Page 85 of Twice as Tempting

Damian’s head was covered by his sweatshirt, but his bottom half was still naked. “I was just inside of you, babe. Of course it’s real!” came his muffled response.

“Not that! I’m talking about this rug.”

“Oh,” he said drily while he pulled up his jeans. “Probably. Jim’s a hunter, so I wouldn’t be surprised. You ready to go?”

“Yes and no,” she said, meeting his eyes. “Everything’s been so wonderful, I hate to leave this place.”

“We’re only leaving to eat, Kell, and then we’ll come right back.”

She perked up. “So, we’re staying here tonight?”

“Hell yeah. I didn’t plan on leaving until tomorrow anyway, and I don’t want you driving home in the dark.”

Kelly glanced out the window and noticed that it was already dusk. Now that it was November, the days were getting shorter, and soon winter would arrive. “Good idea,” she said and accepted his hand as he led her from the room.

A few minutes later, they were in his truck, bumping down the gravel road. “If I’m going to stay tonight, I’ll need to stop at a store after dinner and get a few things,” Kelly said.

“Like what?”

“Like fresh underwear and a toothbrush.”

Damian tilted his head back and let out a loud chortle. “It’s only one night, Kell,” he said.

“Still, I’m not wearing the same underwear two days in a row! That’s just gross. And I absolutely have to have a toothbrush.”

Damian chuckled some more. “Why can’t you just use mine?”

“What, your underwear or your toothbrush?”

“My toothbrush.” When she scrunched up her face, he added, “Your mouth was on my…”

Kelly held up her hand. “I know, I know, but that’s not as bad as using somebody’s toothbrush.”

“I will never understand women.”

“Good thing you don’t have to, because, from now on, you only have to understand one woman, me!”

“Point taken,” he said and reached over to clasp her hand. “Ok. After dinner, we’ll stop at a store where you can buy underwear and a toothbrush.”

“Oh, and while we’re there, I might as well buy deodorant too.”

Damian shot her a sideways glance, but he didn’t argue.

“Well, I didn’t come prepared,” she explained. “I was in such a hurry to get to you that I didn’t take the time to pack a bag. Plus, I wasn’t sure that you’d even want me to stay.”

Damian swallowed hard. “Man, I was such a jerk. I’m so sorry, Kelly.”

Kelly squeezed his hand. “Let’s just put it behind us, ok? From now on, let’s promise to talk things out, no matter what. No more running off to cabins in the woods, or to California, or to Alaska, or anyplace else, ok?”

“I promise,” he said firmly.

They rode in silence for a while after that while continuing to hold hands. As they neared the commercial section of West Branch, Damian asked her what she’d like to eat.

“A big, juicy steak,” she responded immediately. “With fries and a side salad. On second thought, skip the salad. Oh, and an ice-cold beer!”

“That’s my girl!” he said proudly.

When Damian pulled into the parking lot of Lumberjack Food & Spirits, Kelly smiled. “We’re definitely Up North,” she said as they walked into the restaurant. The atmosphere was warm and rustic, with the lodge-style décor that was typical of many restaurants in this part of the state.