“New things?”
His smile is sly and full of anticipation. “Oh, yes.”
“Let’s skip dinner altogether.”
Not only did we not skip dinner, but we inhaled every bite of the lasagna and garlic bread the caretaker dropped off.
It was delicious.
“Let’s take a walk,” he suggests, holding his hand out for mine. “We’ll work off some of this food.”
“You’re going to have to roll me around,” I inform him. “I don’t know if I can even fit into my shoes, I’m so full.”
“I have faith.”
We set off on foot down a trail that leads away from the house and into the woods.
“Isn’t it going to be dark soon?”
“We have a couple of hours,” he says. “And this doesn’t go far. Trust me.”
The walk is relatively flat if a little windy as we work our way through the forest. Ferns line the path on either side.
“I half expect to see magical faeries flying around,” I say with a laugh. “It’s beautiful back here.”
“I know what you mean. It’s a peaceful spot, that’s for sure.”
He guides me around a bend, and then we start to climb up a little bluff. When we finally reach the top, we can see the cabin down below, and an even more incredible view of the mountains.
I didn’t even know that was possible.
“Wow.” I sit on a rock and stare as the sun casts a pink glow on the mountains before us. “This is quite a show, Mr. O’Callaghan.”
“One I’m happy to give you whenever you’d like to see it.” He sits next to me and pulls me into him to cuddle me close.
This is a beautiful place. A special one. And I’m grateful to be here with him. We sit in silence until the mountains are purple rather than pink, and then Shawn kisses my temple.
“We should go. The sun will set quickly now.”
“I don’t want to get eaten by a bear,” I announce as I hop off the rock and begin the descent down the bluff. “I’m just not good bear food. Not delicious in the least.”
“On that, we’ll have to disagree. Because I think you’re absolutely delectable,” he says. “And I plan to feast on you when we get back.”
“Well, you’re not quite the same as a bear.”
“I can be when I’m in a mood.”
I laugh and kiss his hand. “True.”
“What did you think of your first hike?”
“We hiked?”
“We’re walking in the great outdoors. What else would you call it?”
“Huh. I guess I hiked. I admit, I’m pretty damn good at it.”
“You sound surprised.”
“I’m shocked.”
I glance back at the trail and see that the shadows are growing longer and deeper.
It’s creepy as hell.
“But did you enjoy it?”
“Yes.” I breathe a sigh of relief when we walk out of the tree line and I see the house. “I did. Especially the company.”
“Good. Because we’re doing it again tomorrow.”
“What happened to us relaxing all weekend?”
“This is relaxing.”
Chapter 9
~Lexi~
I wake up the same way I’ve woken every day since Shawn and I started sleeping together. Naked. Groggy. And deliciously sore.
Last night after our hike, we enjoyed some time in the hot tub. I don’t even own a bathing suit, whether in Seattle or Minnesota, so it was a naked dip in the tub. And, of course, it quickly turned sexy.
One thing about having a physical relationship with a younger man is that he never tires of being physical.
Or maybe I’ve just been with men in the past who were lazy when it came to being intimate. That could certainly be the case.
And Shawn O’Callaghan is not lazy.
Coming here was a great idea. As he said, we did work hard all week and made great progress on the project. Taking a couple of days off is good for the soul.
I need to recharge.
And this is a lesson I’ll take home with me when I leave. I usually work every day in some capacity. I need to remember to take time to rest.
“Good morning.”
I open my eyes and grin at the sight of Shawn standing next to the bed, holding a tray.
“You’re a morning person,” I say as I sit up, wrap the bedding around me, and lean against the wooden headboard. Shawn sets the food on the mattress and sits next to me.
“I always have been,” he confirms as I reach for the coffee. I take a long sip and sigh in happiness. “I love it when you make that noise.”
“Coffee makes me happy.”
“Hmm.” He gestures to the food he prepared. “You should eat. You’re going to need your strength today.”
I feel the sly grin spreading over my face. “Oh, really?”
Shawn laughs and leans in to kiss my cheek. “Yes, for that too. But playtime is later. First, we’re going on another hike.”
“Did I mention that I’m not outdoorsy?” I open my mouth when he holds a forkful of eggs up to my lips.
“You did great last night. You even liked it.”
I nod and take a bite of toast.
“Being out in nature is great for inspiration,” he continues. “If I’m stuck on a project, I take a walk. It clears my head, and I’m usually able to figure out the scene.”
“I used to do the same with running.” I sip my coffee. “And then life got crazy. My dad died, and Mom needed me more. I had deadlines. Everything was just a mess. I got out of the habit, and running just didn’t seem terribly important anymore. Sorry, I’m babbling.”
“I like it when you babble,” he says and eats a strawberry. “I’m sorry about your father.”
“Me, too. He was a great person. Funny. He was damn smart, too.”
“And he passed that down to his daughter.”
I feel myself flush. “You give me too much credit.”
“And perhaps you don’t give yourself enough,” he says. “But before we get too philosophical, we should get ready for our hike.”
“You’re really going to make me go.”
He nods as he finishes his coffee. “It’ll be great. Trust me.”
“I must trust you if I’m actually entertaining the idea.” I lift my arms over my head and stretch, letting the linens fall around my hips in hopes that it’ll distract Shawn from this hiking idea.
He reaches out and circles my nipple with his fingertip but doesn’t take it any further. He stands and gathers the tray.
“Come on, let’s get going. The sooner we get started, the sooner we get back.”
I blow out a breath. “Fine.”
He laughs as he leaves me alone in the room. I take my time getting dressed and pulling my dark hair back in a short ponytail. My hair isn’t long. It’s just easier to take care of when it barely hits my shoulders.
When I’m ready for the day, I meet up with Shawn, who’s already outside on the front porch, leaning against a support.