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MARLIE

Boneless, insatiable, needy, exhausted—those are all the adjectives that describe how I’m feeling right now.

That’s probably because we were up half the night, Tanner reaching for me after a few hours of rest, and then me somehow up at the crack of dawn, taking initiative by waking him up with my mouth.

Needless to say, after he came down my throat, he returned the favor even though I was insistent that it was for him and not for me.

That clearly didn’t go over well, so we both got ours, and then we both came together.

The only thing that sucked was that it left him grabbing a shower and wearing the clothes he wore last night because he was almost late. I offered to keep Tim to help him out, so here I lie on my bed with the big guy, blissfully sated, not ready to get out of bed to start my day.

“Yeah, I feel the sentiment exactly.” Tim cuddles up closer to my side and lets out a tired yawn. Poor guy didn’t get to sleep in bed last night like he usually does. Instead, he was out on the couch. Though he could have slept in the chair I keep in the corner of my room, he chose not to.

“What do you say we go to the pet store and buy a few things for my place and the studio? Though, you have to promise not to shed.” I make the joke already knowing that Tim can’t control his long golden-colored hair.

The resounding bark tells me he’s up for it. “You want to go outside while I get ready? Then we’ll start our day.” Look at me talking to Tim like he’s a child. I guess he is kind of Tanner’s baby, at least, so maybe he’s mine, too.

I get out of bed, find my discarded nightgown, and slide it on knowing Tim needs to do business as well as me.

“Looks like it’s just you and me. Should we call Taylor to see if she has a day off or just to let her know the latest in everything Tanner and Marlie?

” With that thought, I get to moving, un-arming the alarm.

You have to be smart when you’re a single woman.

My father and brother flew down when I made the purchase, and they may be a couple of cowpokes, but when it came to my home security, they meant business.

I take in the open concept, loving what I’ve done along the way—painting the living room a dark peppercorn color, buying a cognac leather couch, and other wood tones pulling it all together.

After I open the sliding glass door, Tim trots off to take care of business.

I watch him for a few minutes just enjoying the solitude until he finishes and chases after a squirrel.

I backtrack to my bedroom, taking in the sight of the twisted sheets, the scent of Tanner and me permeating the air, and I want more of it. My phone is on the nightstand. It lights up as I go to grab it, seeing Tanner’s name appearing.

“Hey, honey,” I answer the phone with a softness in my voice.

“Love that, Marlie, more than I think you realize. You guys up and moving, or are you still in bed?”

“We just got up. Tim is out scaring all the squirrels and lizards away. How’s your morning going?” I know he should be working, yet he’s checking in on Tim and me.

“Busy. About to walk into a meeting. If Tim gets to be too much, you can take him to my house or leave him at yours. He doesn’t get into too much mischief.” As if I’d drop the big, adorable puppy anywhere when I’m happy he’s here with me.

“About that, I’m taking him to the pet store. He needs things for my place and the studio. I hope you don’t mind,” I tack on at the end in case I’m pushing too fast.

“Spoiling my boy already. See that when kids come along, it’ll be much the same. Shit, I bet Jace has you at the toy store the same day.” Yep, my ovaries are saying yes, please .

“Tanner, we can’t talk about this right now. I can’t blubber and not tell you everything I’m feeling through a damn phone line.” Tears stream down my cheeks while I smile.

“Good, we’ll talk about that before you meet the family this weekend.”

“I’m thinking we’ll have lots to talk about, and I’m looking forward to it. Now, get to your meeting while I go spoil your boy,” I tell him.

“Will do. Have a good day, Marlie. I’ll call you later to figure out who’s staying where. You want to stay at your place, we’ll do that, or we can switch it up and stay at mine. The choice is yours.”

“Considering I’m not really working too much today, send me your address. We’ll meet you there, and I’ll even cook you dinner,” I offer.

“I thought last night was memorable. Looks like today might just be better. Later, sweetheart.”

“Later, honey.” We hang up, and then it’s time for me to start my day.