Page 9 of Marking Micah

“We’ve already talked before about aftercare. You know I’m here for whatever you need.”

She nodded. “I do know it, definitely.” She looked up at him, her gaze catching his. “But, Arrow? Is there anything you need in terms of aftercare?”

He couldn’t help but smile at her. She really was the sweetest woman he’d ever known.

“I’m here for you. And honestly, that’s enough. That’s all I need to feel good. But thanks for asking.”

She squeezed his hand. “Of course. Um, is it okay with you if I head to bed? I’m kind of tired from traveling today.”

“You sure you’re okay? We’re okay?”

“Yes. I’m good. And we’re always good. Thanks for always looking out for me.”

“Always, honey.” He watched her for a few long moments, taking in her pretty green eyes, which seemed to have cleared oftears, and her cheeks weren’t blushed pink any longer. “All right, then. I think I’ll do the same.”

They stood up and she wrapped her arms around his neck, giving him a tight hug. He couldn’t help but inhale her light floral perfume. Lily of the Valley and a hint of fresh-cut roses. Lord, she smelled good.

Stop perving on your friend.

She pulled back, her gaze locking on his in a way that made his heart pound. “Arrow? Thank you so much. For everything.”

“You’re very welcome, lovely girl.”

She sent him a beautiful smile before wandering off to her room, and he stood there for a while, watching the night sky outside the windows. There were a million stars blanketing the darkness like tiny jewels, and the full moon was a silvery-white globe hanging above a few clouds. They said a new moon was an omen of new beginnings. And although they were there at Rawhide Ranch to help Micah start her life over, was it possible it could be a new beginning for them, too?

He barely dared to think it. It felt wrong, somehow. But was he so caught up in some noble idea of friendship that he’d failed to see what the true possibilities were?

Maybe he was about to find out.

Micah woketo the sun peeking between the partially closed curtains after sleeping so hard she hadn’t even dreamed. She yawned, stretched, then got up and brushed her teeth and her hair before wandering into the living area of the suite. Arrow was already there, pouring himself a cup of coffee from a room service cart.

“Coffee?” he asked.

“Oh, I can get it.”

“Micah. Coffee? Yes or no?”

She sighed. “Yes, please.” When he bent to pour her cup, she muttered, “Bossy, bossy.”

He looked up and handed her the cup with a grin. “Yep. Cream and one sugar, right?”

“Yes. Thanks.” She inhaled the rich aroma before taking a sip.

“Drink up, sunshine, and have some breakfast. You have forty-five minutes to eat and shower before we’re due at the barn.”

“What? So soon? I’m barely awake,” she protested. “Can I have an hour or two?”

“Nope. I’m bossy because I’m the boss. Did you forget that while you slept?”

“Uh, maybe?”

He shook his head, making atskingsound. “Better remember before we leave this room.”

“Or what?” she asked, only half teasing.

“Or your first spanking might not wait until we get to the dungeon.”

“What?” she asked, shocked. But she also couldn’t deny the tremors of heat shooting through her veins.

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