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Bridget Ivy
We set my office up in a small cottage on the property. It’s a quick walk from the house through a path in the trees. It sat near a pond by a meadow where I planned to plant wildflowers soon.
Loki wasn’t sure who used it before, but it had a small kitchen and bathroom and one large room. He’d been so sweet to let me paint and get new furniture. I had photographs everywhere and had recently bought a digital camera and printer. I was itching to get pictures of the place and the new people in my life. Michael and Josh had even come to town for a long weekend. Loki liked them even if he wouldn’t admit it.
I considered this space my “she shed” and wouldn’t let anyone come in here. I’d even sent Loki packing a time or two as he pouted back to the house. My gorgeous man was a brat.
I had a modern desk and chair near the window so I could take in the landscape. The chaise and comfy couch were on the other side, where I had a shelf for books.
The house got crazy, so this was a wonderful escape. Living with the Valhalla Heathens was never boring. I was so happy when Loki took me around the property on his ATV and we found this little patch of serenity.
I looked back at my laptop screen and smiled. The giddy feeling made me want to get up and dance. I’d just typed “the end” on my first fiction manuscript. It was a fantasy adventure with a bit of mystery and lots of romance. I’d always secretly wanted to write novels, and when I got to Dallas, I finally started taking time to think it through. The writing had been cathartic. I’d decided to self-publish under a pen name so I could stay anonymous this time. Loki was concerned when I told him. He thought his lifestyle was holding me back, but what he didn’t realize was it wasn’t about being famous. It was about being creative and, if I made some money off it, cool. If I didn’t, then I could think about next steps later. Though Loki acted offended when I told him I wanted to contribute.
My cell phone pinged with an incoming text, “when are you coming back?”
I smiled as I imagine Loki in our room on the top floor waiting for me. We planned to eat pizza and watch a movie. The Valhalla Heathens had been busy at the club and whatever else they were working on. I never asked because, frankly, I thought it was better if they kept some things to themselves. It seemed to reassure his brothers. When I agreed to move in, I made Loki promise he'd be careful and that if he ended up in jail, I’d maim him.
The knock on the door didn’t surprise me. I get up from my chair and go to the door, opening it. Loki gave me his signature stare.
“Can I help you?” I asked..
“Someone promised me a date night.”
“Hmm, that doesn’t sound familiar.” I touched my chin with my finger in concentration.
Loki bent down and swooped me up and over his shoulder. “Whoa, caveman, what the hell are you doing?”
“I’m taking what’s mine!”
“At least close my door.” I yelled as he spun me around, making me dizzy. He closed the door, but refused to let me down, so I bounced along the path toward the house.
“I hope I puke on your cut,” I joked.
“Watch it,” he growled.
I noticed Taz and Whiskey watching us as we passed by. By now, they’re all used to our antics. I’ll always be grateful to Taz for what he did by bringing me that letter. It’s not that I hadn’t been thinking of Loki. I had and a part of me felt lost until I admitted I loved him to myself. But I can’t regret the time I took away. I was stronger for it. I missed Shannon every goddamn day, but I was learning to live with it.
When we got to the stairs, I yelled, “put me the fuck down. If you drop me, I’ll break my neck.”
Bones chimed in, “please Prez, can you give us all a break?”
Loki moved his hands and eased me down, slowly, so I felt every single muscle. His grin was devious, as he enjoyed every second. I rolled my eyes and turned, taking the steps quickly. Loki was hot on my heels and I laughed. Before we make it to the second set of steps to our floor, I heard Taz somewhere below us, “thank fuck they’ll be busy for a while.”
“True that, brother,” Boa agreed.
Both speaking loudly for our benefit, no doubt. Loki and I laughed and were breathless when we get to our bedroom door. I kissed him and he grabbed my ass as he opened the door, slamming it with his foot. The hungry look confirmed we’re having cold pizza tonight.
“I love you!”
“I love you too, my Ivy!”
The End.
