Page 31 of My Greatest Joy

He sprints toward the door and immediately flies off the deck. Once he does his business, he returns without issue. I know he was testing Fallon earlier.

“How’d you like your grinchy babysitter?” I ask, following him inside and getting a musky whiff of him.

Fallon is on the couch with her coffee and laptop.

“Gonna give Dasher a quick bath. Need anything?”

“Nope, I’m good now.”

Dasher’s good and behaves for me while I wash him in the tub. He likes the warm water and is used to this routine since he gets them almost every day when it’s wet or muddy outside. After he’s scrubbed and rinsed, I lift him from the tub and towel dry him the best I can. I grab the hair dryer I have for him and use it until he’s annoyed. As soon as I open the bathroom door, he bolts out.

Before I can call him or warn Fallon, he’s sprinting downstairs.

“Hey!” Fallon shouts. “Get off me!”

Her helpless squeals make me laugh. “I’m jumping in the shower,” I call down.

“Wait! Take your dog!” she shouts.

“Be right back!” I say, knowing she’ll want to kill me later.

Turning on the water, I undress and then step underneath the hot stream. It cascades over my sore muscles, and I scrub both palms over my face and hair, trying to relax.

My cock grows hard as I reminisce about Fallon being in my bed last night. Though neither of us mentioned it, she snuggled up to me in her sleepy haze. I was up and out of bed before her, but I hardly slept as she pressed her ass against my cock and wiggled her body.

As I think about it, I reach down and roughly fist my dick. With my other palm pressed against the wall, my fantasies of Fallon naked in my bed take over.

I race in a full sprint toward the orgasm threatening to take over. Before I can brace myself, the pleasure rips through me, and I groan out with relief.

My heart throbs as I look at the mess I’ve made. My cum would look so stunning splashed across her beautiful breasts. It takes at least ten minutes before I come back to earth, even if she’s still on my mind.

As I get out of the shower and then dry off, I wonder if she heard me. A part of me hopes she didn’t, but then again, I’d own it if she did. It’s nearly impossible to hide my attraction, especially when she looks at me like I’m dessert.

I’m ready to collapse from exhaustion, knowing I’ll be just as busy tomorrow. I plan to show her exactly what Maplewood Falls has to offer, and I hope it’s enough to impress her.

CHAPTER NINE

FALLON

DAY 5

I rollover in Levi’s bed, pulling up the covers to block out the sun. It was a middle-of-the-night decision that I might regret when I end up addicted to his touch. I shouldn’t enjoy pressing my body against his for warmth, but I do.

Each time he pulls me against his chest, I remind myself that this is only temporary and not to get attached. Truthfully, I haven’t slept this good in what feels like decades. We may start on separate sides of the mattress, but eventually, he covers me with his warmth and holds me tight.

Regardless, none of it changes the fact I’m leaving in nine days. I’ll go home and finish my article, it’ll be published, and I’ll put this whole Christmas adventure behind me. I hope my boss understands the sacrifices I’ve made to save this story when it’s time for a promotion. He knows I want the senior editor position more than anything.

I give up trying to fall back to sleep and force myself out of bed. Once I’m dressed, I go downstairs, where smells of freshly brewed coffee waft through the air. I quickly make my way tothe kitchen where a shirtless Levi stands in front of the stove. Dasher’s in his usual position, begging at his feet. And as much as I don’t want to admit it, I’ve already fallen in love with that spoiled fur ball.

Levi notices me and offers me a cup of coffee with a smile. “Good morning.”

“Same to you.”

I sit at the bar as he cooks.

“Are you excited to get out today? I thought I’d show you around the family farm and introduce you to everyone. Give you a proper tour around the place.”

“Can’t wait,” I say because I’m going somewhat stir-crazy. However, I’m not looking forward to the holiday spirit being shoved down my throat all day.

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