Page 25 of Sustain

“Hold that thought,” I say, leaning in to steal a kiss before pushing myself off the couch and rearranging my bits and pieces so I can walk somewhat properly to answer the door.

I glance over my shoulder to ensure that Mackenzie is decent before opening the door to see who it is. Cold wind and snow charge into the cabin as I discover Billy on the doorstep. His beard has icicles dangling from it, and his nose is almost as red as the hat on his head.

“Billy, come in out of the weather,” I say, stepping aside. The cold air at least assists in deflating my sex drive, as it were.

He accepts my invitation gladly and stomps his feet on the carpet runner near the door, clapping and rubbing his hands together, shedding snow and ice all over the floor.

“Thanks, Ian,” he nods to me, then to Mackenzie, “Ma’am. I just wanted to check on you folks since you’re not from around here. I figured you might need a hand with the power going out and all, but I see from the nice fire you got going you two are doin’ alright.”

“Yes, we’re keeping quite warm,” I say, a glint in my eye as I nod at Mackenzie. She doesn’t even blush, just smiles quietly over the back of the couch at us.

“I’ve been telling the Lancaster’s to get a generator for this sort of thing since it happens so often, but they’re big city types that don’t understand the weather up here.”

“I see.” I get the feeling that if I let him, Billy will talk our ears off, and that is the absolute last thing I currently want to happen. But, I’m nothing if not polite. “Can I get you a coffee or something else warm to drink? You look a bit like a snowman.”

He waves me off jovially. “Oh no, I need to get back out there. I’m helping out with the plowing of the main roads as much as I can. Can’t beat the old snowcat for getting around the snow and ice.” He holds a gloved hand out for me to shake. “Anyway, glad to see you two are doing okay. Don’t forget to call if you need anything.”

“Will do,” I say, shutting the door behind him as he leaves, the howling wind resigned to the outdoors once again.

I lean back against the wood frame, taking in the sight of Mackenzie smiling at me from the couch. Her lips are a bit swollen from our kisses, and her cheeks are still flushed from exertion. The muss of her long hair only accentuates her sexiness. She bites her bottom lip suggestively, and my dick responds right away like we were never interrupted.

“So, where were we?” I ask, heading back to the couch.

fifteen

. . .

Lonely Bitch

Mackenzie

“So, where were we?” Ian asks, coming back to me on the couch. Like either of us could really forget. He leans over the back and brushes his lips against mine so softly it’s more breath than contact, and it gives me shivers. “Right about there, if I’m not mistaken.”

I smile against him briefly but lean back, my mind finally catching up with my body. Yes, I’ve always thought Ian was attractive, and even more so now that I’ve gotten to know him better, but this is a dangerous line we’re about to cross.

It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve hooked up with someone from the industry. It’s fairly commonplace, considering the nature of our jobs and the close proximity we have to each other at times. Especially on the road. Sometimes, you take what you can get when you’re in the mood.

Not that I bed or bus hop. Quite the opposite. If asked, most would tell you I’m a prude since I suck so much at flirting and turn most people down. But I’m not. I’m just extremely selective. And discreet.

But this feels different.

Am I feeling this way because we’re basically trapped together right now? Am I just killing time in a very pleasant and sexy way? Is it because he rescued me yesterday? I feel like I owe him somehow? I don’t think I would do that. Or is it the pain meds? Am I not in my right mind?

I evaluate myself quickly and feel as though I am in control of my faculties. So, it’s not that. At least I don’t think it is. How would I know?

Could it be that I’m catching feelings for Ian? I don’t usually do feelings. It’s too complicated and messy. One, I don’t have time for it. And, two, I don’t fucking have time for it. My job is my life. I don’t have the energy or the inclination to be responsible for someone else’s feelings at the moment. I don’t want to console someone who doesn’t understand me and how I tick.

“Hey, you okay?” he asks, searching my eyes.

I swallow hard, not understanding why this situation has me so mixed up. It should be pretty cut and dry. I don’t know why this feels like new territory for me. “We probably need to talk about this.”

He arches a brow but rounds the couch to sit next to me, giving me his full attention. “Okay, what would you like to talk about?”

I stare at him, a little dumbfounded. Does he not see a problem with what we’re doing? Of course not. He’s a guy. Nothing is ever complicated until you spell it out and give a diagram or list with bullet points, or a fucking PowerPoint presentation. Then they get it. Usually.

Ian isn’t stupid, he should get this.

“Do you not think we should talk about what just happened?” I ask, willing him to not be typical. Trying to manifest a real complex human in him.

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