Protecting His Windflower (A Spirit Hunters Series Novel Book 1) by Temperance Dawn (best black authors .txt) 📕

Emily had moved into Liam’s flat for good that night. After the doctors at the hospital had diagnosed her with a minor concussion, they discharged her and told her to come back if her headaches didn’t improve. Liam spent the rest of that night and most of the next day letting her sleep, only waking her up periodically to make sure she knew her name, who he was, and what year it was. Then he would let her fall asleep again.

Liam’s parents had come to see them both a few days after. Janet had brought enough prepared meals with her to last both of them a month. She put them in the freezer and told them she would be back in a couple of weeks to restock their refrigerator. Janet had called a couple weeks after and asked if they needed anything. Liam had been out of town on an investigation, so Emily decided to head down to Carmel to visit on her own. She spent the entire day talking mostly with Janet. She was comfortable being around Liam’s parents. They were sweet and funny, and everything she imagined good parents would be.

Liam’s apartment was beginning to feel like home. Home. That was something she had never felt before. And the thought made her eyes flood with tears every time she thought about it. Liam gave her permission to decorate however she wanted. “Make this place feel like the home you’ve always wanted,” and now that was exactly what she was doing.

She decided to keep the oversized sofa. It was incredibly comfortable, and the color was a perfect neutral dark grey, so she could add touches of color in other areas of the room. Plus, it had some great memories attached to it now. She smiled and felt her cheeks flush at the thought of them on the sofa, kissing until breathless and the memory of the first time Liam made love to her there. Yeah, they were definitely keeping that sofa.

Liam had been surprised and relieved when Emily told him she wanted to keep it. He confessed that he really didn’t want to move the enormous sectional back down the narrow stairs and was sure his friends would wring his neck if he asked them to help move it again. Liam had burst into a fit of laughter when the memory crossed his mind, and he had to explain to Emily that it had truly been like the scene from Friends when Ross buys a couch and he and Chandler are trying to move it up a flight of stairs.

Emily was sitting on the large sofa, lounging against one of the arms, propped up with pillows when Liam walked in. She hadn’t heard him come through the door, which was a testament to how comfortable she had become. Before Liam, she was used to constantly scanning her surroundings and picking up the slightest noises. But now, she was carefree. Enjoying life, the way she always should have been able to enjoy it.

***

Liam stopped and stared at Emily. Her legs were bent, supporting her laptop while she worked with earbuds in. Her head swayed gently to the music she was listening to. A hint of a smile crossed her lips. He’d just gotten back from a long day of meetings and running errands. One of those errands involved a trip to an antique shop with his two best friends, and the sizable purchase was nestled in its protective case inside the small bag he held. He’d also stopped at the store for a bottle of wine and a bouquet of flowers.

Liam set everything on the kitchen counter and made his way through the living room. Emily still hadn’t noticed him since she was engrossed in her work. When he stepped into her view, she looked up with a huge smile. “When did you get home?” she asked as she pulled her earbuds out.

“Just now,” Liam leaned down and placed a kiss on her lips. Then he positioned himself behind her, so her back was to his front, and nuzzled her neck. “Something smells good.”

“I made Eggplant Parmesan.”

“Seriously?” His mouth watered as the delicious smell filled the flat.

“Yes,” Emily said in a half giggle. “I asked your mom for her recipe. It was surprisingly easy to prepare. How was your day?”

“Fucking awesome. I’ll tell you all about it at dinner.”

Liam stood and held his hand out to help Emily off the couch. He opened the bottle of wine in the kitchen while Emily plated up the Eggplant Parmesan and garlic bread. While they ate, Liam told her about the plans that he and Luke’s cousin, a building engineer, had come up with.

“Really? We can do all of that?” she asked.

“It’s expensive, but it can be done. We’ll move the stairwell and reinforce everything. Then, we can push this hole wall back and widen the living room. That will give us space for one extra bedroom here in the front. And with everything being pushed out, we can also split the back bedroom into two. This will be a three-bedroom flat.”

“That sounds amazing.”

“Yes, it does. Are you excited?”

“Yes! I can’t wait. Lexi says she’ll be moving up to Napa next week. So, we can stay downstairs if we need to while work is being done up here.”

“That works out perfectly.” Liam took her hand in his as he sipped his wine. “I wanted to get the upstairs done first before we start downstairs. How is Lex? Is she excited?”

“Yes, she is. She gets to work at a wine resort and live on property. It’s her dream come true. What’s in the bag?” Emily asked, noticing the bag on the counter.

Liam grinned at her. “It’s a surprise.”

Emily’s eyes lit up with excitement. Liam stood, grabbing her by the hand, and pulled her to him. He kissed the hell out of her right there in the kitchen, leaving Emily squirming. When he pulled away and