Page 138 of Good as Gold
“Ofcourse,I will.”
Matteo’s smile is like a satisfied cat’s. “It works both ways, queen. So you have nothing to worry about, yeah?” He punctuates this thought by leaning down to kiss my neck.
I decide to believe him, because his touch is doing magical things to my body. I’ve missed this so much. His beard tickles my jaw as his muscular bulk settles onto my skin.
“God.” He kisses his way down to my breasts and groans. “I don’t know if I can go slow. This might be a lightning round.”
In answer, I lift my hips and trap the firm length of him between my legs. Then I shiver from anticipation.
“Oh, it’son.” He slides a hand down my body and thenrightinto my panties. “I want you so bad. Always have, and I always will.”
That’s all the convincing I need to kick the sheets away and reach for him again.
And I can hardly believe how lucky I really am.
EPILOGUE
ONE YEAR LATER
MATTEO
As I hike up the trail, Reina seems excited to be riding on my back. I can’t see her, but I can feel her wiggling back and forth in the pack as she looks out at the forest. And when the ravens in the treetops call out their warnings, she babbles back at them.
Leila is walking ahead of us on the trail, her phone in her hand. This is only a three-mile hike, but it's going to take hours if she keeps stopping to take photos of us.
I don't mind at all, though. After a long week with my work crew, this is exactly how Saturdays are meant to be spent. I have big plans for this evening, too.
Big, romantic plans.
"Wave, baby!" Leila says, and I'm not sure if she means me or the actual baby.
I wave anyway.
She grins. "That's a cute one."
Again, I'm not sure which one of us she means, but it doesn't really matter. It’s a beautiful June day in Vermont, and I’ve got everything I need right here. My family, and my future.
After taking a few more photos, Leila doubles back and takes my hand. The trail I’ve built up this slope is just wide enough that we can walk side by side.
We don't speak for a few minutes. It's so peaceful here, and everyone knows that if you want to see wildlife, you can't make much noise. Even the baby seems to understand, because she quiets down.
"The trail looks great," Leila whispers, squeezing my hand. "Nice work."
"Thanks, queen.” I cleared every fallen log myself, and it's really shaping up. It's just one of about a million things I’ve done in pursuit of my new business plan for this hilltop property a few miles outside of Colebury. "Wait until you see the house."
Instead of answering, Leila gives my hand a sudden tug. I stop walking and lift my gaze.
A red fox stands on the trail ahead, giving us a stern glare.
"Reina, look!" I whisper.
The baby squeals. I expect the fox to bolt, but she simply gives us an arch look before trotting off.
“If a red fox crosses your path, that’s good luck, right?” Leila says playfully. “I’m sure that’s a thing.” She reaches over to pat my ass. “Now let’s pick up the pace. I’m dying to see the house.”
“There’s still no furniture in most of the rooms,” I warn her. “I’m getting a big delivery next week.”
She gives me a saucy glance. “Is there a hot shower and a bed?”
