put on the heater while I put all our stuff in the backseat.”
It didn’t take long for the truck to get nice and toasty. Rand shook out the bag and blanket, folded them, and grabbed the small cooler. Soon he had them on the way back to the cabin.
“I’ll drop you off and head home to get some sleep tonight. Tomorrow evening dress up for a fancy dinner. We’ll go into Wagon Wheel.”
“I’m looking forward to it. I’m going to be an expensive date. I plan on being hungry.”
“I think I can afford you. Which property did you like best?”
“They’re both nice. You have to decide. It’ll be your house. The first one is closer to town.”
“I’m leaning toward the second property. I like the trees and that some of the land isn’t so flat. Of course now it also has a fantastic memory for me.”
“Whoever you marry might not like to know about that memory.”
“We’ll see.”
He kissed her good night in the truck and waved after she was safe inside. Marian locked the door and went into the bathroom to shower. Warm water soothed all her muscles from the activity on the hard ground. She smiled, remembering. She was getting in deeper each time they were together. But she couldn’t or didn’t want to stop herself. If he let her leave, she’d manage somehow.
* * * *
Rand let himself in to his apartment. He was bone tired but happy. He and Marian fit together like a pair of gloves. And although she had been reluctant at first, because of the cold, she had followed his lead, and they’d had great sex.
He’d shower and go to bed. Dr. Neels was taking call this weekend, so Rand planned to make the most of it. He’d stop by tomorrow to see his mother. She’d give him good advice about the property. Then in the evening, he’d have dinner with Marian.
When he sank into bed, he found he was wide awake. In the last three months or so, his life had completely changed. He hadn’t taken the time or had the time to think about how he really felt.
The work was demanding, interesting, and he loved it. Being close to family had been an extra plus to the job. Breaking his engagement had taken longer than he wanted, but it was over. Rand tossed around on the bed and tried to shut off his mind. He slept fitfully. Thank goodness it wasn’t a work day.
Finally he gave up, pulled on his jeans, and went to the kitchen. The first rays of dawn streaked across the sky. He made coffee and poured a cup. He’d taken the first sip when his phone rang.
“Hello.”
“You’re awake, good,” Andy said.
“Do you know the time? Are you all right?”
“I’m great. I’m letting you know I’ll be in Frontier around noon.”
“I’ll be glad to see you. Are you ready to go to work?"
“I’m all set. I spent some time with my parents. They have mixed emotions about my big move, but they want me to be happy. I can start Monday. Can I bunk with you until I find a place?”
“Sure. You know what this means?”
“No, what?”
“Soon we’ll be sharing call, and I can have a social life.”
“I’m looking forward to being a country doctor. See you around noon.” Andy hung up.
Rand paced the small apartment. He wanted to get the land bought and the house built. But with winter weather coming, it probably wouldn’t be started before spring. He could hardly wait to have lots of space in his home and outside.
Marian flashed in his mind’s eye. Her light-blonde hair and sherry eyes, lush curves, and sweet fragrance had his desire spiking whenever they were together. He had to touch her, smell her hair, sink into her hot, tight pussy. He’d thought after making love again the intense desire might cool. It hadn’t.
She wanted permanency. He doubted he’d be ready to propose to anyone for a long time. After just having missed making a major mistake, he was shy of getting too involved too soon. But what if he passed up the right woman? That would be stupid.
The mistake with Anna was his fault. He’d ignored