Page 56 of Protecting Her Secrets

“Despite the amount of waterworks I’ve displayed the last couple of days, I’m not a crier. And obviously, I don’twantto spend my savings on new clothes and toiletries, but I’m starting over.” She motions between us. “Andwe’restarting over. So buying new stuff just fits with the theme.”

I pull her in and kiss her forehead. “I got you, sweetheart. You’re not alone anymore.”

Chapter Nineteen

Skylar

Walker hasto practically drag me to the car after I sucked down a shake and devoured a loaded bacon cheeseburger with onion rings.

“Did Ridge not feed you?” he asks as he buckles me in. I should stop this habit of his, but I’m in a food coma, and my limbs aren’t working.

“I’m pregnant; I’m always hungry.” I shrug. “Plus, he tried to make me eat bear stew, Walker. Bear. Stew.”

“Oh yeah, he and Wilder took one out earlier this year. It was my first time eating it, but I was pleasantly surprised. Tasted like pork.”

“That’s what he said,” I say with a shiver, both from the insanely cold temperature and the thought of eating a bear.

“It’s the city girl in you. But watch out—once you live here a couple years, you’ll be eating wild game too.”

“Not happening.”

Despite Walker’s efforts to keep me awake, I fall asleep on the drive home. Today was one of the most relaxing, fun daysI’ve had in years, but it was also exhausting. I was scared to hang out with Ridge all day, but once he opened up, we got along well.

I’m looking forward to getting to know him even more as time goes on, maybe even finding out what put that haunted look in his eyes. There’s no doubt he has been through something, and I hope one day he trusts me enough to tell me what it was.

Going to the diner was my first real experience with the town, and I have to say, I love this place already. Lavanya was a hoot; I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between her and Walker. It was nice seeing how he has become a part of this small town. I hope I will be too someday.

I rouse as I’m being lifted out of the truck, but I have no energy to even ask to be put down. If I’m being honest with myself, I love the way he takes care of me. I remember this about him, but I gaslit myself into thinking he was overbearing and I didn’t need him.

I was so wrong, but I also refuse to be a princess. I’m going to take just as good care of him. Once inside, he pulls off my boots while I take off my vest and coat, all while remaining in his arms. It felt good to wear my own clothes today, so after shedding my winter layers, I’m left in my jeans and a flannel.

“Take me to bed,” I say, nuzzling his neck and inhaling his scent as I scratch his cheek through his beard.

“Feels so good, sweetheart,” he says, carrying me upstairs. Sprocket jumps up and down, so excited his person is home, maybe even a little happy I’m back too. Walker moans when I kiss from his neck up to his ear, where I drag my teeth down his lobe. “Fuck, you’re killing me.”

“I love you, Walker,” I whisper, turning his head to kiss his lips. It quickly turns from something sweet into something much more intense, yet he gets me to the bedroom without running into anything.

He pulls away as he lies me down. “I’ll be right back.”

“Can it wait a minute?” I ask, batting my lashes and sliding off the bed. I turn him around and give him a little shove until he’s sitting on the mattress.

His throat bobs, the only indication he knows what I’m up to. “Why?”

“I want to thank you for everything you did today.” I unbuckle his belt and undo his pants.

“I’m not looking for repayment.”

“I know, but trust me when I say, this is as much for me as it is for you.” I pull his cock, already half-hard, out of his boxer briefs. “I love sucking your cock.”

“Then by all means, who am I to stop you?” He leans back on his hands. “Sprocket, go lie down.”

“Poor guy.”

“Trust me, he won’t have to wait long. Just thinking about your hot little mouth on me is making me want to blow.”

While I’m vertically challenged, having such a tall bed means Walker is at the perfect height for me to bend over and reach him. Cradling his length in my hand, I lick up and down the underside, then swirl my tongue around the head. The taste of his salty pre-cum bursts on my tastebuds, spurring me on.

“Take off your shirt and pants,” Walker says, his voice husky and demanding. “I want to watch your ass while you work me over.”

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