Chapter 7
7
LAUREL
I wake to the silky glide of his fingertips tracking patterns on the bare skin of my back. It's a gentle way to ease into the day, and I haven't felt this relaxed in far too long.
Rolling over, I trap his wrist in my hand, and smile at the man propped up on his elbow beside me. He smiles back, and it seems to come more easily to him now. The expression crinkles the skin around his eyes, and I can picture him like that in the future. A smile on his face, outside in the forest, toting firewood. Doing all the things that he does to survive here.
"Are you feeling all right?"
I can tell he's trying to hide the hint of nervousness, but the fact that he's asking is enough for me to know his true concern.
"No." Worry flashes across his face before I lift up and kiss him. "I feel amazing. And hungry. Very hungry. Likely the result of all the orgasms I had when we should have been sleeping."
I'm rewarded with a grin that turns sultry as his eyes drift down over my body. "I'm hungry too," he whispers, and I laugh as he tries to bury his face between my legs again. It's like he can't get enough of me. And truthfully, I feel the same way. His cock tasted so good when I returned the favor earlier that I wouldn't mind starting my day like that again.
We roll together in the sheets, the mood playful and teasing until he has me begging on all fours, burying his length fully inside me, his finger strumming my clit until I scream and shiver. He comes inside me with a roar and then we collapse onto the mattress.
"That's an excellent start to the day," he says, nibbling at my shoulder, before he slips away and goes into the bathroom. "Feel free to join me in the shower."
The warm water feels so good, and I relax into the feeling of this kind of casual intimacy as he soaps his hands and washes me everywhere. There's a natural back and forth between us, and I wish there was a way we could stay in this comfortable space. That the problems of the world outside can't intrude upon us.
He dries me off afterwards, then hands me another one of his sweaters. We dress together, and he watches as I comb through my long hair. His fingers tug at the tips of the strands, and there's a softness that washes over him at the sight. When he catches me watching him, he grins and then turns away.
"I'll make us some food. Then we need to get ready to go."
I freeze, my hand hovering in place. I ask the question even as I dread the answer. "Where are we going?"
He looks back at me, face serious. "There's a break in the storm. Enough that I'm sure we can make it up to the resort in my truck. Get that signature you need."
Emotion chokes me, and the comb slips from my fingers. My hand settles against my heart, and I can feel the beat of it against my palm. It's different now, though, like I've been changed from the outside in, and I know it's because of this man.