Page 68 of Wild Hearts

"You can jump in a shower while I make you breakfast."

"Sounds decadent."

If she thought a man cooking for her was decadent, I wasn't going to have any difficulties spoiling her.

"Make yourself at home." I kissed her mouth softly, wishing I could have woken her up with my mouth between her legs.

I pulled on a pair of sweats and headed downstairs to whip up some eggs. When I heard the water turn on, I realized I liked having Addison in my space, using my things, and making my bathroom smell like her.

It was too soon to be thinking about things like moving her in, but I could easily see that's where we were headed. As long as she didn't let her head get involved. When she was worried about things, it didn't bode well for me. I'd already broken her trust, and it was going to take a lot to overcome her objections, even if she said she was giving me a second chance.

Our past might put a wrench into things. I couldn't let her backslide or think that we weren't the real deal. I'd prove to her that I was the man for her, and I wasn't walking away this time.

I'd have to keep trying to make an emotional connection with her, whether that was in the bedroom or a trip to our past. I was willing to do whatever it took.

By the time she came downstairs wearing one of my shirts and a pair of rolled up sweatpants, the eggs were done and the bacon was sizzling.

"Morning, beautiful." I poured her a cup of coffee and placed it in front of her.

She sat on the stool, cradling the mug. "I could get used to this."

"That's the idea." I winked at her before turning my attention to the bacon. "When we dated last time, we didn't own a house, and we didn't have a private space to be together."

Addison laughed. "Somehow we managed."

"We sure did." I placed the bacon on a paper-towel-covered plate, then moved it to the island. I plated the food, adding sliced avocados and strawberries, then sat next to Addison. "Dakota doesn't like when I add fruit. She said I'm too healthy."

"There's no such thing as far as I'm concerned. Keep offering it to her. I bet she'll come around."

I didn't want our relationship to revolve around Dakota, so I had to stop talking about her after every turn. It was so hard though, because having Dakota in my life was so new. "What are your plans for the day?"

"Work. We're busy with Christmas approaching. We have a lot of individuals and businesses working charity drives to compile gifts for the foster kids."

"I'll talk to my cousins today about what we can do. It might be too late this year but maybe next."

"We're actually looking for a space to do our annual fundraiser after Christmas. We do it to raise money for the kids to have school supplies and sports gear."

"Why don't you use the lodge?"

"I'm not sure we could afford such a large space."

I scoffed. "You can use it for free."

Her nose scrunched in disbelief. "Don't you need to charge for it? You're a business after all."

It was important to her that I not give her things, so I said, "It's a tax write off, and we'll find a date that the room isn't already booked. How about that?"

Addison smiled. "I'd like to say it's a deal, but don't you need to talk to your cousins first?"

I smiled because it was one more thing that we'd have to work on together. "It's for a good cause. My cousins will definitely be on board."

"Let me know if it doesn't work out. No hard feelings."

"When I say I'm going to do something, I do it." That had only gotten more pronounced in the military. Words mattered. When we were kids, we talked about our hopes and dreams, but I never made concrete plans for a future with her. I never thought I'd be good enough for someone like her, who was headed for college and all that entailed.

Later that week, the Wildes scheduled a business meeting to discuss the resort. We had these frequently to check in with every aspect of the business, to discuss plans, and any problems that arose since the last meeting.

"I'm concerned that the cabins aren't being reserved at the same rate as the rooms in the lodge," Oliver said as he looked at the spreadsheet on his laptop.

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