Page 33 of Obsessed Fox

We were so close that her deep exhale could be felt throughout my entire body. It gave me hope that I was finally making a breakthrough.

"Do you promise?"

I pushed her back at arm’s length and leaned down until her eyes were the only thing in my vision. "I swear to you. Everything about you is perfect, and if I start to notice you becoming someone other than yourself, I'll be the first one to tell you about it."

I knew, when her eyes went soft, that things were going to be okay.

"Thank you."

"Anything for you." I brushed my lips across her forehead. "Now let me feed you so that we can get to bed. You insist on waking up before the ass crack of dawn and I need my beauty rest."

She rolled her eyes. "You just want to get me naked."

"I'll never turn down getting you naked, but tonight is just about sleep. I want to fall asleep with you in my arms knowing this is the start of the rest of our lives."

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Maisie

Yesterday kicked my ass, but in the best way possible. I knew without a doubt that putting my trust in Hendrix would be the best decision.

If I were being honest with myself, I had known it for a while, but didn't want to admit it. Hendrix was nothing like my father or the men who followed Atlas. Neither were his friends. In fact, almost every man I’d met in Willow Creek was different from those I knew prior. It gave me hope that there were still some good people in the world.

"Tell me again why your day starts before the sun is up?"

Prime example. Hendrix could've stayed in bed. He could've ignored the alarm. Instead, it was his alarm he set for me to ensure I woke up on time even though I rarely needed one. He was the first to jump in the shower and kiss me on the way to the kitchen to make coffee for the two of us.

"Because bakeries are notorious for opening early and I need to have freshly stocked cases for the other early risers in town.Besides, you could've stayed in bed. No one said your routine had to change simply because I'm here."

"And miss seeing you in the morning? No way. I would give up sleep in a heartbeat if it meant spending more time with you." He looped his arm around my back and hauled me to him.

"You're such a smooth talker." I nuzzled into his neck.

"Only for you."

I rolled my eyes. He might be right but it was a cheesy line nonetheless. "Alright." I pushed him away. "Enough of this mushy stuff. I need my coffee and to get out of here. My crumb cake isn't going to bake itself."

With reluctance, he let me go.

Two travel mugs sat on the counter waiting for us. Maybe I could get used to this kind of treatment. Hendrix made sure I ate something besides my own baked goods. He cared enough about my sleep to go to bed early with me, and after one sip from my mug, I knew he paid attention to the things I liked.

I moaned when the caramel goodness hit my tongue.

Yes, I was aware my taste in coffee didn't match my personality. Most assumed I drank it black; dark like the rest of my wardrobe. But I didn't own a bakery merely for others to enjoy something sweet. I had the biggest sweet tooth around. I could rival any of my customers. So yes, caramel in my coffee was a must.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" I glanced at him over my mug.

"Just admiring the view."

"On that note, let's go."

I ignored him laughing at me as I gave him my back. He could laugh all he wanted as long as he let me do what I needed to. My bakery was my prized possession and I wouldn't be giving it up for anything.

This time when I got into his vehicle, it was in the front passenger seat instead of the back. I even made sure to check that it opened after Hendrix started the car. When he looked at me with a raised brow, I merely shrugged. "Just making sure I can escape if needed."

That caused even more laughter. "No worries. As long as you agree to sleep with me every night, you never have to worry about child locks again."

Oh, was that all? This time I didn’t bother with an eye roll. I did it mentally, even though I had no intention of sleeping without him again. I slept best when wrapped in his arms.

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