Free Slim To None (Cedar Tree #1) by Freya Barker

she slid her hands under his shirt.
    An out of body experience, that was the only way to describe what she just had. Her entire body was tingling and warm; super sensitized. She felt like any touch would send sparks flying. Before her mind had a chance to engage and interrupt her post-orgasmic bliss with self-deprecating thoughts, he gave her the “Peach” speech, which would have had her in tears if he hadn't kissed the stuffing out of her before she had a chance.
    Suddenly realizing her boneless and satisfied condition, versus his raging boner and state of dress, she lifted up on her elbow.
    "How come I'm stark naked and you are still wearing every stitch of clothing?"
    "Well that's easily resolved." Pulling his shirt over his head, he revealed a very tempting broad, firm chest with a decent sprinkling of dark and grey hair, as well as a set of big muscular shoulders, both adorned with very unexpected tattoos that curved onto his back as well.
    Eager to explore, she ran her fingers through the course hair on his chest, slightly pinching his nipple as she passed by it, which caused him to hiss between his teeth; Something for her to keep in mind. Hungry for more skin to run her hands over, she started unbuckling his belt, but just as she was about to lower his zipper to explore the promise she felt there, firm knocking came from the front door, interrupting their sensual haze...SHIT!
    *****
    "S orry to interrupt, folks."  Ralph said, looking back and forth between Gus, who had quickly slipped his shirt back on to answer the door, and Emma, who was just coming out of the bathroom where she had disappeared to with her discarded clothes to try and make herself somewhat presentable. "Frank asked me to check in on my rounds to make sure everything was quiet here. When I didn't see any cars parked out front, but a light on inside, I thought I'd check it out."
    "Pulled my truck into the treeline so it wouldn't be too obvious from the road. I'm bunking here tonight though, so you can tell Frank there is no need to worry about Emma." Gus intended his message to be clear. He wasn't about to leave Emma's side, and he didn't appreciate the glances Ralph was shooting in her direction.
    "Well, I guess I'll be on my way then since everything here seems to be under control." With a stiff nod in Gus's direction and a hat tip to Emma, Ralph made his exit. Gus stood in the doorway until the taillights of the patrol car disappeared down the road.
    Closing the door, he turned around to find the living room and kitchen empty. Turning off the lights and making sure everything was locked down for the night, he made his way to the bedroom. He found Emma curled on her side, her back to the door. Shedding his clothes, and leaving only his boxer briefs on, he slid under the covers behind her, fitting himself against her warm body, his nose in her neck.
    "We are not done, but I still have your taste on my lips, your smell in my nose, and with you to snuggle up against me; I'm a satisfied man. Can I just hold you tonight?"

Chapter 7
    ––––––––
    "T he spot I've seen that truck waiting is just twenty or so yards back from the intersection, up ahead where we turn left to go to Cortez. " Emma told Gus as they drove into Cortez the next morning to check Emma's mailbox. They also planned to meet up with Joe Morris at the County Sheriff's Office to touch base and check on any progress.
    Emma had woken up earlier with the smell of coffee wafting out from the kitchen; momentarily catching her off guard until she remembered the events of the night before and the presence of a warm and very comfortable body wrapped around her all night.  Her sleep had been deep and delicious, and although customarily sore when she woke up, the strong arm wrapped around her and the big hand grasping her boob, more than made up for that.
    She had been lying there for a while, fighting the need to get to the bathroom, just delighting in the sound of slight snoring