Page 87 of Make You Stay

One thing is certain, I’m never letting her go again.

With a sigh, I step onto the back porch to assess Mother Nature’s damage—more than a foot of the white stuff. Thankfully, I bought gas for the snowblower because I’ll be needing it today.

Chloe’s yard is three times the size of mine. Actually, so is the house. It’s a rambler, with six bedrooms and four bathrooms. So much room for one woman.

An idea hits me, then. Itisa ton of room for one woman. Maybe I can convince her to sell and move next door, or perhaps we can move in here.

Maybe I’m jumping the gun, and the idea of us living together is going to send her screaming into next week.

Still, I don’t want to hold back or wait for a perfect time anymore. Nowisa perfect time. It’s all we are promised, and I’m not wasting another minute worrying about inane details.

I know she’s talking with a realtor, so I need to broach the topic to ensure her sexy ass is staying down here with me.

That is non-negotiable.

With a last glance at the snow, I step back into the warmth of the house and grab a mug of coffee. As I sit at the table, I see some paper and markers, no doubt purchased by Chloe to play with Mia and Emily.

But I have a different idea.

Just for her.

I put together a breakfast of barely burned toast, jam, and coffee—hey, I never claimed to be a chef—and place it on a tray with a candle and cloth napkin. Under the napkin, I’ve hidden my secret message for Chloe, a reminder that I meant every word.

Then I return to our campsite, pressing a kiss to the corner of her eye and smiling when she grumbles, tucking herself further into the blanket.

She opens her eyes, blinking up at me, a soft grin on her face. “You’re still here.”

Tipping up her chin, I steal a kiss. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily. Actually, you’re not getting rid of me at all.”

“I suppose I’ll keep you around.”

I chuckle, swooping in to nip her neck. God, the way this woman smells. It’s incredible. “Have I ever told you how beautiful you are while you sleep?”

“Really?”

“Oh, yeah. Your snore could wake the dead.”

With a smack to my chest and without missing a beat, she replies, “Had to do something to cover the sounds of your farting.”

God, I love this woman. In actuality, she’s a perfect bed buddy and truly divine when she’s sleeping.

I could stare at her all day, but it’s far more fun to mess with her. Apparently, she has no issue with it.

“I made breakfast.”

Those luminous eyes widen. “You did?”

“Okay, it’s toast and coffee.”

She turns her face up for another kiss as she accepts the tray. “That’s perfect because I’m starving.”

“Hungry for me or food?” Hey, my cock has been ready for hours, desperate for more rounds with this beauty.

“Let’s go with both.”

She sits up, taking a mouthful of coffee as she pulls the napkin into her lap. Then she sees it.

My message to her. My reassurance that I’m in it for the long haul.

---