Chapter 78

Liam gestured toward the elevator to the right. "After you."
They stepped into the elevator and Liam punched a button. A moment later, it stopped on the fifth floor.
Liam took a step back, allowing her to go first. Then he walked down the hallway straight ahead and stopped at a door on the left and used a key card to unlock it. But he held the door for a moment and turned to Kiki. "I hope you don't mind, but we took the liberty of getting you a few things." He opened the door before Kiki could say anything more.
The room was not just a room, but a suite. They walked into a small living room with a fireplace on the right wall, with a couch, a reading table, and lamp to the left. The next room was the bedroom and a plate glass window stretched across the far wall, providing a lovely view of the ski slopes and the lightly falling snow outside. Through the doorway, to the right was a fully stocked kitchenette, with steel-faced appliances. A small round marble kitchen table with four chairs was on the left, and then a small living room with sliding glass doors that led out to a small balcony with black iron outdoor chairs and a table was on the far wall, along with another plate glass window that covered the wall.
"This is beautiful," Kiki said as tears filled her eyes. "You didn't have to do all this. It's too much."
"Ssshhh-" Liam replied. "It's not too much. You've been through a great ordeal and we're happy to help."
Taren extended his hand. "Thank you- for everything."
"It's my pleasure." Then Liam handed her the key card. "Again, if you need anything, please let us know. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible during your stay."
"Thank you so much," Kiki replied as she took the card. "I can't begin to repay--"
"No repayment is necessary," Liam cut her off as one corner of his lips curled into a smile. "Well, I'll leave you to settle in. Enjoy your stay."
Kiki nodded. "I will. Thanks, again."
Taren clasped Liam's shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. "I'll walk you out."
After they left the room, Kiki opened the kitchen cabinet doors and the shelves were fully stocked with dry pasta, canned goods- everything imaginable. She opened the bottom doors and found a complete set of pots and pans, along with pretty dishes, white with a delicate floral ring along the edge. When she opened the refrigerator door, it, too, was fully stocked with salmon, meats, milk- virtually everything.
She heard the front door close and then footsteps. "Well, what do you think?" Taren beamed, suddenly behind her.
Tears filled her eyes when she turned around. "This is truly wonderful. I could never begin to repay you or him for this."
Taren chuckled. "I didn't do this. Lima and his staff did."
"Yes, but you were the one who told him about me." Kiki pulled him in for a quick hug, and the manly scent of musk and rain surrounded her, causing her heart to pound. "Thank you."
Taren patted her back and then released her. "It was the least I could do." He took a step back and shoved his hands into his pockets. "Now, why don't you go lay down and I'll make us some lunch? Either that, or I can leave you to settle in alone-."
"No, please stay," Kiki said a bit too quickly. "But you sit down and I'll fix us something to eat."
Taren shook his head. "Next time." He took off his coat and hung it over the back of a kitchen chair. "You just got out of the hospital. Now, go lay down and I'll let you know when it's ready."
"If you're sure-." She wasn't used to having anyone take care of her. It had been a long time. Kiki was used to taking care of everyone else.
"I am." Taren placed his hands on her shoulders and gently removed her coat, sending shivers over her body. But he appeared to be completely oblivious to the effect he had on her. "Now, go lay down like I told you and I'll wake you when it's ready."
How could she resist such an offer from this handsome man? "Thank you, Taren."
He nodded and surprised her when he pulled her to his chest. "I'm just glad you're okay," he breathed into her hair. When he released her, tears filled his eyes.
A lump formed in her throat, touched by the gesture. She placed a hand gently on his cheek and looked into his eyes. "Thanks to you."
His eyes searched hers, as if silently asking for acceptance. Then his lips descended upon hers and passion filled them both. Kiki's heart soared as his lips moved with hers. Then he pulled back a moment later.
"I'm sorry- I shouldn't have-," Taren stammered, trying to find the words.
"Ssshhh-." Kiki placed a finger gently to his lips, disappointed that he had apologized. She was definitely not sorry. "Don't overthink it."
He nodded as he looked down at her, his eyebrows pulling together in concern. "I just don't want to take advantage of the situation."
"You're not," Kiki corrected. "If I didn't want to kiss you, I wouldn't have."
A smile lit his lips as he nodded. "Okay. Now, go lay down and I'll call you when it's ready."
Kiki nodded. "Thanks, again."
She picked up her coat and hung it up in the closet just to the left of the bathroom, adjoining the bedroom. As she pulled back the covers and climbed into bed, she suddenly felt tired. Usually, there would have been no way she could have even thought about taking a nap while Taren Davis cooked lunch for her, but she was just too tired. She curled up on her side and watched the snow fall through the huge plate glass window, thinking of Taren and the kiss, wondering where it might lead.