12. Chapter 12 Marcus
Chapter 12: Marcus
" T hat's the third time you've sanded that spot."
I ignore Jake, focusing on the wood grain. Or trying to. All I can think about is Daisy on my workbench, the way she felt, tasted.
"Earth to Marcus."
"What?"
Jake grins. "Man, she's got you bad."
I grab another piece of sandpaper. "Don't you have somewhere to be?"
"Nope." He settles against the wall. "This is way more entertaining."
My phone buzzes, another message from Daisy. I don't need to look. She's been sending photos all day, each one more distracting than the last.
The latest shows her in the store's back room, wearing that damn black lace she knows drives me crazy.
"Might want to wipe that smile off your face," Jake suggests. "You're scaring the dogs."
Scout woofs in agreement.
"Out." I point to the door. "Both of you."
Jake raises his hands in surrender, but he's laughing as he leaves. "Just remember the town meeting tonight."
Damn it. Forgot about that.
My phone buzzes again. Followed by another photo that makes me growl.
This woman is trying to kill me.
***
The town hall's packed when I arrive. Daisy's already there. Our eyes lock across the room. She smirks. I take my usual spot in the back corner, trying to focus on the mayor's droning. Daisy keeps on sending me photos or messages about how to use the desk later tonight. By the time the meeting ends, I'm ready to commit murder.
"Everything okay?" Cole asks. "You seem tense."
I growl something unrepeatable.
Daisy saunters over, all innocence. "Ready to go?"
"Where?" I manage.
"Upstairs." She steps closer. “I need help moving something.”
The others hide smiles as everyone slowly leaves until Daisy finally locks the Trading Post doors. She looks over her shoulder.
"Coming?"
I go to reach for her.
"Uh-uh." She backs toward the stairs. "Upstairs."
I stalk after her, watching her climb to her apartment. The view does nothing for my control.
Her space is soft lamplight and messy bed. She turns, moonlight in her hair. "Did you miss me?”
I catch her waist, pulling her close. "Stop fishing for compliments.” I kiss her hard, swallowing her moan. Her hands find my shirt, tugging impatiently.
"Off," she demands.
I oblige, letting her explore newly exposed skin. Her touch burns everywhere.
"Your turn." I find the hem of her shirt.
She raises her arms, letting me strip it off. She is naked underneath.
“Have you been like this all night?”
She nods.
I lower my mouth and kiss her deeply, my tongue pushing into her mouth as she leans further into me. She writhes beneath me, making those sounds that drive me crazy. My hands find bare skin, learning every curve.
"Marcus." Breathy plea.
"Hmm?"
"Touch me." She guides my hand where she wants. "Please."
I lift her up, her legs wrapping round my waist, and push her against the door, as my fingers thrust deep into her. Minutes later I watch her come undone, before I slowly lower her back to the floor.
“That’s the first one.” I tell her, as I edge her towards the bed.
She retaliates by finding my belt. This time I let her, groaning as clever fingers trace lower.
"Not yet."
"Please." She kisses my chest. I need to taste you."
I catch her hands, pinning them above her head and pushing her onto the bed. I trail kisses down her body, blowing onto her core but not touching her there. She fights my grip on her wrists, growing desperate.
"Let me touch you."
"No."
She swears creatively, then gasps as I find a sensitive spot. "Marcus."
"Yes?"
"I hate you."
I bite her hip. "No you don't."
Her response is lost in a moan as I thrust two fingers into her. She's close again, I can feel it in the tremors wracking her body.
"Let go," I murmur. "I've got you."
She shatters beautifully. I kiss my way back up her body as she recovers. When she can focus again, her eyes are molten.
"Your turn." She flips us, straddling my hips.
The position brings her core against me and my hands start to undo my belt. I can feel precum already forming at the thought of filling her again.
Sirens split the night.
WTF!
Fire trucks roar past the store, heading toward the mountain. My mountain.
There is banging on the Trading Post door and Jake calling out. "Forest fire." Jake's voice is grim. "Lightning strike near your cabin. Moving fast."
Daisy's already up, throwing me my shirt.
"Go. I’ll look after the dogs.”
I catch her arm, pulling her close. I kiss her hard and run to my truck.