Page 24 of Protected By the Surly Carpenter

We haven’t made love again since that first time, though. Every night we snuggle, and do lots of other things, but not that. Maybe he thinks we went too fast at the start, or he wants to know I’m completely sure about him.

I am.

I really do feel at home here. In his town, in his space, in his arms.

I stroll through the kitchen, looking around. I really don’t have anything else to clean. After dinner, Clark went out to do a last coat of varnish on something after I insisted it was my turn to do the dishes. I also took the opportunity to organize a few of the drawers.

My eyes snap open as I stare at him through the back door window, walking toward the house. That’s what he’s been waiting for. My comfort. For me to be completely settled in.

He comes in and instantly that big smile overtakes his handsome face. “Hey, baby.” The subtle scent of industrial hand cleanser and pine strikes me as he gathers me up in a bear hug. “That dining room set is done. Want to watch a movie?”

“I love you.”

Clark freezes, his lips slightly open, his eyes wide.

My hands slip up his back to grip his shoulders. “I’m staying. I love you, I love living here, and I love this town.”

I stifle a cry as his mouth crushes to mine. Then my back hits the wall. His hands glide under my t-shirt, pressing against my spine as he strokes my bare skin under my silky tank.

“I love you so much, baby,” he groans against my lips. “I’ve wanted to tell you so many times, but I didn’t want to scare you.” The way he clutches me against him tells me that as much as his words. “I’ve loved you from that first kiss. No – the second we met, and you smacked my chest, playing around.”

“And I think I’ve loved you from the moment I looked into your eyes and felt safe for the first time in my life.”

He steps back, serious again. “That reminds me. I need to show you something.”

Clasping my hand, he leads me to the living room and sits us on the couch. “Close your eyes.”

My eyes snap shut, then I hear shuffling behind the couch. Something hard and rectangular is placed in my hands. It’s too big to be a ring box, which is good because it’s frankly way too soon for that.

“Open your eyes.”

All of the air leaves my lungs. It’s not just a jewelry box, it’s a masterpiece.

“You liked the diamond-shaped inlays in that other piece,” he murmurs. “Do you like this?”

“It’s…exquisite.” My fingers glide over the polished wood. Opening it, I gasp when I see the green silk-lined interior, and the small emerald earrings on a little matching pillow. “You shouldn’t have.”

He grins. “There’s more. Notice how heavy it is?”

“Yeah…”

Clark takes it from me, closing the lid. Turning it around, he shows me the simpler version of the pattern on the back. “I made the button too small for a man’s hands to be able to press it. Try it…right here.”

Using my pinky, I manage to press the piece of wood, causing a hidden drawer to pop out. Inside is a key.

“That’s just an extra house key for you,” he chuckles. “But I thought you could hide your safety deposit box key in there too, along with your mom’s emerald necklace and rings. The interior of the box is reinforced with metal so you can’t smash it open.”

I’m stunned. “You… You’ve made me my own jewelry box that’s also a safe?”

“Yeah.”

“You realize you’ve basically just proved yourself to be the sweetest and most thoughtful man in the world.”

His snort is adorable. “I was just thinking about keeping your stuff somewhere secure so you wouldn’t worry.”

“Thank you so much. And the earrings are lovely. They’ll match the necklace perfectly, if I ever have the nerve to wear it again.”

His fingers drift over my ear. “Want me to put them in for you?”

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