All Chapters of The Saddle Creek Series: Chapter 231 - Chapter 240

As Edie and Tom stood at the foot of her bed at Gramps' house, she felt a bit of guilt. As Edie looked up at Tom's comforting blue eyes, her mind wrestled with all the emotions running through her. She wanted him to protect her with his strength. She wanted him to make her feel safe like only he could. As his scent overwhelmed her, pushed away her fear, she burrowed against him. She could smell his woodsy, piney aftershave and could feel his warm skin against hers. His broad, muscled shoulders felt so powerful beneath her fingers, and when she glanced at his full masculine lips, a quiver slid down through her tired, aching body.She held her breath as he gazed at her through the narrowed slits of his darkened eyes. And when his lips met hers, she reveled in their softness and warmth. His kiss grew desperate and hot as his mouth devoured hers, making her ache with desire. She wanted his touch, needed him to put out the raging fire burning deep inside her, and so much more. She ran her

Edie awoke with her legs wrapped around Tom's, and it felt so right. She'd love to wake up like this every morning. She licked her lips and swallowed."Are you finally awake, sleepyhead?" Tom nuzzled her neck.She stretched her arms above her head and yawned. "Don't you have work today?""Why? You wanna get rid of me?" Tom kissed her cheek then down along her jaw."No, of course not. I do have work and wanted to call Hank this morning." She swung her legs over the side of the bed, but Tom clutched her around the waist and hauled her back, tight to him. "What do you have in mind, mister?""We have the right amount of time," Tom said while kissing her neck and shoulder."Time for what? You're not making any sense." She wrapped her arms around his neck and ran her fingers through his hair."Time for us, for you and me to lie together and appreciate our lo - our feelings for each other.""I'd love to do this every morning, too." She kissed him with passion, arching her body

Tom left early in the morning, intending to return to the house when the movers arrived. Edie left an hour or so later. Once on the road, the traffic was light. She hummed to the song on the radio as she glanced in the rearview mirror. A small white car came out of nowhere and was close behind her. She slowed to let the auto pass, but it only moved closer behind her. Remembering a short cut, she suddenly swerved onto a dirt road, dust flying from under her tires as she stepped on the gas. When she came to the end of the road and stopped to check for cross traffic, the vehicle was still behind her.Edie parked behind the shop and stepped out of her automobile. The little white two-door with tinted windows came to a complete stop behind her, then squealed its tires driving away. Edie's heart pounded as she entered the shop through the back door. She leaned against the nearest wall and tried to calm her breathing.Dolores poked her head out of her office. "What's wrong? What happened?

She smelled his manly scent on her where he'd kissed her and laid his head. Memories of their lovemaking made her happy. I think I'm falling in love with Tom. Can that be? Am I capable of actually caring enough about someone to fall in love?Gramps had told her she'd know when it happened - she'd feel it. And what she was feeling was not like any other she'd had before so it must be love.She dried off quickly and dressed. Driving to work, she called Tom. "Hi, honey, I had a thought.""You did, huh? What was it?""I wondered if the note and slashed tires could have been Alice." Edie made the turn into the parking lot."Good idea, I'm going to check with forensics. See if they had any luck with prints.""Good, I'm at work so will you let me know?""Of course, sweetheart," Tom whispered the endearment."Okay, honey, bye." Edie ended the call and went into the shop."Good morning, Dolores. How are you?" Edie asked, finding her boss already at her desk."I'm doing fine,

After a busy day at work, Edie had to practically drag her butt to punch her timecard. Her feet hurt. She wasn't used to standing or getting up and down for eight hours at a time. She envisioned a hot, bubbly soak in the tub, with Tom, of course, and then a leisurely evening at home. Tom's couch was very comfortable. They snuggled together as they watched his large-screen TV.She sauntered to her car, too tired to hurry. She'd unlocked the door and lifted a leg to step in when suddenly someone grabbed her from behind and slammed her into the back door. Someone grabbed her shoulder and whipped her around to face her attacker, Shirley, who held a weapon behind her head, ready to swing.Edie screamed, "Stop, stop! What are you doing?"Shirley gripped the front of Edie's shirt and held tight. Edie would have to rip her top off to get out of her hold. Edie tried punching her in the face, but her arms were too short."I said I was going to make you pay, slut, and I will," Shirley yel