“Ladies, I think we have a big problem.” I yell.
Both of them come running. “What happened?”
I just point to the bed and watch as their noses crinkle in disgust.
Evelyn speaks first, “Oh, yup, big problem.”
Violet doesn’t say anything, she just goes outside.
“You know that she’s calling on the boys to go get one of your beds… and maybe some rodent poison.” Evelyn’s lips press into a tight line, and I don’t think her nose could scrunch any tighter if she tried.
I can’t stop the laughter that bubbles up. It’s almost as if all the anxiety of the past few weeks and today are finally coming out in the most unexpected way.
“Girl, have you lost it?” Evelyn reaches out to touch my forehead with the back of her hand. “Seriously, are you okay?”
“I’m fixing up an old cabin with mice in the bed because I’m running from my past with my dead husband, while getting to live my dream life with the man I was always meant to have. Only now we’re on the damn run and being stalked!” The laughter has me doubled over, tears streaming down my cheeks. “It’s all just so on par for my life.”
“Yeah, you’re gone. I’m going back to the kitchen.” She laughs with me, or at me, before leaving me alone in the room.
Regaining my composure, I look around the room and decide to get the mouse house out of here first.
Rolling up my sleeves, the mattress lifts easy, sheets and all.
For some reason giving this little cottage the fresh start that it needs feels like a fresh start for me too.
A loud noise startles me awake, my eyes popping open.
After a few nights in the old cottage, I haven’t gotten used to the new sounds, or the critters that have made their homes in the walls over the years.
“I can’t wait for the pest control to get here.” Aubrey grumbles next to me.
“They’ll be here today. Are you sure you don’t mind waiting for them so I can set up for the orchard sessions this afternoon?” Our legs tangle together as she snuggles into me.
“Nope. Lily and I will come meet you after they’re gone.”
“Wyatt will be here with you. He can bring you over.” I remind her.
“I don’t think we need a babysitter, Cooper. Wyatt can have his day back.” The slight tick of annoyance is in her voice again. It’s there whenever we discuss her being alone.
“Just give me one more week. Please?” I let my hand drift down her side, slipping under her waistband.
“Mmm.” She moans. “Maybe we could work something out.”
“Oh yeah? What would it take for me to get you to agree?” I push her panties down, and slide under the covers.
“I think you might be off to a good start for a couple days.”
A couple days?
“How do I get a week?” Kisses trail along her inner thigh, and when my lips find her clit she bucks off the bed.
“That might help your case.” She rasps.
Reaching up, I slide my hand under her shirt to find her breasts. Playing with her nipples to add pleasure. I lick a circle around her clit and push two fingers inside making her moan.
Small footsteps pad down the hall into the living room and I know we’re on borrowed time until we have someone knocking on the bedroom door.
“You need to come quick, gorgeous. We don’t have much time.”
