7. Riley
Riley
“There’s no way I’m hopping into that water.”
I might be hot and sweaty from our hike up the mountain, but there’s no way I’m jumping in the frigid water. I’ll wait until we get back to the cabin.
“Suit yourself,” Bear says before stripping naked.
On second thought.
I start stripping as Bear wades into the water, buck naked, until it’s deep enough for him to fully submerge himself.
If you were to ask me how I was going to spend my writer’s retreat, skinny dipping with a ruggedly handsome mountain man wouldn’t have made the list. Neither would most of the things I’ve done over the past few weeks.
Lose my virginity. Check.
Chop wood. Check.
Spear a fish. Still working on that.
And that’s not even a fraction of what I’ve done with Bear over the past month.
I swear, I thought mountain life was simple, but I’m learning just how complex it can be.
There’s so much about nature that I never knew.
So much about what it takes to care for the land.
There aren’t any restaurants or stores within walking distance.
The closest doctor’s office is in the next city over.
It’s not a simple life. It’s a hard life, but I’ve never been more fulfilled.
And my creativity has never peaked like this before. I trashed the novel I came here to write. Instead, I outlined and wrote nearly three-fourths of an entirely new novel.
Murder in the Mountains. The Cabin’s Secret. The Lost One.
I’m still working on the title but for the first time this year, I’m excited about my next thriller. And it’s all thanks to that guy.
Bear.
He’s moved back to the edge of the pool. Erect. How is he always erect? I’ve asked him that many times and he gives me the same answer.
Can’t help it, Riley. As soon as I see you, sweet girl, there’s no holding back. I’m rock hard for you, always.
I walk slowly toward him, goosebumps flaring across my skin as my nipples pebble. I knew bears lived in the mountains, but I never thought I’d fall in love with one. And I’m in love with Bear. There’s no question about it. And there’s no question that I’ll be staying with him in the mountains.
He protects me. He cares for me. He treats me like I’m the most precious gift in the world.
I’m not letting him go. I’m not sure he’d let me go either.
I wouldn’t have to tell him where my apartment is in the city.
I have no doubt that Bear would track me down, break down my door, throw me over his shoulder, and take me back to the mountains.
I might have to try it…
Kidding. We’ve already talked about it and I will have to leave from time to time.
Bear’s fine with it. He understands that there are certain things I need to do for my job and he doesn’t want to interfere.
He says he might even join me. I can’t help but giggle at the idea of Bear wandering the busy city streets, kids gawking at him like he’s Sasquatch. Women too.
Hands off—he’s mine.
“It’s freezing,” I moan when my feet reach the water’s edge.
“Get over here,” Bear rasps, reaching out for me. “I’ll warm you up.”
My gaze drifts down his muscled torso, circling his cock before returning to his eyes. I’m feeling warmer already. And when I finally make it to him, the water reaching just below my ass, he wraps his arms around me. His cock slides against my belly, and he’s right—I’m warmer.
“It’s a start,” I say, kissing his chest, still cold from the water.
“A start? That’s not good. Have any other ideas?”
I slide my hand along his cock. “I’ve got one idea.” I kiss his chest again and again as I stroke him softly.
“And what’s that?” he asks, his voice strained and husky—just the way I like it.
“Maybe you can warm me up from the inside—with this.”
He moans, long a gruff. “I think it’s crazy enough to work, sweet girl.”
“I’m glad you’re on board.”
“Now hop on and let’s try it out. I don’t want to see my girl suffering for any longer.”
I grin because I can’t help it. My chest flutters, warmth spreading all over my core as I wrap my arms around Bear’s shoulders and he lowers himself, gripping my legs and picking me up.
“I love you, Riley,” he rasps into my ear.
“I love you too, Bear.”
He lowers me onto his cock, slipping inside me with ease as I wrap my legs around his waist.
“Now let’s work up a sweat,” he growls, thrusting inside me as I rear back and moan.
I’ll never get enough of this man.
And I know he’ll never get enough of me.