“Holy shit,” I mumble.
“That the spot?”
“Oh, holy shit.” I fist the linens and lift my legs. When he slides out, slow as can be, and then inside once more, I see more stars and completely explode.
“Fuck, yes,” he says, his body tight with the tension of his release.
“I really have to express my gratitude,” I swallow hard as he rolls to the side. “For the immense discomfort you must have gone through to get that piercing. Because holy hell, it does something for me.”
He laughs and scratches his fingers over the stubble on his chin. “It was a nightmare back in the day. Hurt like a bitch, and took about six months to heal.”
“Good God, I would have taken it out.”
“Well, what would have been the point of that? I just would have gone through the pain for nothing. Once it healed, it was fine.”
“I can’t even have earrings in my ears.” I yawn into my hand. “They get infected.”
“Haven’t I seen you in earrings?” he asks.
“They’re clip-ons.” I sit up and let the sheet fall around my waist, exposing my breasts to the cool morning air.
Hunter leans over to circle my nipple with the tip of his tongue and then draws it between his teeth but doesn’t bite down hard.
“I need to get ready,” I tell him.
“For what?”
“I have three showings this morning, and then I have to work at the pub this evening.”
“That’s a long day,” he comments as I stand from the bed and begin gathering the clothes I plan to wear today. “Are you still okay with it?”
“With what? Working a full day?”
“I guess.”
I glance over at him. “What’s the alternative?”
“I’m just throwing it out there that you don’t have to work two jobs.”
“I didn’t have to before, Hunter. I like the pub, and I like to sell houses. I have time for both.”
“I’m just clarifying that it’s what you still want.”
“Yep. I enjoy it all.”
I walk into the bathroom and turn on the shower so the water can warm up. I’ve never considered giving up either of my jobs. Keegan needs me at the pub, and it’s only a few nights a week.
And real estate is my passion.
I’ll do both for as long as I possibly can.
Hunter strolls into the bathroom and wraps his arms around me from behind, kissing my neck as he steps into my hot shower.
“Hey! I had that running for me.”
“Finders keepers.” He winks and tips his head back to wet his hair. “You’re welcome to join me.”
“I don’t have time for more fun.” I cross my arms over my naked chest and tap my toe. “You know, your work question kind of pissed me off.”
“Why?” He clears the steam from the shower door and frowns at me. “It was just a question. I don’t want you to burn out.”
“Because I’ve had the two jobs since before I met you. For quite a while, actually. And I juggle both just fine. I like it.”
“Then you should keep doing it. I just wanted to point out that you don’t have to if you’re doing it for financial reasons.”
“Do you think I’m poor because I work at the pub?”
“I don’t think you’re hurting,” he says, thinking it over. “That wasn’t my point.”
“I made over half a million last year from real estate,” I inform him. “I do just fine. I work at the pub because I enjoy my family. It’s that simple.”
“Wow, good for you.” Hunter clears the steam again and grins at me. “That’s awesome. You’re good at it.”
“Yes. I am. And even if I was struggling financially, I wouldn’t just assume that I could quit one of my jobs and live off you. I’m not a gold digger.”
“Okay.” He opens the door, grabs my wrist, and yanks me into the shower with him. He presses me against the cool tile and tips up my chin. “That wasn’t some kind of fucked-up test, Maeve. I know who you are. You said you’d slept really well, and you look a little tired today. I only want to make sure you’re not burning out. End of story.”
“Sorry for getting prickly. I guess Carla’s comment pissed me off more than I realized.”
“Don’t let it. It doesn’t matter what she says or what she thinks.”
“You’re right.” He moves under the spray to rinse his hair. “Now, hurry up. I have work to do.”
“Do you have time to meet the builder with me today?” he asks, surprising me.
“Sure. What time?”
“In about an hour?”
I juggle some things around in my head. “Actually, that works. I have a showing only about a block from here. You know that blue house just down the street?”
“I know it.”
“I can come back here after that. Actually, do you mind popping in there when you’re ready for me?”
His eyes narrow on me. “You know I don’t mind, but why?”