Page 55 of Maneater

“I’m lost.”

Rex reaches around me, then dips his finger in the top of my ass crack. “Plug my seed inside you. Know that while you’re going about your day, a part of me is there with you.”

What I think is really going on is that he’s marking his territory. But fuck, it’s such a hot idea, I don’t care. I’m in.

“Yeah?” I want to tease him about it first, but I start grinning so hard I give myself away.

Rex grins back. ”My baby likes that.”

He takes me in his arms, kissing me thoroughly. The next thing I know, I’m getting a semi, and he’s grinding against me again.

Dinner can wait.

Epilogue

The Following Summer

Rex

I check the inn's work schedule, double-checking to make sure we have enough coverage for the solstice. Darien and I will be leaving in a few days, and we still have so much to do. As soon as Liam arrives for the night shift, we’ll head over to Folksy to close up.

Ever since Virgil retired and sold the store to us, we’ve been going back and forth between the two businesses. It keeps us busy, but we made a point of hiring managers for both the store and inn. I learned from my mistake with Darien, offering a cabin to prospects as one of the job perks.

So now, even with summer tourist season at its peak, we can take off for a couple of weeks without everything crashing and burning while we’re gone.

Darien calls out from the back office of the inn. “Rex! The plumber can’t get here until after we’re on the road.”

It’s funny. Before Darien came into my life, that announcement would’ve sent me over the edge. I now realize that there will always be challenges in life. Some little, some not so much. What matters now is that I have Darien by my side. I can handle anything as long as he’s with me.

“Hold on, sweetheart. I just have to jot something down real quick.”

The words have barely left my mouth when Darien appears at my side. “That’s okay. No biggie. I only wanted to know if we should look for someone else or keep the appointment and let Howard handle it.”

I snake my arm around his waist. “Let Howard handle it. The only way we can get more time to ourselves is if we’re confident the people we hire can do their jobs.”

He nods. “Yeah, you’re right. I’m still getting used to what it’s like being in charge.” He rolls his eyes. “I never could’ve done this without you.”

“Hey,” I jostle him. “We’re doing this together.”

Darien smiles. “Yeah. We are.”

“Good, that’s settled.” I close the schedule. “I’m done with this. Anything else before we head down to Folksy?”

Darien’s brow wrinkles. “No…I don’t think so.” He holds up a finger. “But we can’t forget the scones when we get there. We need to put an order in, so they’ll be ready when we leave. You promised the guys in the last chat.”

“Got it.”

Me and my big mouth. I was bragging about Folksy and what an amazing job Darien is doing there, and somehow, the subject of food came up. I suppose that’s because it’s one of my favorite subjects. At any rate, the next thing I know, I’m raving about the scones, and now everyone wants to try one.

As soon as Liam arrives, we get in my truck to make the journey to the market. Now that we’re alone with no phone ringing or interruptions from staff or customers, it’s a chance to reassure Darien about something that’s been plaguing him lately.

“Sweetheart?” I stroke his knee a few times before returning my hand to the wheel. “I spoke with Edgel this afternoon. He's been doing a lot of research for us.”

Darien folds his hands in his lap, and I can tell he’s nervous. “Is it bad?”

I knew that’s where his thoughts would go.

“Not at all, baby. According to Howler lore, the longer you’re exposed to my Howler magic, the more your years extend. A year becomes more like ten, then more like twenty and so on.” He’s trembling, and I clasp his hand. “Don’t you see? It’s going to be okay. We’ll have each other for a very long time.”