Page 23 of My Greatest Joy

The back of her hand finds my chest again, and I snicker.

“You sure you want to sleep next to a fuck boy?” I tease, throwing her own words at her.

“You gonna cry if I say no?”

This time I bellow out a laugh.

“You wound me,Fallon Joy.”

“Oh, please. By your extensive condom collection, I doubt a woman has ever hurt your feelings.”

“You went through my drawers, did ya?” I ask with amusement.

“That was before when I was unpacking some of my things. There were so many, I figured it was a perk for the renters or something. Didn’t realize it was all for one lumberjack of a person.”

“Careful. You sound jealous.”

She scoffs. “Youwish. Now stay on your side, and I’ll stay on mine.”

“The whole bed ismyside.”

“Unless you want a knee to the dick, you’ll stay over there.”

I chuckle. “Good night, Little Miss Seattle.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

FALLON

DAY 4

I wakeup to an empty bed. I reach over to Levi’s side, but it’s cool to the touch. Although I threatened him not to get too close last night, I woke up with his body pressed against mine. However, my threats were empty, and I soaked in his warmth like summer sunshine. I shouldn’t trust him and don’t, thanks to my previous shitty relationship, but I do believe he means well.

I suck in a deep breath, stretch, and then get out of bed. After I use the bathroom, I go downstairs and notice Levi putting on his boots. I take a second to admire him but quickly avert my eyes when he notices me.

“Breakfast is waiting for ya. No pork,” Levi says with a wink.

“Thanks,” I say, then gasp when I realize the power is fully on.Finally. “Going somewhere?”

“It’s plow day,” he explains. “Gotta take care of the driveway, the private farm road, and the parking lots. It’ll probably take me all day, so I wanted to get started early. How’d you sleep?”

“Okay, I guess. Didn’t feel like I was lying in a freezing tundra, so no complaints.”

“Happy to be of service.” He licks his lips, and I roll my eyes.

“Be of service and bring in more wood for me.”

“Already done. Oh, I’m leaving Dasher with you today.”

“Oh, uh,no. I didn’t sign up to dog-sit,” I argue, putting a hand on my hip.

“And I didn’t sign up for an unannounced houseguest. Guess we’re both shit out of luck.” He grabs his jacket off the hook by the back door. “Don’t worry, he’ll let you know when he needs to go out. Dog food is in the pantry. I already fed him this morning, but you can give him another can at dinnertime. He can have as many treats as you think he deserves. I left my number on the fridge. Add it to your phone, then text me. If there is an emergency, call me immediately.”

“Levi!Please, no.Dasher doesn’t listen to anything I say. How am I supposed to watch him while I work?”

“You were the one worried about murderers. I’m leaving you a guard dog. He’ll protect you while I’m gone.”

I give him a look and cross my arms.

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