Page 27 of Spooking the Mountain Man
"Turn around."
Kelly turns without question, and I work the shampoo through her hair slowly, massaging her scalp the way she likes. She practically purrs under my touch, leaning back against me.
"Feels good," she murmurs.
"Good. My girl deserves to feel good." I rinse the shampoo out, then reach for the conditioner. "You know what else is going to feel good?"
"What?"
"When I fasten that collar around your throat tonight." I run my fingers along her neck, feeling her pulse jump. "Right here. Where everyone can see. My mark on you."
Kelly shivers, and it's not from the temperature. "I can't wait."
"Neither can I, baby girl. Neither can I."
The jewelry store is downtown, nestled between a coffee shop and a bookstore. I've been here twice already—once to design the piece, once to approve the prototype. Today I'm finally taking it home.
Sarah, the jeweler, greets me with a knowing smile. "Mr. MacReady. Perfect timing. I just finished the final polish."
She disappears into the back and returns with a small black velvet box. When she opens it, my breath catches.
It's perfect.
The silver chain is delicate but strong, exactly like Kelly herself. The pendant is a simple geometric design to anyone who doesn't know better—but Kelly and I will know it's a stylized "C" for Callum. My initial on her throat.
"It's exactly what I wanted," I tell Sarah.
"I'm so glad." She closes the box and slides it across the counter. "She's a lucky woman."
"I'm the lucky one," I correct, pulling out my credit card.
The drive home feels longer than usual, the small box burning a hole in my pocket. I keep thinking about tonight—aboutfastening the clasp, about seeing Kelly wear my mark for the first time, about everything that comes after.
When I get home, Kelly's in the kitchen making lunch. She's wearing one of my flannel shirts over leggings, her hair in a messy bun, and she's humming while she works.
She looks up when I walk in, and her eyes immediately go to my pocket where the box is barely visible.
"Is that..." she starts.
"It is." I pull out the box and set it on the counter between us. "Want to see?"
Kelly's hands are shaking as she reaches for the box. She opens it slowly, and when she sees the collar, her eyes fill with tears.
"Callum," she breathes. "It's beautiful."
"You're beautiful." I move around the counter to stand behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist. "How do you feel?"
"Nervous. Excited. Happy." She leans back against me. "When can I put it on?"
"Tonight. After dinner. I want to do this properly."
Kelly turns in my arms, looking up at me with those big eyes. "What does properly mean?"
"It means I want to take my time. Want to make this special for you. For us." I cup her face with both hands. "This isn't just jewelry, baby girl. This is a promise. A commitment. It means something."
"I know," Kelly whispers. "That's why I want it so much."
"Then you'll have it. Tonight." I kiss her softly. "Now, what were you making for lunch?"
