Page 22 of Mountain Daddy

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Not yet.

I pull the keycard out of my pocket and unlock my room.

Stepping inside, I kick my sandals off and pace across the carpet.

I slow my steps as I turn around at the far end of the room and face the door.

The small lamp next to the bed is on, but that’s it.

One dim glow, sending shadows around the room.

I stop at the foot of the bed and press a hand to my chest.

Calm down, Kendra.

I close my eyes and take a deep breath.

Calm. Down.

I exhale.

Either he’ll walk through that door, or he won’t.

I inhale again.

Calm.

I exhale.

And then I hear the lock click. And the door opens.

Chapter 12

Luther

Her eyesopen as the door clicks shut behind me.

I flip the deadbolt.

She lowers her hand from her chest to her side.

I toe off my shoes and reach for my belt.

She watches me.

And I yank my belt free with a snap. “Strip.”

I wasn’t going to demand anything of her.

I wasn’t going to walk in tearing my clothes off.

But the way she looks standing there.

The way her eyes lock on mine.

I can’t help myself.

I take a slow step toward Kendra as I unbutton my jeans and pull the zipper down.

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