“Amused,” I say, “really fucking amused.”
He shrugs and glances back at his book. “I’m in a good mood, what can I say. I’m warm, my testicles finally decided to descend back to their normal position, and I know I never have to get in that fucking water again.” After a few seconds, he adds, “And watching you pace is very entertaining.”
“I’m sure it is,” I say, “and I’m thrilled you got your nuts back.”
He laughs. “Me too. I was really worried there for a while. Of course, I guess it’s more important that you have working balls tonight. I’m assuming yours came back down too?”
“Jesus,” I groan while he has another laugh at my expense.
“I’ll make sure and use my soundproof headphones tonight.”
“Thanks,” I tell him, because that’s actually not a bad idea. I’m not entirely sure what all Sitka’s going to want to do, but Iplan on enjoying every second of whatever she decides to give me, and I want a warm bed and an entire night to savor it.
“Don’t mention it, Pop-Tart.”
“That’s not my new nickname,” I tell him.
He makes a noncommittal hmph noise, and before I can warn him that the Pop-Tart detail will not be leaving Oregon, I catch sight of Sitka running towards me. Her dark hair blows in the wind, and the smile on her face makes my chest fucking ache.
God, I’ve fallen completely in love with this woman.
The realization doesn’t even scare me. It feels too right for me to be terrified at the idea of falling in love so quickly or at such a young age. I feel grateful. Instead of having to spend decades trying to find her, I get her from the very beginning. We’ll get to experience everything together. Only her. No one else.
“Hey,” she says when I open the door and then immediately wrap my arms around her small body, tugging her against me so I can feel every detail.
“Hey,” I murmur against her hair. “How’d you manage to get over here again?”
She looks up and meets my eyes. “My mom and grandma dropped me off.”
Surprised, I say, “They know?”
“Yeah, my mom figured it out. She’s not going to say anything to my dad yet, but she won’t lie for us.”
“I would never want her to,” I say. Brushing a strand of hair off her cheek, I tuck it behind her ear before grabbing her bag and shutting the door. When she grabs my ass, I grin and give her a wink.
“Hey, Sitka,” Ev says from the chair.
She quickly yanks her hand back. “Hey, Ev. I didn’t see you over there.”
I watch as a soft blush creeps up her cheeks, unable to stop the soft laugh that escapes.
“Thanks for the warning,” she whispers.
“Don’t mind me,” Ev says, already standing and gathering up his books. “I’m really tired after this morning, so I’m going to head to my room for the night.” He walks by the small kitchen and stops long enough to make a point of grabbing a snack. Looking at me, he holds up the box of Pop-Tarts. “Can’t forget my snack, can I?”
Sitka tells him goodnight and then looks over at me. “Man, your cousin really loves Pop-Tarts.”
“He’s taken a very recent liking to them, yes.” Grabbing her hand, I lace my fingers through hers and lead her down the hall to my room. Ev’s already shut his door, and I quickly do the same to mine.
As soon as the lock clicks, Sitka’s running a hand under my shirt and pulling me closer. Fingers drag along my back, sending a shiver down my spine and making my heart race in anticipation.
“Damien,” she whispers, using her other hand to fist the collar of my shirt and pull me closer, hovering her lips near mine. “I want our first time to be in a warm bed.” I groan when her short nails dig in a little harder. “But I want our second time to be in the woods.”
“Fuck,” I groan, tightening my grip on her, already so hard I can barely think. “Are you sure, Sitka? You know I’ll wait as long as you want, right?”
“I know, but I don’t want to wait.” Her nails stop dragging along my back, freezing in place as she looks up at me. Instead of the desire I’d just seen on her face, I see hesitation.
“What’s wrong?” With her face in my hands, I keep her close to me, worried she’s having second thoughts and feeling pressured.
