Free Tidal Falls (Wounded Hearts Book 1) by Jacquie Biggar Page A

earlier. “Like them.”
    After a somewhat rough start, Nick began to focus on more important things than where to set his feet. Her body tucked up close to his, so close he could smell the citrusy fragrance of her shampoo as her hair tickled his chin, a couple of strands catching in his stubble. Her bare back, soft and silky as he ran his fingers up and down the gentle curvature of her spine. His other hand resting in heaven, enveloped between the pillowy softness of her breasts. It was all he could do to concentrate on where his feet were supposed to be. Wow, if he’d known dancing could be like this, he might have taken it up sooner.
    “You’re doing great. Not so hard, is it? I just love these old songs; they lend themselves to rhythm.”
    Nick could think of a few other rhythmical moves he’d love to be practicing right now. “ Yeah, it's not so bad. Thanks, Teach.”
    ***
    Sara was floating, safe and secure, tucked in close to Nick's warm body. One hand rested on his broad shoulder. The other was wrapped securely inside of his, resting between her breasts. They were so sensitized by the movement of their bodies, she needed him to do something. Anything.
    Looking up, she became entrapped within the hooded darkness of his eyes. He wanted her. She knew it by the tension in his shoulders, and the hard brush of his body as it rubbed against hers.
    It’d been almost two years since she’d lain with a man. On that nightmarish day , she’d had no chance at all against Tom’s anger. It was that, as much as the actual act, which had frightened her the most. And maybe he’d felt guilty for what he’d done to her. She didn’t know, or care, but was grateful when he moved out of their rooms and never bothered her again.
    One of the first things Sara bought upon their escape was pepper spray, and she made sure there were hard case flashlights in both her car and every room of their house. She’d learned they were an effective way to fight off an attacker, at least long enough to escape.
    The dance had ended. Angry that she’d let stupid thoughts of the past waste the precious moments, she returned to their table to pick up her purse. “I'm tired, Nick. Mind if we go home now?” The evening was destroyed. Once again, Tom had managed to assert his mastery of her. Would she never be free of him?
    She tried to smile as he searched her eyes. “Sure honey, just let me pick up the check. Why don't you go wait for me by the doors?”
    O ff-balanced and emotional, she moved to stand by the entry. Gazing through the moon etched glass into the starlit night, she realized either she could spend the rest of her life jumping at shadows or she could take this chance at a new beginning.
    She knew which one she wanted to choose.
    Nick ’s big body joined hers, reflected in the glass as if the two of them were an actual couple. Nick, so tall and dark, standing protectively behind her smaller, slighter form left her feeling both sheltered and loved.
    She chose to live.
    He guided her to the parking lot where his big four-by-four truck should have looked out of place among all the fancy imports. Instead, it looked safe and trustworthy, much like the man who owned it.
    Opening the passenger door for her, he grimaced at the left over takeout bags and coffee cups. “This truc k's not really meant for classy dressed ladies. Hold on while I make some room.”
    Watching a s he collected the empty coffee cups and chocolate wrappers, carrying them to a nearby garbage can before striding back to move some power tools into the back of the pick-up, Sara couldn’t help but note the differences between her ex-husband and Nick.
    Tom always had to surround himself with the best of the best. From the cars he drove, to the meals at upscale restaurants and expensive suits he wore. Nick, on the other hand, was comfortable in his own skin, wearing jeans and button down shirts as if they were of the finest cloth.
    “Okay, ready, but there's no way