Page 42 of Pick Your Spot

She and Knox had shared another supper, then she’d headed out so he could speak to his family. She was glad he hadn’t asked her to stay. Meeting them all would have been awkward and pushy. The family needed to make a decision together, and she wasn’t part of that family. Or any other.

Laughing at herself, she ruffled Fox’s fur. “It’s a beautiful night, and I’ve no reason to feel sorry for myself. Let’s run.”

Fox loved it when she ran with him. He led the way in a game that resembled hide and seek and tag combined.

When she was out of breath, she stopped to gulp in air. “You win, my friend. Like always.”

The dog always boosted her mood and reminded her of the simple joys. “You’re right. Everything will work out. We’ll find a way to be okay.”

Fox raced around her in three quick circles and headed to the northern part of the farm. She wondered where he spent the night but hadn’t followed him. It seemed rude when he obviously wanted to be on his own.

Thea checked the trees as she meandered back to her cabin. Snails had been active in one section. They needed a solution for those pests as well.

One big dream at a time.

The orchard always felt safe, night or day. She’d spent many easy hours wandering the land. Like the Merck’s farm, it was a happy place. The solitude wrapped around her, reminding her she didn’t need a lot to be content.

The notes of “It’s A Hard Knock Life” reached her, making her smile. Making her realize she wanted more than to be content. She wanted to be happy. Knox made her happy, and she wanted to explore that. Fully.

Tonight.

Her own whistling skills were painfully inadequate, but she sent a few notes out into the orchard.

The tune changed as she moved toward it. It took her a few seconds to recognize the new song.Somewhere Over The Rainbowfrom the Wizard Of Oz.

She sent out her few notes again, and his returned louder. And in tune.

Her smile widened when she spotted him through the trees. His returning grin had her heart jumping and her pace increasing. It had only been a couple of hours since she’d seen him but her body and heart didn’t care. Tingles shivered over her skin, and every part of her softened with happiness and desire. So much desire.

When they were close enough, Knox widened his arms, and she threw herself at him. Laughing, he lifted her easily and swung her around in a circle.

Their lips connected before her feet touched the ground. His were hungry, as hungry as hers. She kept her arms around his neck and ran her fingers through his thick hair, enjoying the silky smoothness.

They broke off from the kiss, gulped in air, grinned at each other, and dove in again.

And again.

Finally, they managed to slow the kiss. He smiled at her, desire evident in his eyes despite the deepening evening. “Missed you.”

She grinned. “Missed you, too. I’m glad you’re here.”

“Me, too.”

“Want to take a walk?”

“I think I want to do more than walk.”

His eyebrows shot up. “Oh, yeah?” He took her hands in his and kissed her forehead. “What do you have in mind?”

Feeling bold but not daring enough to speak the words loudly, she reached up on her tiptoes, and whispered into his ear. “I want to make love with you. Right here. Right now.”

Chapter13

X Marks The Spot

Every single part of Knox’s body sprang to attention at Thea’s words. He’d known they were moving toward having sex. It was inevitable and right. Hell, he’d been holding onto his control for weeks.

He’d needed her to take the first move. Needed her to tell him she was ready, she was sure. Now, she had.

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