When I brought her water over, I saw she’d propped some of the pillows from the sofa onto the floor. I sat down beside her and watched the fire spread from the kindling to the logs.
“Of all the cabins on the ranch, this has always been my favorite.”
“Yeah? How come?”
She shrugged. “I can’t really say. It’s just got a nice feel to it.”
I put my arm around her and snuggled her close to me. “I’ve had a condo in DC for several years. I haven’t spent much time there for the last couple, but even before that, it never felt as warm and inviting as this place. Probably because you’ve made it feel that way.”
I loved the way her cheeks turned pink whenever I complimented her.
“Flynn, I need to tell you—”
“Paxon, I swear to God, if you’re about to tell me we can only be friends again—”
I cut her off with another kiss and then rested my forehead against hers. “No, sweetheart. That wasn’t what I was going to say.”
“Anything remotely close to that?”
I shook my head.
“Okay, go ahead and say whatever it is.”
“I told you earlier that things were going to be hectic for the next few days. As much as I know I’ll want to spend time with you, I may not have much of it to spare.”
“You don’t have to explain. I understand.” She rested her head on my shoulder and sighed.
“I feel like there’s something else you want to say.”
“There’s a lot, actually.”
I slid down so I was lying on the floor rather than sitting up, rested my head on the pillow, and brought Flynn with me. I kept my arm around her, and she turned and put her arm around my waist.
“I’m ready to hear whatever you have to say, Flynn.”
She took a deep breath. “I unloaded a lot of stuff on you earlier. I hope you aren’t feeling sorry for me.”
I turned to face her. “I’m not. I promise.”
“I’m sure you know my story already since it’s Buck’s story too, but my mother died when I was three years old.”
“I did know that.”
“My father never remarried, so I grew up with four brothers and a dad who didn’t seem to care whether I had a female role model. I wasn’t lying when I said I never wore dresses. The one I had on at the Flying R was the first one I ever owned.”
“Is this the second?” I asked, running my fingers across its bodice.
When Flynn shuddered, I moved my hand away. She put it back, and I smiled. “It’s the third. Actually, it’s one of many.”
“Each one prettier than the one before it.” This time, instead of running my finger over the fabric, I touched her skin where the two met. Flynn leaned forward, and I kissed her, pulling her so her body rested on mine.
“I’m too heavy,” she said, attempting to move away, but I wouldn’t let her.
“You’re perfect.”
She lowered her gaze. “I’m the furthest thing from it.”
I put my finger on her chin and raised her face so I could see her eyes. “You’re perfect,” I repeated. “Every part of you is. Not just your beautiful face.” I touched her lips with my finger. “Or your body that makes me want to hold it next to me whenever I’m with you.” I trailed my fingers along her dress like I had a minute ago and then rested my hand just below her shoulder. “This is the most beautiful part of all. I knew as soon as I met you that you had a kind heart.”
“I felt the same about you.”
“Sometimes, I wonder if there’s anything left of mine.”
She put her hand on my left pec. “It’s whole, Paxon.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Same way you’re sure mine is kind.” She rested her head on my chest. “Tell me about your life before this mission.”
It was hard to remember there was a “before,” and I said so. “My life before I joined the CIA was pretty dull. My dad died when I was eight. My mom died not long after I graduated from college. No brothers or sisters, not even cousins.”
“Did you have a lot of friends in school?”
“Nah. I was more of a loner.”
“Like me, although probably for a different reason.”
“I’ve never been much of a talker. People probably figured I was an asshole, so they didn’t bother trying to get to know me.”
“Seems like you have a lot of friends now.”
“Friends? I don’t know about that. Work colleagues.”
“What about Cope?”
I laughed. “I guess he’s my friend. Although, when I first met him, I couldn’t stand him.”
“Tell me why.”
We talked until well past midnight, only stopping every so often to get lost in more kisses. Every time she said she should go, I held her tight, not wanting her to leave. Finally, we both fell asleep.
When I woke, the sun was coming up. Flynn’s back was to my front, and I had my arm around her waist. When I moved it, her eyes opened and she stretched.
“What time is it?” she asked.
“Almost six.”
I expected her to say she had to rush off, but she smiled up at me.
“Do you know how much I wish I could spend the whole day with you? Tonight too?”
“As much as I’d like to spend it with you, Paxon.”
I held out my hand, she took it, and I pulled her to her feet. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but are you supposed to be at the dining hall?”
She smiled and wrapped her arms around my waist. “Today is my day off.”
I put my arms around her and groaned. “Now I really wish I could take the day off too.”
She leaned up and kissed me. “It’s okay. I have plans this morning anyway.”
“Yeah?”
“I’m having breakfast with two friends in Gunnison.”
I loved how pleased she sounded. “Who are they?”
That question made her cheeks turn pink. “Nina and Lucy. They’re the ones who helped me pick out new clothes and fix my hair.”
I brushed the wisps from her face, kissed each of her eyelids, the tip of her nose, and her lips. I stopped myself from continuing down the side of her neck, knowing then I’d be starting something neither of us was ready for.
“Do you think you’ll be working all night?” she asked.
“I hope not, but it depends on how much we’re able to accomplish today.”
“If you happen to quit early, maybe I could come over.”
“I would love it. How late is early?”
She laughed. “Text me when you’re finishing up, and if I’m still awake, that’ll be early.”
When Flynn left, I climbed into the coldest shower I could stand. When I got out and looked in the mirror, I hardly recognized the man staring back at me. I’d so rarely seen him smile.
“You’re in a good mood this morning,” said Ali, nudging me with her arm when I came out of the cabin and saw her and Cope waiting for me.
“You can tell that just by looking at my face?”
“Yep,” answered Cope. “Not to mention that when we got up, she looked out the window and saw Buck’s sister doing the walk of shame right after sunrise.”