Page 61 of An Uphill Battle

He shakes his head at me and starts moving down the hill toward me. “Youtired?”

“Exhausted,” I tell him, shivering as I pull my scarf up to cover my mouth andnose.

“It’s not that cold, Bit.” His eyes dance withmirth.

Rolling my eyes, I lazily drag them over him. Truly, he’s a work of art. Meanwhile, I’m a cold, sweaty mess. Cold and sweaty! “Speak for yourself, sir. I’m dripping sweat from exertion, and every time the wind whips through the damn trees, I swear to God I can feel the sweat turning toice!”

Drake steps into my space and wraps me in his strong arms. “Dramaticmuch?”

Snorting, I tell him, “Like that’s some kind ofsurprise?”

“I love your antics, Azalea. I love you.” His words send a warm zing through me, and I slip my hands into his backpockets.

“I love you, too, yaknow?”

He nods against me. “I do. Now, let’s head back before you become anicicle.”

“So, you admit it’scold!”

Drake turns and presents his back to me. “Hop on.” And I do, my body melting against his, trying to absorb his heat. “And for the record, I admit no such thing. I’m simply conceding that you’recold.”

“Potato, po-tah-to, D. Now, take ushome!”

* * *

With each stepover the bumpy terrain, I rock and jolt against Drake’s strong back in the most delicious of ways. I feel like I’m on the verge of insanity by the time the lake house comes intoview.

My thighs tighten around his hips as I try to find purchase—anything to relieve this ache building inme.

“Squirm much?” he asks, soundingsmug.

“I... I just... put medown.”

“Why? Something botheringyou?”

Insufferable. This man is insufferable.Sweetly, I tell him, “If you set me down, I’ll show you exactly what’s botheringme.”

Instead of doing as I say, Drake hikes me higher on his back, causing goose bumps—that aren’t from the cold—to rake my body. “Pretty sure I know what’s wrong, Bit.” He takes two more steps and lowers me at the front door. “Also, pretty sure I know how to fixit.”

I’m about to ask him exactly what he thinks needs fixing, but before I get the chance, he’s on me. His lips clash with mine, and we’re all teeth and tongue as our bodiesreunite.

He has me pinned to the front door as he explores my body over the layers of clothing, only serving to make me want him more. “Inside,” I mumble, unable to string enough words together to form asentence.

Luckily, Drake speaks my cave-woman language and lifts me by my thighs, guiding my legs to wrap around him. He quickly unlocks the door and walks us inside, never once removing his lips from mine—it’s like the man hassuperpowers.

“Undress,” he commands, his voice dripping with authority andseduction.

Silently, I obey. First, I remove my boots and thick socks, followed by my fleece-lined leggings, jacket, shirt, and scarf. He pulls my hat from my head before I have a chance to and runs his fingers through my hair, holding my body—clad in only my undergarments and gloves—tohis.

“You’re so damn beautiful,” he tells me as he drops to his knees, peeling my panties down my legs along theway.

My body is taut with anticipation, more than ready for his next move. More than ready to feel him exactly where I ache for him. But instead, he presses a chaste kiss to my left hipbone before rising back to his fullheight.

With precise movements, he unhooks my bra, sliding the straps down my arms. He removes it and my gloves simultaneously, leaving me stark naked in front ofhim.

My first instinct is to cover myself, but I fight it, standing tall and proud, letting him look his fill. The fire in his eyes is enough to warm me all over. Silently, he moves toward me. He trails his fingers down each arm, starting at my shoulders before taking my hands inhis.

“I want you so much. So. Damn. Much.” His words are husky and filled with a longing that matches myown.

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