Chapter 9
NATE
Bailey is gone and the door to the spare room is shut when I wake up and get dressed.
There's a pot of coffee made and a mug set out for me. She also emptied the dishwasher and put everything away…well, except for the cheese grater. She left that on the counter.
I like how she thinks. If you don't know where something goes, put it somewhere obvious rather than in a random spot where it might never be seen again. More evidence that Bailey and I think alike when it comes to problem-solving.
As I sip my coffee, looking out across the forest, a realization starts to take hold.
These feelings for Bailey are not just physical. She's a woman I could build a life with. I don't click with many people. I can be social, and I have some friends in this close-knit town, but when it comes to deeper connections, there's always something missing.
Whatever that secret sauce is, Bailey has it. Paying attention to detail. Thinking ahead. Anticipating problems before they happen. Of course, we can never be prepared for everything, but she tries.
What are the odds that a smart, meticulous woman with slight loner tendencies would fall into my life just when I’m ready for her?
I make lunch and wait for her to come out at quarter to noon. Bailey is clearly in work mode, her hair tied up tightly, wearing a t-shirt with a baggy hoodie over it. "Hey," she says brightly. "Sorry I didn't come out to say good morning. I was in the zone."
"Never apologize for that. I understand." I give her a big kiss, then put my arm around her to lead her to the table. "Is your test at one o'clock again?"
"Yes."
"Good."
I set out her lunch and put on a fresh pot of coffee.
Then I point to a printed sheet on the counter.
"I have an emergency satellite Wi-Fi hookup. I’m sure you're not going to need it, but if push comes to shove there are simple instructions here how to turn it on.
I also wrote down the numbers for Sheriff Granger and Doctor Brennan.
I'm going into town to check the cabin and pick up a few things this afternoon, so you’ll have peace and quiet. "
“Thank you.” She smiles, then it fades. "Except… I don't want you to feel like you can't be in your own house.”
"I really do have work to do. Plus, most people's minds feel more open when they're completely alone."
I toss back my last swig of coffee, then grab a keyring from the junk drawer. "In case of emergency, there's an old truck in the garage. It’s full of gas, but don’t try to go over forty or it’ll complain. Kick ass on your test, and I'll see you in a few hours. Okay?"
Bailey leaps to her feet and hugs me. "I can't thank you enough," she smiles. "It's like you already know how my brain works."
"That's the idea, beautiful."
I kiss her gently with a tenderness I hope she can feel, then decide to get going before she gets too distracted. My palm gives her hot round ass a quick spank to make her laugh as she heads back to the dining room.
There's nothing that I actually have to do in town, but I check in with everyone, either with a quick pitstop, or simply driving by and giving everyone a nod. I notice that the lodge is completely packed. To kill time, I get another load of groceries, then take the scenic route home.
As soon as I get in the door I hear a joyful scream. "Woo hoo!"
The grocery bags hit the floor a split second before Bailey catapults herself into my arms, her legs wrapped around me and my hands under the back of her thighs. I love that she's so comfortable with me already…although I need to shift my hips to keep my instant erection away from her.
Spinning her quickly, I press her back against the wall, kissing her deeply as she quivers all over. "What was your score?" I murmur.
"102%. I had time for the bonus question."
"That's my girl."
A tremor runs through her and her legs and arms squeeze me even tighter when I call her mine. Our timeline is insane, yet it's the truth. This gorgeous woman is mine. She is.
"Tell me this is okay," I whisper, realizing I'm grinding my jeans against her yoga pants.
"Very okay," she breathes.
I want to take her directly to the bedroom and bury my mouth in her pussy. That’s the best reward I can think of for acing her exam. But it's so soon, and she's basically stranded out here with me.
I've planned for many things in my life and overprepared at every opportunity.
There was no way I could have seen this coming, though. No way I could have planned how to navigate these enormous physical feelings and hold myself back…while this sexy girl is basically throwing herself at me.