*****
They lay close together on their sides, facing each other. Tierney reveled in the feel of Steven’s hand wrapped around her forearm, massaging her skin with the pad of his thumb. “It hasn’t been this good for us in a long time, Tierney.”
“I know. I miss how it used to be.”
“Money problems will sour a relationship every time. But if I have my way it won’t ever be a problem again. You and Sienna will be taken care of, I promise.”
She found she couldn’t keep her eyes open. “Mmm. That sounds nice.”
Steven pressed his lips to her forehead. “Get some sleep. It’s been a long day, and I know you’re tired.” He released his hold on her forearm. “I guess I’d better put out the fire.”
Tierney, both body and mind exhausted after a long day, felt herself drifting off. She had a vague awareness of Steven raking the coals, heard him closing the glass doors. She was sleepily aware of his getting back into bed with her. She felt his arms go around her, heard him speak softly to her…he said something that didn’t sound quite right to her ears, but sleep she could no longer fight off completely overtook her at that moment, and she wasn’t able to process his words.