Page 27 of Feels Like Falling
But any kind of retort is lost when I turn around and see the man laid out before me. The muscles of his back ripple as his chest rises and falls, his legs thick and strong from years of manual labor—but hisassis a thing of perfection.
The only time we’d been naked together had been the night we’d lost our virginities to each other. It had been incredible but it hadn’t beenwild.There’d been an appropriate amount of fumbling and figuring out how to move together to both get off.
I’d been too focused on memorizing every second he had his hands and mouth on me to think about sinking my fingernails into his ass to move him faster—harder. And regretfully, I hadn’t appreciated how absolutely bitable it really is.
“Stop staring at my ass and get in bed.”
“I missed out all those years ago because you, sir, have an exceptional backside.”
“You can look at it all you want tomorrow, but I need to be up in three hours.” He picks his head up and squints at me. “Seriously, why aren’t you moving?”
I grin and then launch myself onto the bed close enough that he bounces a little. He growls and then turns on his side before pulling me down and locking my back against his front and tucking his massive paw at my hip.
“Isn’t this better?” I ask as I snuggle down into the covers and exhale the stress of the day.
“It’s great. Can we not start this game at one in the mornin’ next time?”
“Promise,” I whisper as he buries his face in my hair and relaxes against me. I’ve always adored his ability to pass out almost instantly while my racing thoughts usually keep me up half the night.
But that’s why I’m here. That’s why I threw a rock at his window and forced him to get up while the rest of the world sleeps. I’ve only ever felt safe in his arms, and right now that’s all I need.
12
MONTANA
Blackstone Falls or the O.K. Cow-ral?
By Arden James
Earlier this week, neighbors in Blackstone Falls all gathered together to help round up a couple of cows that took a walkabout around town. Several reports stated that a small herd had escaped from the east pasture of Jamison Downey’s farm and visited several local establishments in the heart of town. Cow sightings kept the sheriff’s department busy as each one was rounded up for their return trip home…
Isnort into my coffee as I scroll the article from theBlackstone Gazette’snewest reporter. The paper had been around longer than Grandad, and while it covered more than just Blackstone Falls, we couldn’t help rubbing it in the faces of the surrounding counties that the paper carried our name.
An incoming message scrolls across the top of the screen, and I swipe to answer, knowing my cousin will likely be halfway to a heart attack by now.
ARCHER: A reporter stopped by
MONTANA: Okay…
ARCHER: Looking for contact information on Sundown Realty
MONTANA: I’m not seeing the problem. Do they need a rental?
ARCHER: No, she wants to interview the owners
MONTANA: Just give her the email. We’ll respond that we’re happy to be part of the community but unfortunately cannot give an interview at this time
ARCHER: Why are you so calm about this?
MONTANA: Why are you so worked up?
MONTANA: If it’s Arden James she’s been going around to all the local businesses and doing little write-ups. It’s not a big deal
ARCHER: But what if she starts poking around?
ARCHER: Something feels off—she looks really familiar
MONTANA: Is she from here? I don’t recognize her name other than what I’ve seen recently
