Page 58 of Claim

“I was thinking…” She trails off, biting her lip. That means I will probably like her train of thought. That’s her “I want to be naughty”face.

“Thinking what?”

“These woods are looking awfully pretty, especially with the snow setting on the branches.”

“Hmmm,”

I know where this is heading.

“You want to try out run me again?” I ask in amusement.

“Hey! You only caught me last time because I was in a damn wedding dress and I got caught in branches. I want a redo. I can beat you.”

The chuckle that escapes me is a low rumble, shaking my chest.

“I will always catch you, no doubt about it.” I squeeze her hand on my thigh.

There isn’t a corner of this earth I wouldn’t go to find her if I had to.

“Prove it, big man.”

God. This woman. Created to keep me constantly turned on and on my toes, and I am loving every second.

“We don’t have time, Ana.” I look at the digital clock on the dash.

“Baby. You scared you’ll lose against little old me?” She teases. “I bet I could catch you easy.”

Oh, a challenge.

Eyes glued to the pull off ahead, I quickly swerve, the tires screaming as I slam on the brakes, and we lurch forward with a jolt.

“You catch me, you can do whatever you want to me,” I tell her, gripping her chin.

The corners of her mouth curl up into a mischievous grin, a glint of playfulness in her eyes.

“When I do, I’m climbing you like a tree, big man. Be ready.”

Well shit. I want to be caught now.

“Close your eyes. A kiss for luck.” I lean in for a kiss. As she obeys, the sound of my belt buckle and the heavy thud of the door echo in the stillness before I run into the forest. With each crunch of snow under my boots, I maintained a steady pace, hoping she spots me.

I aim for the thicker row of trees to my left, their leaves a dense, almost impenetrable wall, dodging branches as I enter the darker depths where the air grows cooler.

A frozen lake stands still, its glassy surface reflecting the stark winter sky, utterly silent save for the occasional snap of ice. The silence is heavy, broken only by the sound of her quick footsteps behind me.

She is fast.

The sound of her approaching quickens my pace, and I break into a jog around the lake, my heart beating in time with her steps. I’ve not broken a sweat yet.

I look behind and glimpse her red face and I speed up, heading towards the birch trees. I dart through the gaps as best I can, the winter sun beating down through the trees.

“Come on, pretty girl. I thought you could catch me?” I taunt, slowing my pace, allowing her to gain on me.

Making a sharp right, I head back towards the lake.

I can’t hear her.

As I jog towards the edge of the ice, I skid in my tracks, coming face to face with her. She runs towards me and I don’t fight it.

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