Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 68594 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 343(@200wpm)___ 274(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68594 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 343(@200wpm)___ 274(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Unable to help myself, I peeked into Quinn’s room. The walls were a soft green, her bed some sort of wicker. It was light and feminine, and it smelled like her as I inhaled the fragrance that lingered in the air.
I hurried back down the hall, not wanting to be caught snooping. She came from the kitchen with a tray, and I opened the door, sitting beside her on the porch. She handed me a drink and picked up a plate. “You must be hungry.”
I eyed the snacks with appreciation, taking a sausage roll and biting down. The flaky pastry and spicy meat made me groan.
“These are incredible.”
“I was thinking of adding them to the menu. On an appetizer plate.”
I nodded, taking another bite. “I’d order them,” I muttered around a mouthful.
“Hell getting cold again?” she teased.
“Positively frigid.”
“Good. But don’t let Abby talk you into sharing your food.”
I chuckled. “I didn’t mind. Cody does the same.”
“Your nephew, right?”
“Yep.”
“He was showing off his new bike at the park. Said his uncle J bought it for him as a birthday gift.” She studied me. “Told me his uncle J is the best guy around.”
“He exaggerates.”
She picked up her drink, taking a sip. “Somehow I think he doesn’t. I’m beginning to see past your big, bad bear routine, John.”
I picked up my drink, not saying anything.
Yet, somehow, the news made me smile.
8
JOHN
Igot up to leave, thanking Quinn for the snack. She frowned.
“What?”
“After all your hard work, you should see her reaction when she sees her swing. She’ll be so excited.”
“Nah, it’s fine. I need to get home to the chickens and cows.”
She stood. “Thank you.”
I nodded. “Yep.”
She put her hand on my arm and rolled up on her toes. I knew she was going to kiss my cheek again, and once more, I found myself turning my head so our lips met. Except this time, no one was around. No one to break the bubble that suddenly surrounded us.
I wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer. She slid her hand up my arm, her fingers grasping my neck. I groaned as I flicked my tongue on her lips, and she opened for me.
I kissed her more. Deeper. She kissed me back. I held her tighter, and she whimpered softly. Our mouths separated, then came back together, unable to stay apart. I kissed her until I couldn’t breathe. Until her grip was so tight I knew I was holding her up. Then I pulled away, letting her lay her head on my chest. My breathing was fast, my chest pumping needed oxygen into my bloodstream. She was quiet, her body melding to mine perfectly.
I eased back, meeting her eyes. I saw no regret, no censure in them. I touched her cheek.
“Thank you, darlin’.”
She smiled and turned her head, kissing my palm. The alarm on her phone went off, and I bent, handing it to her. “Go get Abby. I hope she likes her swing.”
She took her phone, clutching it in her hand. “She will.”
“Good.”
I walked away, but this time, it wasn’t out of anger. I knew if I stayed, I would drag her into the house and kiss her until we were both desperate. Then I would have her. I wouldn’t stop until she was screaming my name with my cock buried deep inside her.
And she had a daughter waiting.
I slid into my truck, already missing the taste and feel of her.
Then I drove home.
Alone and lonelier than I could recall feeling in a long time.
Quinn was on my mind all night. The sensation of peace and tranquility I had simply sitting with her. Enjoying her company. The way her laughter made me smile. She was witty and charming.
And the way I felt when I kissed her was unexpected and disarming.
She fit against me well, her body molding to mine. The taste of her lingered for hours, the fragrance of her on my skin. I wanted more of it. She was the last thing on my mind when I fell asleep and the first thought I had when I woke up—aching and hard for her.
It was her name I groaned out in the shower as I took myself in hand, desperate for relief. The orgasm took the edge off, but I wanted more.
I wanted her.
I sighed as I poured a coffee, heading outside. I had been up for hours, checking the crops and the animals. I had a basket of eggs to go to town, which I planned on doing later, unless Cody happened to show up looking for more cash for his bank account. He was fascinated by the column of numbers in the passbook he had. He loved watching them grow, and I had to laugh at the fact that he was making lots of small deposits so he could see the total change all the time. He had decided on a new sled for the winter and was running recon on ideas for Christmas for his mom and dad. He’d dropped a few questions my way, and I played along, pretending to be none the wiser. He hadn’t figured out yet that by telling me about the sled, he had just solved my dilemma for what to get him. His money could stay in the bank.