I Know You Love Me (11 page)

Drew opened the door to make sure Allison was still there before answering. He couldn't shake the feeling in the pit of his stomach that the moment he took his eyes off of her she'd disappear for good. He just wished he knew if it was over Sam's unexpected arrival or Allison's obsessive need to do the right thing.

"Sam's refusing the divorce, which means I have to sue her for it. She's broke. She actually told me she wants half my money and my house."

"What did you tell her?"

"I told her she couldn't have my house and if she wanted money she needed to get a job."

Jimmy laughed quietly. “Next, she played Allison's age right? That would be classic Samantha."

Drew laughed softly. “Of course. But my baby looks good for her age, so that plot failed miserably. For a guy who doesn't like Sam, you know her moves awfully well."

Grimacing, Jimmy walked farther form the bedroom door. “You're a funny man. So next she played the money card, telling you that Allison was loaded and accusing you of choosing Allison over her because of that."

Well, hell. Jimmy really did know Sam better than he did. “Go ahead!"

"What?"

"Say it!"

"Say what?"

"I told you so. I know you've been dying to say it since I popped the question seven and a half years ago."

"No, Drew, I have no need to say it. You've already learnt that lesson. Just treat Allison well, and we'll be even. She deserves some happiness. Of course, it should have been with me...but the woman can't be perfect in every way. She has horrible taste in men."

Drew laughed, relaxing for the first time since Allison had left the station. “We'll never be even, Jim; I owe you for watching over Allison tonight. You went above and beyond anything I had a right to expect."

Leaning back against the wall, Jimmy looked his friend over. “Save your thanks; that woman is prone to think the worst. So if you ever don't come home one night and forget to call her to let her know, she won't stick around to ask you questions. She'll pack her bags and leave. Allison's been seriously hurt by the men she's trusted. You're going to have your hands full with her."

Drew wasn't fooled; he knew the minute he fucked up Jimmy would be first in line to soothe her pain. It was what he'd do in Jimmy's shoes. “I'm looking forward to it. Oh, before I forget, I told Gertrude that you're in charge while I'm out of town. Keep an eye on my house. Don't let Sam into it or I'll never get her out."

"How about I get Jeremy to house-sit? He's only got two classes a day next week and he can make sure no one sets up house while you're gone."

"That's brilliant. I'll owe him one when I get back. That reminds me, Michael has been suspended without pay. I'll be informing him in the morning, when I let him out of the drunk tank. Oh, and here are Allison's keys..."

Jimmy laughed. “Keep them; she'll need those keys to get into her house tomorrow. She already gave Jeremy her spare set and told him he could use her car while she's gone."

Drew chuckled and shook his head. How many women would allow a sixteen-year-old boy to use their car while their out of town. Allison was definitely one in a million, and all his.

"If I'm not careful, that boy will fall for my girl."

"Drew, my foolish, foolish old friend, he already has!"

Hanging his head, Drew laughed at what should have been obvious from the start. Jeremy was a lot like his older brother after all. “I better watch my step. He won't be a kid forever, and he's already a charmer."

Jimmy shook his head and chose to ignore that comment. “Do you have a number where I can reach you if there's a problem?"

"I'll get back to you with that before we leave in the morning. I'd say take the rest of the night off, but you're in charge, and I need to take Allison to bed where she belongs."

Laughing, Jimmy took the hint and started toward the back door. “I'll see you in the morning."

Ignoring the laughter, Drew turned back toward the bedroom and opened the door to watch Allison sleep. She couldn't seem to find a comfortable position; she kept tossing and turning in the bed. Approaching the bed, he picked her up in his arms and carried her to the master bedroom where he knew she'd feel much more comfortable.

"Drew?"

"It's me, Love. I'm home like I promised."

"Put me down, you fool, before you hurt yourself."

Grinning, he kissed her forehead. “Just lean back and relax; we're almost there. Then you can go back to sleep."

"Where are you taking me?"

Damn she was cute when half asleep. Her arms around his neck told him she didn't really want him to put her down. In fact she wanted to be held closer.

"To bed."

"Drew, I was already in bed."

"You were in the wrong bed. I'm just correcting that slight."

Her arms tightened around his neck, as she rested her head on his shoulder. “Oh, I didn't realize there was a wrong bed."

Resting her in the oversized king bed, he watched her curl around his pillow and then turned to remove his uniform and place his sidearm in the fireproof safe, resting his badge beside it in the red velvet lined box before locking it up. Draping his uniform over the arm of the reading chair, he turned out the lights and crawled into bed. He kept his boxers on so she would know he had no plans other than sleeping tonight. Truthfully it was more for his sanity than her security.

"Honey?"

"Yes, Love?"

"I'm cold...Hold me?"

"I was just about to do that, baby. Just getting comfortable before I take you in my arms.” A soft chuckle left his lips as Allison slid into his arms before he could do more than move to make her wish come true. She fit him perfectly, her body formed around his like she was made for him. Any lingering doubts he'd had about their future evaporated. “Better, baby?"

"I feel like I'm finally home."

"You are. May as well accept it.” Closing his eyes, he held her tighter.

"Are you really coming with me in the morning?"

Her words were soft and sleepy...soothing to his senses. “I'm not letting you out of my sight until the wedding. Besides, I want to see where and how you used to live. I need to make sure my girl is happy living here with me, and the best way to do that is to make the transition as seamless as possible."

"Cocky, aren't you?” She teased softly.

"You have no idea."

Moving her hip, she rubbed up against him, pulling a groan of need and desire from his throat. A small self-satisfied smile curved her lips at his involuntary reaction. “Oh, I think I might."

"Woman, you stop moving, or I will claim my reward tonight. I'm not a saint, after all."

Allison giggled and turned over. “Can I at least get a proper kiss good night? It feels wrong to sleep in a man's arms without that slightest bit of intimacy."

Drew tightened his hold around her, to stop her from squirming and to grant her request. “You my perfect woman, can have anything you want."

"Anything?"

Drew chuckled softly. “I thought you were cold and sleepy?"

"I'm not cold anymore, and I'm too curious to be sleepy. What did Samantha say?"

The topic switch threw him for a loop he wasn't inclined to follow. Who cared about Sam at a time like this? He'd much rather learn more about this incredible woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Before Allison, he'd never believed in love at first sight, or in the existence of a perfect woman. Funny what a week could do to a man.

"Drew?"

"Oh. Sorry, Love. You wanted to know about Sam right? She said she was broke, homeless and planned to fight the divorce.” There went his happy night; no woman in her right mind would want to get romantic after hearing that the man in question's ex-wife was about to cause trouble for him.

Allison snuggled closer and brushed a kiss against his neck. “How did you respond to her?"

This was one interrogation he was about to enjoy. “I told her she couldn't stay in our house, she needed to find a job to support herself because I wouldn't give her a dime, and that I would sue her for the divorce, whether she liked the idea or not."

Allison rewarded him with another kiss, a little lower on the collar bone. “I like this game.” He whispered with a grin. “Ask me another one?"

Giggling and grinning at his eager tone, her hands slid up his chest. “How did she use me as leverage?"

That floored him. “Does everyone know Sam better than me?"

Laughing, Allison patted his cheek. “Poor boy. It's in her nature to make others look bad so she can look good. I've met her kind before. She wasn't that difficult to figure out."

Drew bit his tongue on the curses he wanted to release. “She informed me that you were an old lady.” Closing his eyes in anticipation of the kiss he was about to receive, Drew put all thought of his naivete where Sam was concerned out of his mind. He'd never fall for her false charms again.

"And you responded?"

"Hey, where's my kiss?"

Allison grinned, but held her ground. “Your response, Sheriff?"

"I told her that informing me of your age made her look bad, since she looks older than you do. My girl's a sexy old lady and I'll be the envy of all the other men in town."

Allison trailed her fingers up his abdomen, laying soft kisses along her path. Drew groaned and rolled her back against the bed, sealing his lips to hers for a real kiss. “You're killing me."

"How do you think I feel? First you're all caveman, carrying me to your bed, then you go and start acting all still and gentlemanly on me. I was just trying to help you relax before you hurt yourself.” Allison announced, not sounding the least bit sorry for her actions.

"You succeeded, and now you're in deep trouble, young lady.” He was trying not to laugh, not to hurt her feelings. The sincerity on her face was so pure; she truly thought she was helping matters. He wanted her. That was all that mattered. He wanted her as close to him as possible, and there was only one way to accomplish that.

"I think we should remove this jersey, what do you think?"

"Can...can I wear it on the plane tomorrow?"

The nervous stutter in her voice told him she might not be ready for that step. She truly was one in a million. “And let all those men know you're mine? Damn straight you can. In fact, I insist you wear it. I'll even let you wear a clean one."

Sitting up, she gave him a perfectly helpless look. “I think I could use a little help. If I try to remove it alone, I may end up knocking you out with my elbow or something equally humiliating."

Grinning, he ran his hand under the jersey. Permission to fondle—every man's dream come true. “You'll need to follow all my instructions."

Batting her eyelashes coyly, she flashed him a lopsided grin. “Every last one, I promise."

Slowly pulling the jersey over her head, he threw it off to the side and ran his hands reverently over her breasts. “I love you, Allison McKay. Care to become Allison Kerry?"

Her face fell, sadness entering her eyes as her nervous stutter returned. “Not until...not until...Damn it! I just can't until..."

This was why he'd never forgive Sam. “Not until you are the only Mrs. Kerry in my life? Is that what you mean?"

Allison's shoulders slumped against him in relief. “Yeah, is that ok?"

He wouldn't have it any other way. “That's more than ok, and do you know why?"

"Why?"

"Because, you've just informed me that you want to be my wife. Listen, I can't wait anymore. I have something for you. Don't move.” Getting out of bed, he walked over to his uniform trousers and pulled a small velvet box out of the pocket. Turning back toward the bed, he stopped long enough to take in the sight of his soon-to-be-bride. Allison looked so beautiful sitting there, her eyes shining in surprise as she looked up at him. “I hope you're willing to wear this now."

"Wear what?"

Kneeling by the side of the bed, he held out the velvet box to her and flipped open the lid. “Marry me, Allison."

Her eyes grew in surprise. “That's....that's...."

She was adorable when at a loss for words. “Will you wear it?"

Her fingers reached out of their own volition to hover over the ring. “Will it cause you problems with your divorce?"

"It shouldn't...” The look on her face told him to choose his words carefully. “Ok, I'll make you a deal. Wear it tonight, and tomorrow we can discuss it some more."

Her hand was shaking uncontrollably when he slipped the princess of hearts cut diamond solitaire onto her finger. “Tonight only; tomorrow, we'll ask the judge if it's ok. If he sees no problems with me wearing this exquisite piece of jewelry, then I'll keep it on."

"Baby, everyone knows we're...Fine. They know I intend to ask you to be my wife. I don't see...” All thought evaporated from his mind when she slid down under the blankets, closing her eyes to sleep—her way of telling him the discussion was over. Laughing, he crawled in beside her and took her into his arms.
You win this round sweetheart, but you will be wearing that ring on the plane tomorrow

"Goodnight, my love."

"My love...” He felt her hand run up his chest to rest over his heart, as a soft smile curved her lips.

"Goodnight, Drew. I love you, too."

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Drew woke feeling happier than he had in more years than he could remember. Content—he was actually feeling contentment. Who knew just holding a woman in your arms, albeit it a nearly naked woman, could make a man feel satisfied? Maybe Allison...

"Allison?” Where was she? “Allison?"

"I'm right here. Seriously, Sheriff, are you always this antsy first thing in the morning?"

She stood in the bathroom doorway, toothbrush in hand, grinning at him teasingly.

"Sure, tease, but I've never gone to bed with my dream girl only to wake up alone before."

"Do you bed your dream girl often?"

"This is the first time, which is why I got nervous waking up alone; especially since you have a habit of running off on me."

Walking back into the bathroom, Allison laughed. “Afraid you dreamed it?"

"Awfully glad I didn't. Now get that gorgeous ass back in this bed so I can wake up properly."