“Let’s get you washed so you can rest. Then I’ll do it all over again.”
My pussy clenches around his half-hard cock, making him groan. “Or we could do it again right now…”
Wilder sucks in a breath and lets it out slowly, resting his forehead on mine. “Do you trust me?”
I nod automatically. Of course, I trust him.
“Then let me take care of you.”
I nod again as Wilder gently sets me down and begins washing me. His touch is achingly tender, like I'm precious to him, and he wants to savor every moment of being with me like this. I can't stop the tears stinging my eyes. Wilder doesn't say anything; he kisses them away and continues washing my body before moving on to my hair.
Wilder dries me off with a fluffy towel and then scoops me up in his arms again, making me giggle. “I can walk, you know.” Even as I say it, I snuggle deeper into his arms.
“I know, baby. You can do anything you want. And I think you want me to hold you as much as possible.”
I don’t bother arguing with him. He’s right. I want as much of him as possible.
Even though it’s the middle of the day, we curl up in bed under the warm, soft covers. Sleep pulls at the corners of my mind, but it’s not until Wilder kisses my forehead and tucks me into his side that I finally drift off.
11
WILDER
“Good to hear your voice,” I tell Huxley over the phone. “It’s been a bit. Didn’t know if you and Cassian changed your mind.”
“About joining you on your crazy fever dream to build a mountain town? No way. We’ll be there next month. I was actually calling to ask what supplies we can bring with us. I was going to do a big trip and load up on everything before heading up the mountain. I know you said you had been working on the foundations for our cabins, and I’m planning on setting up a temporary shelter for Cass and myself until we get the rest built out.”
I nod, even though I know he can’t see me. It’ll be surreal to see my fellow Rangers after years apart. We were all in the same unit. We were all there that day. Huxley had some nasty wounds and endured several surgeries to bring him back to life. Cassian was lucky enough to make it out with only minor injuries. Elliot, on the other hand…
“...and send me a list of groceries a few days before we take off. I’ll ensure we get that taken care of, too,” Huxley says.
Shit. I wasn’t paying attention to what he listed off, but I’m sure he’s got a handle on it. Before he was in the military, Huxleyworked construction for his family’s business. His father is a contractor, and taught Huxley everything he knows. Truthfully, I’m thankful he’ll be here for the next steps of planning and building for the town.
“Sounds good,” I tell him, hoping he doesn’t call me out.
“Great. Next, I want to run a few ideas by you.”
At that moment, my beautiful woman walks outside, joining me in our backyard. We’ve officially been together for two months, and every day with her is a blessing. She’s looking particularly radiant today, the sunlight tangling in her dark hair and silhouetting her curves.
I’m putting the final touches on Ari’s writing nook today, and I can’t wait for her to see it.
“Did you hear anything I just said?”
“Uh…” I blink a few times, trying to focus, but Ari is walking toward me, and all I can think about is kissing her sweet, pouty lips.
“Tell Ari hello from me,” my friend says with a chuckle. He knows by now I can’t concentrate on anything when my woman is around.
I never would have believed it took me running up this mountain to find the love of my life. I guess I’m living proof that love finds you when you need it most and expect it the least.
Hanging up the phone, I slip it into my back pocket before opening my arms for a hug. Ari snuggles against me and then gasps when she gets a glimpse at her office space.
“Oh, my god, Wilder, it’s perfect!” she exclaims.
Ari slips out of my embrace, making me grunt. I don’t like not touching her, but seeing her bright, sparkling smile as she looks over the desk I built is worth a few moments apart.
The little writing nook/office space may not look like much from the outside, but inside, it’s filled with built-in bookshelves, a writing desk, a comfy lounge chair with pillows and blankets,as well as a mini kitchen in case Ari wants to make a snack or drink during the day while she’s writing.
My gorgeous girl spins, her face lit up with all the love and joy in the world. My heart bursts with so much happiness that I hardly recognize myself. Not all that long ago, I was at the lowest, loneliest place of my life, and now…
