Page 364 of Boots, Bucket Lists & Bad Ideas
The dogs circle us, tails wagging like little metronomes of happiness.
“I just saw you this morning before I left your cabin.”
“It was too long ago.” The floor creaks under us, and I pray we don’t fall through. “What are we doing here?”
Her hands snake around my neck as she leans back. “This is the property your brothers said you want, so I wanted to show you, I’m all in.” The floor creaks again, and I see her eye flicker nervously. “It’s going to need a lot of work.”
She’d live in this shithole for me. I grab the back of her neck and drag her into another kiss, longer and deeper this time. When we part, we’re both breathing heavy.
“When do we move in?” I ask. “I don’t mind boiling water from the well, and there’s an outhouse.”
The horrified look on her face is priceless.
She shakes her head. “I’m bringing the RV. I’ll live in that until this place is fixed up.”
“You think it’s salvageable?” My hands settle on her hips.
She slowly shakes her head.
I laugh, my thumbs brushing over the curve of her waist. “We’d have to rebuild.”
“Maybe not two floors.” Her hands rest on my chest, warm and steady.
“Ranch style?”
She leans into me just enough to make my pulse quicken. “With fewer rooms.”
“Enough for just us?” I tighten my hold around her, feeling the truth of our decision settle deep within me.
We’ve been through enough noise. Now it’s time for peace. For focus. For us.
“To build something that’s only ours.”
She smiles, pressing her forehead to mine.
“Attached to a small barn.”
“To watch our horse while drinking coffee.”
“Sounds perfect,” she whispers, her lips brushing my lips.
“Every day with you is perfect.”
Jade’s eyes sparkle with mischief as she leans back and traces the collar.
“Maybe those rumors I spread weren’t as wrong as I thought.” She twists her finger around the leash. “You thought we were going to do something kinky like dogs?”
My face goes solemn when she says it with such surprise and judgment.
She laughs. “I’m teasing. I will always get in all fours for you.”
I growl.
“That’s a good boy,” she whispers, her lips brushing against my ear. “You’re mine to command.”
I stand, scooping her up, and I carry her to the bed. “I want to please you.”
“Beg for it.” Her voice is sharp. “Beg like the filthy little mutt you are.”
