Page 80 of When the Smoke Clears

“I’m going to Austin tomorrow, remember?”

He says nothing, flipping my hand over and kissing the open palm. My core throbs. This man and his mouth.

“How long will I be without you? Because as I’ve said, I’m wholly addicted.” He scrapes his stubble against the sensitive skin.

I grin against his pec. “I’ll be back after dinner.”

“Unacceptable.” His tone is serious despite the joke.

“Besides the holiday mini-sessions, I’m going to stop by my apartment. I need to get some clothes and check the mail. Organize a few things before the move.”

He turns his head my direction. “I don’t want you worrying about that. I told you I’d go up there and help you get everything squared away.”

I roll my eyes and his grip on my wrist tightens. “Don’t sass me, Firecracker.”

A huffed laugh bubbles out of me. “I know what you said. And that’s fine. It’s just a little organizing.”

“You’re still healing.” Before I can argue, he tightens the arm I’m tucked in and slips the other hand to my waist, pulling me atop his body.

“It seems to me you only want to use me for your pleasure.” I lean down and dance my lips over his.

His head lifts up from the pillow to get closer. “I distinctly remember you telling me to have my way with you.” One hand comes off my waist and he grips the back of my neck, forcing my head down so he can kiss me deeply.

When I pull back, breathless, I barely manage to whisper, “That was a one-time thing.”

“Liar.” He nips my lip. My hips rock against him instinctively. “You ready for me to light you up again, Firecracker?” His fingers wind through my hair.

“I’m always ready for you.” I raise my hips and he reaches between us to guide his shaft through my waiting heat. He slides fully into me before pulling me down for a searing kiss.

My side protests that I’ve been doing too much lately, but there’s no way I’m stopping. Instead, I grind harder as he thrusts deeper, both of us seeking something only the other brings.

The moment our breathing rights after finishing, he scoops me from the bed and carries me into the bathroom as I giggle like an idiot, until he sets me in the shower and turns the spray on.

Chapter 29

Maci

Theapartmentiscoldwhen I arrive. Figuratively and physically. The air conditioning is still on from when I was here last, and the air is chilly enough that the apartment is in need of some heating. I fiddle with the thermostat and the heater blasts its signature “first use of the season” smell as I meander through the rooms.

If I thought it was weird to be here after Nana passed, it’s even more surreal now that I’ve been staying with Sutton over the last few weeks. There isn’t much of my hodge-podge decor that I care to bring. It’d be just as easy to schedule a donation pick-up.

Me:

Hey Cowboy, miss you already.

I don’t think there’s much here for us to grab. I can probably fit it all in the Jeep, honestly.

The time between my second text and the one Sutton sends is almost non-existent.

Cowboy:

Don’t even think about it.

We’ll go up soon and get whatever is needed.

Me:

Yes sir.

---