Page 7 of Stitch's Mercy

“That’s farther than The Cities. We’re almost in Canada.”

Interesting. It sounded like she was afraid to be away from home. Now that I thought of it, Mercy never took a vacation or went out of town.Very interesting. “I like the isolation. Hunting and fishing are plentiful.” I shrugged. “It’s peaceful.”

“It is pretty out here.” She turned toward me, then she shocked the hell out of me when she reached for my hand on my thigh and laced our fingers together. Mercy had never initiated physical contact with me. “Sorry, I’ve been quiet. You probably regret inviting me.”

“Never.” I raised our joined hands and kissed the top of hers. “You’re the only woman I want to be with and the first I’ve taken to my hideaway.”

She shot me a heart-stopping smile. “Really? I’m the first.”

“The first and last.” I kissed her hand again. My cock was stirring awake, as if sensing we’d arrived at the cabin soon. But as much as Mercy turned me on and made me want to get dirty with her by a roaring fire, I had to take it slow.

“Wow. I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t need to say anything.” I turned onto the private road that led to my property.

“Well, I’m honored.” Her smile brightened. “Oh, my gosh! Is that it?” She pointed out the window.

“Yep, that’s it.” Pride swelled in my chest as I took in my small log cabin. “It wasn’t much when I bought it a few years ago. But I’ve done a lot to it.” I pulled into the circular driveway and parked.

“It’s better than I thought.” She laughed, her cheeks turning pink with embarrassment. “When did you put up lights and a wreath?”

“Last week I came out to prep the place…” For what could be the start of an incredible life with Mercy.

“But you hadn’t asked me to come yet. You didn’t know I’d say yes.

“True. All I had was faith.” I gave her hand another kiss and released it. “Let’s go in.”

I grabbed our things and inhaled the fresh, frigid air. It was minus nine for a high, and would drop to minus twenty by Monday. When I checked the weather before picking up Mercy, a storm was moving in from Canada and it looked like it might hit us. I had almost canceled, then I thought better of it. Getting snowed in with Mercy would force us to stay together longer, which would be spectacular.

Mercy stomped the snow off her boots on the porch before she entered, and I did the same. We took off our shoes and set them on the rubber tray to the right of the door. Hopefully, I wouldn’t have to put them on for the rest of the day.

“Brady, I’m without words.” The amazement in her voice and awe on her pretty face as she studied my place made my chest tighten.

“Twice in one day, huh? That must be a record,” I teased her. Mercy was rarely lost for words.

“Ha ha.” She rolled her eyes, smiling. “It’s so warm and cozy.”

“And it will be warmer in no time.” I stalked straight to the hearth to start a fire. If all went as I dreamed of, we’d be naked, hot and sweaty on the fur rug in front of it before the day was over.

“You have excellent taste.” She ran her fingers over the brown leather sofa as her eyes shimmered while moving about the room. I wished I could hear her thoughts. If I had to guess, I’d say she liked my little hideaway. I sure did.

A small living room and kitchen made up the main living space. Down the short hallway led to the bathroom and bedroom. The cabin was less than a thousand square feet, even with a loft.

“The red throw blanket and pillows are a nice touch. Were you trying to make it feel Christmassy? I mean, you didn’t have to go out of your way for me.”

Sure I did.“I happen to like Christmas. Tomorrow, we’ll put a tree up in that corner.” I nodded to the left. I stood and dusted off my hands, satisfied with the fire I’d started.

“Brady, you know I’m a Grinch.” She removed her coat and went to put it on a hook above our boots. “A tree isn’t needed. We’re only here for two more days.”

“I’ve seen the movie, baby. Nobody is born a Grinch. He warmed up to Christmas, and you can too.” I took off my coat and hung it next to hers. “So, how’d you come to hate Christmas?”

“It doesn’t matter. I’m a lost cause.” She tugged on the hem of my sweater, putting our bodies flush and shimmied her tits against my chest, getting me excited. She always used sex to change the subject, but I needed to stay in control.

But fuck, she felt incredible. Warm. Soft. And she smelled like vanilla icing, dripping off just-out-of-the-oven cinnamon rolls. Good enough to eat…

“You’re not a lost cause, sweetheart.” I glided my hands against her back and kissed her forehead as I walked her backwards and put her up against the front door. “Not my Mercy. You just need to fall back in love with the holidays.”

“I’m notyourMercy.”

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