Page 24 of The Mountains Edge

I kiss him softly.

"Thank you for letting me."

He pulls me closer, tucking me against his side. I fall asleep to his heartbeat, feeling utterly, completely home. Finally, no more interruptions. Finally, I have found a home.

Chapter 12: Marcus

"That's the third time you've sanded that spot."

I ignore Jake, focusing on the wood grain. Or trying to. All I can think about is Daisy on my workbench, the way she felt, tasted.

"Earth to Marcus."

"What?"

Jake grins. "Man, she's got you bad."

I grab another piece of sandpaper. "Don't you have somewhere to be?"

"Nope." He settles against the wall. "This is way more entertaining."

My phone buzzes, another message from Daisy. I don't need to look. She's been sending photos all day, each one more distracting than the last.

The latest shows her in the store's back room, wearing that damn black lace she knows drives me crazy.

"Might want to wipe that smile off your face," Jake suggests. "You're scaring the dogs."

Scout woofs in agreement.

"Out." I point to the door. "Both of you."

Jake raises his hands in surrender, but he's laughing as he leaves. "Just remember the town meeting tonight."

Damn it. Forgot about that.

My phone buzzes again. Followed by another photo that makes me growl.

This woman is trying to kill me.

***

The town hall's packed when I arrive. Daisy's already there. Our eyes lock across the room. She smirks. I take my usual spot in the back corner, trying to focus on the mayor's droning. Daisy keeps on sending me photos or messages about how to use the desk later tonight. By the time the meeting ends, I'm ready to commit murder.

"Everything okay?" Cole asks. "You seem tense."

I growl something unrepeatable.

Daisy saunters over, all innocence. "Ready to go?"

"Where?" I manage.

"Upstairs." She steps closer. “I need help moving something.”

The others hide smiles as everyone slowly leaves until Daisy finally locks the Trading Post doors. She looks over her shoulder.

"Coming?"

I go to reach for her.

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