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Corbin shrugs. “Just us. They can think whatever they want. I’m tired of worrying about it.”
As much as I hate to leave when this is so damn cute, I retreat down the hall to give them some privacy. I’ll have to get Louise to grab our mail this week since it looks like Pops will be leaving this weekend. I’m so happy for them.
Maybe it was seeing their budding relationship and the good feelings associated with it, but I make an impulsive decision to ask Cooper out to dinner before I leave for my trip. He hasn’t pushed me for an answer since he mentioned a date before.
He’s out of the office working most of the afternoon, until just before quitting time when he sits on the edge of my desk.
His mouth opens but before he gets a chance to speak, I spit out the words. “Do you want to go out to dinner with me Saturday night? There’s a restaurant that has amazing catfish over in Eddyville.”
His entire face lights up. “Maren Kline, are you asking me on a date?”
“If you must call it that.” Why does this make my cheeks heat? This man has had me in every sexual position imaginable and I’m shy about a dinner date?
“Oh, I must.”
When I look away, back to the computer screen, he reaches for my chin and turns my face toward his. Soft lips land on mine. “I’d love to go out with you.”
“Okay, I’ll make the reservation. You were going to say something before?”
“Yes, there’s a change in plans for the next few weeks. Dylan’s had an emergency. He’s headed home.”
“Is he okay?”
“His mom broke her hip. She’ll be alright, but she needs surgery and rehab. I’m not sure when he’ll be back.”
Oh no. I’m sorry for his mom, but the timing isn’t great. “And I’ll be leaving for vacation,” I remind him. “We can send out a notice and temporarily close the office next week.”
“That will work. Let them know they can call the office number for emergencies, and I’ll keep that phone on me.”
I pull up the calendar for the next two weeks and we go over what needs to be changed. Some of what Dylan was scheduled to work on for the rest of the week can be postponed or Cooper can step in to finish it. The real challenge will be while I’m on vacation. “Dylan was supposed to be working with the plumber all week since there were walls that need to be opened to access the pipes, then repaired afterward. Also, they’re going to get the steel and concrete done for the pool. They said to expect that to be done in a day. I don’t think that would need your help. The arborists are supposed to be here Thursday and they’ll want to meet with you to approve the work. Nolan will be working on the central air replacements on lots five through ten. There’s a handful of other appointments for different services for the tenants, a few of which might require you to let them in or accompany them if the tenant isn’t home. The exterminator, for example. I can reschedule most of this.”
He leans over my shoulder, looking at the screen. The scent of him wakes up my senses the way it always does. A combination of sweat, sawdust, and something else that apparently has my hormones in a chokehold. “Nothing overlaps to where I need to be in two places at once. If there are no emergencies from tenants, it should be fine.”
“I’ll double check on some of the appointments to see if tenants plan to be home or if you’d need to be there. Also, do you know what hospital Dylan’s mother is in? You should send flowers.”
He leans over and drops a kiss on my lips. “Good idea. I’ll find out.”
“Okay, is there anything else that I need to do?” I ask, typing some notes so I’ll remember later.
He strides over and locks the office door. “One more thing. Get naked.”
“You have a one track mind.”
“If I have to go a whole week without being inside you, I’m going to need you under me every day—no, at least twice a day—until you leave.”
“Or you could wear the toy I got you. My app will work no matter how far away I am.” I peek up at his smirk.
“Until you drop your phone in the ocean, and it gets eaten by a shark leaving me in post orgasm torture mode.”
Giggles pour out of me. “That’s not outside the realm of possibilities.”
His lips trace my neck up to my ear, where he nibbles on the lobe. “Besides, it’s a poor substitute for you.” Warm hands wander over my body, lighting me up. “Are you going to miss me?”
His words give me pause, because I’m wondering the same thing myself. It’s a good test to see if I’ve gotten attached. We haven’t been apart for a day since he arrived almost three months ago. “I might.”
He snatches me off my feet and starts toward his bedroom. “Let’s go remind you what you’ll be missing.”
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