Page 139 of Sunkissed Colorado

Callum stretched his arms over his head and yawned. “How you feeling?”

“Okay.” Then pointed at my head and throat with a wincing expression.

“Still hurting,” he said.

“But,” I whispered, barely audible, then pumped my eyebrows as I ran my hand to his bare chest. “Good view.”

He grinned and flexed his muscles for me, making his pecs dance and me laugh. My subsequent coughing fit interrupted the show. Worthit though.

“Sorry, baby,” he murmured, sitting up with me and rubbing my back.

Smoke inhalation was brutal. Not being able to speak easily was so frustrating, and not just because I couldn’t have the deeper conversation I needed with Callum. There was a lot I needed to say to my parents too. Even to grandpa.

Yes, I’d managed to convey a lot of it on the notes app, but my thumbs weretired.

And aside from unloading all the words in my head, there was also a lotIneeded to know. Had the police found Ian and arrested him? How about my phone, which he’d stolen? Had they discovered who or what had caused the fire?

This waiting around stuff was b.s. It reminded me of the investigation into Jessa’s death, when I’d felt so alone, and the lack of answers just made things worse. Thank goodness for Callum. Instead of feeling isolated and heartbroken, I was loved and supported.

Callum filled my water glass and grabbed my medications for me. “I’ll go down and get some breakfast for us. There’s still half a fridge of pureed soup down there for you.”

I smiled and nodded. After he threw on some sweats and a shirt from his duffel, I got up and went to the bathroom for a shower.

One thing to say for my parents’ house. It had excellent water pressure.

When Mom had begged me to come stay with them, I’d almost said no. But I did appreciate her apology. Even if it had taken Ian’s complete betrayal to finally open her eyes.

For once, she actually seemed to be on my side.

So I said yes to coming home with them, Jessa, I thought as I lathered body wash. They’d let Callum come, and they’d put up with his family too. Seemed like progress.

Last night, after my nap, I’d gone downstairs for dinner. Watching our families together had been a trip. I hadn’t realizedAuntie Rosie and Piper were close, but it made sense. The market was just down the block from Silver Linings.

On the other hand, Mom had stayed suspiciously clear of Grace. Like she was intimidated.Really? Eliza Alvarez, President of the Hart County Golf Club? Whether it was something Grace had said, or the simple fact that Callum’s sister was dating a billionaire, I couldn’t say.

But last night had probably been the best dinner I’d ever spent at my parents’ place. Aches and sore throat and all.

This physical pain was making me want tofinallylet go of the mental stuff I was carrying. I was sick and tired of holding grudges and guilt.

Even with Ian, I just wanted to see him face the consequences for his actions and then leave me alone. Get out of my life for good, so I didn’t have to waste another spoon of energy on that man.

I wanted all my energy for loving Callum. After all, he was a handful, always finding new ways to surprise me.

Speaking of surprises.

My head was tipped back, water running through my hair, when colder air hit my skin. Then warm hands found my hips. “Want some company?”

I blinked my eyes open to Callum standing naked in front of me. He pulled me close, pressing our bodies flush together and dipping to kiss me gently.

For a while, we let the steam build. It irritated my lungs a little, but I could handle it. Being close with Callum like this, after all that had happened, had to be healthy for me. I was sure of it.

His cock stayed half hard, not thickening more until I reached down to stroke him from base to tip. “Don’t get me going. There will be none of that.”

My lips curved with an exaggerated pout, which made him laugh.

“Z, I can’t imagine you’re feeling up for it. You’re hurting.”

I shrugged, my thumb rubbing over the tip of his cock again. “Show me I’m yours,” I whispered.