Page 41 of The Guest Cottage
The way he enfolded her in his arms, she felt as if she could do anything, be anyone. She felt sheltered but also empowered. “Cort?”
“Hmm?”
“Is this going where I think it’s going?” She hadn’t dated or flirted or even noticed a man’s interest in far, far too long. “I’m a little rusty here, so I’d like some clarity.”
“If you think it’s headed toward the two of us in bed, then yeah, that’d be my preference. The thing is, I don’t want you on the rebound.”
Marlow immediately pulled back, but he held on.
“Careful. You don’t want to step off the dock.”
She frowned up at him. “I’m not on the rebound, and I’m not so awkward that I’d topple off the dock.”
He grinned. “You’d be surprised how many times a misstep has taken someone off the side or end. It happens, especially at night when the moon is hiding.”
Okay, she could accept all that. One point remained. “I’m not on the rebound. How could I be when things ended with Dylan so long ago? I’ve had months to rearrange my priorities and to get accustomed to the idea that I . . .” That she what? Wasn’t enough for him? That he’d never really loved her?
That she had disappointed herself, most of all.
Cort used two fingers to tip up her chin. “Strong as you are, Marlow, you have to admit you’ve been through it. You said the divorce was bad and took months. Your marriage was empty before that. Then his death and the funeral and upending your life to come here. This is all unfamiliar territory for you. Wouldn’t you like a chance to get your bearings?”
She’d rather get him naked, but she had to agree with his reasoning. “You may have a point. Basically, my life has been in turmoil for too long.”
He smoothed his hand over her hair, then under her hair to clasp her neck. “A lot of changes hit you. You’re happy here, and you’re enjoying yourself.”
“Very much so.”
“Do you want to give it a little time before you throw anything else into the mix?”
“Anything like you? Hot sex? A relationship?”
“Me, definitely hot sex, and as far as I’m concerned, we already have a relationship.”
It was the perfect answer. “You can have one more week. No more.”
He gave a quiet chuckle, the sound echoing softly over the lake and coming back to her again. “Not sure I’ll last a week, but I’ll try.”
“It was your idea.”
“A suggestion because I care about you. Believe me, if you change your mind before that, all you need to do is let me know. Now, tomorrow, two days from now.” He brushed his mouth over hers. “A week, or even a month if that’s what you need. I’m not going anywhere.”
“Seriously, you have incredible patience.” She sort of wished he didn’t.
“You have no idea.” Together they started off the dock again. “Take whatever time you need to decide if you really want to get that involved. If so, count me in.”
That involved. Why did the idea excite her? He was right that she’d only recently left her old life behind, but with Cort, everything felt different. And yes, exciting.
She gave him a huge smile. “Sunday of next week. It’s a date.”
* * *
At least a dozen times, Cort called himself a fool. He wanted Marlow enough that he should have just gone with the moment. She wasn’t a timid person. She was smart enough to know her own mind, and he’d been an ass to suggest otherwise.
He wasn’t sure he’d last until Sunday, especially now that she felt free to show him affection.
Every morning when she came down to the dock, he greeted her with a kiss and briefly held her in the fresh morning air. She used the opportunity to build the anticipation between them. Each kiss was a little longer, a little bolder. Even knowing she did it on purpose, he couldn’t complain.
As she’d relaxed into her surroundings, so, too, had her outfits. She continued to add touches of Dior, small earrings with her jeans and work shirt. Sneakers with leggings and a tunic. A gold chain with a skirt and tank top.
