The same desire to hold her to my chest consumed me now.
“I decided to extend the lease. I assume you saw the email I sent?” she asked with a tilt of her head.
I swallowed. She’d said she loved me. She said she wanted to be here with me. “I did,” I said with a throat that felt too dry.
“And that all works for you?” she asked.
I nodded. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Me too.”
“And you’re sure that’s what you want?” There was part of me that worried this was all out of desperation. Her father couldn’t make it to help her. Her crazy, delusional ex showed up. I wanted her with more certainty than anything I ever wanted, but I neededto make sure it was the same for her.
“It’s what I want. I wanted to stay before when I realized I was falling in love with you.” She shrugged.
“God, I’m so sorry about that. I was so wrong to push you away.” I balled my fists at my side.
“I wasn’t exactly easy myself. But as long as we stick to the rules, I think we will be okay.”
I stepped closer. “And have room to change them as needed.”
“Of course. What’s the point of having strict guidelines if not to adjust them.” She said it sarcastically but pulled me closer by the front of my jacket. “Can we kiss now?”
“God, yes.” I pulled her into my arms, holding her as tight as I could, my mouth on hers. Her arms trembled slightly as she held me back, pouring so much into our kiss. She must be exhausted physically and mentally, but I couldn’t let go of her, not yet. I was too relieved to have her back in my arms. I leaned back, breaking our kiss, to look at her. My jaw clenched as my gaze moved over her beautiful face. “I’ve missed you so much,” I said.
I studied her dark slash of brows, the line of her cheeks, and the deep dimples on either side of her wide, luscious mouth. She licked her lips as I watched.
“I’ve missed you too.”
I dropped my forehead to hers. “Let me help you unpack.”
“Okay,” she said.
“You need to sleep and eat. Maybe not in that order.”
She closed her eyes and nodded against me. “You’re probably right about that.”
“I’ll take care of the stuff I can while you rest.”
She yawned, and I lifted her into my arms. “Eep! You don’t need to do that.” But she didn’t fight me.
I carried her over the threshold to Little Cabin. There was no anxiety or hesitation as I stepped into the house. It only felt right bringing her in here, laying her back onto the bed, and sliding off her coat and shoes. With her tucked in, I kissed her forehead. She was asleep before I pulled the blankets over her. Ripley curled up into a ball in the throw blanket at her feet.
As those two slept, I unpacked the rest of the rental truck. It took some maneuvering to get the bed and desk, and I smashed my finger in the doorframe, but it was worth it.
“You did it all?” she asked, gobsmacked as she sat up in bed, rubbing her eyes, hours later.
“It wasn’t so much,” I said, still panting.
“You are amazing. And ridiculous. Ridiculously amazing. I was going to help.” She yawned so hard that her jaw cracked. “What time is it?” Her hand drifted to scratch Ripley, who had rolled onto her back, paws straight up in the air, tongue hanging out, begging to be scratched.
“Now you don’t have to do anything. It’s time to eat.” I helped her out of bed.
The sun was almost down as we made our way up to Big Cabin.
After we ate, we washed dishes and cleaned up. Claire slid the last plate onto the shelf as I wrapped her in a hug. Her head fell back onto me. Soft music played over the speakers as my hands drifted over her hips and stomach. I kissed her neck and lower.
She sighed, rocking to the slow tempo, as she lifted her sweater over and off her head. I pushed her bra strap off her shoulder to brush my lips over the soft skin there. She reached one arm up to run her hands through my hair, and I shuddered. Her other arm brought me closer as we continued to rock to the tempo. My hand reached into her bra and cupped her breast as she gasped out. She turned in my arms to meet my gaze. She held my face in her hands, and little did she know, she held my entire soul too.
