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As I munch on fries, Mariah clears her throat, looking suddenly nervous. "So, um, I wanted to talk to you about something..."
I set down my burger, giving her my full attention. "Of course, anything. What's on your mind?"
She takes a deep breath, fiddling with the straw of her drink. "Well, I was thinking of maybe...staying in Cedarwood Valley a little longer than planned."
My pulse quickens at her words, but I keep my face neutral. I don't want to assume too much or scare her off by being overeager. "Oh, yeah?" I ask, trying to remain casual.
Mariah nods, still not making eye contact. "Just another week or two. I'll work remotely, and it would give us more..." She trails off, a blush tinging her cheeks.
I can't fight the grin spreading across my face anymore. "More time together, you mean?"
Finally, Mariah looks up, relief washing over her features as she sees my excitement. "Yes, exactly. If that's something you'd want too."
In response, I bound out of my seat and sweep Mariah up into my arms, kissing her with a joy that leaves no room for uncertainty. She laughs into the kiss, her arms wrapping around my neck as I spin her around.
"Is that a yes?" she asks when I let her down, her green eyes glistening in the kitchen light.
"Darlin', of course it's a yes," I say. "Nothin' could make me happier than more time with you."
Mariah smiles brightly, winding her arms around my neck. "Yeah?"
"Absolutely. I'll take every extra minute with you I can get."
"You're really easy to be around, cowboy," she whispers, tugging me closer again. "You make me feel things."
"Things?" I chuckle and press a kiss to her forehead. "What kind of...things?"
She glances up at me, her cheeks flushed and her eyes a little guarded but hopeful. "A whole bunch of things."
I blink down at her, overwhelmed by the sweetness in her voice. I tighten my arms around her waist. "I'd love to hear about these... things," I murmur against her hair, breathing in her scent.
Mariah pulls away slightly and looks up at me, biting down on her lower lip nervously. "I think I'd rather just show you," she whispers, taking me by the hand and guiding me to the bedroom. A signal that I've very quickly learned means that she doesn't want to talk anymore. And as much as I love this playfulness in her, I also know that I can't keep letting myself get distracted from confiding in her the full truth about who I am.
But now that we have more time together, that revelation doesn't seem so urgent. Maybe it can wait a little longer. Maybe just until she knows my heart and fully trusts that I'm in this with her for the long haul...
MARIAH
I'm cozily cocooned in blankets when a pair of strong arms slip around me, enveloping me in warmth. Soft kisses pepper my neck and shoulder.
"Mmm, morning," I murmur, my eyes still closed.
Clark nuzzles behind my ear. "Morning, darlin'."
I lace my fingers through his and wiggle my ass a little closer, feeling his stiffness pressing against me. I can't help but smile at the effect I have on him.
"Easy, Mariah," he growls softly in my ear, his breath sending shivers down my spine. "You're about to start something I'll be forced to finish."
"But that will make you late for work," I tease, wriggling against him. He grips my hips and groans, grinding his hard length against my soft flesh.
"Darlin', if you keep this up, I swear I'm gonna call in sick," he threatens with a husky voice, his fingers digging into my hip. I turn around to face him, facing his half-lidded eyes filled with desire.
"Maybe you should," I say, meeting his gaze steadily.
"Or maybe," he starts, hands roaming possessively over me. "My best girl could come along with me. I'm sure we can findplenty of private moments to continue this without cuttin' into my paycheck."
"You want me to come to work with you so you can get paid to have sex?"
"I wouldn't exactly put it that way. But the way I see it, two people work faster than one, and the time that'll free up means we can do more...interesting things." He leans in and continues kissing me on the neck. I let out a husky laugh.
