“It might take a few weeks for it all to get in place,” I continue, “but I’ll drive you down here every day to use the internet until it’s all set up. And I’ll build you your own office. Obviously, the cabin will need an upgrade. A separate bedroom, for sure. More storage. I did some research on paranormal investigators, and it seems like we’ll need more storage for some of the equipment you’ll use.”
“Um, what?” Ari squeaks.
I realize I’m still holding her cheeks. I’m being super intense and nonsensical. Dropping my hands from her face, I rub the back of my neck and shift my weight from one foot to the other.“This isn’t coming out right,” I say with more than a bit of frustration.
“You’re getting Wi-Fi? And extra storage?” Ari tilts her head to the side, those green eyes curious but confused.
God, she’s so adorable.
“I love you, Ari. That’s what I’m trying to say.”
She blinks at me, her face slowly morphing from shocked to… happy?
Ari smiles and throws her arms around me. “And you’re setting up your place so I can still write and conduct my research.”
I nod, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “Don’t forget your office. And whatever else you want. I just…” I lean down, brushing my lips against her ear. “I’m no good at this relationship stuff. I don’t want to hurt you, and I don’t want to drag you down with me. We haven’t known each other long, and to the world, this must look absolutely insane, but–”
“But it’s perfect,” she finishes for me. “I love you, too, Wilder. I feel it deep in my soul. We fit.”
I nod seconds before our lips meet. I lead us in an all-consuming kiss, stroking my tongue against hers until she trembles against me.
“As much as we all love a good show, can you lovebirds move it into the parking lot?”
Ari gasps and hides her face in my chest while I wrap my arms around her.
I chuckle, turning to address the barista chastising us. “I was just thinking the same thing,” I tell her with a wink.
I bend slightly, hoisting my woman over my shoulder, and carry her out of the cafe.
“Oh, my god, Wilder, seriously?” she scolds, though I can tell she’s not all that upset. My woman likes it when I carry her around. She certainly likes surrendering to my touch.
When I help her in my truck this time, I know I’m taking her home. Our home.
10
ARI
Wilder has me up against the closed door of the cabin within five seconds of walking inside. His tongue invades my mouth, coaxing me to surrender to his every desire. God knows I want the same thing right now.
“I’ve got you. I know what you need,” he murmurs, reading my mind.
Wilder gives me one last lingering kiss, then lifts me in his arms and carries me toward the bathroom, kissing me the whole way there.
As soon as he sets me down, he turns the water on in the shower. He faces me once more, reaching behind me and unclasping my bra. Trailing his fingers up my back, he pushes the straps down my shoulders and kisses me there.
My sexy mountain man helps me into the shower once we're both naked and positions me in the middle of soothing hot water. I close my eyes and let the liquid trickle over my skin. I can't help the sigh that escapes my lips.
Wilder groans, and I open my eyes to see him standing right in front of me, his teal eyes a stormy greenish gray.
His fingertips follow the streams of water as they pour over my shoulders, breasts, torso, hips, and finally my throbbingpussy. I moan as his knuckles barely graze my mound before continuing down my inner thighs.
Wilder’s other hand wraps around the back of my neck, pulling me in for a punishing kiss. I open for him, needing to taste and touch and feel him everywhere. He tugs my hair, pulling my head back so he can deepen the kiss. Two fingers dip into my slit and start circling my little bundle of nerves in slow, steady strokes.
I grip Wilder’s biceps, digging my nails in as one finger pushes into my entrance, then two. He thrusts his large digits in and out of me, slowly at first, and then faster, faster, faster, grinding his heel on my clit, all while devouring my lips.
Breaking the kiss, I bury my face in between his neck and shoulders as I cry out. I’mrightthere, so close to my much-needed release. He keeps pumping his fingers, twisting and curling them to rub against my G-spot. Again, again, one more time…
Suddenly, his hand is gone. I nearly fall over at the loss of him, but I regain my composure and glare at his stupidly handsome face. Wilder grins, which makes my pussy clench. God, this man.
