I pocket my phone, heading back into the kitchen. She turns when she hears me, her whole face lighting up. She comes over to me, dropping her head back for a kiss while handing me a cup of coffee at the same time. Fuck me.
“I made omelettes today.”
“Sounds good.”
She heads back over towards the stove. “Word of warning—my brother could show up at any time.”
“I’ll have to meet them at some point. Rather sooner than later.” I can tell she’s a little nervous about this. Why, I’m not sure.
“They tend to scare off anyone that shows an interest in me.”
“I like them already then.”
Precious snorts a laugh. I’m not going to get mad about her brothers making sure no man is trying to get at her.
“I think you fall into that category.” She points the spatula at me.
“I wouldn't let your brothers run me off. If I did, I don’t deserve you.” That isn’t a lie. “That said, I don’t think you’d let your brothers get rid of anything if you truly wanted it.”
Her eyes widen for a moment, realizing the truth in my words. No, she's never had her brothers chasing off someone who she gave a shit about. Precious doesn't do anything she doesn't want to.
“You’re right.” She turns, plating my omelette to bring over to me.
I snag her around the waist, pulling her between my legs. “Last night meant more to me than you’ll ever know.” She puts her hands on my chest. “I promised you I’d never hurt you.”
“I didn’t think you would.” I love how she gives me her trust. “Now eat. We have to swing by my place.” I dig in, eating the best omelette of my life. Dread hangs over me as Precious gets dressed.
“Duke, you coming?” I whistle for him as we head out the door. I am going to leave him with her. I wish I knew how long I was going to be gone. That might make this easier. But those details are never shared in advance. You get the call, you go, and you do what you have to for as long as it takes to get the job done.
“He’s such a good boy.” Precious opens the truck door, letting Duke jump in. “It’s such a nice day. It’s hard to believe that it’s been storming these past few days based on today.”
“I’ll have to show you around.”
“You have four wheelers?” Her eyes light up with excitement. I do, but if I didn't I would buy thousands of them if it made her have that look on her face.
“I do.”
“Oh, let’s do that.” My eyes drift between her legs. She’s got jeans on now but I’m not sure that a four-wheeler is a good idea. I worry that she’s sore. Not that I can take her out right now but when we get back.
“My vagina is fine.” She smacks my arm. “Though I wouldn't stop you from kissing it.” Her teasing makes me smile but rips at my insides. I don't want to leave. My girl is beginning to come out of her shell, showing me the kind of life she would give us. It would be filled with her happy sweetness. She fills up the quiet, making me feel settled for the first time in a long time.
“My cabin is still standing.” She hops out of the truck. The cabin has seen many storms. I wish it was flattened, then she’d have to stay with me permanently. That’s a bridge I’ll cross when I get back. I grab her bag, following her inside. “Found it on the sofa.” She holds up her phone. Her eyes drop to my bag. “Are we not staying at your place?” I set her bag down on the love seat.
“I’ve got to handle some work,” I admit. Her smile drops for a moment.
“Bow, I know you have work. You own a whole farm. I can help if you want.” She drops her phone back down, coming over to me.
“This I gotta do alone.” I pull her into me. “Will you keep an eye on Duke for me?”
“Of course. I can’t promise that he won’t favor me when you get back.”
“I can’t say I blame him.” She’s making this too easy. It’s ripping me apart. I don’t want to leave her for a second. I’ve gone so long without human touch that I’m starved for it. Not just anyone. It’s only hers that I want for the rest of my life.
I want to see that smile on her face every day for as long as I’m still breathing. I reach up, brushing a piece of hair from her face, committing every detail of her beautiful face to memory, knowing that I’ll need the memories to keep me going while we’re apart. I lean down, kissing her. Her little body pushes into mine. I lift her, holding her close.