Rescued Love (Sweetwater Valley #7)

CHAPTER 9

NATHAN

This woman. My woman.

She has a big heart, and I could kick myself because I didn’t see it at first. Maybe I just didn’t want to see it because I was too deep in my own feelings and guilt over not being the kind of person she is. I’ve turned my back on the type of person I wanted to be a long time ago and never looked back.

The way she’s frozen as my lips linger on her temple is like a foghorn warning me that I’ve overstepped. I should care. A good man would care.

I can’t seem to muster up that feeling inside of me. While I don’t like the thought that she’s uncomfortable, I’m just selfish enough to want to soak up this moment for a second longer.

My movements are slow as I pull away from her and let her go. When she doesn’t immediately step back and lingers for a moment, I can’t help the spark of hope that grows in my chest.

Sure, she accepted my apology, which was the only reason I came here today, but that doesn’t necessarily mean she believes me and is willing to let me earn her trust. That’ll be the only way we can build something, the only way I’ll ever be able to make her mine, and I know it.

I’m not entirely sure when I realized that this woman, who loves animals with a fierceness that inspires awe in me the likes of which I’ve never felt before, is meant to be mine, but I know it now. The truth of it rings through me and is reinforced with every beat of my heart and breath in my lungs.

Maybe it was when she didn’t immediately screech and tell me to get out, even though I startled her during her one-sided kitten conversation. She had every right to do so, and it wouldn’t have surprised me.

I’m pretty sure she only tolerated me the other night at the bar because she didn’t want to make a scene. Or it just could have been her manners overriding the bad taste left from our first interaction.

I don’t know and I don’t care.

“I wanted to apologize the other night at The Goose,” I tell her softly. “I just wasn’t sure how to get you alone to have the conversation and I was embarrassed about how I had jumped on you.”

Her eyes widen slightly, and my eyebrows pull together for a moment in confusion. As I replay my words in my head, my face heats slightly and I cough while shaking my head.

Kimball giggles softly, “I understand.”

“You didn’t tell anyone about the day we met,” I find myself asking even though I’m pretty sure I know the answer, “did you?”

“I told Hailey.” I feel my eyes widen in surprise. She wasn’t mean to me the other night, even though she could have been. “She’s my best friend. We don’t really keep secrets and she kind if forced it out of me,” she admits and smiles to soften the blow. I wince and embarrassment has me looking down. “I’m kind of surprised she even noticed something was bothering me because she’s been so busy with Wesley and the school year starting. I asked her to let it go and she’s not the kind of person to treat anyone badly. Now, if you had been rude to me at The Goose, in front of her, it would have been another story,” there’s a teasing lilt to her voice.

I chuckle softly before shooting her a worried look. “And Ansel?” It was obvious that they’re pretty good friends the other night. I had to grit my teeth most of the night while taking a little bit of solace in the fact that she wasn’t pulling away from me and how our legs were touching. Their ease together made me jealous as fuck. “It’s obvious that you two are good friends,” there’s a growl in my voice I can’t even begin to hide.

Kimball’s eyes sparkle with mirth as she looks up at me. “We are good friends, but it’s not like we talk every day or get together to braid each other’s hair or anything. Sure, he would have my back if I needed it, but I wasn’t going to do anything that would risk Mr. Jacobson getting the help he needs out at the sanctuary. Ansel would have tried to raise a stink when it was the last thing I wanted to happen.”

“Heart of gold,” I mutter as my eyes roam over her face.

Fuck.

She’s gorgeous. I studied her as much as I could the other night, but the lighting was softer, and I didn’t want to look like a creep. It would have raised questions if I spent the entire time staring at her. And probably made her uncomfortable.

Now with us alone, and with the brighter light in the room, I find I can’t look away. There are a couple of freckles the run over the bridge of her nose. They’re fucking adorable. A dimple pops out on one side of her mouth when her lips kick up in a smile. Her hair looks so fucking soft; it makes me want to bury my fingers in it.

As she shifts on her feet a little and looks down, a blush covers her cheeks and works its way down her neck. I almost groan at the sight, wondering if she’d let me kiss her everywhere she blushes.

“Come on, Midnight,” she coos before plucking the kitten from my hands, “time to go back in your kennel.”

The kitten does not look happy about the situation, but only lets out a pitiful little sound of protest. Midnight even looks at me as if I might go against my woman and keep holding her. When I don’t, she looks almost resigned and flops down on the blanket in the kennel while letting out an annoyed huff.

“You seem pretty attached to her,” I watch my girl, the look on her face making it clear that she hates putting the kitten back in the kennel, “and her to you.”

Kimball gives me a soft smile, one that I tuck close to my heart. “I am,” she admits. “I’m not supposed to get attached, but it’s not easy. I’ve done a pretty good job of accepting that I’m a transition stop between their old lives and their forever lives, but it’s different with Midnight.” She shrugs one shoulder before nodding toward the door. “I’m not sure why it’s different with her.”

“Maybe it’s different because you’re supposed to be her forever,” I offer gently as I fall in step with her while leaving the cat room.

I had wanted to get a moment alone with Kimball the moment I saw her the other night at The Goose. When our eyes locked and I saw the way that hers dimmed, I knew the apology I owed her needed to come sooner rather than later.

The way she looked at me with trepidation, like she was just waiting for me to lay into her again, was fucking awful. I hated it so damn much. My need to make it right with her was tugging at me.

I just didn’t get the chance to talk to her without anyone listening that night.

It sucked, but I couldn’t do anything about it then. If I would have asked her to step away, it would have raised more questions; questions I didn’t want to answer.

Being near her was enough. Getting to learn little things about her was enough.

Since I didn’t want to go full-on creepy stalker, I didn’t ask Grandpa about where Kimball lives yesterday and resigned myself to find her at the shelter today.

With the way the man was glaring at me, especially when I told him that while I saw her at the bar, I didn’t get the chance to apologize to her, it was clear he wasn’t happy with me. Not even a little bit. I can only hope he doesn’t lead Salt into my room or something equally sinister before I can tell him that I’ve made it right with the captivating animal lover.

This morning, as much as I wanted to be here when they opened so I could see her first thing, I knew I needed to get the chores done at the sanctuary first. I wasn’t going to let Grandpa go out and get them done when I was more than capable, even if I was impatient.

I swear Penny picked up on Grandpa’s displeasure with me because that bird chased me around the entire sanctuary and wouldn’t give me a moment of peace while I was getting things done. That also meant it took me longer to do everything because I needed to keep one eye on Penny and one eye out for Salt, just in case.

Before I walked into the shelter this afternoon, I sat out in Grandpa’s truck and stared at the building for long enough that I started to get concerned that someone would call the sheriff and report me for loitering. I was also more than a little worried that I’d come off as creepy as hell.

My nerves were holding me in place. Being nervous, especially when it comes to pleading a case, even if it’s mine, is not a feeling I’m used to at all.

The courtroom is where I’ve always felt comfortable, but the stakes felt a lot higher while sitting in front of the rescue than they ever did when defending my clients.

All because of the woman in front of me. Kimball.

The woman who is supposed to be mine.

When I finally mustered up the courage to step inside, I was both ecstatic that Kimball wasn’t at the front desk and a little disappointed. My need to see her was growing the closer I was to her, and I knew she was in the building. I could feel it—a tug in my gut insisting that my feet move toward her.

The girl at the counter greeted me warmly, “Hi. Welcome to the Loudon County Animal Rescue. Are you looking to adopt today?”

I gave her a soft smile while wishing I could adopt every animal in the building. I just knew it would make Kimball happy.

I shook my head and asked, “Is Kimball around? I need to speak with her.”

The girl studied me for a few moments. It probably wasn’t too long, but it felt like a fucking eternity.

“Oh,” she shouted and snapped her fingers, “you must be Mr. Jacobson’s grandson. I heard about you visiting him.”

“I am.” I had to force myself to relax my normally rigid posture. I wasn’t at work, and she wasn’t a client. “My name’s Nathan.”

“Nathan,” she hummed. “I’m Sadie.”

She smiled at me and then pointed down the hall. “I’m pretty sure I saw her slip into the kennel area. Go through the dog room and you’ll get to the cat area. I bet she’s in there snuggling a kitten she’s in denial about wanting to adopt.”

I grin at Sadie, both surprised and thankful with how open she’s being with me. I thanked her and followed her directions. She was right; I found Kimball right where she said I would.

I’m fucking ecstatic that she accepted my apology. I wasn’t expecting her to, but I’m grateful for it. She could have told me to shove my words up my ass, but she took pity on me.

I realize that I’ve followed her to her office and right before she steps inside, I grip her elbow softly. Tingles engulf my hand and shoot up my arm. From the way Kimball gasps and looks up at me with side eyes full of surprise and wonderment, I’m pretty sure she just felt the same thing I did.

“Woah,” she breathes out.

“Yeah,” I rasp.

Her eyes are glazed over and she’s looking up at me in a way that makes me feel like a damn king. It’s a heady feeling. One I want to hold onto for as long as I can.

Forever.

Before she can shake herself out of the fog, I murmur, “Are you almost done for the day? I’d really like to spend some time with you. We could go get some food or,” I trail off slightly before shrugging my shoulders, self-consciousness seeping in, “something. I’m not sure what there is to do around here and what you’d like to do, but I’m good with whatever.”

That damn blush is back, and I have to tighten my muscles to stop myself from crushing her smaller frame against mine. I want her, but I get the feeling she’s not ready for that.

Not yet at least.

I also don’t want to move too fast or for her to feel like all I’m interested in is a hook-up.

Hell, it’s been so damn long since I’ve even had that.

But, no, Kimball is the kind of woman you plan forever around. She’s the type of woman you fight to keep.

I’m not sure if I’ll be able to keep her considering this isn’t my home, but I certainly want to see where this goes. I need to do it.

The thought of walking away and not spending time with her has my stomach churning while sweat coats my forehead. No, that won’t do at all.

“You want to spend time with me?” The hopeful note in her voice has my heart pounding in my chest.

Is it possible she wants me just as much as I want her? I’m almost afraid to believe it.

“Of course,” my voice is husky and her brown eyes shimmer with want which has me tightening my grip on her elbow just a little in the effort to hold myself back.

“Well,” she bites her lip and looks up at me from underneath her lashes, “I was just planning on going home tonight and cooking dinner.” She glances away, her voice dropping a little, “With Hailey and Wesley getting together, I’m usually left fending for myself now.”

Rage, pure fucking rage, flows through me. “She ditched you? You seemed tight the other night,” I grit the words out through my teeth.

Kimball’s eyes widen almost comically as she starts to shake her head back and forth. “She didn’t ditch me,” she snaps. “It’s not like that at all. I’m happy for my friend. She deserves all the happiness in the world and Wesley gives that to her. If that means I don’t get to spend as much time with her, then I’m okay with it.” She waves her free hand dismissively. “The beginning of the school year is always a little hectic with her anyway. I’m used to it.”

I eye her skeptically but decide it’s better to let it go. So that’s what I do.

“Do you think,” I pause, unsure if I should ask what is on the tip of my tongue, but the curiosity written on her face gives me a boost of courage to keep going, “I could come over and we could hang out?” Her mouth falls open as she gawks at me and I blurt, “If you’re not comfortable with it then I totally understand. It’s probably inappropriate for me to even ask something like that. It’s just that I don’t want to change your plans and I’m sure you’re tired after working all day. When I leave the office and go home, I’m wiped out and only want to face plant in my bed in the hopes of being ready to do it all again the next day.”

I’m rambling.

It’s official.

I don’t think I’ve ever rambled like this in my life. Normally I’m cool and calm under pressure, but there’s something about Kimball which sets everything off kilter inside of me. I don’t understand why, but I’m far past caring.

Kimbal doesn’t seem to mind my overshare. At least I’m pretty sure doesn’t mind considering a huge smile is gracing her face.

Fuck. She glows when she smiles.

And she has no idea how truly magnificent she is.

The more time I spend around her, the harder my dick becomes. At this point, it’s painful and I’m almost a little concerned about my reaction to her. It’s so damn strong and I don’t want to scare her off.

I feel like I’m teetering on the edge as I wait for her reply. She could send my heart soaring, or she could have me hitting the ground and shattering. I can’t fault her either way.

There’s no reason for her to trust me. I was a complete asshole to her. Sure, I’ve shown up and apologized, but that doesn’t mean she has to let me in any farther.

What she doesn’t know is that I won’t be giving up. She can keep me at a distance now, but I’m going to keep showing up. I’m going to keep pushing.

I won’t be able to stop myself.

There’s something pulling me toward this woman.

“Kimball,” I murmur softly, needing her to save me or put me out of my misery.

The smile she gives me is full of mischief and my heart starts beating so hard that I’m a little concerned. “I’d love for you to come over and hang out,” she almost purrs.

My dick jerks behind the fly of my jeans and I can feel pre-cum leaking from the tip. I should probably be embarrassed about how turned on I am right now, but I’m not.

It’s not even because it’s been so long since I’ve been with anyone. This is all her.

When I close the distance between us, I’m so close that her chest is almost brushing against mine. She takes a deep breath, and her tits pillow against me. A growl comes from the back of my throat before I can stop it.

“You sure, Kitten?”

Fuck. The way she sparkles.

Her brown eyes darken, and her pupils dilate. I’m pulled into the depths of her eyes and trapped. Honestly, I never want to be released.

“I’m sure,” she whispers.

“Good.”

Kimball shudders before taking a deep breath and sliding her eyes closed. It’s as if she needs a moment to get herself under control. I can’t say that I don’t understand.

I take a step back to make sure I don’t do anything I shouldn’t. Not only do I not want to rush her, but we’re still part way in the hallway where she works.

It’s clear how important her job is to her and I’m not going to do a damn thing to fuck that up.

When she opens her eyes, some of the heat has dissipated, but not all of it. Thankfully.

Knowing that she’s as into me as I’m into her has something primal inside of me sitting up and taking notice.

“I just need a few minutes to shut everything down and make sure everything is good before I can leave,” her voice is gentle.

Before I can stop myself, I lean forward and press a kiss to her forehead. “I’ll be outside waiting in Grandpa’s truck. Take as much time as you need,” I murmur against her skin.

It takes all my willpower to pull away from her, my fingers sliding toward her wrist as I turn and walk away. I don’t look back. Not because I don’t want to, but because if I do then I won’t be able to leave.