Page 16 of Falling for the Mountain Man
Cracking my eyes open, I stare at his bare chest. Dragging my eyes up, I find him still resting so peacefully. Is it weird that I’ve wanted to see him like this for the longest time? It’s not like I get to stare at his handsome face for long.
I want to cradle his cheeks and kiss him awake just so I can see the first smile of today. I mean, every time I catch him looking my way, he’s always got a small curve on his lips.
At the same time, I don’t want to wake him up. He deserves his rest. After everything he did with his hands and his mouth, he should get to sleep in.
Wiggling free, a groan slips from my lips as I move to stand.
How many times did we lose ourselves last night? Every time my body would relax, his hands would return, setting me right back on fire.
I guess I’m not the only one dreading what’s to come.
Despite the ache, I can’t stop the smile that forms on my lips. There’s nothing I would’ve changed in the last handful of hours.
Searching for my clothes, I’ve got no clue where they are. Finding my underwear bunched up, the rest of my outfit has magically disappeared.
I don’t want Ryder catching me on my hands and knees while searching under his bed while stark naked.
Chewing on my lip, I turn my attention toward his closet.
When Kallie asked me if I wanted to wear something of his, Ireallywanted to say yes. Talk about a dream come true. Of course, if I had caved, both of them would’ve known just how happy wearing one of his shirts. Now, the temptation is just too good.
Heading over, I consider grabbing one of his shirts with the fire department’s logo on it. Wearing something with his name on it feels like a claim. However, I doubt it’ll cover much of my body. Instead, I pluck out a long-sleeved shirt that’s soft to the touch.
Throwing it over my shoulders, I’m fumbling with the buttons when I turn and find Ryder watching me. He looks as tired as I feel, but he’s smiling like he’s so pleased.
“I, um—”
“Looks good on you.” He moves to sit up. Throwing his legs over the edge of the bed, he motions toward me. “Come here.”
I do as I’m told. Drifting across the floor, I stop right between his knees. My cheeks warm as he rolls up my sleeves first so they’re no longer swallowing up my hands. Then, he starts buttoning the shirt from the bottom to the top.
He’s barely got a blanket on him, but the longer his eyes cling to me, the easier it is to see the effect I have on him. It’s a miracle he keeps buttoning the shirt instead of stripping it off of me. However, he’s not as strong as he wants to act. When he reaches the collar, he tugs me down to meet his mouth.
A slow, tired kiss is what it takes to hit me that I’m leaving today.
Cradling his face, I’m ready to climb on his lap, but he stops me.
“Your body needs to rest. We overdid it last night.” Humming against my lips, he pecks me once more. “Let’s start with some breakfast.”
It’s hard to tell him no when he’s concerned about me.
Nodding my head, I pull back. “And more coffee. A whole pot.”
I’mexhausted.Not just because of the workout he put me through, but because of how restless I’ve felt.
Kallie’s probably still asleep. She loves waking up once the sun is high in the sky, getting more rest than a person can need. I’ll have to wait before I can talk to her.
Creeping towards the kitchen, it’s the thought of making a cup for him that makes my feet feel light.
Does he like it with extra cream like I do, or just a hint?
There’s still so much I need to learn about him. Now that we’re headed in this direction, I can start discovering the little things.
Pinching my lips together to keep a laugh inside, I float the rest of the way toward the kitchen.
I come to a halt when the smell of coffee hits me. It’s not from the night before, it’s a freshly brewed scent.
Kallie sits at the table, her cup cradled in her hands. It’s the same cup I left out.
