Page 29 of Full Mountie

Unbidden, my ass flexes and my thighs tighten up. My jeans get tight as I think about what she’s saying. “You want to date other people still.”

This pause is long and everything in the background fades away. I swear I don’t breathe again until she shakes her head. “I want to date Hugh. And you. Nobody else.”

I exhale in a fast rush. “I can handle that.”

I’ll more than handle it. If she wants to take things slow because she’s enjoying Hugh’s company, that’s fine. I’d be a hypocrite if I didn’t get his appeal.

But I can be a dirty bastard, too. Not as filthy as my ex-lover, but…I’ve got game. If that’s what she’s looking for, then game on.

Hugh’s a great guy.

Hot and kind and loyal.

But if there’s a competition for her heart, I’ll not only fight, I’ll win.

And in the meantime…if Hugh shows up with pizza again…

She watches me react, her gaze turning liquid and hot. Jesus. I’m not sure she knows what she’s playing with here, exactly, but I have zero doubt in my mind that she’s having fun.

We eat while the sun sets, then she starts yawning. I know I’m being selfish when I invite her back to my place, but I want her in my bed.

She shakes her head. “Then you’ll need to drive me home later. Better if you come up for a few hours when you drop me off.”

A few hours. I want to drag her back to my place and keep her in bed all night. I want to sleep wrapped around her, my cock inside her. “Okay. But I don’t mind driving you home, later or first thing in the morning.”

Next time, I’ll remember to suggest she packs a bag with work clothes.

“It’s just…I was up early today. It’s been a long day.” She slides her fingers through mine and tugs me close. “I’d be happy to have you tuck me in, though.”

I frown. “Why were you up early? Did something happen?”

She gives me an enigmatic smile. “Nothing work related.”

“Are you okay?”

She presses into me. “More than okay.”

“Then let’s get you home.” I lower my voice. “And into bed.”

12

Beth

Tuesday morning, I wake up—thankfully at my usual time of half past six and not the panicked four in the morning of the day before—and there are two text messages waiting for me.

Hugh: Good morning, beautiful. How was your night last night?

Lachlan: Dinner was amazing. After dinner was…even more so. We should do it again later this week.

I read them both a dozen times over.

Then I get out of bed and dance my way into the bathroom. Once I’ve showered and my hair is dried, I take my phone into my closet and text Hugh back.

Beth: I had dinner with Lachlan last night. Want to hear about it?

He calls me back immediately. “Tell me everything.”

“Not everything,” I say with a smile. “Surely you don’t want to hear about how he kissed me when he picked me up…”

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