Page 72 of Through the Storms

“I really am sorry.” Oakley crawled up beside Lana and collapsed on the bed next to her. If it were possible, Oakley’s breathing was even more labored than Lana’s. “Just give me a few minutes to recuperate, and I’ll show you what else I’ve got.”

“No way.” Lana grabbed the sheet and pulled it across her body. “I don’t think I can take any more.”

Oakley gave Lana a mischievous smile, the one that always melted Lana. A thin layer of sweat glistened on Oakley’s body. Without thinking, Lana reached out and caressed the silky skin on Oakley’s buttocks.

“Hey now,” Oakley said. “You can’t be doing that after you just told me you were done.” Oakley ground her pelvis into the bed. “You’re gonna awaken my loins.”

Lana laughed and ruffled Oakley’s hair. “I cannot believe you just used the wordloins.Have you been reading bad fanfic again?”

Oakley flipped onto her back and grinned. “Maybe.”

Lana would never get tired of studying the lines in Oakley’s lean body. “I’m glad I came.”

“I’m glad you came, too.” Oakley wriggled her eyebrows. “How many times did you?”

Lana playfully slapped Oakley’s shoulder. “That’s not what I meant, and you know it. I meant, I’m glad I came here tonight. To celebrate with you.”

“I still can’t believe you drove two hours to be here.” Oakley moved into the crook of Lana’s arm and rested her head on Lana’s chest. “If I didn’t already tell you, thank you for coming.”

“Uh…I’m pretty sure you’ve thanked me at least a dozen times.”

“See, not enough.” Oakley put her arm over Lana’s stomach and pulled her closer. “I’ve been a wreck since Sunday. I can’t take it when we fight. You’re my world.”

A twinge of guilt rushed through Lana. She didn’t want to break the mood, but she needed to tell Oakley about her job interview. Maybe she’d snuggle just a little longer. Lana hugged Oakley to her. “I love you so much,” Lana said. It was true, but sometimes Lana wondered if love would be enough to carry them through.

“And I love you with all my heart.” Oakley let out a sigh.

“Is everything okay?”

“Don’t you know a contented sigh when you hear one?”

“Apparently not.” Lana kissed the top of Oakley’s head, enjoying the scent of her hair.

“Are you sniffing me again?”

“I don’t sniff you.”

“Coulda fooled me.” Oakley laughed. “Remember the first time you did it? We were at that tiny bed and breakfast.”

Lana groaned. “Don’t remind me. I was so embarrassed.”

“It was a disaster. I’m surprised the blood came out of my hair.”

“Stop.” Lana pretended to push Oakley away. It hadn’t been one of Lana’s finer moments, so Oakley loved to remind her of it. Oakley had been startled when Lana sniffed her hair and had jerked her head back, catching Lana square in the nose. It still made her queasy when she thought of the amount of blood that spewed everywhere.

“And yet you still take the chance and sniff me.”

“What can I say? You smell good.”

“Have you rested up?” Oakley’s finger trailed across Lana’s stomach. “Ready for another round?”

“Ugh. You’re impossible. What time is it? I have to be up early, so I can drive back home.”

Oakley grabbed her phone off the nightstand. “Jesus. Somebody’s been blowing up my phone. Three missed calls and a slew of text messages.”

Lana propped up her pillows. “Is everything all right?”

“I’m not sure.” Oakley sat up and leaned her back against the headboard. “Hmm.”