Page 20 of My Mail Order Valentine

"You should chop some wood."

"What?"

"It's relaxing."

We toasted with our beers and talked nonsense for the rest of the evening. It's too bad Fletcher wasn't a local; I could really use a friend who wasn't a co-worker. The guys at the station just couldn't help themselves and gave me a hard time.

When I checked the time on my watch, I was surprised to see it was almost eleven. I cursed myself for leaving Evie for so long. She was with Elena, but Elena's job wasn't to take care of my daughter, even if she did volunteer for it all the time.

On the way home, my mind was still racing with thoughts of the dangerous vixen. I've been battling my attraction to her for the past week, but I'm at a breaking point right now. So many times, I've wanted to reach out and brush her cheek or tuck a strand of hair back into place. The darker parts of me desired her to be naked in my arms, moaning my name as I ravished her.

When I entered my cabin, my mind calmed somewhat, and everything seemed to be in order. I went to see Evie and found her sleeping in Elena's arms. They were in the rocking chair where I read stories to my daughter every evening. If Elena had to take Evie into her arms, it must have been because she had been fussy. It happened every so often, and the only way to get her back to sleep was to rock her in that chair.

I took Evie from Elena's arms and transferred her to her crib. Then, I carried Elena to my bed. She must be a deep sleeperbecause she didn't stir, just hugged the pillow next to her and kept on sleeping.

I've already given up on the couch and am now using an inflatable mattress that I borrowed from one of the guys at the station. I kept tossing and turning all night, and when I finally succumbed to sleep, it was only a few hours before I had to get back to work.

That sleep was filled with dreams of her. I keep reliving our kiss, and in that dreamscape, we're not interrupted by a damn fire. If only that were true in real life as well.

Chapter 7

Elena

When Hunter invited me to dinner on Valentine's Day, I was bowled over. After all the difficulties we've been through, he still wants to spend time with me on that special day. As usual, I'm overthinking it. I'm already planning the wedding in my head and hope Jenny can come be my maid of honor.

The day is here, but unfortunately, Hunter was called in the wee hours of the morning to cover for a colleague. That meant that I had to do my work, take care of Evie, and get ready for our date later in the afternoon.

I've managed to keep my medical transcription clients updated on their projects while dedicating only four hours a day.This allows me ample time to pick up Evie from the babysitter and take care of her in the afternoon.

Today turned out to be a messy day. I'm covered in finger paint, and so is Evie, but we were able to create some Valentine’s cards for her father. I'm a little tired, but my eagerness for my date with Hunter helped me get ready in no time.

By the time the clock strikes seven, I'm ready to go on my date. Hunter comes out of his room and looks strikingly handsome in his black suit and hot pink tie. The color suits him perfectly, and I can barely contain my admiration for him.

"You look beautiful, Elena."

"You look amazing, Hunter."

"You're going to love this restaurant. The captain suggested it, but I went to do a taste test during the week."

He approaches me and takes my hand in his.

"I want tonight to be magical for you."

"I don't need magic. I have you."

Oops, I think I said too much. I blush profusely and lower my face to hide my red cheeks, but he doesn't let me hide. He places his hand under my chin and lifts my face until I'm looking up at his beautiful emerald-green eyes.

I'm waiting for him to talk, but he seems to think it over and just stares at me. Then he lowers his face and gently kisses my lips. The kiss ends so fast it feels like it never happened, but my heart is racing, and my lower belly is tight with anticipation.

He still hasn't let go of my hand, and I feel him give it a little tug. At the door, he gets my coat and helps me put it on. Every part of my body that he touches while putting it on sends a frisson of electric energy through me.

Then, he tugs me toward his truck. I follow along because I'm a little shell-shocked by what his mere touch can do to my body and senses. He opens the passenger door for me, helps me up, and then buckles me in.

I have to confess that I love it every time he does this. It gives me a chance to get a little sniff of his masculine scent and whatever musky cologne he is wearing at the time. The moment is gone almost as fast as it occurs, and I'm left wanting more.

"Thanks for doing this, Hunter."

"I think this will be fun, although I'm sorry you had to work and then take care of Evie. I wasn't expecting to be called to the station."

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