Page 76 of Raised On It

Just. Calm. Down.

My hand, clammy palm and all, turns the doorknob, and the instant my eyes take him in, I know my worries have been ill-founded.

I love this man.

Every larger than life, CEO, flirty, farm boy piece of him.

As he stands in front of me sans hat but wearing a small smileand a sparkle in his caramel eyes, there is no doubt in my heart, mind, body, and soul how I feel about him.

He’s been at the office today if the polo and dark jeans are any indication. I much prefer his version of CEO over the stuffed shirt version, but I prefer his farm boy jeans and T-shirt look even more.

“Baby, I know it’s Monday, but damn if you don’t look like a Saturday night.”

“Thank you.”

“You gonna let me in, or you just gonna stand here letting all the cool air out?”

Stepping aside, I let him in and shut the door behind us.

He only takes a couple of steps away from the door before turning to face me. Staring into my eyes, he searches my soul for the meaning of life.

Pressing my back against the front door and closing it in the process, I try to find the words to properly tell him how I feel. If only I could say all the right things like my characters do in my books. If ever there was a time when I wouldn’t mind life imitating art, this would be it, but no such luck.

“I got your note.”

“Yeah?” He takes a step closer, placing himself a few small breathless inches between us.

“Yeah.”

“And?” His boots shuffle closer, and his one-word question flutters across my skin.

There’s no controlling myself when my lips press against his, and he opens up for me. He grips my hip, and with his chest pressed against mine, I’m melting into the door as our bodies try desperately to become one.

The muscles of his back flex under my fingers while he flexes something else against my belly.

“So, does this mean you’re giving us a chance?” he asks against my lips.

“What do you think?”

He stops the kissing and heavy petting, pressing his forehead against mine.

“I think you love me, and you're scared.”

“I think you’re right.”

“But still, you love me.”

“I do.”

He kisses me on the nose.

“And I love you. I’d say that’s a pretty good place to start.”

“It is.”

He pulls back just enough to look me in the eyes.

“You love me just the way I am, City Mouse?”

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