Page 42 of Five Days to Be Mine

“I’m so proud of you for quitting your job,” I say against her ear.

She purrs under me and I cup my hand against her back.

“Thank you?”

The question is clear in her voice.

From our first night together, when Mara had a hard time believing that I found her attractive, I know that taking compliments isn’t something that comes easily to her.

I want to change that for her.

“It takes guts to do something new.”

“If my stepdad and mom didn’t let me stay here, I probably wouldn’t have,” Mara mumbles.

“It’s okay to take people up on their offer of help.”

“Maybe,” Mara says.

I bring my hand down hard against her leggings-covered behind. She gasps.

And then the skies open up, blasting us with rain.

I get her to her feet quickly, and laughing, we run to the car.

Pulling the door open, I get her in and run around to the driver’s side.

I’m soaking wet, my shoes are squishing in the mud.

“Saved by the rain.” Mara grins.

I'm hoping this car will power through the mud and smile, thinking of how my dad would tell me this is why I’m better off with a truck.

“A temporary reprieve.” I squeeze her thigh. The house sits on a gentle slope, with the shed off to the side of the road, among some pine trees. I wouldn’t have noticed it, if it wasn’t for her step-brother’s car.

I drive the car up the gentle slope and park at the end of the driveway. Trucks are parked on the grass at the side of the old farmhouse, close to the door.

“So many construction vehicles.” Mara observes.

“You didn’t know about this?”

The corner of Mara’s mouth turns up in the most adorable way. “My stepbrother is kind of a non-confrontal guy. He sent me an email, but I didn't read it. I’ve been busy finishing the designs for my client and getting a team together.”

I watch two guys carry tool boxes inside. “Your mom didn’t mention it?”

“She and my stepdad are on a month-long cruise and it’s a surprise for them. My mom always said she wanted the kitchen done.”

“It’s a generous gift, even if it inconveniences you.”

“Yeah.”

“I’m quite happy about it.” I tug her close to me and nuzzle her ear. “Because you’re mine for the next five days.”

“Glad that my inconvenience could benefit someone.” Mara unsnaps her seatbelt and opens her door.

I get out of the car and jog up to the door with her. We enter a wide hallway that leads past a living room, right to the kitchen.Guys are measuring walls, others are stacking packed boxes in the living room.

“You didn’t notice any of the packing?”

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