Page 34 of Mountain Daddy

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I lower my arm so I can twist toward her. “I’m sorry. I’m old enough to know better. I was just so caught up in you… I wasn’t thinking. But tonight was the first time in probably twenty years that I haven’t used a condom. You’ve got nothing to worry about from me either.”

She rolls her lips together. “Yeah, you really are old enough.”

I shake my head. “You really are a brat.” Relaxing onto my back, I stretch out my arm closest to her. “Come here.”

Finally, she climbs into bed.

As she scoots closer to me, I reach out with my other hand and turn off the lamp.

Darkness settles around us as Kendra settles her cheek on my shoulder.

I pull the blanket up to her chin.

Her hand settles on my chest.

“Luther?” she whispers into the room.

“Yeah, Baby?”

“Thank you for tonight.”

I curl my arm around her back, holding her tighter against my side. “You don’t have to thank me for the best night…”

Best night in a long time.

Best night ever? In all my years?

Kendra’s shoulders relax under my arm.

And… she’s asleep.

Just like that.

She told me she was minutes from falling asleep. And she was right.

I said I was right behind her, but the truth is I sleep like shit.

And being somewhere new, anywhere that’s not my bed, I’m even less likely to fall asleep.

I lean my head forward and kiss the top of her head. Then I press my nose to her hair. Wanting to memorize her scent.

At least tonight, when sleep eludes me, I can spend the time soaking up Kendra’s presence.

I wake on a deep inhale.

It takes me two blinks to remember where I am. And who I’m with.

Kendra.

She’s turned some in her sleep, curling into my side.

I lift my head to look at the clock.

Seven.

I don’t think I woke up once.

I don’t even remember falling asleep.

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