Page 14 of Spooking the Mountain Man
"The only thing I'm thinking about," I say, rolling her onto her back, "is how beautiful you look in my bed."
"Your bed?"
"My bed. My room. My girl."
The words slip out before I can stop them. Kelly's eyes widen, but instead of pulling away, she arches up to meet my kiss.
"Am I?" she asks against my lips. "Your girl?"
"Do you want to be?"
Her hand cups my cheek. "Yes. I want to be yours."
The words hit me like a punch to the chest. I've wanted to hear her say that for so long.
"I know this is complicated," she continues. "I know Tyler's going to lose his mind. But I don't care. Last night was everything I didn't know I needed."
"What did you need?" I ask.
Kelly's cheeks go pink, but she holds my gaze. "Someone to take control. To tell me what to do. To make me feel safe and..." She trails off.
"And what?"
"Small," she whispers. "But in a good way. Derek always made me feel small like I was stupid. You make me feel small like I'm precious. Worth protecting."
Something fierce rises in my chest. "Youareprecious. Never doubt that."
Kelly pulls me down for a slow, deep kiss full of promise.
"I should probably get up," she says eventually, though she doesn't move. "Shower. Be a functional adult."
"Should," I agree, but my hands are already moving over her body. "Or you could stay here and let me take care of you."
Kelly shivers. "What would that involve?"
"Well," I press kisses along her throat, "first I'd make you come on my tongue again. Then I'd run you a hot bath. Make you breakfast and watch you eat every bite, because you're too skinny and probably forget to eat."
"I'm not too skinny."
"I can feel your ribs." I run my hands along her sides and Kelly squirms. "When's the last time you had a proper meal?"
"I had a sandwich yesterday."
"Before that."
Kelly goes quiet, thinking too long.
"That's what I thought. From now on, I'm making sure you eat regular meals."
"From now on?" Her voice is soft, hopeful.
"From now on. If you'll let me."
"I'll let you," she says quickly, then blushes. "I mean, if you want to. I don't want to be a burden—"
"Stop." The command makes Kelly go quiet immediately. "You're not a burden. Taking care of you is a privilege."
Kelly stares at me with wide eyes, understanding what I'm offering. Not just sex, but something deeper. A dynamic where she can surrender control.
