Page 17 of Sheltered By the Surly Forester

As I trail my fingers along her shoulder, I have to ask. "Was that…everything you thought it would be?"

Her head perks up as she grins. "Complete honesty? I assumed my first time would be awkward and icky. That was…" Her eyes drift shut as she blushes. "Definitely not icky."

I love how easily we laugh together. I turn off the light, then listen to the pattern of her breathing. It feels like a good sign that she falls asleep quickly. That she trusts me enough to be able to relax like that. I just wish that she had asked me to go fetch the water. Wish she would stop acting like she needs to prove herself to me.

Hopefully this is simply growing pains. Whiplash from getting together so quickly. We're still getting to know each other– even though there is no doubt in my mind that Emie is the girl for me.

Just as I begin to drift off, my eyes snap open.

I've never asked Emie what she's looking for in a man. I asked about what kind of life she's planned for, but not what kind of a guy.

There's always a chance that I'm not what she’s looking for. Just because I'm a Wolfe, and everyotherwoman has kind of had an eye on my family, that doesn't mean that I'm the man of her dreams, or that I can give her everything her heart desires.

Maybe – my heart turns cold at the thought – she doesn't want to stay here with me on the mountain permanently.

10

EMIE

Ihate to crawl out of Josh's arms. He's so warm and languid and sexy when he's asleep. But even though he said I don't have to earn my keep through cooking and cleaning, I want to. I really don't like to take it easy for more than half a day.

After I’ve got the kitchen spotless and have coffee brewing, I take a little break to do a few yoga poses. I'm doing Tree Pose and facing Josh's phone in the charger when a message pops up.

Jonah: Who’s the girl you were grocery shopping with? Everyone's asking. Not my business, but if you're seeing someone special, maybe tell us?

Josh had mentioned his brothers Jonah and Jace but didn't really say how close they were. I think it's part of his gruff loner persona not to talk about himself too much. Not his family. Not his needs. Not his feelings.

Although he expresses thingsverywell through touch, his words could…use a bit of work.

Perhaps after we're together a while, he'll open up. Although I'm not going to make the mistake of thinking I couldever change a man. No way. He just might become…more comfortable. A shift, not a change, you know? Maybe?

After I finish stretching, I check the fridge for leftover veggies, then scramble them together with some eggs for breakfast burritos.

Josh is stirring in the bedroom when I notice his phone wake up again. It's impossible to fight the urge to step over and glance.

Walker: Duuuude! What's this about you and some hot chick shopping for onions? Good for you, man! Can't wait to meet the one woman on the planet who can put up with your moody silences. LOL.

I feel like a jerk for peeking and vow to never look at his phone again.

After rolling up the burritos and putting them in the oven, I pour a coffee and set it on the kitchen table for him just as Josh enters the room.

"Mornin'," he mutters, looking every inch the grumpy loner stereotype. He slips into the chair, taking two sips and staring into the black depths, blinking slowly.

I feel like I shouldn't disturb him. About two minutes later, he gets up and stands behind me at the sink, wrapping his arms around my stomach as his strong chest presses against my back. "Morning, baby."

I twist my head around to catch his lips against mine. "Morning."

His eyes have brightened. "Sorry. Sometimes it takes a good coffee hit before I know which way is up."

"I get it. Hungry?"

He chuckles. "Gorgeous, if I ever say I'm not hungry for your cooking, give me a shake, because something is definitely wrong."

After breakfast, we move to the dining room table, where the maps and paperwork are mostly spread out again. "What's this?" He points to some papers partially striped with yellow highlighter.

"I did some research into what birders are actually looking for. Nature, solitude, being one with the forest, of course. Plus the fresh air and exercise. But apparently they like the sense of discovery. Watching these magical little creatures bouncing around in unpredictable ways. It's exciting and calming at the same time."

Josh's eyes light up and he begins lightly rubbing the center of my back with his palm. "Clever as hell, you are. I was so focused on minimizing the damage to the forest that I didn't even think about what the birders might want."

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