to wake fully before he bent and kissed her, she sighed softly and reached up to hold him close. Her hands found purchase in his hair, her nails raking his scalp gently as she opened to him and melted into his loving embrace. Mitch held her chin tenderly, his fingertips and lips the only contact he allowed himself to have with her. He felt her turn her body into his, reaching, arching for more contact, but he held himself away from her, denying her any more than the kiss for now.

He pulled back slowly, and stared into her eyes, his thumb slid across her full lips and she opened her mouth and touched her tongue to it then gave him a seductive smile. He arched a brow. "Good morning."

"Morning." She reached up and rubbed her palm over his grizzled cheeks, smiling more broadly at the contact then looked around and noticed the sunlight streaming into the room. "What time is it?"

"About eight."

Her eyes widened and she sat up in bed, giving him a close-up view of her nakedness. He laid back, put his hands behind his head and enjoyed the picture she made, a man could get used to this he thought happily, especially if Christina were solely his. Her skin was radiant, her hair was tousled becomingly and her face was flushed with desire. Her expressive eyes were the only clue to the fact that she was suddenly worried. He waited for her to notice her state of undress and, unfortunately for him, it didn't take long.

With a soft squeak, she grabbed the coverlet from her waist and held it up to her neck. Mitch found her sudden shyness adorable and he winked at her from his position on the bed. She blushed and tucked a strand of her bobbed hair behind her ear. "Mrs. Williams will be here any minute now to open up the kitchen for lunch."

"At eight?"

She shrugged. "It takes time to get the ovens warmed up and to plan the menu for the day and then to begin the cooking. You have to go."

Mitch sat up and crossed his arms over his chest, the motion drew her gaze to his torso and he smiled as she licked her lips and her eyes darkened. "I'm not leaving you alone."

Her gaze darted up. "How are you going to explain your presence here?"

"Not my problem." He replied casually. "If you'd let me tell your brother about what happened last night-"

"No! You promised you wouldn't."

"I don't intend to break my promise." He said and leaned in to kiss her nose. "I'm sure you can come up with a good explanation. You're quite adept at making up stories."

Her eyes narrowed and Mitch was glad to see it, the trauma from the previous night hadn't changed who she was. Her temper was just as easy to provoke as it had been before Luc had come into her life. She opened her mouth to speak, but just then they heard the front door to the bar slam shut.

Christina's mouth dropped open. "Oh no."

Mitch jumped out of bed and grabbed his trousers. "Is that Mrs. Williams?"

"No she comes in through the back."

He stood up with raised brows, his pants unfastened and his shirt in his hand. "Then who the hell is that?"

Christina shrugged. "It could be almost anyone in my family."

"They have keys?"

"Just my father and James …"

Mitch groaned and let out a string of curses as he fastened his pants and looked around for his shoes. "Great. Just … great."

Christina heard a familiar voice call out for her and she closed her eyes and let out a groan of her own. "Oh, and Digger."

"This just keeps getting better." He shrugged into his shirt and turned towards the bathroom. "Get rid of him."

She nodded as he passed her then held her breath as he walked over to her and gave her a hard kiss. "This is not how I like to spend my mornings."

"I'll remember that for next time." She whispered.

"Good." He winked and gave her another kiss then jogged into the bathroom and closed the door.

Just as the one door closed, her bedroom door slammed open. Digger stood there with an anxious look on his face and Christina clutched the sheet closer to her body. "Morning."

"Didn't you hear me calling you? What are you still doing in bed? I thought you'd be up and about by now. Are you sick? Should I call JD?"

"Take a breath, Digger. I'm fine. What's got you all worked up?"

"What did you do to your hair?"

"I umm … cut it … last night." She reached up and smoothed the short locks. "Do you like it?"

"It's nice …" He tilted his head to the side. "I like it, it suits you."

Christina remembered those exact words coming out of Mitch's mouth the night before and also recalled the thrill that went through her as he said it. "Thanks. So what's wrong? You look nervous."

"I thought I should come and give you the news in person before you heard it from someone else." Diego entered the room and went to sit on the chair of her vanity but tripped on his way. He looked down and bent to pick up the object. When he straightened he held a man's shoe in his hand. "Well … I guess the rumors are wrong."

Christina's brows shot up. "What rumors?"

"The one that said Luc Beaumont left town like a thief in the night, but I guess not … looks like he just moved." Diego frowned as he looked at her and his eyes widened as he finally realized her state of undress. He blushed and dropped the shoe. "Good God, Chrissy, I'm sorry." He looked at the closed door of the bathroom and back to her. "This is awkward."

"More so for me," She muttered. "Did you say rumors say he left town?"

"Well Mrs. Collins at the boarding house came to your brother early this morning to tell him that Luc ducked out without paying his bill. I just happened to be passing by on my way to my building when I overheard."

Christina bit her lip. "I see."

"But now there's nothing to be worried about … well I'm sure your brothers aren't going to like this, but this is better than him being a thief, right?"

"Yes, it would be." She said softly as her mind whirled in a thousand different directions.

"Chrissy, are you sure about this?" Diego whispered. "I mean, do you know what you're doing?"

"She knows exactly what she's doing." Mitch said from the bathroom.

Diego's head shot up as he looked over to the man standing shirtless in the doorway. Christina dropped onto her back and pulled the sheet over her head.

Mitch gave the other man a satisfied grin. "Morning, Digger."

Diego stood up slowly, his expression full of disbelief. "What the hell are you doing in there?"

The deputy arched a brow and motioned to the shoe on the floor.

Digger stared down at it as if seeing it for the first time and picked it up again. "This is your shoe?"

"Yes."

"Then it's not Luc … but … you?"

"Yep."

Diego turned to face the lump beneath the blankets. "Christina?"

Mitch took the other man by the arm and led him out of the room. "Why don't we give her a few minutes to get herself together … she's not exactly … dressed for company."

"She's not dressed at all!" Diego's voice rose with panic. "What the hell is going on?"

"Let's wait downstairs and then we'll all have a nice long talk." Mitch said calmly, before he shut the bedroom door he looked in one last time. "Take your time, Chrissy. I want to find out more about your disappearing beau." The last thing he heard before closing the door was her loud, frustrated growl.

The two men went down to the bar wordlessly. Diego sat down in stunned silence as Mitch fastened his shirt and sat at the table with him. He waited until Digger met his gaze. "Tell me about Beaumont."

"The hell with Luc, tell me what the hell you're doing here?"

Mitch shrugged and sat back. "What does it look like? You're a grown man, Diego, surely you know."

Digger stood up quickly, his chair falling behind him, and leaned his hands on the table. "You bastard."

"No, my parents are married, have been for almost thirty years. Now sit down, Digger, before I knock you on your ass. You and I have a lot to talk about."

Diego righted his chair and glared at the man sitting across from him. "How is it you wound up sharing her bed?"

Mitch shrugged again. "Seems she threw herself at me after some idiot told her men had urges that needed to be filled and let's face it, no man can resist her really."

"Well I never expected her to want to fill yours."

"Really? Even knowing how she felt about me."

"She had Luc now … what the hell happened with Luc? Where is he?"

Mitch ran a hand through his hair. "I don't know."

"He was here yesterday, right?"

"Yes … then he left … suddenly."

"None of this is making any sense … it's like an alternate reality … maybe I'm dreaming," he looked up at Mitch and shook his head. "No, this is a nightmare."

"Diego, tell me what you heard about Luc."

"You obviously overheard what I told Christina, that's all I know, but I can bet that James will be here any minute now to ask her about him. How are you going to explain your presence here?"

"I'm going to say I'm here to take Chrissy out for breakfast." Mitch smiled at his quick thinking.

Digger looked under the table. "You better put some shoes on then."

Mitch let out a low curse and stood up, but Christina appeared beside him. "I've got your shoes right here."

He reached for them and took in her appearance, besides the fact that her hair was short, nothing looked different. The bruise that was so apparent the night before was faded and well concealed beneath cosmetics. She smiled at him as she sat down then turned her attention to Diego.

"So are you two ... together?"

"No." Christina said softly.

"What?"

Diego turned to Mitch, anger sparking in his eyes. The deputy held up his hands. "I want nothing more than to make an honest woman of her, but she's not having it."

"I won't go through this again." Christina said her voice strong and firm. "What Mitch and I have is between us, Digger and not open to discussion … I'm also asking you to keep it to yourself. No one would understand."

Diego snorted. "And your brothers would kill him for sharing your bed with no promises."

"As if they had any say. Especially James, he got Mari pregnant while he was practically engaged to someone else and from what I heard JD shared Izzy's bed the night of her engagement party to that Duke."

"Oh Lord, I don't want to know this." Digger held his hands over his ears then dropped them quickly. "And he wasn't a Duke. Wait … how did you know all this?"

Mitch arched a brow. "Yeah?"

"Women talk and I eavesdrop." She said simply. "Anyway, the only one who can say anything is Billy and we're not even sure he was married when he spent that week alone with Sofie, and don't try to tell me they didn't do anything. And as for you two I know that both of you have no regrets about taking women to bed with no promises."

Both men shifted uncomfortably, Diego crossed his arms over his chest defensively. "That's different."

"How?"

"The women we take to bed aren't women we plan on marrying they're just there to satisfy our urges."

Mitch groaned. "Shut up, Diego."

Christina smiled broadly. "Exactly."

Digger leaned in to look Christina in the eyes. "Listen here, Miss, despite what you think about yourself, you are the marrying kind."

"Yes, I can see the men lined up around the corner. I have to beat them away with a stick … all sorts of good men including murderers and rapists."

"Rapists?" Diego sat back and looked from one to the other. "I know about that Edward Roberts and how he murdered people, but what rapist?"

Christina paled. "Umm …" She looked to Mitch who had also sat up straight but was at a loss for words. She closed her eyes and turned back to Diego, she'd never kept anything from him. He knew things about her that up until last night, no one else did. She decided in that moment, not to keep this from him.

"Luc Beaumont."

Diego's jaw dropped open. "Luc is a rapist?"

"Attempted." Mitch said softly and reached out for Christina's hand. She placed her palm in his and squeezed gently. "I caught him trying to …" He shook his head, his throat closing on the words, he couldn't go on.

"He attacked me last night," Christina finished. "Luckily, Mitch stopped him before he did anything."

Digger was silent for several minutes then his temper exploded. He cursed violently, in three languages and began to pace. It took several moments for him to calm and when he did he turned back to the couple at the table. "So when do we go looking for him?"

"We don't." Mitch replied.

"What?"

"Christina doesn't want us to go looking for him. She doesn't want anyone to know."

"That's crazy," Diego said gently as he sat down again. He took Christina's free hand. "Chrissy, you can't let him get away with this."

Mitch exhaled softly. "We've been through this all already, and she's made it very clear she's not going to change her mind."

"Chrissy, you're not thinking straight."

"Yes I am. Trust me I have never been clearer in my thinking than I have been in the last twelve hours. Trust me on this Diego it's just better this way."

The younger man turned to the other man in the room, his eyes pleading. "Mitch?"

"I'm not going against her wishes."

Digger twisted his lips wryly. "You wouldn't."

"Don't push it." Mitch warned.

"This isn't right. You can't just let him disappear."

"Yes I can, he's gone which leaves me safe." She realized what she'd said and turned to Mitch. "I'm safe now."

He leaned in to her. "Oh no, don't you even think it. You and I have a deal, Miss Hickok."

"What deal?" Diego asked as he looked from one to the other.

Mitch arched a brow. "Should I tell him?" He asked playfully, knowing full well Christina would never tell anyone she was to be his mistress.

"No!" Christina turned to Diego. "None of your business."

Digger rolled his eyes. "Never mind, I get it. It involves you and him and a bed right?"

When Diego put it into words it sounded sordid to Mitch's ears and it almost degraded the night he'd shared with Christina and all the nights he planned on sharing with her. He glanced at the woman in question, Christina looked down into her lap, her cheeks burning with shame and Mitch felt his temper flare. Without thought he reached out and grabbed Diego by the shirt, hauling him to his feet and throwing him up against the bar. Diego's eyes narrowed as he looked up at the other man. "What are you going to do Mitch? What's wrong, guilt getting the best of you?"

"I am not feeling guilty." He replied through clenched teeth.

"Is that so?" Digger shrugged as best he could. "So, you're not feeling so guilty about taking her virginity? You're not feeling guilty that you were never there for her?"

"Except when she needed it most." Mitch growled.

"She's always needed you. You were just too blind to see it."

"That's enough!" Christina was on her feet, glaring at the two men. "Diego, shut up." She said a hint of panic in her voice. Still she didn't let that emotion get to her and turned to Mitch calmly. "Let him go."

Mitch did as she asked but didn't step away from the other man. "What's between me and Christina stays between the two of us. I know you wouldn't want word of this getting out and her being embarrassed by it all. Not after she's gained some respectability."

Diego's gaze touched Christina's worried eyes and he felt all his indignation flow out of him. He leaned in to Mitch and spoke so only he could hear. "Do you love her?"

"I do." He answered quickly. Diego pulled back, his surprise evident on his face and Mitch smiled. "I'm going to need your help convincing her of that though."

"You really do?"

"Yes."

Digger nodded once then pushed him away and approached Chrissy, he searched her face and narrowed his eyes as he turned her cheek. "You're wearing an awful lot of that powder."

"Luc hit me."

"He better be far from town." Diego said quietly. "Cause if I find him, I will tear him limb from limb."

He turned to Mitch who nodded. "I'm liable to kill him too."

Christina grabbed Digger's face in her hands and turned him to face her. "Your word, I want your solemn promise that you will not tell anyone what happened to me. Not your parents, not your sisters … no one."

"My lips are sealed, Chrissy."

She hugged him tightly. "Thank you, Digger."

He returned the hug then turned to Mitch. "So what's the plan?"

Christina frowned. "Plan for what?"

Diego arched a brow and it made him look like his father, she smiled at the expression. "You didn't think that Mitch was just going to give up looking did you? Just because he can't get any help from the law doesn't mean he isn't going to search for Luc. Am I right?"

"I figure now that you know one of us should always be around her. I don't want her left alone."

"Wait a minute. Diego said that Luc is gone." Chrissy said.

"No, Luc has disappeared." Mitch corrected. "No one knows where he is. There's a difference."

"Do you really think he'd stick around? Would he be willing to take the chance?"

"Who knows what he's thinking." Mitch approached her and looked down into her wide brown eyes. She was staring up at him with hope shining in the depths and he wondered if she even realized how vulnerable she looked right now. He cupped her unblemished cheek and smoothed the soft skin with the pad of his thumb. "If he's still in town, maybe he'll leave when he hears that your brother is searching for him for skipping out on his bill. That works to our advantage, but until I know that he is out of your life for sure, I am not risking your safety. Diego and I will take turns watching over you. Your brothers will too, though they won't realize it." He leaned in and kissed her lips gently. "I won't let him have you."

Digger cleared his throat gently reminding them that they weren't alone. He was blushing and staring intently at the wood planked flooring. "Do you two mind?"

"Get used to it." Mitch said with a grin.

"No he doesn't have to get used to it," Christina stated firmly. "You cannot go around kissing me whenever you feel like it. We have a deal."

"A stupid one." Mitch reminded her.

"The only one you're going to get."

"Let's not start this okay?" Digger added. "I think I see James coming."

The couple jumped apart as they turned to the window in the front of the Shoppe. sure enough James was approaching with Billy hard on his heels.

"Great." Mitch muttered.

The brothers entered and found the three friends sitting at a table talking as if nothing were amiss. James stopped short as he turned to Mitch. "What are you doing here?'

Mitch sat back and shrugged. "I came to take your sister out to breakfast."

"In the same clothes you had on last night?" Billy asked.

Mitch looked down at himself and stifled the myriad of curses that was going through his head. When he looked up, Christina's gaze was panicked while Diego was trying to contain his laughter.

Christina turned to her brothers and relaxed her features. "Well, looks like you caught us."

The two Hickok men gave her their full attention. she could almost hear their spines stiffening. The two men beside her were watching her with curious expressions as well. She rose and approached her brothers and hugged them both making sure to keep her injured cheek away from their intent gazes.

"What did we catch? Exactly?" James asked.

"Well …" She bit her lip and furrowed her brows. "Mitch came last night to help me close like he usually does."

"Uh huh?" Billy prompted, but his hard gaze was on his best friend. Mitch couldn't meet it and instead looked down at his folded hands on the tabletop.

"Well, Luc and I had just had a huge fight and he stormed out. I was crying and Mitch stayed to console me."

"Really?" Now it was James who was glaring at the deputy. Mitch's gaze though was on Christina.

"Sure, Mitch is wonderful friend. You both know that and you also know that he'd never leave me when I needed someone." She turned to him and gave him a grateful smile, it wasn't a lie, in fact there was more truth in what she was telling them than not. "He sat with me. We drank brandy … lots of brandy … too much really. After the bottle was done, well we weren't in any condition to do anything but sleep."

Now both her brothers were looking at her. James frowned. "You had too much to drink?"

"We both did. I couldn't let Mitch go home in his state so he spent the night in the spare room."

"I see." James said and kissed his sister's forehead. "Well then that explains it. Why don't you put some coffee on for us, I need to talk to you about Luc and I could use a nice hot cup."

"Sure, can I get anyone anything to eat? Besides Mitch I mean?"

Diego smiled broadly. "I'd love pancakes."

"So would I." James said with a smile of his own. "Is Mrs. Williams here?"

"Not yet, she should be here any minute though."

"Good, do you need help?" James asked.

"No, I can make pancakes just fine." She smiled then turned and left.

With his sister gone, James took the seat to Mitch's right that his sister had vacated. "Now for the truth."

"Excuse me?"

Billy took the seat to Mitch's left and leaned his forearms on the table. "You forget we've both been drinking with you. It takes more than one shared bottle of brandy to get you drunk."

"Oh … well …" He turned from one brother to the other. "I can explain."

"No need." James said and clapped his back. "We understand completely. You stayed because Christina was tipsy and distraught, you didn't want to leave her that way."

Billy nodded. "You're a good man, Mitch. We wouldn't trust Christina with anyone else."

"My pleasure." Mitch replied dryly.

Diego snorted. "Sorry, frog in my throat."

"Now then, with Chrissy occupied for the next little bit, let's figure out what to do about Beaumont. Do you know what the fight was about?"

"No. When I came in, she was crying, but she refused to talk about it. She actually didn't want to tell you about it."

"Probably not," Billy stated. "She'd think we would get on her case again about her instincts with men."

"Yeah." Mitch said quietly.

Diego snorted once more then smiled. "Another frog."

Mitch's eyes narrowed. "Maybe you can think of a poultice or an elixir that can help with that affliction, you being a vet and all."

"I'm sure this was the last one."

"What are you doing here so early?" Billy asked Diego.

"I came for breakfast of course."

"Of course." Billy turned to Mitch. "James and I were thinking that since you come to help Chrissy close that you might keep an extra eye on her."

"You think she's in some kind of danger?"

"Beaumont's room was trashed, completely destroyed. He was angry when he left. After hearing about this argument now, who knows where his mind is. We'd appreciate it if you'd just keep an extra lookout."

James nodded. "I'm going to make sure your shift ends earlier, I'd like you to spend as much time here as possible. Tell Christina that you want to help her around here. Maybe give her a hand with the bar? Make it sound like it's your idea."

"I can do that." Mitch replied.

Diego stood up quickly. "Looks like that frog's still there, I'm going to get a glass of water."

Mitch watched the younger man make his exit and thanked Fate for handing him this opportunity, it was as if she were giving him her stamp of approval on their relationship and he wasn't about to throw this chance away.

Chapter 8

Christina stood in front of the large oak door of the Rosas Cruz's main house and took a deep breath. There was no reason to be nervous, she reminded herself, she was just going to spend an hour or two with the only two people in the world who seemed to understand her. She needed advice and an ear to listen to her work out her confusion and her aunt and uncle never failed to help her through her rough patches.

Her sister and sisters-in-law had all shown up shortly after James and Billy had and had immediately taken over the bar. Mrs. Williams arrived only moments after that and the group agreed that Christina had been working too hard in the last couple of weeks and should have an afternoon to herself. Chrissy thought that it had more to do with the rumors flying around town about Luc, whatever the reason, she was grateful for the reprieve. She couldn't seem to face anyone in the room while Mitch was there. memories of their lovemaking continually crept into her mind and caused her face to turn crimson. Luckily the bruise that had been so prevalent the night before was also quickly fading so no one but Diego had seemed to notice it.

Christina took another deep breath then fisted her hand and was raising it to knock on the door when a young man came around the side of the house. He pushed his Stetson down further on his face keeping it in shadow and nodded. "Ma'am, Mrs. Cross ain't home, she went to visit her best friend."

Chrissy turned with a small smile, the man's voice was slightly higher than it should have been leading her to believe he wasn't a man at all, but a boy … someone possibly in his mid-to-late teens. His short stature and lanky body seemed to confirm her suspicions as well. She had no idea that the Crosses had taken on another young hand, but knowing her uncle, the boy before her was an orphan and needed a helping hand. He never could turn away anyone in need. "Morning, is Mr. Cross home? I'm Chrissy, his niece."

If he recognized her name, he made no remark about it. Instead, he merely nodded. "He's in the stable. I'll go get him for you."

"Thank you, Mr. …?"

"Dakota."

"Mr. Dakota."

Chrissy thought she saw the hint of a smile, but it was so faint she couldn't be sure. "No, Ma'am, just Dakota."

"Oh, well … Thank you, Dakota."

The young man tipped his hat slightly and without another word loped away toward the stable. Christina watched him go through narrowed eyes. there was something strange about him that she couldn't quite put her finger on. Not wanting to think about anything but the talk before her, she put Dakota out of her mind and sat down on the porch steps to wait for Buck. She had no idea what she wanted to say to him, only that she needed to hear his soothing voice. She closed her eyes and lifted her head to the mid-morning sun. it was several minutes before the bright light was eclipsed and a familiar laugh floated over her.

"Should I be worried?"

Christina smiled broadly then jumped up to her feet and enveloped her uncle in a tight hug. "Nope, I just wanted to say hello."

Buck arched a disbelieving brow as he returned her hug. "Now I know I should be worried." He pulled back and motioned towards her head with his chin. "What did you do to your hair?"

"I cut it."

"I can see that. Why?"

She shrugged. "It's all the rage in the big cities and you know I pride myself in keeping with the times. Now, no one will confuse me and Emma."

Her upbeat tone only served to make him suspicious and she shifted nervously under his scrutiny. His eyes narrowed as he gently turned her face to the side. "The cut and this bruise you mean. What happened?"

Christina's eyes widened and she quickly placed her hand over her cheek, she should have known he would notice, no matter how faint the bruise. Her uncle was always more observant than anyone else she'd ever known. She should have taken more care to make sure her face looked normal. "Nothing."

He crossed both arms over his chest and tilted his head to the side. "C'mon, Christina, this is me. What happened?"

"Can we talk inside? I don't want anyone to overhear, I think I'm in trouble."

Christina had never seen Buck move so quickly, the door was unlocked and she was ushered in and sitting in the parlor before she even knew what happened. Buck sat across from her, his forearms leaning on his thighs as his gaze roamed over her. "What kind of trouble."

She wasn't sure where to begin or how much she should actually reveal. Sure Buck and Tina were always willing to listen to her, but they were still her parents' best friends and she didn't think telling him that she'd lost her virginity to Mitch was in her best interest.

"Christina?"

Buck's worried voice intruded on her musings and she focused on calming him. A too-big smile found its way on her face and by the expression on his she knew that it was a bit too much. She allowed it to falter and focused on the small grouping of pictures on the mantel behind him.

"Well if no one's come in from town recently then you probably hadn't heard, but Luc left town last night."

"Did he strike you?"

The lie began to form on her lips but the famous Cross eyebrow arch appeared and halted her. She bit her lip and nodded. "Yes."

"When I get my hands on him-" Buck began.

Christina put her palm up hoping to calm him. "It's alright Mitch came in and stopped him from doing anything more than slapping me. He only got one hit in before Rios pummeled him."

"I knew there was a reason I liked that boy."

"Yeah well he's a good friend. Tνo, I'd appreciate it if you didn't mention this to Daddy or Momma. They'd only get upset and start on me moving back in. Mitch promised he'd keep an eye on me, so there's really no reason to worry them."

"I hate keeping things from them, Christina."

She gave him her best puppy dog look. "I know … please?"

Buck began to mutter and she knew he wouldn't say anything. He never could resist her pouty-puppy dog face. He then stopped suddenly and looked up at her in disbelief. "Wait, you did say Mitch is going to keep an eye on you right?"

"Yes."

"And does this have anything to do with why you think you're in trouble now?"

"Yes. I was pretty upset and Mitch stayed with me until I was calm again. In fact, he spent the night with me."

Buck suddenly looked very uncomfortable. "Are you sure you don't want to wait for your Aunt to come back?"

"He slept in the spare room." Christina said to ease his mind and was surprised at how easily that lie slipped from her lips.

"Oh … so why are you in trouble?"

Chrissy frowned. "Mitch wants to spend more time with me … we did a lot of talking last night and formed a new bond of sorts, but with the way I feel about him I'm afraid that my heart will be broken after all is said and done."

"Why?"

She grimaced. "Everyone in town knows that Mitch is looking for a wife."

"So? You're just as good as anyone else in town … Hell, you're better." He frowned when she opened her mouth to speak. "And don't you dare tell me otherwise." Buck rose to his feet and pulled her to a large mirror over the mantle. "Look at the beautiful young woman there. What do you see?"

Christina stared at her reflection then let out a dejected sigh. "A disappointment."

He placed his hands on her shoulders and squeezed them gently, then bent to kiss the top of her head. "Well that's not what I see. Do you want to know what I see when I look at you?"

She shrugged her response.

Buck met her gaze in the mirror. "I see a beautiful young woman who has more backbone than most of the men I've ever known. A woman who owns her own business, a woman who isn't afraid of taking chances, I see someone who made a success from an idea that everyone thought was crazy." He turned her to face him and looked down into her eyes. "I'll have you know that my ranch hands have said to me that they love the Tea Shoppe. They think it's a great place to bring their lady friends and just as perfect for a night with the boys. They told me that they compete to see who will get a smile from you first and do you know why?"

"Because a smile from me is likely to be an invitation for something more." She replied sarcastically. Buck scowled and she quickly wiped the smirk off her own face. "Why?"

He lifted her chin a notch. "Because a smile from you, a real smile, is like seeing the sun come out on a cloudy day. You don't give yourself enough credit, Christina, people are starting to notice who you are. They're starting to realize how wonderful you truly are and I think Mitch is finally seeing that too."

"I am not wonderful, Tνo."

"You are. You are the very best of your mother and father."

"My mother I can see, but my father?"

"Don't tell him I said so, but Jimmy is a man who knows what it's like to be judged based on rumor and innuendo. He understands what it's like to be seen as someone you're not, you should talk to him Christina, I'm sure he can give you better advice than I can." He stepped back and crossed his arms over his chest once more, reminding her of a great Indian chief. "Of all of Jimmy's children, you are the most similar. Sure Joshua resembles him and James tries to imitate him, William has his attitude and Emma his sense of duty, but you, Christina, are the only one who can truly understand what it's like to be him."

"I never realized that."

He winked. "That's what I'm here for, to give you insight you youngin's never get on your own."

She smiled at that. "So what am I supposed to do about Mitch?"

"Listen to your heart. Forget what anyone else will think."

"That's what I've always done."

Buck shook his head. "No you haven't. Not really. Before you ever did anything in the past, you've always taken what anyone would think into consideration. You did, or pretended to do what would always be seen as the most scandalous thing to do, what would keep people talking? The only time you've ever done something for yourself is when you opened the China Rose."

She frowned and let his words sink in. she knew he spoke the truth, but knowing it and hearing it from someone else made her realize how sad it really was. She sighed softly and looked up at her uncle. "So I let myself fall?"

"You fell a long time ago," Buck said as he gently cupped her cheek. "Now you allow Mitch to see the real Christina and let him fall too. Enjoy the ride Christina. it's the best one you'll ever experience."

"And if he doesn't fall?"

"How could he not?"

Christina didn't want to tell him that what they had between them was an agreement to be bed partners and his heart wasn't really invested in any kind of relationship. So her mind raced for another way to ask what she wanted to know. "How will I know what he's feeling is real and not … lust?"

Buck seemed to jerk at the mention of lust in reference to the young woman before him, but she had to give him credit, he recovered fairly quickly. "You'll have to trust him."

"That won't be easy." She replied sadly. "I've been burned so many times."

"I can understand your fears, Christina, but you're being given the chance you've waited years for. Take what's being offered and hold it tightly. Trust will come in time."

She hugged him. "Tνo, how did you get so wise?"

"I had three daughters who kept me on my toes. Thank goodness I don't have to worry about Diego."

Chrissy arched a brow. "Ha, that's what you think. Diego's not an angel."

"Yes but he's a man. Let his sweetheart's papa worry this time." Buck replied with a smile.

Christina giggled, but somehow thought that Buck's concerns over his children weren't over just yet.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Mitch stretched as he entered his parents' home and inhaled deeply, he was still exhausted. The memories of his experience with Christina caused a satisfied smile to cross his features. Though he wanted Christina to believe he loved her, he wasn't about to give up his place in her bed to do it, in fact he vowed to ensure that he made love to her each and every time. This was not just sex for him and he was going to make sure that she didn't have any excuse to say it was.

The scent of freshly baked bread wafted over to him and led him into the kitchen. At the table he found his father sitting with a cup of coffee and a warm roll liberally slathered with butter. Pedro looked up and smiled. "You're in trouble, Mi'jo."

"What did I do?" Mitch asked as he poured himself a cup of the warm brew and sat across from his father.

"You didn't come home last night."

Mitch paused as he buttered his own roll and looked up. "The reason I moved out to the old ranch house on the edge of the pasture was so I could have some privacy."

"If you wanted complete privacy you needed to move to the other side of the Mississippi, and even then I'm not sure Siobhan wouldn't know your comings and goings."

The younger man snorted in agreement, he usually didn't mind the watch his mother kept, he knew it gave her comfort but for some reason he objected this time. He knew there would be a mountain of questions to answer when his mother caught up with him and he didn't want to discuss anything that could be linked back to Christina or their agreement. "Where is she?"

"In town, I think she was hoping to catch you there." Pedro took a bite of his roll and sighed in contentment. "So where were you?"

"In town … working." Mitch replied quickly, it was sort of the truth.

"And does this job have a name?" Pedro asked nonchalantly as he took a sip of his coffee.

Mitch choked on his bite of bread and stared at his fathering horror. "Pop!"

"Oh don't give me that, I was young once too." Pedro replied with a roll of his eyes. "So, does she?"

Mitch sat back and fiddled with his coffee mug. "It's Christina."

"Christina who?"

Mitch frowned and wondered how many other Christinas his parents had ever heard him mention. "Hickok."

Pedro sat up straighter and stared at his son as if he'd grown a second head. "You spent the night with Christina Hickok?"

"I can explain, Pop, it's not what you think."

Pedro ignored his son as if he didn't hear him. He waited a beat then smiled broadly. "Well it's about time." He muttered.

Mitch sat up so quickly he almost upended his mug. "What did you just say?"

The older man laughed. "I said it's about time, I was wondering when you would wise up, open your eyes and see what's in front of you."

"You are talking about Christina Hickok, right? Emma's twin?"

Pedro eyed his son. "Yes. That girl has been sweet on you for years."

"You knew?"

"Of course I did, all you had to do was look at her to know she was wild for you. Took you long enough to realize it though." Pedro gave his son a smug smile and took another bite of his roll. "What happened that changed things?"

"I finally opened my eyes. I think I've been starting to see her differently for a long time now."

"So what happened last night? You didn't compromise her did you? Because if you did not only will her papa have your hide but so will her brothers and you can kiss your friendship with Billy good-bye, then of course there's Buck … and Diego."

"Enough!" Mitch replied quickly. "It wasn't like that, Pop, I didn't compromise her. Christina is special."

"That so? People around town might have something different to say … especially your mother."

The statement brought Mitch's head up. "She wouldn't approve?"

"She likes Christina, just as much as she likes all the Hickoks, but Chrissy has got a reputation and most of the women in town ain't got much to say that's good about her. Your Ma wants only the best for you, Mitch. she isn't going to think Christina Hickok is it."

"I thought she'd want me to be happy."

Pedro nodded slowly. "She does, just as long as she has a hand in that happiness and that happiness doesn't bring shame on you."

"You mean as long as she can control it." The two men laughed in agreement, but Mitch quickly sobered. "Pop, what about what I want? What if Christina's the one?"

"Do you think she is?"

"I think it's a good possibility. I feel differently about her than I have for anyone else. More protective I think. I care about her feelings. I want her to be happy. If that's me thinking she's the one for me then, yes."

Pedro shrugged. "I'm sure your Momma would accept anything as long as you were truly happy, it might take a little time, but she'd definitely welcome her into the family. She knows you could do a lot worse, Christina comes from a good family and other than her reputation she's a nice girl." He gave his son a crooked smile. "So if you didn't compromise her, why didn't you come home?"

"She had a little trouble in the bar." Mitch said the words and felt his anger rise again. "If I hadn't come when I did …"

"I take it you saved her from whatever trouble found her?"

"Yeah I guess I did, which complicates everything, Pop."

"How so?" Pedro rose and topped both their mugs.

"Well … she's grateful to me."

"As she should be, she's a good girl … except for those pesky rumors of course."

Mitch smirked. "I don't want her to be grateful."

"Because?"

"Because then I won't know where her heart lies." Mitch grimaced. "You're getting a kick out of making me spell this out for you aren't you?"

"I am having a grand old time. I've never seen you so twisted up. You're falling, Mi'jo. It's good to see, you've had an easy time of it so far and love should never be easy."

"Easy?"

"You've never had to chase a woman in your life, they all seemed to just fall in your lap and now you have this woman you think you want and she's not falling in line."

"Not only is she not falling in line, but she insists she doesn't want to be a part of the line or anywhere near it."

"I see your problem."

"Do you? Pop, I don't know what to do. How do I make her give me a chance? How can I make her fall in love with me?"

"She's already in love with you, remember?"

"She's fighting it because she thinks I want to marry a nice girl." He emphasized the word nice and saw that his father understood.

"I take back what I said about your mother … she'd love Christina."

"Be serious."

"I was."

Mitch twisted his lips into a grimace. "Why does everyone think they know what's best for me, don't you all think I know what I want?"

"Do you?"

"I want Christina."

"Why?"

"Because I'm in love with her."

"Are you? Or are you experiencing lust? She's got a reputation-"

"I know."

"Let me finish. Christina has got a reputation and the men in this town have given and will give their left arm for a chance with her. Are you sure you're not one of them?"

"I'm sure. Pop, in the last few weeks I've spent a lot of time with her, just talking. She listens and she doesn't agree with me just because she wants to be with me. Hell, she disagrees with me more often than not. I told her things that only you and Momma know."

"Such as?"

"Things about my time in the war, like how I got shot."

"Now if you shared that then it really must be serious, Billy doesn't even know about that. So what do you intend to do?"

"That's just it. I don't know." He frowned into his mug then looked up at his father. "How did you make Ma fall for you?"

"I was my usual charming self." He rolled his eyes at the arch look he received. "I mean it, I just pursued her until she broke down and gave me a chance then I plied her with treats … but mostly, I was myself and luckily your Momma liked me. You've got a leg up on me there, Mi'jo, Chrissy already likes the man you are. Now you just have to convince her you're the one for her and she's the one for you."

"How?"

"Don't give up."

Throughout the rest of the day, Mitch thought about what his father said. He managed to avoid his mother and even made it into town that evening without a confrontation. Before heading over to the jail for his shift late that afternoon, he peeked into the China Rose. Christina was behind the bar talking to JD, and even from the doorway Mitch could see the way her brown eyes sparkled and the flush of happiness on her cheeks and he felt his heart begin to race. He quickly made his way down the street before he gave into temptation and swept her off her feet and upstairs to her bedroom and instead went to the jail only to be stopped by Diego before he could enter.

Mitch stopped in his tracks and gave the younger main a pointed look. "Aren't you supposed to be with Chrissy?"

"She's with JD so I thought I could leave." Diego replied. "It's still early, what could happen?"

"I don't want to think about what could happen."

"Sheesh, you've got it bad."

Mitch frowned. "Look, I can't discuss this now. I'm on my way to work, go back to the China Rose and keep her company."

Diego arched a brow, a perfect imitation of his father, and crossed his arms over his chest. "I do have a life too you know. As a matter of fact, I can't watch her tonight because I have plans."

"Cancel them."

"I don't think so. You've found the woman you want to spend your life with, I haven't and I am damned well not going to put my social life on hold for you."

"You're not doing it for me, you're doing it for Chrissy and unless Beaumont is sitting inside that jailhouse right now, she's still a target for him. I am not about to put her safety on the line."

Diego's eyes narrowed. "Now listen here, Mitch, I love Christina like she was my sister. In fact let's not forget that I have been the only person she could really count on these last few years." He added and smiled in satisfaction when Mitch frowned. "The last thing I want is to put her in harm's way, but she wouldn't want me to put my life on hold for her."

"Then don't tell her."

"I won't lie to her."

"It's not a lie, it's an omission."

"Same thing."

Mitch's brows lowered over his eyes. "Are you going to stand there and tell me you've never kept something from Christina before? Did you tell her that you told me that she was in love with me?"

Diego suddenly looked uncomfortable. "That was different."

"It's still an omission, Digger."

"I was sparing her embarrassment. you want me to lie to my best friend. Chrissy knows I have plans tonight and that I've been looking forward to taking Becky Miller out, she'd never believe they suddenly changed. Trust is a big thing for her and she would never forgive anyone who betrayed her." He gave Mitch a pointed glare. "Which reminds me, I think I may have said it already, but allow me to say it again so there's no misunderstanding, if you hurt her, in any way, I. Will. Kill. You."

The intensity with which the statement was made was so severe that Mitch immediately took the younger man seriously. Diego was the only other person in the world who knew what their relationship really consisted of and Mitch didn't think the other man would hesitate before making good on his vow.

"I'd cut out my own heart before I hurt her."

Diego tilted his head as he absorbed the statement. "You're really in love with her."

"Yeah, I told you I was. I've never felt this way before."

"Are you sure it's her and not just the fact that you shared her bed?"

The echo of his father's words spoken just a few hours before had Mitch feeling defensive. "I know what lust feels like, Digger and yeah, it's there … but there's something more too."

"I have an idea on how to help you with her. we'll need to find some time to talk since we can't do it here where anyone can overhear. Maybe tonight after I drop Becky off." Digger sighed softly. "Looks like you win, I'll figure out a way to keep my plans and still keep an eye on Chrissy."

"Thanks."

"I'm not doing this for you. I'm doing it for her."

James exited the jailhouse then and spotted the two men. "You two look like you're ready to rip each other's heads off. What's going on?"

"Nothing," Mitch replied. "I was just making sure that Chrissy wasn't going to be alone tonight."

"No worries, we've got it covered. JD's with her now, Izzy is meeting him for dinner, then Billy and Sofie are going to head over to meet them and they're all going to spend a couple of hours listening to music until you get off shift. Then she's all yours until closing."

Diego smiled. "Ha, there ya have it I don't have to change my plans."

"Sounds good."

"Don't worry so much, Mitch, we won't leave her alone." James laughed softly. "They way you're going on you'd think you were her beau." He looked up with narrowed eyes and Mitch waved off his suspicions.

"I just worry like you do. If there's one thing I'm not, it's her beau." His lips twisted into a wry grimace.

"You got that right." Diego muttered.

Mitch turned to the younger man. "Don't you have somewhere to be?"

"Actually I do. James, give my love to Mari, Mitch be careful tonight and tell Chrissy I'll see her tomorrow afternoon."

The two men nodded and watched Diego strut away. James snorted. "He'd make the perfect man for Chrissy, if only they weren't such good friends."

Mitch frowned. "What do you mean?"

"He's everything she needs. he loves her unconditionally, in spite of what everyone thinks. He supports her without question and they have a wonderful friendship."

"Yeah, but can he curl her toes when they kiss?"

James shuddered. "I don't even want to think of my sister doing any kissing, let alone any toe-curling type of it."

"They're friends, James, best-friends and he's doing what friends do. He's not the perfect man for Christina."

"All right Mr. Know-it-all. You tell me what you think Christina's perfect man is."

"Chrissy's perfect man would make her feel like the most beautiful woman in the world, he'd have a wild streak while still being dependable. He's a little dangerous, but still good …and he'd curl her toes whenever they kissed."

James's brows shot up as he stared in shock at the man beside him. Suddenly he burst into laughter, doubling over when it became too difficult to remain upright. "You've been reading too many of Mari's stories. That's a fairy tale, Mitch."

Mitch turned to the sheriff and shrugged, he wasn't ashamed of what he'd said, he knew in his heart that the kind of man he'd described was just what Christina wanted … after all, he'd just described himself.

He turned to his friend and smiled. "Maybe fairy tales are just what she needs."

Chapter 9

"The next one's for all the lovebirds out there." Pete said as the band struck up a slow seductive tune.

A palm gently slid down Chrissy's back and she jumped causing the drink she was serving to spill. She smiled apologetically to Carlos DeJesus one of her uncle's ranch hands from the Rosas Cruz and turned in time to see Mitch smile shamelessly as he walked to the other end of the bar. She took a deep breath and tried to calm her nerves. Working this closely to him was playing havoc with her nerves. There wasn't much space behind the bar and anytime they passed each other, one part of their body inevitably brushed against the other. It wouldn't have been so bad if not for the fact that Mitch always seemed to make sure that it was always his hand that touched her and not always as innocently as the caress he'd just given her.

"You're looking a bit flushed there. maybe you should go get a breath of fresh air." Diego said with a knowing smile and a wiggle of his brows as he slid into a chair.

"I have work to do, I can't just leave."

"Seems to me Mitch is handling the bar just fine, you could leave … if you wanted to. Then again I doubt you want to."

She glared at her best friend then turned away to fill another order. She didn't want to admit to him that he was right and she definitely didn't want to tell Digger about just how well Mitch was fitting in working the bar. The men who regularly spent their evenings there were surprised to see him in his new role of bartender, they were initially wary of the man they'd only known as a deputy, but his charm won them over and soon they were joking as he served them. The women were another story. The regulars who'd come in every night to see Luc were shocked at first that he wasn't on stage, of course they'd heard the rumors and his absence seemed to confirm them, but seeing Mitch with his sleeves rolled up, his collar unbuttoned, smiling and charming them made them forget all about the trumpeter. It also made a wave of jealousy roll over Christina and she hated the feeling.

She watched him lean on the bar, giving a pretty blonde all of his attention, she felt that fluttering in her belly and turned away quickly and met the gaze of Billy who had joined Diego at the bar. She smiled broadly and looked past him for his wife.

"Sofie's sitting at the table. I just came to get refills." He reached out and tilted her face up. "Are you okay, Chrissy? Is there a problem with Mitch? Is he not working out here?"

Thanks to a quick chat with Mitch, Christina was aware of the deal her brothers had approached him with. She gave her youngest brother a grateful smile. "No, he's working out just fine. I'm glad he's here, I didn't know I could use the help until he suggested it."

"Then what's wrong?"

She shrugged and came up with the most obvious answer. "It's just that I'm getting all these pitying looks because of what's happening with Luc. I'll be fine when this all dies down in a day or two. Now, let me get those drinks for you, go sit down and I'll have Digger bring them over." She shot a look at the other man who scowled in reply.

Billy walked away, satisfied that his sister would be fine and Christina turned to Diego. "How was your evening with Becky?"

He gave her a smug smile. "We're going to see each other tomorrow night. She loved dinner here, said it was the best meal she'd had in a long time. Don't tell her mother."

Christina laughed and placed her brother's drinks on a tray. "So why are you here and not with her?"

He glanced at Mitch and muttered. "I'm still trying to figure that one out. Are you sure everything is all right? You're okay?"

"I'm fine, Digger." She leaned over and kissed his cheek. "Really. Mitch and I are just trying to find our footing with this, it's all new to me, so please don't pry."

"All right, but if you need me-"

"I know where to find you. Now, take these to my brother, please."

"Since when did I become an employee?"

"Since you love me and want to help in any way possible?" She asked sweetly.

He rolled his eyes and grabbed the tray. "I think it's because you don't want any witnesses to Mitch's touches." Her eyes widened and Digger laughed. "I see it all, even if your brothers don't." He winked at her and left her alone.

Christina shook off her annoyance at Diego and his all seeing eyes and grabbed the empty glasses from the bar top. The action brought her close enough to Mitch that she could overhear the blonde flirting with him. She pretended to keep herself busy as she waited for Mitch to dissuade her and smiled in relief when he gently turned her advances away. She glanced over at him and felt a small thrill when he straightened and winked in her direction. She tried not to feel so happy, after all, he did deserve to find someone to love, but still she was glad he wasn't going to search for his Miss Right here in her bar. She took the empty glasses and moved to the far end of the bar. She needed to add a small light here. she thought as she squinted at the large tray she kept the glasses to be washed on. The entire area was shrouded in darkness. the only light was a faint glow from the stage. She looked at the amount of glassware on the tray and knew that she would soon have to take them into the kitchen to be taken care of. The air suddenly seemed to change around her and at once she knew Mitch was there.

She turned to look over her shoulder and found him standing behind her with a few more glasses in his hands. He didn't give her time to move out of the way. instead he leaned forward and reached around her to put the glasses onto the tray. Her breathing hitched as his scent enveloped him. He'd come here straight from the jail and though she should have found the smell of the musky building that clung to him unappealing she didn't. It was that scent mixed with something that was all him that she identified with him. It was calming, soothing and actually very sexy. She inhaled deeply, filling her senses with him and smiled.

Mitch took the smile as an invitation and stepped closer to her, pressing against her back. He slid an arm around her waist and anchored her to him and she gasped softly. "Mitch-"

"Shh." He whispered in her ear and the rush of air against her skin set flesh tingling. Christina was suddenly glad this end of the bar was in shadow. If anyone saw what they were doing they'd set more than tongues wagging. She tried to pry his arm from her waist, but he tightened his hold.

"Lord, Chrissy, I've been thinking of you all day. I've been waiting to get my hands on you."

"Now is not the time, Mitch. Are you crazy?"

She could feel his smile against her cheek. "This is the perfect time. No one can see. They're all too busy listening to the music. Let me just hold you a minute, okay? Close your eyes and let the music wash over you and let me just hold you."

Good Lord, he was seducing her in the middle of a bar full of people including her brothers. It was crazy … and yet so incredibly erotic she couldn't resist. His free hand began to trace small circles on her hip and she felt her knees go weak. She had to smother the moan that wanted to escape and swore she heard him mutter a curse.

"Let yourself feel, Chrissy."

"This is crazy."

"You said that already. Do you want me to stop?"

"No." She replied before she could stop herself.

Mitch chuckled and placed her hands on the edge of the bar. He leaned into her and kissed the side of her neck then pulled back and reached down for her skirt. Christina felt the brush of her hem slowly rising and was grateful that the bar was high enough to hide what was happening.

"Chrissy?"

The sound of JD's determined voice cut into the pleasure she was feeling and acted as a blast of icy water. She pushed away from the bar and away from Mitch. They faced each other, both in shadow yet she knew he was as flushed as she was and his breathing was just as heavy.

She couldn't believe she'd almost forgotten where they were. She shook her head slowly. "Oh my Lord, it's JD."

Mitch reached out and gently touched her cheek. "I'm sorry, I-"

"Chrissy are you okay?"

The panic in her brother's voice made her nervous and she glanced at her reflection in the mirror. Even in the dim light she could see that she looked like a woman who'd been pleasured and she turned pleading eyes to Mitch, she couldn't face her brother like this. He would know she's been fooling around, it was written on her face, from her heavy lidded eyes to the flush on her cheeks. She didn't know what to do so she went with instinct and fled the bar.

"Rios?"

Mitch tried to get a hold of himself and walked out of the shadows towards JD. The doctor stood beside a wide-eyed Diego and was gripping the bar so tightly his knuckles were white. "Sorry, we didn't hear you."

"Is she okay?"

"She's just upset …"

Billy heard the statement as he sat beside his brother. "It's the Luc thing." He explained.

Mitch thought it was as good as an excuse as any. "Yeah that's it."

He should have known by the smile on Diego's face that he was in trouble. "So what were you doing over there?" He asked innocently.

Mitch vowed to kill the younger man the first chance he got. "I was trying to console her."

"Looks to me like you did a piss poor job of it," Digger replied.

"We were interrupted." Mitch said through clenched teeth. He realized he sounded like the interrupted lover that he was and suddenly remembered the other two men and shrugged as he tried to act as if he hadn't been fondling their sister. "She didn't want you to see her upset. You know how she is."

JD glanced at the kitchen door that Chrissy had exited through and nodded. "Why don't you go after her? She's comfortable talking to you. I don't think she'd appreciate us barging in after her. She'd probably think we were coming in to lay judgment, or say we told her so."

"Yeah, she'll actually talk to you. We'll handle the bar until you come back." Billy said.

Mitch eyed both men warily. he couldn't believe Fate was smiling down on him. "Are you sure? It could take a while to calm her down."

Diego snorted.

JD gave the younger man a pointed look, but ignored him. "Go on, we'll be fine."

Mitch wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth he saluted the men and went after Christina.

The kitchen was dark but for a dim light in the corner that illuminated the sink. Mitch saw Christina standing beside the basin staring at nothing, her fingertips touching her full lips. He had no idea what bad come over him in the bar, sure he'd felt lust pure and simple but he had always been able to control himself before … before Christina anyway. Now anytime she was within a foot of him, he felt like he was coming out of his skin. He been telling the truth when he told her that he couldn't wait to get his hands on her. He'd been distracted at work, so much so that James had commented on it more than once and had let him out of shift earlier than he intended to. He hadn't meant to let things get so out of hand out in the bar, but when she began to respond to his caresses he couldn't seem to control his own reactions and if JD hadn't interrupted when he did, Mitch didn't have a single doubt that he would have taken Christina right there and then.

"Mitch? Is that you?"

He stepped into the light and let her see him. Her voice trembled and he knew it was more from fear than desire. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

"It's okay. I didn't really think it was Luc, I mean he couldn't have gotten past all of you, right?"

She forced a lightness into her voice that was contradicted by the worry in her eyes.

"No, he won't get past me." He stepped closer and was grateful when she didn't take a step back. "I'm sorry for losing control out there, Chrissy."

"It was nice … until JD intruded. You don't think he saw anything do you?"

Mitch smiled and released the breath he'd been holding. He reached out for her and was relieved when she stepped into his arms and embraced him. "No, I'm sure he didn't. I wouldn't be standing here if he did. I should have controlled myself though. you're just so damned beautiful that I didn't want to let you go. I've driven myself crazy all day today."

"How?"

"Thinking about you … and last night." His hands began to roam her back, gently holding her closer to him.

"Me too … I dropped three glasses and an apple pie that Mrs. Williams made this afternoon."

He pulled back and smiled down at her. "What did she say?"

"She told me to go do office work and get out of her kitchen. So I did." She bit her lip and began to caress his chest. "I went to my office, but the door to my bedroom was open and the bed was unmade and I started to remember …"

Mitch groaned softly and lowered his head for a kiss. She opened to him and held him to her as she returned the erotic slide of his tongue with one of her own. Mitch was the first to pull back. "I need you, Christina."

"We still have a couple of hours before we close for the night, kiss me again and let that hold you for a while."

He shook his head and put her hand on the front of his pants. "I can't wait."

"We can't … not now, there are people outside."

"Then we'll have to be extra quiet." He whispered before he kissed her again.

Christina pulled back her eyes wide with wonder. "Here?"

Mitch nodded slowly as he began to unfasten the front closures of her dress.

"This is the kitchen, Mitch."

"And?" He bent and began to kiss the side of her neck, gently nipping the sensitive flesh below her ear.

She sighed softly and tilted her head to the side, giving him easier access. "Can we do it here?"

"Mhmm." He murmured and slid her bodice down over her arms as he dipped his head and placed teasing kisses to the swells of her breasts.

"How? There's no bed, no where to lie down."

Mitch lifted his head and searched her gaze, there was so much to show her and he was proud that he'd be the one to do it … the only one, if he had his way. "Do you trust me?"

"Of course."

He kissed her lips once then winked and unfastened the brassiere she wore and took her breasts in his hands. "Shh." He whispered and dipped his head

He kissed her and made a vow, he would matter to her and she would admit that he mattered. This wasn't going to be a game for her, he wasn't about to let her put what they had in the same category as she had put all the men that came before him.

He held her to him for several minutes after they finished and Christina reveled in the solace she felt in his arms. It didn't matter that he was still dressed while her dress was wrapped around her hips, or that there was a room full of people just beyond the kitchen door and she sat on a counter in her kitchen. All that mattered was the man in her arms. She kissed his temple as her breathing slowed, she had tried to keep this strictly sex, but it seemed as if Mitch wouldn't have it. Sure, she'd never been anyone's mistress, but she was sure that the men involved didn't need to feel loved or obligated to make love. It had never mattered with any of the other men that had taken her out before. all they'd ever wanted was a warm body for their pleasure. Christina knew that Mitch was different, she'd always known it would have been different with him so this shouldn't have surprised her, yet it did. But it seemed she'd just trusted him with her heart just as Buck had suggested and now she only hoped that he didn't destroy it, because she would be crushed if he did.

He turned his face and gave her a sweet kiss then cursed as he slid out of her and looked at her thighs. She followed his gaze and saw the evidence of his release. She reached out to touch it and smiled as she rubbed it between her fingertips. He hadn't done this last night, choosing instead to find release outside of her. she realized she liked this so much better. She felt complete.

"God, I'm sorry, Chrissy."

"For what?"

He fastened his pants and found a small clean dishcloth. He ran it under the tap and began to wash her. "For this, I had something and I got so caught up I forgot about it."

She stilled his hand, the action of him washing her was distracting in a pleasurable way and she didn't want to be distracted just yet. "What are you talking about? This was nice, Mitch, I liked feeling you let go inside me."

"You won't like a baby inside you in nine months, Chrissy." He replied. Her confusion must have shown on her face because he smiled and kissed her then motioned to her thighs. "That makes babies and there are ways to keep me inside you but prevent … well … that."

The thought of having Mitch's babies pleased her more than it should have. She couldn't dream those dreams, they belonged to someone else. Instead she focused on the last part of his statement. "There is?"

He pulled her skirt down and reached into his back pocket. He held up a small packet. "This."

She fastened her bodice then took it from his hand and examined the small square. "What is it?"

"A condom, they handed them out to all the soldiers overseas. They're protection."

"I don't see how something you used in the war will keep me from having babies."

Mitch smiled again and kissed the tip of her nose. "We didn't use it while fighting. It was for when we went out for R&R, um that's time off." He explained.

"Why would you need this?"

"Because most men went looking for women."

"Oh." She bit her lip and stared hard at the packet.

Mitch tilted her face up. "Most men … not me."

"Why not? What about your, um, urges?"

"I am really going to kill that boy." Mitch muttered.

"What?"

"Never mind, I didn't go looking for women for two reasons. First, the whole reason they gave us these things is for protection from disease."

"Disease?"

He gave her a crooked smile. "Not everyone is so clean … especially not prostitutes."

Her cheeks pinkened. "Oh."

"The second reason is the most important. At least it is to me." He met her gaze straight on. "Despite my … urges … I can't just take anyone to bed. At least not anymore, I realized a long time ago that making love to someone should be just that. The ultimate act of love and you can't love someone you don't know."

"But you can do this with someone you don't love."

"In principle … yes, but I can't."

"But you are, with me."

He cupped her cheeks and kissed her tenderly. "No, I'm not."

Chapter 10

Had he said he loved her? No. He had implied it though. There in the dim kitchen as he stood between her thighs after making the most incredible love to her, Mitch Rios had implied that he loved her.

Christina sighed softly, now that she put it into perspective she could actually breathe again and concentrate on the figures in front of her. She sat at a table in the corner of her bar doing her best to concentrate on her paperwork, but it was difficult when the man who had the power to turn her life upside down was asleep in her bed upstairs.

Last night, after his admission, no, implication, Chrissy couldn't seem to look at Mitch. She'd pushed him away and fled back upstairs into her bedroom and crawled into bed as her mind whirled in a thousand different directions. Diego came upstairs after an hour, just to make sure she was feeling all right and she put on a happy front and said she was just fine. How could she tell him that her world had just turned on its axis and she was dealing with the affects? Being a man, he wouldn't have known what to do and would have most likely pulled away from her. She thought it was better that she sort through this alone and now she had and she could put the whole thing behind her. Mitch wasn't in love with her, but he implied it, a little nagging voice repeated and she groaned.

They hadn't made love again last night. Mitch seemed to sense that his admission … implication … had rattled her. They'd closed up the bar and after she took a quick shower, Chrissy waited nervously for Mitch. He'd also washed quickly and when he exited the bathroom, he approached the bed, lay down beside her and gathered her in his arms. She'd been stiff, so he kissed her, nothing more, until she relaxed. Then, just when she'd been ready for him to go on, he'd held her tightly, wished her a good-night and went to sleep. She tossed and turned all night and, frustrated, waited until first light to get up and come downstairs. That had been over two hours ago and the only thing she had to show for it was an ice cold cup of coffee.

"You all right?" Mitch's sleep heavy voice drew her gaze towards the kitchen door. He stood there, wearing only his pants, his eyes heavy-lidded and filled with concern.

"I'm fine. I was working."

He came inside and sat beside her. "I missed you. I was hoping to wake up with you in my arms."

"Sorry."

"Not as sorry as I was." He gave her a crooked grin. "Can I have some of that?"

He went to grab the mug but she stopped him. "It's cold. Why don't you go get dressed and I'll make us some breakfast."

"Need help in the kitchen?" He asked as his grin turned lascivious.

She glanced at her watch and frowned. "It's a nice thought, but, we won't be alone for long."

He arched a brow. "Are you expecting Diego again?"

"No. Emma."

His smile fell. "Are you serious?"

"She comes by once or twice a week for coffee before she goes off to the school. So hurry, I don't want to have to explain why you're here and only half dressed."

"She'd know. She is married after all."

"I know, but she can't really keep a secret."

"She kept Jack a secret."

"That was her secret … she can't keep anyone else's." Chrissy smiled. "This one wouldn't last five minutes if she knew and before we could even take a breath my brothers would be here and tanning your hide."

"That's a scary thought. you would try to save me though, wouldn't you?"

"Umm …"

"Hey!"

Her smile widened. "Yes of course I would."

Mitch returned her smile as he stood. He then leaned over and kissed her sweetly. "We really have to get our mornings together."

"Tomorrow is another day."

"But first we have to get through the night." He pulled her to her feet and kissed her deeply.

Christina melted into his embrace and gave herself over to his caress. Mitch slowly ended the kiss and she opened her eyes to find his gaze intent on her. He ran his fingertips over her face and gave her a crooked smile. "Promise me you'll be there in the morning."

She nodded. "I promise."

Seemingly satisfied with her answer, Mitch turned and disappeared into the kitchen. Chrissy sighed as she fell back into her chair and put her head in her hands.

"Well what's got you so down in the dumps?"

Christina squeaked as she looked up at her sister. "How'd you get in?"

"I let her in." Diego said from behind Emma. "I was on my way to the clinic and look who I met outside. When Em told me she was coming here for breakfast, well, I just had to escort her."

Chrissy gave him a pointed look and smiled through gritted teeth. "Thank you Digger, but you shouldn't have … really."

"It was no problem." He replied with an unrepentant grin. "Why don't I go into the kitchen and start the oven up for you? I can't wait for breakfast."

"Yes, you do that." Christina turned to her sister as Diego exited and saw that Emma's expression was confused as she stared at her cousin's retreating back.

"You two have the strangest relationship. Everyone hears the words you two say but no one can quite figure out the true meaning behind them."

"Don't mind us. we're just strange that way." Chrissy rose and hugged her sister tightly then pulled back and searched her features. There was something different about her. "What's wrong?"

Emma grinned broadly. "Nothing."

"Emma Hickok-"

"McCann."

Christina rolled her eyes. "Emma McCann, you tell me what's wrong right now."

"I love your hair, maybe I should cut mine too."

"Well you already know what it'll look like, now stop trying to change the subject and tell me."

Emma grabbed her sister's hands and squeezed them tightly. "I am going to have a baby."

All of the air seemed to rush out of Christina's lungs at once. She felt her eyes widen and her blood drain from her face. "Excuse me?"

Emma laughed gaily and spun around in a circle. "Well I'm not expecting yet, but we're actively trying."

Christina blushed and looked away. "Oh, I thought …" Her voice trailed away in shock, but she shook it off and managed to put a smile on her face. "I'm happy for you, Em. I hope it happens quickly. I think you would make a wonderful mother."

The other woman's smile fell and she frowned. "Oh, Chrissy, I'm sorry I shouldn't be so happy about this when your life is falling apart." Christina arched a brow and Emma bit her lip. "I didn't mean to make it sound as bad as it did."

"It's okay, Emma, I know what you meant and don't worry about it. You should be excited and eager to start a family without having to worry about my life and how horribly messy I've made it."

"You will find someone to share your life with you know … in fact I've heard that Mitch is helping out now at night. How is it going? Anything you want to share?" She wiggled her brows for emphasis.

"It's fine."

Emma nodded in encouragement. "And?"

"And that's it. What do you want me to say Emma? That he's fallen in love with me? What a laugh."

"It's not that far-fetched you know." Emma said as she took a seat at the table and looked through the papers Christina had spread out. "You're quite a catch."

"And you base that on what? The fact that countless men swear they've lain with me? Or how about the fact that the last man I was seeing has left town like a sneak in the night, or that the man before that was a murderer?" Chrissy ran to the window and pointed. "Would you look at that? The men are lined up around the building just waiting to have a chance with me. Oh and look, all their mommas are just dying to welcome me into their homes and families." She snorted and turned back to her sister. "I will never be considered a good catch, Emma, maybe someday in the future if I continue to do well with the bar, I may be considered and reasonable catch, but that's it. And who knows how long that will take."

"It doesn't matter what anyone else believes. The only thing that matters is what Mitch thinks."

"He doesn't."

"Whatever you say."

"What does that mean?"

"It means, sister dear, that I have been watching him and he has the same look in his eyes that my husband has when he's looking at me or that the boys do when looking at their wives."

"Amusement?" Chrissy asked.

Emma stuck her tongue out. "No, lust … desire … he wants you Chrissy."

"So do half the men in town. It doesn't mean anything." She shrugged. "Besides, I want him too and if he were willing, I would take what I could and have some fun."

"What?"

Christina turned to her sister with a weak smile. "I'm just saying if he was willing to have me then I would gladly share his … well, never mind, he's not that type of man."

"I should think not. Mitch is honorable. he's a war hero for goodness sakes. He'd never take you as a … mistress." Emma whispered the last word and Christina smiled.

"Stranger things have happened, little sister, but you're right. If it were anyone but Mitch it would be a possibility. I guess I'll just have to keep dreaming." Christina sighed dramatically and fluttered her eyelashes.

Emma slapped her sister's arm. "I knew you weren't serious. Could you imagine what the brothers would say if they overheard you?"

"Well Mitch would definitely be safe."

"And how do you figure that?"

"Because they'd each keel over from shock so he'd have plenty of time to run away."

Emma's jaw dropped open for a split second before she began to laugh.

Diego turned the kitchen door with a frown. "That doesn't sound good."

Mitch arched a brow and shrugged as he turned his attention back to the stove, how in the world did Chrissy light this thing? "They're sisters they're supposed to laugh like that."

"No, that's not a normal sister laugh, trust me I have three of them I know what I'm talking about. That is an evil sounding cackle, that's the laugh they have when they're discussing men … those two are up to something."

Mitch sat back and stared at the other man. "Maybe they're laughing because they're talking about you."

Diego smirked at the deputy then smiled broadly. "Oh, but you'd probably be wrong there, boy-o. I think it's a better bet that they're talking about you. After all, two sisters, both having had a relationship with you … maybe they're comparing notes and that's where the laughter is coming from?"

Mitch frowned then shook his head. "Chrissy would never tell Emma about what we're doing."

"Are you sure?" Digger shrugged nonchalantly. "They are twins after all. they've always shared secrets."

"Nothing like this. Emma never volunteered information to Chrissy about Jack and Christina would never tell Emma about us. She said Em can't keep a secret and she doesn't want word of this getting out." Mitch smiled brightly and turned back to the stove. "I don't get it, how the hell do you turn this thing on?"

Diego rolled his eyes and turned the knob just above Mitch's head. The flame shot to life and Mitch fell back in surprise. "Easy."

"Yeah, well I would've figured it out."

"Before or after Chrissy and Emma came in here?"

Mitch grumbled under his breath and turned away from the other man. He normally wasn't in the mood for Diego's mockery, but especially not this morning. Last night he'd all but told Christina he loved her, he'd tested the waters so to speak and had gotten thrown under the riptide as a result of it. Christina wasn't ready for declarations of love, she still didn't believe him and she certainly didn't seem inclined to return any sentiment that he may have offered her. He ran a frustrated hand through his hair and stood up.

Diego leaned against the counter and crossed his arms over his chest. "Something wrong?"

"No."

"Mitch, look, I know that Chrissy must be tying you up in knots. She can be frustrating that way. I am the only person you can talk about her to. In fact I'm the best person to talk to because I know her better than anyone else."

"There's nothing to talk about."

"Fine. I won't push."

"That's a first." Mitch muttered.

Diego smirked. "Ha, ha. Well, since you don't want to talk and it looks like we have some private time together, maybe now would be a good time to tell you my idea for getting Christina to admit her feelings for you."

Mitch glanced at the door, the laughter had died down and all was quiet again, now seemed as good a time as any. "All right, I'm listening."

Diego dropped his hands and smiled brightly, excitement shining in his eyes. "All right, what is the one thing that Christina has never had to do when it comes to men?"

The deputy arched a brow. "Is this a trick question?"

"No." Digger rolled his eyes. "I'm serious. What is it?"

Mitch shrugged. "I don't know."

"Chase them."

"Come again?"

"Christina has never chased after a man. Not in all the years that she's been available. She's always had men falling into her lap, like you with women. She's never really had to pursue someone she's wanted. Hell, she's wanted you for seven years and never chased you."

"So why would she now?"

Digger eyed the other man as if he was an idiot and the answer was obvious. "Well for one thing, she's never known what it was like to be with you before. Now that she's had a taste, so to speak, she'll know what she's missing."

"And you think she'll chase after me? Are you sure we know the same woman? Christina would never do it. Her pride won't allow it, that's why she never chased after me before."

"She's never chased you because you've never given any indication that you might return her feelings. She didn't want to be embarrassed or hurt. Hell you chased after her sister and put her down every chance you got."

"I wasn't angry with her-"

"No?"

"I was disappointed and maybe a little angry but not with her, I was angry because I thought she deserved better. I wanted her to have better."

"So did she, you'll never know how hurt she was when her family and friends began believing the rumors."

"I'm sorry, but I didn't know it was all an act.

"You would have if you'd taken a minute to look, but that's neither here or there. She fooled everyone, including her own family and if they couldn't see the truth then why should you?"

"Which leads me back to the question of why she would chase me now, after our history together? She was willing to let me go once."

"Think about it Mitch, you are the only man she's ever really loved in her life. You're the one she's compared every other man to. She has you now but if you're not there, if you're suddenly harder to get access to she's going to find a way to be with you herself. And if there's a chance she'll lose you, that the only way to keep you is to admit her feelings then she will."

"You're sure about this?"

"Of course and if I see that it's not working I can steer her in that direction. Having me around can be very beneficial you know."

"It hasn't been so far."

"You know if I were you I would be nicer to me, after all, I can steer her away from you just as easily."

"But you wouldn't because it would break her heart." Mitch said with confidence.

"Yeah well there is that, but I also wouldn't because I believe you're the one for her. I believe you when you say you care for her and I know the last thing you'd ever want to do is hurt her."

"You're right."

"So what do you say, will you try it?"

Mitch exhaled softly. "Yeah, I will, but if I see it's not working I'm not going to continue."

"This will work, you'll see."

"What will?" Christina asked as she walked into the kitchen. Emma stopped behind her, her eyes going round as she spied Mitch in the room.

"Well hello there Deputy Rios." She nudged her sister in the ribs and smiled brightly. "Look who's here, Chrissy, it's Mitch."

"I see. Good morning, Mitch."

He nodded in her direction then took an involuntary step back when Emma skirted around her sister and approached him. She reminded him of a lioness going after prey and he was suddenly very nervous.

"So what brings you here?" Emma asked as she hugged him tightly and wrapped her arm around his. Her smile was too wide. her eyes too bright as she stared back at her sister.

"I uhh … I was on my way to the jailhouse and came to see if Chrissy needed anything." He smiled weakly at the other woman.

Christina's attention was riveted on the stove. "Nope I'm fine. I was just about to cook up some breakfast. Could I interest you in a bite?"

"I'd love some, thanks." Diego cleared his throat and Mitch nodded. "But I can't."

"You can't?" Christina turned to him, a shocked expression on her face.

"Oh, Mitch surely you can stay for a bite, I'm sure James will understand." Emma said sweetly.

"He would if he was there, but it's Russ and he's been there all night. I'm sure he's dying to get home and get some shut-eye."

"But it's so early. surely you didn't eat at home." Emma went on.

"I'll come by and grab something in a bit. I'll be fine." He bent and kissed the top of her head. "I better get going, give my regards to Jack. Chrissy, I'll see you tonight."

She was watching him with her mouth hanging open, surprise written on her face. On any other morning he would have thought up a reason to get her alone and kiss her good-bye, but this was a new day and a new time for them. As much as it pained him, he had to leave this way.

Diego frowned and nudged Christina. She shook her head and gave Mitch a bright smile, one that didn't reach her eyes. "Have a good day at work, Mitch. Stay safe."

He nodded again then turned and left.

Emma squealed and ran over to her sister. "And you said he has no feelings for you."

Christina glanced at Diego who was staring at Emma as if she'd gone crazy then turned to her sister herself. "What are you talking about?"

"Mitch. He was here."

"Yeah?"

"To see you."

Christina shook her head. "He came to see if there was anything I needed, Em. He's just doing what James asked him to."

"You know about that?"

"It wasn't hard to figure out and when I confronted him, he confirmed it." Christina lied.

"They should have known you'd figure it out."

"It wasn't hard, especially when the man they asked has never seemed to give a damn about me one way or the other before."

"That's not true." Digger said firmly. "He's cared, just not the way you wanted him to."

"Well whatever, the point is. He doesn't harbor feelings for me Emma and I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't throw him at me like I'm some desperate spinster or something."

"If you keep waiting you just might wind up one."

"Maybe," Chrissy stated as if she didn't care. "But at least I'll have the love of my family to keep me happy. Despite what I or anyone else might have believed, I don't need a man."

"You may not need one, sister-dear, but it's always nice to have one."

That statement remained with Christina throughout the day and well into the night. She sat at her vanity and stared at her reflection going through what had happened that evening. Mitch had come to the bar, but something was different, he didn't try to touch her in fact, he'd basically ignored her the entire night. He had flirted with dozens of women, never once rebuffing their advances and no matter that she knew she had no reason for it, she was hurt and more than a little jealous. She couldn't understand it, just this morning he was as adoring as usual and then he'd gone to change and now it was as if she didn't matter to him at all. Well, she would see what would happen now. They were alone for the first time since that morning and maybe he would give her some kind of explanation for his behavior.

Mitch leaned against the bathroom door, bare-chested and clad only in his drawers, he watched the woman sitting at the vanity. Moments like this struck Mitch as being completely and utterly right, he could imagine himself watching her night after night from now until forever, and never get tired of doing it. He wrapped the towel he'd been using to dry his hair around his neck and stared. This afternoon and evening had been the hardest few hours of his life. Now that he'd experienced her touch and her laughter, keeping himself away was torture. He hoped Diego was right, if he wasn't there was no way to repair the damage he could be inflicting on her. He'd ignored her for most of the night, speaking to her only when it concerned the bar or its patrons. He'd known he had hurt her as well. The confusion was there on her face to see.

At one point during the night, Claire had come in with some friends. She'd come to the bar, a wide smile on her face and had flirted. Mitch had flirted back always making sure that he didn't encourage her too much. She'd hinted that she'd be open to reestablishing their relationship, Mitch had been surprised at first and was about to refuse her then saw Chrissy watching, he smiled at Claire but didn't reply to her proposal one way or the other. When he turned around again, Chrissy was gone and he'd felt like a cad.

The object of his thoughts caught his gaze in the mirror. She gave him a wary smile, but didn't turn around to face him. He saw her hands tighten around her brush handle and her eyes were unsure. He grinned slightly as he pushed away from the doorway and tossed the towel onto the foot of the bed then stood behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. Mitch bent and kissed the top of her head then forced himself to release her and took a step back.

"Goodnight, Chrissy."

She watched in stunned silence as he slid into bed. Christina frowned as she turned around to face him. "Mitch?"

He rose onto his elbows and arched a brow. "Yeah?"

"Aren't you going to … I mean aren't we … don't you…" She bit her lip and shook her head as the words seemed to lodge in her throat.

"No, not tonight, I'm beat."

"Oh."

He slid back down and put his arms behind his head, trying desperately to look as if it didn't matter. He took deep breaths as he tried to control his body's natural reaction to her. He felt her gaze on him, could almost hear her mind trying to work through what was happening.

"Mitch?"

He started slightly, her voice was soft and unsure and it tore at his heart. He put on an unaffected expression and sat up again. "Yeah?"

She rose from seat and walked over to the bed, without a word she slid in beside him then took his face into her hands and kissed him sweetly. "I'm glad you're here."

Christina sighed softly as she moved to her side of the bed. She then turned her back on him and snuggled into the covers. Mitch couldn't allow her to think he didn't want her at all, the point of this was to make her do a little of the chasing, which she had, he didn't want her thinking he didn't want her at all anymore. He moved to her side and took her into his arms and immediately felt her relax. He kissed her neck and took in her clean scent.

"I'm glad I'm here too. Thank you for letting me stay," he whispered.

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