Free Wounded (In My Dreams) by Erin R Flynn Page B

sad because I missed him? I shivered at the idea, thinking that was pretty much my version of hell. But it just wasn’t realistic to think he’d stay in my guest room forever.
    Needless to say, with that being the last thought before I fell asleep, it wasn’t a good nap. I heard movement in the kitchen and decided to get up, help him bring in the groceries. I wiped my eyes, then under my eyes because knowing me I smeared my mascara, and rolled out of bed. As I walked past my office, I saw flowers on the ledge along the stairs. I stopped and looked at the two vases of them, wondering how I hadn’t heard the doorbell.
    And who was sending me flowers? My birthday wasn’t for months.
    There were more on the shelf in the entryway. Roses and crazy-colored daises this time.
    “Jasper? Were we invaded by a florist?” I called out towards the garage.
    “No, Lily,” he chuckled deeply from the kitchen. I turned and gasped.
    There were flowers everywhere . All the vases I had, and some new ones, filled with them. On the counters, on the table, just everywhere .
    I walked over to the table and buried my face in the tulips. “These are gorgeous.”
    “Just like you,” he murmured from behind me. He wrapped his arms around me and kissed my neck.
    “Jasper,” I breathed as I turned around. “What did you do?”
    “I wanted to show you what you mean to me.” He slid his hand in mine and led me to the kitchen island so I could see the rest. “Do you like them?”
    “I love them. I love flowers.”
    “I know. You always ask me to pick some up but it’s not the same as getting them for you if it’s with your money.”
    “Jasper—”
    “Let me finish,” he pushed. I nodded and glanced around the room, speechless at his gesture. “This time it was with the money I made selling the wood. I bought these for you .”
    “Why?” I asked, turning to face him.
    “Because subtlety is lost on you,” he drawled as he pinned me against the counter. “You never catch my flirting or you brush it off as a joke. You’re so busy protecting me as if you would ever take advantage of me, you don’t see how much I want. How much I love you.”
    “I love you too, Jasper. You’re my best—”
    “Don’t say friend,” he warned, his eyes getting dark. “I’m not just your friend and we both know it.” I nodded, unable to deny that I wanted him, but knowing there was no reality that would have someone like him really want me . “Please don’t reject me again. I swear I’m losing my mind that you’re right here in front of me, all I’ve ever wanted and you can’t see it.”
    “I just don’t get why me ,” I whispered, searching his eyes for answers.
    “Because you’re perfect,” he murmured as he kissed my cheek. “You’re smart, funny, adventurous, sweet, have a heart of gold, and so generous. I wish you could see yourself from my eyes for just one day, see what I see.”
    “You’re crazy,” I moaned as he kissed up to my ear and down my neck. “You’re certifiable.”
    “We can be crazy together because you’re far from sane.”
    He had a point there.
    But I wasn’t an idiot. “Okay.”
    “Okay?”
    “Yeah, if you’re sure.”
    “Yes,” he hissed as his hands moved up my stomach and to my breasts. “I won’t ever hurt you, Lily. I just want you, nothing else, I promise.”
    “Uh-huh,” I moaned before he lowered his mouth to mine. He grabbed the back of my head and kissed me like a man dying of need, with passion like I’d never experienced and only written about. I melted against him, finally understanding what that sentiment meant.
    Jasper pulled down the front of my shirt and sports bra before attacking my nipples. I leaned back on the counter, more than willing to offer him better room to maneuver.
    Then I remembered the window right there where my neighbors could look in from their back porch.
    “Blinds,” I gasped, hoping he caught my meaning.
    “Let them see. I don’t care.”
    “They