FALLON
DAY 5
I rollover in Levi’s bed, pulling the covers up to block out the sun. It was a middle-of-the-night decision that I might regret when I end up addicted to his touch. I shouldn’t enjoy pressing my body against his for warmth, but I do.
Each time he pulls me against his chest, I remind myself that this is only temporary and not to get attached. Truthfully, I haven’t slept this good in what feels like decades. We may start on separate sides of the mattress, but eventually, he covers me with his warmth and holds me tight.
Regardless, none of it changes the fact I’m leaving in nine days. I’ll go home and finish my article, it’ll be published, and I’ll put this whole Christmas adventure behind me. I just hope my boss understands the sacrifices I’ve made to save this story when it’s time for a promotion. He knows I want the senior editor position more than anything.
I give up trying to fall back to sleep and force myself out of bed. Once I’m dressed, I go downstairs. Smells of freshly brewed coffee waft through the air. I quickly make my way to the kitchen where a shirtless Levi stands in front of the stove. Dasher’s in his usual position, begging at his feet. And as much as I don’t want to admit it, I’ve already fallen in love with that spoiled fur ball.
Levi notices me and offers me a cup of coffee with a smile. “Good morning.”
“Same to you.”
I sit at the bar as he cooks.
“Are you excited to get out today? I thought I’d show you around the family farm and introduce you to everyone. Give you a proper tour around the place.”
“Can’t wait,” I say because I’m going somewhat stir-crazy. However, I’m not looking forward to the holiday spirit being shoved down my throat all day.
Levi and I quickly eat. After checking the forecast, I decide to add more layers. I make sure my boots are tied securely around my ankles because the last thing I need is to bust my ass on the ice and snow.
After I slide on my gloves, we head toward the Christmas tree farm with Dasher in tow. The roads are cleared now, and I notice how much snow is piled on the sides. Proof I made the right decision to leave the airport.
I stare at the large pines that line the hillside and the fog that hovers above the ponds we pass. Once we arrive at the farm, I plan to take some photos for the article. I capture a few pictures with my phone and quickly review them, knowing it would make a beautiful postcard. It’d probably have some Christmas phrase underneath it like—Dashing through the Snowor’Tis the Season to be Merry. I laugh at the thought.
“What’s funny?” Levi asks as Dasher lies on me.
“Just thinking how cliché everything is here. It almost doesn’t seem real.”
“Is that a good or a bad thing?” he asks hesitantly.
“That’s still to be determined,” I admit. “When my first flight was delayed, I googled the town. I remember thinking about how the pictures looked like a classic movie green screen. Now that I’m here and viewing it with my own eyes, it’s surprisingly…breathtaking.”
“It is, but I think sometimes I take it all for granted. Though I couldn’t imagine being stuck in a city when places like this exist in the world.”
I contemplate his words, but I’m too stubborn to admit he’s right. “But there’s delivery,” I say, “evenif there’s snow.”
Levi laughs. “I guess that’s true, but Seattle’s measly six-inch average is nothing in comparison. So tell me what you like most about living there and don’t say delivery.”
“Why? Thinking about moving to the city, country boy?”
“Countryman.Trust me when I say there is noboyhere,” he puffs out his chest, and his gruff voice has me swallowing hard. I know more than anything he’sall man. My gaze trails from the scruff on his chin to his plump lips until I eventually meet his blue eyes.
“You were saying?” The cocky smirk on his face makes me forget what we were even talking about.
I stutter, trying to find my words as I notice the bulge in his jeans. Maybe his cock likes my attitude after all. Getting under his skin has been some of the hottest foreplay I’ve experienced in a long time. I nervously laugh as I remember how hung he is. And he wasn’t even hard.
“I don’t remember what we were talking about,” I mutter, just as my phone vibrates. I thank my lucky stars that my sister has come to my rescue.
“Hey!” I answer, my voice an octave higher than usual.
“Did I interrupt something?” she suspiciously asks.
“What? No.”
“You’re not having sex with the hot lumberjack?” she whispers like he might hear her. And hell, maybe he can, considering he’s sitting two feet from me.