“I want to make sure it was good for you.”
“It was acceptable.”
Her lips press together.
“Acceptable.” My chest rattles with laughter. “Look, I get that I’m competing with your book boyfriends. But, acceptable? Really?”
“Are you intimidated by fictional characters?” she asks dryly.
“Hell yeah, I am.” I grin. “Those fuckers go all night. They’re animals. No, worse really. They’re like little wind-up toys that crank out orgasms and erections.”
I laugh at my own joke. I can’t help it. But that’s the wrong move because Rosalie’s frown is back.
“Look, if you’re not into this, I’ll just take care of myself tonight.”
She huffs and steps back out of my arms.
She’s so damn worked up. I wonder if she’s nervous? It’s cute, though I wouldn’t dare tell her that. I’m not a total idiot.
“What? I’m not making fun. I’m impressed. I wish my equipment worked like that. Though, if it did you might have trouble walking tomorrow.”
“I know they’re unrealistic. That’s the whole point.” Her gaze drops from mine as she whispers. “Just don’t make fun of my books, okay.”
“I’m not.” I tip her chin up and rub the pad of my thumb along her cheek. “If there’s anyone to make fun of, it’s me. I just spent the last ninety minutes moving stolen hay bales into the shed so I could fuck you again.”
She softens. “You stole hay bales for me?”
I’d do a lot more if she asked.
Tugging her back into my arms, I place a gentle kiss on her forehead.
Her nose crinkles.
“I stink, don’t I?”
“A little,” she admits with a huff of nervous laughter.
“Go get Mr. Darcy.” I take a step back to put her nostrils out of their misery. “I’ll only be a few minutes. Promise. Then we’re reenacting that scene.” My tone comes out more like a threat than a promise and I quickly amend. “Unless you changed your mind? We don’t have to do anything you aren’t comfortable with, but I at least want you to see my handiwork. Stroke my ego and tell me I did a good job setting the scene.”
“Stroke your ego, huh?”
Amongst other things, I hope.
“Please.” I take a few more steps backward, steepling my hands together.
“I guess it’s the least I can do after all that hay you stole.”
“Right?” I’m relieved to see her teasing smile return. “I might be facing charges. Jail time even.”
“Right.” She rolls her eyes. “And Jackson?”
“Yeah?”
“I haven’t.” Her eyes darken. “Changed my mind, that is.”
Oh, thank fuck.
I takethe quickest shower known to man, and minutes later, I’m leading Rosalie outside. We’re ten steps off the porch when the clouds that have been swirling in the sky most of the late afternoon take this opportunity to open.
