All Yours

Tory Baker

Contents

Untitled

1. Kori

2. Nathan

3. Kori

4. Nathan

5. Kori

6. Nate

7. Kori

8. Nate

9. Kori

10. Nate

11. Kori

12. Nate

13. Kori

14. Nate

15. Kori

16. Nate

17. Kori

18. Nate

19. Kori

20. Nate

21. Kori

22. Nate

23. Kori

24. Nate

25. Kori

26. Nate

27. Kori

28. Nate

29. Kori

Epilogue

Epilogue

About the Author

Also by Tory Baker

Humbled beyond imagination, I have so many amazing people that I could dedicate this book to. My readers, editor, proofreaders, the sprint group that has me up at four o’clock in the morning to write the day away, the one person who’s been in my corner for the past four years, and also to my children. You’re the reason I breathe, I love you to infinity and beyond.

1

Kori

Most girls my age are getting married and settling down, but that’s not how life is panning out for me. Even the older women in our small town ask, “When are you going to find a nice man and settle down?” I just smile and say, “When the right one comes along.”

I’m not picky, but the few dates I have been on, the guys just aren’t what I’m looking for. One was thirty-three and living in his mom’s house. Now that wouldn’t really be a problem, except he bragged about how she packed his lunch, did his laundry, and even made his bed. He wasn’t for me.

The next guy a friend set me up with, yeah. That was even worse, he was a macho man, over muscled, and liked a different kind of juice than I would have for breakfast. And, yes, he told me this.

I quit going on dates after those disastrous ones, figuring my life was destined to continue on its path. I’m happy, really, I am. Well that’s what I tell myself. The dog shelter I run keeps me busy and happy. Add into that the high schoolers that come to volunteer and receive hours for their scholarships, there is never a dull moment. It’s close to Christmas and that seems to be when we’re at our max capacity with displaced dogs.

My heart breaks, some of the animals we keep are getting older in years and it takes way too long for them to be adopted out.

That’s why I’m planning on doing a huge Christmas adoption party. We’ll have it broadcasted on the local news channel, our Facebook page, and even have flyers put up all -over town.

“Hey Kori, I have the lights you asked me to get,” Colton, one of my volunteers tells me.

“Thank you, can you put them on the counter? I’m going to put them up when we close for the day.”

“Sure, uh. Are you going to need help putting them up?” he asks. He’s tall and still growing into a young man. He’s actually one of my better volunteers, never questions what I ask him to do, and even shows the new kids the ropes. When he finishes up the hours he needs for his scholarship, I’m going to ask him to work part time. There are only two other part time employees, and I know I’ll need more help, as more animals come in each and every day.

I shrug my shoulders and say, “No, I’ve done it the past couple of years. Especially since Dad retired.”

That’s how I inherited the shelter — my dad was the best there ever was. He volunteered for everything he could, then when he got older, he decided he was ready to spread his wings and do something for himself. Now, he and mom are out RV’ing all over the country.

“If you need help, my uncle and I can come help you,” he offers.

“That’s sweet of you to offer. I may take you up on it,” I tell him and we both return to work. Him adding photos into our website’s database and me, well, I venture to the kennels. I’m thankful every day to have a job that doesn’t really feel like a job, but boy does my heart ache for the animals. I’d take them all home if my apartment complex would let me.

I puff out an air of breath and go towards Max, our newest addition. He came in filthy and was so skinny you could count his ribs, now he’s been here for a few months. Max is healthy, his coat is a glistening chocolate color that ties well with his main breed of a Labrador. He’s the happiest dog you could ever meet, and I know when he finds a home, I’ll be the one in the corner crying of happiness and sadness.

“Hey Max,” I say as I go to his kennel, hook him on his leash, and then we head towards the yard for him to roam.

2

Nathan

I walk into my sister, Melanie’s, house, my stomach is already grumbling with the smell of roast beef, carrots, and potatoes.

“Hey Sis,” I say, making my way into the kitchen.

“Nathan, what a surprise,” she comes up to me, coming in for a hug.

“Yeah, I finished a job up early. Figured I’d come see how you and Colton were doing. You two need anything?” I ask her. She’s a single mom, not by choice either. She thought she found her mister right, turns out she found mister right now with Colton’s dad.

“We’re okay, I swear it. I’d love if you’d stay for dinner. Colton should be home anytime now, he’s helping Kori out at the shelter today,” Melanie tells me, with a sparkle in her eye.

“That’s great and yeah, I’ll stay. What do you need help with?” I ask her.

“Set the table?”

“You got it.” I set the plates, utensils, and napkins on the table, then head back into the kitchen to see if she’s ready for the rest, when I hear Colton come through the side door. It slams closed. I time it perfectly before my sister hollers, “What have I told you about letting the door slam? You’re going to break the glass in the door one day and then what are you going to do?” I see the exasperation on her face. It can’t be easy on her to be a single mother, but I know she loves Colton with all of her heart.

“Sorry, Mom,” he’s sheepish when he comes up to her. She wraps him in a hug.

“How was your day?” she asks him.

“It was good, Miss Kori is about to start decorating the shelter for her big adoption event. We’ll be getting busier soon,” he replies. Damn, I’ve seen Kori around town, a lot and every time I see her, it punches me in the gut with how beautiful she is. She’s done so much for Colton, I never wanted to rock the boat and approach her for anything more…yet.

“That’s good. Wash your hands. Dinner will be ready in a few minutes and don’t forget to see hello to your Uncle,” she says, as she turns back to the oven.

“Hey Colt.” I don’t care how old he is, I’ll still wrap him up in a hug every time I get to see him. His father took off a few years ago and ever since then, Colton was in trouble one way or the other. I had to step in and help Melanie out with him, she was at her wits end.

“Hi, Uncle Nathan, uh. Don’t hate me, but I offered our help to Miss Kori in case she calls,” his face is red in color, as if he’s embarrassed.

“I got no problem with that. We good to help your mom out this weekend while she’s at work?” I ask him.

“Yeah, I only work half a day on Saturday, then I’ll be right home.”

“That’s good. Go do as your mom said, so we can eat,” I tell him, when we pull apart.

I watch him walk towards the hallway. He looks so much like I did at his age. The only difference is he has his father’s light coloring. Melanie and I both have a deep olive skin tone complexion, and his is fairer.

I shake my head and make my way back to see if there’s anything I can do in the kitchen.

3

Kori

“Son of a biscuit eater,” I say for the tenth time this weekend. We closed our doors earlier today and after sending everyone home, I decided to get the lights up on the outside of the shelter. I probably went a little crazier this year than last year, but I wanted to make it amazing for the event.

I flip the breaker again, the lights come on for a minute, and then fizzle out. I blow my hair out of my face and clean everything up. I’ll have to make a call to an electrician on Monday morning, no way am I calling one on a weekend. I would bleed money if I did that, especially where this is only one breaker that keeps tripping.

Closing the panel box, I finish picking up the ladder, extra lights, boxes, and take them back to the storage shed.

As I’m storing everything away. I remember Colton telling me his Uncle and him could help, I wonder if he knows anything about electrical panels.

Pulling my phone out, I pull up Colton’s name and text.

Hey, I know you mentioned your uncle is an electrician, is there any way he can come check out the shelter’s breakers?

I go into the reception area and look at everything I’ve done in a short amount of time. The Christmas tree is up, there’s garland on the check-in desk, and stockings are hung for each employee and volunteer. If only I could finish lighting it up.

I took Max out of his kennel today while I worked around here. He’s now snuggled up on a dog bed we keep out. Most days we rotate a dog or two out and keep them up front with us.

“What do you think, old boy?” I ask him, his tail is wagging. He has no idea what I’m talking about but he’s happy just the same.

A buzz vibrates in my back pocket, I pull my phone out and see Colton responded.

Talked to my Uncle Nathan and gave him your number, he should be there early tomorrow morning, but may text/call beforehand ☺

“Yes!” I shout with glee. If I can save some money by using someone on the side, it will really help out. Max gets up and shakes his body around in happiness. I take his front paws as we dance around and relish in the moment.

We settle down and I respond to Colton,

Thank you so much, huge life saver!

I move things here and there a little bit until they’re perfect before heading home. I loathe being there by myself, but there’s nothing else to do here. Well, except maybe sleep with the dogs.

Max is back in his kennel and I say my goodbyes to the other animals and lock up.

“See you guys tomorrow,” I tell them all. Some may think I’m crazy for talking to the dogs, but I know they love the attention.

Making my way to my car, I see the lights I have strung on the roof line, the bushes, and even on the columns. I can’t wait for tomorrow to see if Nathan can work out why things aren’t working.

4

Nathan

Helping out Kori was the last thing I thought I’d be doing on a Sunday morning, a day I never get off. Sure, I have nothing planned but that was the plan. Nothing but me, the couch, and football.

When Colt asked me if I could look at her electrical panel, I couldn’t say no. She’s helped him stay out of trouble, even now he’s been on the straight and narrow, maybe, just maybe, this is the in I need with getting her attention.

I unplug my phone from its charger and text her before getting ready.

Hey Kori, this is Nathan. I can be at the shelter around 10, if that’s good for you?

I wait to see if she responds but she doesn’t right away. While waiting to hear from her, I get dressed in a pair of jeans, white tee shirt, and a flannel. The fall months are long gone and we’re steadily heading into winter.

Grabbing my wallet and my phone, I head downstairs and towards the kitchen. I bought this house a few years ago. It was newly renovated. Nothing like I really wanted, but I was tired of renting when I could be investing.

If I had my way, I’d have a home on a couple of acres, the house would be more lived in, and I’d renovate it with my own hands.

Turning on the kitchen light, I go to work making myself some breakfast. I may own my own electrical company, but my down time is something I pride myself in. My employees know this too. In fact with it being so close to the holidays, they’ll be off or rotate if there’s an emergency, if not for the most of it. I’ll take as many calls I can. I want them to know their families come first, plus with me being single and only having my sister and nephew, well, I have no problem allowing them the comfort of being home with their families.

I finish making my breakfast of eggs and toast along with a cup of coffee. Man, do I love this single serve coffee maker.

Once I plate everything, I make my way to the couch and catch up on what’s going on in the world of ESPN. I’m so lost in the latest report on football that I almost forget I’m waiting on Kori.

“Shit, I forgot to take it off silent,” I grumble to myself. I look down at it and see that she texted close to thirty minutes ago.

Hey, thank you so much. That would work perfectly.

After seeing her text, the time, and how much of it I wasted on the television, I shake my head, pick up my mess before heading out the door. Who knows what I’ll be getting into at her place.

5

Kori

I knew Nathan would be at the shelter today. I wasn’t going to dress my absolute best, because well, I’ll still be working while I’m here, but I also didn’t want to wear my Sunday comfies either. Something tells me joggers and an oversized tee, no makeup, and my hair up in a knotted mess would look highly unprofessional. I’ve seen him a time or two and Colton is always quick to insert something about him here and there, but actually meeting him hasn’t happened, yet.

I chose to put on a pair of leggings, the kind that help suck you in, in all the places you need help. Especially the stomach area. After my binge session with pizza and wine last night, I definitely need some help. The grey sweater I’m wearing is still comfortable and warm enough to not need a jacket on top of it, then I paired it with a pair of cute booties.

My hair, that’s brown in color with highlights of warm reds and soft ash blondes for the winter months, that is another story. Usually I’ll go lighter for spring and summer, but when it’s this time of year, I keep it richer in tones. No matter how much I tried to get away with putting it in a bun, I couldn’t. Instead I opted for leaving it down with loose waves. The one thing I did forgo was makeup. There was no way I was doing that on a Sunday, I barely wear it during the week as it is. I lucked out in the skin department and can get away with a swipe of blush, some mascara, and lip gloss if I do need to wear it.

This is as good as it’s going to get. I walk through the shelter and hear the dogs playing, a few of them are outside running around, and some are in their kennels. The one thing my dad decided on was making sure they had room, even inside the kennels. Plus, we always keep their bedding freshly laundered. That’s a task in itself most days.

I smile at Wanda, a part time employee and say, “Hey, how’s your Sunday going?”

“It’s going good. The dogs are happy, so I’m happy. What are you doing in here today?” she replies. She’s been with us since Dad retired. Her kids moved away after college and she wanted something to keep her active, but not monopolize all of her time.

“I have an electrician coming by, the dang lights keep tripping the breaker,” I huff out.

“Well, hopefully, they’ll get it all figured out for you.” She goes back to working on the computer and I mumble, “Fingers crossed.”

I head towards my office deciding to catch up on paperwork while I wait for Nathan to get here.

Once I make a mug of coffee, thankful that Wanda already made a pot, I fire up my laptop and get to working on our social media marketing. I knew if I wanted to get the word out for a big adoption event in time for the holidays, this was the time to get things set up and programmed for the upcoming week.

Getting lost in the world of Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, I’m interrupted by my phone ringing on my desk.

“Hello,” I answer, finally taking my gaze off of the screen.

“Nate Russel is here to see you,” Wanda says into the phone.

“Thanks, I’ll be right out.” We hang up and I run my fingers through my hair, hoping I’m going to make a good first impression. I may be a young business owner, but I still want to be taken seriously.

With one last cleansing breath of air out of my system, I make my way towards Colton’s uncle.

6

Nate

I’m waiting in the front office of Sunshine Animal Shelter with my hands in my pockets, taking in my surroundings. Kori really does love Christmas if the outside, and now the inside, it definitely shows how much work she puts into decorating.

“Hi, you must be Nathan. Colton has told me a lot about you,” her hand reaches out to mine. I engulf hers and look into her dark brown eyes. It’s like looking into rich molten chocolate, a smile that is from the heart, and not to mention a body she’s trying to hide but can’t. She’s perfection and I know with only one glance she’ll be mine for the rest of time.

Her angelic face, down to her curvaceous figure, she’s built like a woman, one that you aren’t afraid to hold onto. Her body is the kind you can imagine manipulating to not only your pleasure but also hers. Yeah, Kori is definitely the type that won’t break in half and fuck do I love that about her already. Her body is a work of fucking art.

She’s something else, with her hand engulfed in my own. I want to bring her body in closer, to feel her pressed against me, take in her scent, and I want her lips melded with mine.

If that makes me a poet, then sign me the fuck up.

“Hey Kori, you can call me Nate. It’s nice to finally meet you,” my voice comes out with a huskiness that has never been there before.

She blushes, ducking her head a little bit, and as much as it pains me to take her hand out of mine, I do.

“Thank you for coming out here. I tried flipping the breaker a couple of times but it kept tripping after a few minutes.” I’m following her to the hallway and fuck, I can see the way her hips sway even in the shapeless sweater she’s wearing. Her legs are meant to be wrapped around my waist as I thrust into her.

I snap out of my lustful thoughts when we get there, “I’ll take a look and let you know what I think.”

Bringing in a few of my hand tools and stowing them in my shirt pocket, I pull the screwdriver out and get to work. Looking to see if it’s a fuse or an even bigger problem.

As I take a look, I don’t expect Kori to still be lingering and watching over what I’m doing, but she hasn’t left. Her eyes are glued to me in every way imaginable. I turn back around and get to my task with a smirk on my face. Yeah, she’s every bit affected as I am.

7

Kori

Gob smacked, that would be the appropriate word on how I felt when I first laid eyes on Nate. He’s tall, way taller than my five-foot seven stature, probably a good seven inches taller than me. His dark skin, that you can tell he comes by naturally, looks like it has been kissed by the sun, but when he moved his shirt sleeves up, the intricate tattoos he has curving along his inner forearms makes me want to trace each and every one with the tips of my fingers.

When he was opening the panel and working, I took the time to catalogue everything I could about him. His eyes that were as blue as the ocean on the Gulf Coast, his dark hair that he’s sporting in a messy way, down to the delicious build of his body. He’s not overly muscular, but there’s enough muscle on him to know he works out.

Nate catches me practically gawking at him and it spurs me into action, “Umm…I guess I’ll let you get to work. If you need me, my office is the second door on the left. I’ll keep the door open, just in case.”

“Sounds good, I should know something shortly,” he has a grin on his face and I quickly duck my head in shyness.

“Oh, okay. Uh…that works,” I mumble out and then start heading to my office.

“Hey Kori?”

My eyes are down and I’m trying to duck out of this awkward situation as fast as I can, but his question stops me in my tracks.

“Yes?” I respond.

“I’ll see you soon,” he winks and then goes back to his work.

I blow out an exasperated breath, knowing full well I’m in trouble when it comes to Nate, but he just might be the best kind of trouble there is.

Returning to my office, I plop, yes, plop down so hard it makes the chair spin. I nearly squeal out loud, refraining at the last minute. That’s all I would need is for Nate to see me making a fool out of myself on the first day. Boy, if Colton would have told me just how handsome his uncle was, shoo, I probably would have looked elsewhere.

I get back into the swing of things and try to lose myself in my work. Only every few minutes my thoughts wander back to Nate. It’s probably pathetic. I just met him, but the way he made me feel when his soulful eyes met mine, I felt the magnetism with a simple touch, and the wink he gave me — add that all together, and I am completely smitten.

8

Nate

I hated seeing Kori leave me. The view I got when she turned to leave, it was almost worth it. Shit, if Colton would have given me this in with Kori before, I probably would have been to her shelter long before now.

Now though, now, I’m going to be playing catch up. She’s in my sights and I’m not letting her go.

I return to my work disassembling the plate cover for the electrical box. I’m hoping it’s something easy and not too expensive. Colton told me the shelter is doing good profit wise, enough to bring him on part-time, but other than that, I don’t know what a place like this takes to maintain, let alone run, on a day to day basis.

Once I have the panel plate off, I look around at the breakers. It’s rare that only one breaker will trip, but after seeing the outside, I’d say Kori does like to go a little overboard.

“A-ha,” I mumble out loud, as I see a loose wire that feeds the breaker. I tighten it back up and then put the breaker in the on position. Leaving everything out and in the open, I walk to Kori’s office and knock on her open door, “Hey Kori, you got a minute?”

“Sure, let me save this really quick,” her eyebrows are furrowed as she’s concentrating on her computer. Fuck, but she’s beautiful.

“No problem. Pretty sure I figured out the electrical problem,” I tell her as I’m leaning against her door jam.

“Really, that fast?” she stands up and damn is her body something I want to get my hands on.

“I’m hoping this is it, but I need to know where you have the Christmas lights plugged in at,” my gaze never leaves hers as she slowly walks towards me. I can see the heat in her eyes and how she takes me in from head to toe. Yeah, Kori is going to be mine, forever.

“Oh, I’ll show you,” she tucks a stray hair behind her ear. I don’t move completely out of the way like most men would do, no instead I want to feel her anyway I can. Our bodies are facing each other as she turns to her side to go through the door. It’s a small door and it puts our bodies perfectly together. I can feel the curves and I can’t help but put my hands on her hips.

“Oh,” she whispers out. We’re both looking at each other. I can feel her body slowly melt into mine and the intake of her breath rushes over me.

Here in this moment, we‘re sandwiched together so closely, I can feel the hardening of her nipples, and I’m sure she can feel the damn cock stand that’s taken over my body.

“Yeah, beautiful,” I breathe out.

We slowly pull apart and it feels like a piece of my heart is missing. Shit, I want her near me more than ever now.

9

Kori

That moment where Nate and I were basically one body melded together, it had to have been the best feeling on earth.

We walked side by side down the hallway, his hand placed possessively on the small of my back. Every once in a while, he would massage it with his hand. It took everything I had not to moan out loud, it felt that amazing.

When we get to the front reception desk, I see Wanda looking at us, and she gives a glowing smile.

“Show me where you turn the lights on,” he murmurs into my ear, the huskiness in his voice turns me on, something that’s never happened before. I’m twenty-three years old and have never felt this pull that I do to Nate.

“Oh, it’s over here for the outside lights, then I have these plug-in things, and the remote to turn them on,” I say with a proud smile. Last year I could barely get decorations out in the lobby, let alone the outside. This year, though, I went all out. Okay, maybe even a little overboard, but it’s so pretty.

I hand Nate the remotes and watch as he turns them on, hesitant at first, then he finishes clicking the on buttons for the whole lobby.

I smile with pride, “Looks good,” he mumbles and then ambles to the switch for the outside lights.

“Yeah, but who knows what will happen with the outside lights,” I grouse.

“Whatever it is, we’ll get it figured out and working,” he replies.

He flips the switch and I watch through the window as everything comes to life, my fingers are crossed praying he fixed whatever the problem may have been, and hoping it was something simple, too.

“Hey! It’s on and it’s not fizzling out, either!” I exclaim, ecstatic that everything is working. I run up to him, throwing my hands around his neck, and pulling him down to hug him.

He returns my hug with a laugh, but then he brings me in closer, closer than we were in the doorway just a bit ago. I close my eyes and soak in the scent that is surrounding me. It assaults my senses in the best way possible, it’s seductive in the way you can smell the woodsy and citrus scent. I want to be wrapped up in his warmth for as long as possible.

Sadly, that doesn’t happen, we release each other. I can see he wasn’t thrilled either, if his facial expression has anything to say about it.

“I’m glad, was it an easy fix?” I question.

“It was, let me go put the panel back in place and clean up. You going to be in your office?”

“Yeah, just come on in. I only have a few things left to do before I head out myself.” He nods his head and guides me back to my office before leaving to clean up.

I return to my desk with the biggest smile on my face.

10

Nate

I almost wish that there was something more complex going on with her electrical system. In the same sense, I’m glad there isn’t, but I know one thing for sure, I want to be in Kori’s presence a lot longer than the hour I’ve been here.

Now, I just need to figure out a way to get her to go out with me. At the age of thirty-one, I shouldn’t be as nervous as I am. Yet, the feel of her surrounding me is making me hungry for more time with her.

Getting back to work, it only takes me a few minutes until I’m done. The buzz of my phone stops me, and I pull it out of my pocket and see that I have a text from Colton.

How are things going with Kori?

I smile before responding, the kid is as smart as a tack, and I have every reason to know why he was fast to recommend me.

All finished, thanks for the in. How’d you know though?

The panel is back in place and I make my way to the woman who has me all tied up in knots.

My phone buzzes again, I take it out and glance at it. I don’t bother to respond when I see it’s from Colton.

Dude, your facial expression says it all when I talk about her.

That little shit, he’s lucky I love him, but if I’m lucky enough, Kori will be hanging out with me for the rest of the day.

The weather is beautiful this time of year in Tennessee and the small cabin I like to rent for a few days after Christmas is calling my name. Maybe this year I’ll have Kori up there with me.

Making my way to her office, I stop at her door, taking her in. Kori’s head is down, curls are falling loosely around her angelic face. Her hair is long, all the way down below breasts even with the looseness of it. Fuck what I’d love to see her look like completely naked. Would her hair hide her nipples from me? Damn, what a thought, I wonder if they’d hide the color of her nipples or maybe tease my senses even more. Would they tease her nipples into tighter points? Just imagining it is making me rock hard.

Kori looks up at me and this time I’m the one that got caught staring at her.

“That was fast,” she says breathlessly, as if she’s thinking the exact same thing I am.

“Yeah, glad it wasn’t something more serious. If it does it again, then we’ll have to figure out what makes the wires come loose. As it is, it’s probably from some of the remodeling Colton said you had done a bit ago.”

“Hopefully. What do I owe you?” she questions and there is no way I could charge her.

“No charge, Kori. It wasn’t all that much. Plus, you’ve helped Colton in a big way. That boy, he was on a fast track to somewhere bad. I was worried his mother, or I, would get a call from the police at one point,” I respond.

“He’s a great kid, sometimes they get that way when life gets tough. Since you won’t let me pay you, can I at least take you out to lunch?” she’s blushing as she asks. Kori can think she’s taking me out to lunch, but really, it’ll be me paying, and I’ll get what I really want in the long run.

“I can do lunch, you done for the day?” A plan is already forming in my head, and if I have it my way, she’ll be with me a lot longer than just lunch.

“Sure am, let me grab my purse and we can go.” I watch as she stands up from her chair, grabbing what looks like a tote bag, before heading my way.

When she gets closer to me, I stop her in her tracks. I bring my hand up to her hair, sweeping it to the side, then lingering on the side of her neck. Fuck, but do I want to kiss her.

“You feel it too, don’t you,” she says in a hesitant voice.

“Yeah, beautiful, I do.” We slowly pull apart from each other and I guide her out to my truck, not even allowing her to detour to her own vehicle.

11

Kori

Nate took us to the bigger city outside of our small town of Townsend. I never really come out this way, but the restaurant he took us to served the best food I ever had. I ordered the prime rib sandwich to dip with au jus sauce. Nate had the southern fried chicken, and we both shared a few bites of each other’s food.

The heat I saw in Nate’s eyes when I licked my fingers while moaning about how good lunch was, it was palpable. I didn’t even realize I was doing it until he grunted and moved around in his own seat.

I was blushing like a schoolgirl after that. We never had a moment of awkward silence. We learned everything we could about each other until the sun was slowly lowering.

“I guess we should get back to the shelter, so I can get my car,” I announce. I asked for the check when I thought Nate wasn’t looking but was detoured when he took the receipt and paid. I even tried to pay for the tip at least. He wasn’t having any of that and groused that, “Not going to let you pay, even when you offered. Hell, I appreciate you asking, but if you’re out with me, I’ll be the one paying.”

I let it drop. I knew in this instance I wasn’t going to win, no matter what I said. So, I thanked him, but I already know something I can do to make up for it. After all, it is Christmas time.

“Thank you for everything, it means so much,” I tell Nate as we make it to his truck, he’s in the process of opening my door. Once it’s open and he’s waiting for me to climb inside, I go up on my toes and kiss the side of his cheek. It’s chaste at best, but I wanted him to know today was perfect in every way.

“You’re welcome. Next time you kiss me though, I want your lips on mine, Kori,” he groans, his hand goes to the back of my neck and we look at each other. This man, he sets my soul on fire.

“That can be arranged,” I say with a wink and then turn around to climb into the cab of his truck.

Once I’m in, Nate helps me put my seatbelt on. I could have done it myself, but secretly I think it gives him a reason to stay close to me. Little does he know if I had my way, I’d never leave.

Sure, we just met, but when the heart knows, well it just knows.

He clicks my seatbelt into place, he palms the side of my face, before closing the door, and heading to his side of the truck.

This right here, it’s nothing but pure bliss.

12

Nate

The day ended before I was ready for it. The best part though, is that we both are feeling the exact same thing.

I’m not ashamed to say I kissed her. When I dropped her off at the shelter, Wanda was already gone for the night, and the next employee wasn’t coming in for a few more hours. The Christmas lights were on, the magical feeling was surrounding us, not to mention how happy Kori looked to have everything up and working.

I had a hand in that, it pulled at my heartstrings. She was looking up at me, my eyes never leaving her mouth, and that first taste of her on my lips, it’s something that will be seared in my memory forever.

Our first kiss was short and sweet, but it had a whole fuck of a lot of depth to it. We parted ways and I made sure she was securely in her car before I returned to my truck to head towards my house.

We’ve seen and talked to each other almost every day, if not every other day, for two weeks. Sometimes it was something short, for the most part it was a long in-depth conversation. We talked about her childhood, my childhood, and even how I got my company started. It’s brought us closer in a way than I never thought imaginable, and I’m thankful the weekend is fast approaching, because between her schedule and mine, it left no time for us to actually see each other.

But this weekend, that’s changing. She got the weekend off and I’m taking it off as well, together we’re going to my small cabin in the mountains. Nothing but nature and the two of us. Maybe we’ll get to use the hot tub that’s on the back porch, too. Fuck, what I’d do to see Kori dripping wet and naked.

I shake my thoughts away and get back to grocery shopping for the weekend. The cabin only has necessities. The last time I was up there was with Colton over the summer, and what we caught while fishing we ate, well that and junk food. That boy has a taste for sweets and junk food. I had to detox my body for a week straight after a weekend with him.

Grabbing the necessities as well as foods that I know Kori will like, I’m stopped when my sister comes up to me.

“Hey Nathan,” she’s the only one that calls me by full name besides Colton. It’s something she’s always done. It’s not my favorite, but for her, I’d let anything slide, due to the fact that she basically raised me, and I wasn’t an easy teenager, imagine that. Kind of like Colton, well minus being around the wrong crowd, I was just a mouthy shit.

“Hey Sis,” I hug her, and I see her scanning my shopping cart.

“Going to the cabin?” she asks.

“Yeah, Kori and I are heading up there this weekend. What are you and Colton doing this weekend?” I respond.

“We’ll probably get some Christmas shopping done. So, you and Kori, huh?” her smile has taken over her face, a part of me wishes she will find someone to share her life with. Yet, every time she seems to start dating again, something pulls her back.

“She’s amazing, Mel,” this time the smile is on my face. Fuck, Kori just makes me that happy.

“Kori’s the best, I can’t wait to spend Christmas with her,” Melanie says, and I can see that she’s already scheming something.

“Yeah, yeah. Let’s make sure she doesn’t have plans first, okay?”

“Sure, well I better get back to it. Love you, bubs,” she whispers into my ear as she hugs me. Fuck, she hasn’t called me that in years.

After this weekend, I’ll have to sit down and make sure things are really okay with her.

“Love you, I’ll see you early next week.” We part ways and I finish getting everything that’s needed. My mind is on the next thing on my list and that’s picking Kori up at her place.

13

Kori

I’m probably overpacking, but I have no idea what to expect for the weekend. Will it be cold or cool? I mean in some instances it could even be hot. What I do know for sure is that Nate requested I bring a bathing suit. That was the first thing I packed, everything else has been a disaster so far. My bed and floor look like a clothing bomb went off.

I finally decide on comfy clothes, leggings, an off the shoulder sweater, a V-neck shirt, and pajamas. I stuff it all into my bag and grab what I need out of the bathroom. That’s the easy part, it only takes me a matter of a few minutes. I bring my bag to the front door, open it, and lock it back up.

While waiting, I sit on my front patio area, it’s small in size. Just enough for a chair and a table, but it’s where I love to sit and enjoy the morning if I get a chance to.

My apartment isn’t my forever home. No, that would be one of the homes you see for sale that have an old-world charm, are at least a hundred years old, and on the cusp of literally crumbling. That’s the type of home I’m dreaming of. Restoring all of that glory, it would be amazing to see it from start to finish.

I hear the diesel of Nate’s truck pull up and into the parking spot that is next to my own car. He’s parked and out of his truck by the time I make it down the steps. Nate comes up to me, his hand finds my hair at the nape of my neck, as he brings my gaze up towards him.

His lips land on mine. I drop my bag on the ground, and I’m holding onto him with everything I have. His kiss is one of need, so powerful that I yield to him. Lips that are soft and full. He’s everything I’ve needed, not to mention every night I fall asleep so turned on that most nights, if I don’t take the edge off, I don’t sleep. It happened one night, and I’ll never put myself through that again. I’m hopeful though, that this weekend we’ll both give ourselves to each other.

Nate will be my first, and sure I’ve saved myself for a long time, but I couldn’t imagine it being given to anyone but him.

When he brings his tongue into play, I gasp out loud, and he swoops in. He leads the way, and I follow him. Tentatively at first, until he brings my body in as close as possible to his. I can feel every hard line of him, including his hard on that’s poking my stomach.

Our breathing is choppy when we slowly part, my forehead finds his chest, and I plant it there, taking in a deep breath, before meeting his eyes.

“Hey beautiful,” his voice has taken on that husky tone that I’ve come to love so much already.

“Hi Nate,” I smile up at him. He grabs my bag and we load up in his truck.

14

Nate

Fuck, the way her tongue danced with mine. I knew full well she didn’t have any experience from our talks on the phone, but when she chased after my tongue with the way I was slowly playing with hers, I knew I was a goner for her, completely.

I’m going to be her one and only.

“Did you get enough food?” I see the mirth on her face, she’s looking in the backseat of the truck. It’s slam packed with food and everything you could imagine that we need for the weekend, maybe more.

When I picked up her bag it was light, makes me happy as fuck I thought about getting toiletries that she could leave there for the next time we go to the cabin.

“Maybe,” I shrug and turn my eyes back to the road. My hand is on the center console between us, hanging loosely in form. I feel her hand slowly close around mine, and a smile spreads across my face. Something that I’m noticing I do more and more each time I’m with Kori or hell, even thinking about her.

I told my secretary and the guys at work I’d be disconnecting this weekend and to delegate if needed. I doubt very seriously we’ll get many after-hours calls. My main concern is the new construction buildings we’re working on.

Shelby assured me she’d oversee everything, and I did something I’ve never done before — I put my phone on ‘do not disturb’ except, for Melanie and Colton. Everyone else can wait.

It takes us a little over an hour to get to my place. We talk when Kori sees something or when we ask each other questions, but for the most part, we drive in a comfortable silence.

We pull up to the cabin, it’s nothing big — a two-bedroom, one bath, kitchen, living room, front porch, and back porch. But it’s peaceful.

“Wow, Nate. This place is gorgeous.” She opens the door and runs out towards the view of the creek and mountains. I come up behind her, forgetting the bags of groceries that need to be brought in.

In this moment, I just want to cherish everything about being here with Kori. I wrap my arms around her middle, my chin rests on her shoulder, and enjoy the view with her.

When her arms wrap around mine, I know in this instance she’s enjoying everything there is to have in the here and now.

15

Kori

The moment when it was just Nate and I with the spectacular view will be one of those memories I will cherish forever. It took us a good ten minutes of looking out across the natural beauty around us before we got our rears in gear and off loaded the truck.

Nate wouldn’t let me carry the heavy bags. I just rolled my eyes and loaded up my arms with all the lighter ones until it balanced out to be about the same.

“Woman, you’re quite the handful. I would have brought the rest of them in,” he grumbled.

“Well, I can help. You know?” I volleyed back. We unpacked the food, placing it in the refrigerator and small cupboard he has in the kitchen.

After that’s done, I take a look around the place. It’s quiet and cozy, there’s a dark leather sofa that looks worn in, a pillow or two, an area rug, and in front of the couch is a wood burning fireplace.

“I really hope the weather gets cold enough to where we can use the fireplace this weekend,” I murmur.

“We will, it’ll get colder up here on the mountain,” he replies to my chatter.

“I can’t wait. I think Melanie might have had some help with the décor,” I tease.

“Yeah, she came up one weekend to get away from life, while Colton and I stayed in town. I came back the following week and this is what I came back to. I secretly think she didn’t need time away, she just wanted something else to decorate besides her house and mine.” He may be grousing but the smile shows how much he loves his family.

“She did a great job. Do we need to do anything else?” I ask.

“Nope, I’m going to turn the hot tub on out back. I put your bag in the bedroom, if you want to unpack,” he says as he walks out the sliding door that leads to the back porch. I can’t wait to slide in and bask in the warmth.

I walk down the hallway. The first door on the right is the bathroom, it’s small but does its job, the wood tones and buffalo check pattern on the shower curtain are the same as the pillows in the living room. I have to smile at that thought. Mel really had fun on her weekend away. I walk out of the bathroom, going to the second door. It has a full-sized bed, the comforter is brown and white, and there’s a small dresser and a nightstand. I look to see if my bag is anywhere in the room, and when I don’t see it, I make my way to the bedroom across the hall.

When I open the door all the way I’m stopped in my tracks. My hand goes to my mouth. There, sitting on the bed right next to Nate's bag, is mine.

16

Nate

I went outside and was only out there for less than ten minutes. When I walked back inside looking for Kori, I saw her. She was just inside of the doorway of our room. Her hand to her mouth and tears shimmering in her eyes. I almost put her in the spare room, not wanting to assume too much. Something made me stop, though, and I’m thankful I went with my gut right about now.

I spin her around, bringing the palms of my hands to cup her cheeks. I see the glimmering wetness in her eyes. I don’t ever want her to cry. Not over something like this.

“You okay?” I rasp out.

“Yes, this, it’s just perfection. My emotions just got away from me,” she says in a hushed tone.

“Are you alright sharing a room? I promise we won’t do anything you don’t want. I’d never hurt you, Kori,” I promise.

“I know you wouldn’t, and I want to fall asleep in your arms. It’s been a hard couple of weeks with only hearing your voice and not seeing you,” she admits. Her hands are holding my forearms when she touches me, I swear it’s like a volt of electricity zaps through my system.

“Glad you’re feeling the same way I am, beautiful. Ready to get in the hot tub?” I ask her. I’m not ashamed to say I’m ready to see more of her, feel more of her, and just be with her, in my arms.

“Definitely, I’ve been dying to go in there as soon as you said there was a hot tub here. I thought it took a few hours to warm up?” she says.

“Nope, it didn’t take too long this time around,” I say to her, not telling the full truth of how I had a friend come up and turn it on the low setting until I got here to adjust the level to high.

“I’ll go grab my suit and change. Meet you out there?” she questions.

“Abso-fucking-lutely.” That’s my cue to grab my suit and head to the bathroom to change, leaving her in the master bedroom. I’m thankful as fuck now that Melanie decorated this place. If she left it up to me, nothing would be matching. Hell, we’d be lucky to have matching bed sets.

I change into my swimming trunks, grabbing a couple of towels, stopping at the fridge grabbing a beer for myself, and Kori’s wine she mentioned she drinks. I pour hers into a wine glass, thank you again Mel, and then I head to the back deck to wait.

17

Kori

I probably should have packed my one piece, but no. I went out on a limb and packed my two-piece. It’s high waisted, and the top has cups that help hold up the girls. It’s black in color. Any other day I wouldn’t have thought about it twice, but now I’m thinking the one piece would conceal a bit more.

Taking a deep breath, I make my way to the back door, open it slowly, and step outside.

“Oh my gosh, it’s freaking cold,” I say as I run to the hot tub, so much for trying to look cool, calm, and collected.

I basically plop into the hot tub and Nate is chuckling. I don’t sit in my seat alone very long. Nate brings me closer to him, my legs end up in his lap, and I find a smile and say, “Hey.”

“Told you it would get cold out here, didn’t think you’d be that cold, though, or I would have made sure you had a robe on,” he murmurs, my head is nestled into the crook of his neck. One of his arms is slowly rubbing my arm in lazy patterns while his other arm is hanging over my legs.

“I’ll be okay, I just wasn’t expecting it,” I mumble, trying to stifle my laugh. I must have looked like quite the looney.

“You’ll be okay by the time we get out of here plus I brought towels, too, so that’ll help some,” he kisses the top of my head. I look up and see the smoldering look in his eyes, I can feel my nipples tighten.

Nate’s eyes look down and I know he can see how tightly pebbled they are. He brings his hand up from my legs, his palms clear a path, and I know just where he’s heading.

My head falls back as his thumb rubs the underside of my breast and I let out a breathy moan. After a few moments, he slides his palm up even more, my top somehow loosening, and his hand is now engulfing my breast. When he skims my breast, I feel the warmth of the palm of his hand encompassing my whole breast. His name tumbles off my lips in a cry, “Nate.”

“Look how beautiful you are, hot and ready. Just for me. All for me.” His voice now has a raspiness to it that has me rocking my hips, needing something that isn’t there yet. God, I hope tonight we both can find some sense of gratification.

I reach behind my back to finish undoing the clasp at the back and then I’m bare, just for Nate. It’s bold for me, but I take the plunge and let it fall.

When Nate see’s my boldness though, I’m quickly up and straddling his lap. This feels so much better. A part of me wants us both naked, but I know the wait will be well worth it.

“Just like that, Kori,” he grips my hips and slowly guides me until I find my rhythm and rotate my hips where we both can feel the pressure of his cock against my center.

His mouth finds my nipple, while his other hand molds to my breast. I continue grinding on him, my hands finding his hair, and I hold on as he licks, sucks, and lightly bites my nipple.

He grunts as I find exactly the right spot to make us both see fireworks, only then does my head tip back and I moan.

“Fuck, yes. Keep moving Kori. Take me with you.” I start to come harder than I have by my own hands, and when I feel Nate moving his hips right along with mine, his hands abandoning my breasts, and he’s holding me so close to him, I can feel the slight hair he has on his chest abrading my nipples. It’s then that I come and scream out his name into the dark night air.

“Oh god, Nate.”

“You’re beautiful Kori, so god damn beautiful. Especially here in my arms,” he says as we both come down from our high. He doesn’t let me go. I’m still so tightly wrapped up in him and I’m finding I may never want to leave his arms.

18

Nate

Having Kori come for me in my arms, there’s no better feeling. Shit, I’m getting hard just thinking about it. Let alone coming in my swim trunks like a teenage boy, but it was worth it. There was no holding back, especially when she untied her bathing suit top. She’s a work of art, the dusky rose of her nipples, the way her breasts filled the palms of my hands. I know this is just the beginning.

When we came inside from the hot tub, we both dried off, she got in her sleep set thing. It took everything I had not to tear them off, high cut on her thighs, red in color, with a satin feel, and the top. Fuck, the top I could tear the straps off with a gentle tug and it would come apart.

We talked well into the night before her yawning got the best of her while we were snuggled in bed.

“Promise me we can use the fireplace tomorrow night?”

“Definitely, we can do anything you want,” I guarantee. She settled into the crook of my arm, her back to my stomach. I brought her in closer and she passed out a few minutes later.

I laid in bed awake for some time, my mind playing on repeat of our time we’ve had together so far and what I’m going to plan for in the future.

Christmas is just a couple of weeks away, and I know just what I want to do to make this one the best there is, even if I am on call.

I woke up before Kori, it was hard to leave our bed with her laying on top of my chest. I want that for the rest of time.

Placing the pillow from where I just vacated, I see her burrow deeper into it, and make my way out to the kitchen to start on coffee, breakfast, and getting the fireplace roaring. There’s a chill in the air and I don’t want Kori to get cold or become sick, especially if it’s something I can prevent.

I know as soon as Kori smells coffee, she’ll be up lightening quick. It’s one of the things we’d do when we couldn’t see each other. We’d FaceTime each other and have our morning coffee, both of us not thrilled with the fact we don’t have a real front or back porch.

So, first thing is first. I get the fire started, then head into the kitchen to prepare a breakfast of bacon, eggs, and of course, Kori’s much needed coffee.

19

Kori

I wake up and I’m cold, colder than I was during the night. It’s then that I notice Nate isn’t in bed with me.

Grumbling, I get up, slowly making my way toward the bathroom when the smell of coffee assaults my senses. Hurrying up and taking care of using the bathroom, brushing my teeth, also attempting to do something with this rat’s nest hair of mine. It’s a useless fiasco, so I throw it up in a messy bun, and make my way to the kitchen to find Nate.

Standing at the end of the hallway I take in the sight of Nate. He’s shirtless, his body, that I was lucky enough to map and catalogue every hard-chiseled muscle that he has on his body. Nate’s is on display for my viewing pleasure. I was lucky enough to be able to trace his tattoos that run along his inner and outer forearms last night while we were in bed, the moon that was high in the sky gave me just enough light to see every delicate line, and with his shirt off last night, I got to see exactly where they traveled.

Blushing and thinking about how he made me feel last night leaves me breathless. When I hear him clear his throat, I realize I’ve been caught, once again.

“’Morning, beautiful,” he rasps. Nate nods his head and I use that as my cue to come up to him, “Good morning, I didn’t like waking up without you,” I admit.

“Didn’t really want to leave you, but I knew it was getting cold in here and I didn’t want that,” he replies.

He holds me in his arms, tightening his hold on me and I cherish our moment.

The sizzle of the bacon in the skillet makes me aware he’s cooking, and if we leave it unattended, we’re liable to let the cabin burn down to the ground. I chuckle and we pull apart.

“Can I help you?” I ask Nate.

“Sure, the eggs are ready if you want to fry them up,” he responds.

We both work in the kitchen until our breakfast is done and then take our food onto the back patio to eat our food, both of us wrapped up in a blanket to ward off the cold.

By the time we’re finished, Nate and I are as frozen as a couple of popsicles. We place our dishes in the sink and abandon our mess to huddle in front of the fireplace.

“You getting warmed up?” Nate asks as he settles me in front of his spread legs, my back to his front. I snuggle in closer.

“Yep, right here in your arms, I’m always warm,” I tell him and those words mean so much more than just the temperature of our bodies being meshed together.

“Love being here with you, Kori,” he whispers into my ear.

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but here,” I reply, laying my head back, tilting it so he can see the truth in my eyes.

The rest of the weekend, it’s more of the same and part of me is dreading leaving the cabin, yet part of me misses my animals at the shelter, too.

20

Nate

Leaving the cabin sucked. The two of us out there without the outside world bothering us, was more amazing than I could ever expect.

It solidified us on a deeper level. The fact that we learned each other’s bodies in every way we could didn’t hurt either. Fuck, I can still taste her on my lips even days later. Tonight, though, I’m picking her up and taking her out to watch the town light up the Christmas tree in the downtown square.

Work has been slowing down with the approaching holiday. It’s something I take into consideration during the year and try to dole out as much over time as I can for my employees, just in case we have a slow time of year like we are now.

I hang up with Melanie about what time we’re meeting Colton and her. Smart ass that she is asked, “When do you plan on asking Kori to marry you?”

I chuckled and hemmed and hawed, not giving her the response she was hoping for. The fact of the matter is, I know exactly when I’ll be asking her. My hope is to surprise her in more than one way.

We got off the phone after I refused to give her the answer and I returned to working inside my home office. I told my secretary I’d be working from home today. I have a few things to take care of online and then a realtor to meet. A new historic home came up on the market. It needs a fuck of a lot of work, but I know with Kori’s vision and the work that we can do together, it’ll be our forever home.

My next order of business is scouring the internet to find the perfect ring for Kori. It’s hard because her working with dogs all day, she doesn’t wear jewelry. Sure, I could ask Melanie for help, but part of me wants to do this on my own. To find that perfect ring for my woman.

Fuck, I love the sound of that. I click on a website and see if there is something I can find that’s not too big and not too flashy, but will still show the world that Kori is mine.

It takes a couple of hours, but then I finally find it. I decide to go with a single solitaire diamond in a princess cut design, it weighs in at a carat. The wedding band, though, that will tie it all together, the gold band is fully encased with diamonds all the way around. That way, if she doesn’t want to wear her engagement ring, at least she’ll have something that still has some class and style to it.

I make my purchase, checking to see when it will get in, and then decide to start getting ready for this evening.

My trip to the realtor will have to go on tomorrow’s agenda.

21

Kori

I am so excited for the annual lighting of the downtown Christmas tree ceremony. The best part, though, is that I get to spend it with Nate, Colton, and Melanie.

After the ceremony, Nate stated he’d be staying with me tonight, that way tomorrow he can come with me to the shelter to get everything ready for our event. The one I’ve been working my fingers to the bone, so it seems. In fact, all of us have, including Nate. It could be the smallest of tasks, if he sees me struggling, he takes on an errand and runs with it. I can’t help but think maybe tonight will be the night. I’ve wanted Nate so badly, yet every time after he makes me come with his mouth or his hands. We never would go any further though. The few times I had my time to play and I would see the rapture on his face as I stroked his hard and long length or take him in my mouth as he came. I would think this is it, we’ll finally go all the way. It never happened.

Nate sets a fire deep within me and makes me yearn for more. I even pleaded, he held firm, though, and said, “We’re going to take our time. I want our first time together to be perfect.” I couldn’t argue with him, no matter how much my body is on fire for him.

I rushed home to shower, curl my hair, throw on a small amount of make-up, get dressed, and throw together my outfit for tomorrow.

The doorbell ringing puts me into high gear. Smiling the whole way to the door, I open it, coming to a halt. The look on Nate’s face, he looks upset.

“What’s wrong?” I question.

“Beautiful, you didn’t know who was at the door. You didn’t even look through the peephole,” he breathes out.

“I knew it was you, who else would come over?” I know he’s super protective, even in a small town where everyone knows everyone. You could cook the same dinner twice in one week, and every little busy body would know it.

“Still Kori, it’d make me feel a whole lot better if you’d take better precautions. It would kill me if something happened to you,” Nate responds as he steps into my apartment. With every step he takes, I find myself nearing the wall behind me until my back is flat against it.

“I’ll do better, I promise,” and that’s the truth, he wants me safe. This is the one thing I know is part of give and take in our relationship.

“That’s all I can ask for,” his palm cups my cheek. I lean into him and his lips find mine, it’s a soft kiss filled with need from both of us. He takes his time with me. I could stay like this forever. His mouth on mine, our bodies touching, and his hands on my body.

When we break apart, I mewl in protest, “Can’t wait to hear you do that in bed tonight, but first we have plans this evening.”

My smile reappears. Nate takes my hand and leads me out to his truck. Nate truly is a gentleman, he opens the door for me whenever I’m walking in or out of a building, and always, I mean always, when I need to get into a vehicle. Whether it’s mine or his, most of the time it’s the latter.

We head to meet Nate’s sister and son, there’s nothing that could rain on my parade today. This weekend is going to be amazing.

22

Nate

The look in Kori’s eyes when they lit the Christmas tree up, it was nothing short of amazing. When I finally took my eyes off Kori and saw the look on Colton’s face, it was a look of awe. It reminded me of a time when he was younger and so carefree, before his dad took off leaving him in a limbo of emotions. As much as I tried to help Colton and even Melanie out, it was something they had to work out together.

Thankfulness though, that goes to Kori and her outreach program she has for troubled teens. The one hundred and eighty degree turn around is proof enough.

Once things settle down and the townspeople start to disperse, we head to the food trucks that are lined up, and we do it as one big happy family.

Colton heads straight for the bar-b-que place, money is already in his hands, and he’s ready to chow down. Melanie heads for the seafood place, she’s been talking all night how she was dying for their seafood macaroni and cheese. That leaves Kori and me to decide which food truck we want to eat from.

“I’m thinking I’ll go to the soup truck. Broccoli and cheese soup in a bread bowl on this cool evening is calling my name.” Kori always gets this gleam in her eye when she talks about food and boy do I love to feed her. Those curves on her body are there to stay, the way she’s self-confident with them. My hands have been all over her body, kneading, squeezing, licking, and even sucking on a few of her body parts that really gets her going.

“Let’s go get you some soup then,” I respond and drop my hand to the small of her back.

“What are you going to get?” she questions as we walk.

“Not too sure yet, I’ll have to see when we get there.” We’re there in a few minutes, the line is small, Kori orders her food, and then I order their chili.

Once our food is ready, we turn to find Melanie and Colton. They are on a picnic bench that’s been set up and Colton is chowing down on his ribs and French fries.

Kori laughs, and it gets me going too, “It’s good to see that he’s like this outside of work, as well,” she says.

“That boy has always been like that since the day he was born. He woofs his food down faster than a blood hound,” I chuckle.

“He’s a great kid,” Kori replies.

“The best, even when he gets down in the dumps,” I tell her and it’s the truth. We sit down and eat our food with Melanie and Colton.

We hardly talk, all of us enjoying our food.

Colton is the first one done and asking his mom, “Hey, do you mind if I go hang out with James?”

“No, but keep your phone on you. I’m leaving in an hour, so that means you’re back here before then,” she responds. Colton bends down to kiss his mother’s cheek, then making his rounds to hug Kori and myself.

“I think we’re gonna head out ourselves, you’ll be okay on your own?” I question.

“Get out of here, you lovebirds,” Melanie shoos us away, but not before I bring her in for a quick hug and tell her, “Love you, Mel.”

“Love you too, Nathan.” We break apart, Kori gives Melanie a hug, then we’re heading to my truck and back to her house.

23

Kori

I’m not sure who was in a bigger rush to get home tonight, Nate or myself. Our hands were entwined together the whole way home, if it wasn’t engulfed in my own. He was rubbing my leg and every time he would slowly inch it up to the place, I needed to feel him most. The heat of his touch through my jeans had me melting, with just sweeping passes he had my body on fire for him.

When Nate pulled up to my apartment and put his truck in park, I was racing to unbuckle my seatbelt and rushing to the front door.

He was right behind me the whole time while I fumbled with the keys trying to unlock my front door. The heat I feel on my back is from Nate, he helps me, turning the lock. As soon as it’s open, we walk through. Him still at my back until he slams the door shut. I’m spun around, my back is against the wall, my lips are melded to Nate’s. He’s sandwiched between my spread legs. He lifts me up by my legs, I wrap them around his firm hips, feeling the hard length even through both of our jeans.

My hands push the flannel shirt he’s wearing off as he holds me by his powerful and thick thighs, we manage to work together and take it off. My hands then pull up the black tee shirt he has left on.

His skin is hot to the touch, yearning for my own. We’re both tearing at each other’s clothes. He pulls me off the wall and I’m standing on my own. I mewl in protest, “Please, Nate.”

My puffer vest is pulled off with his hands. Once that’s gone, I start to take off my long-sleeved shirt, only it gets stuck on my head, making us both laugh.

Nate takes his time getting me out of my top. I’m blowing out a breath in frustration. I need us skin to skin as much as I need my next breath of air.

I unclasp my bra and Nate stands back. He takes me in, my breasts are on display, nipples hardening with his lingering gaze. Seeing his nostrils flare and the need on his face has me kicking my shoes off, and they come off with ease. My jeans are next to go, and I start to unbuckle them, but Nate knocks my hands away and grunts, “Don’t. I need to do this, beautiful.”

He peels my jeans and panties down my legs while he’s on his haunches. I look down at him, his eyes are level with my center, and I can feel my body come alive. Nate comes closer to me, the smooth skin showing him exactly how much I want him.

“This is all mine,” he says with reverence. He brings the tip of his finger and slowly traces a path from my hip to my center, settling on the mouth of my pussy. My head drops back as I moan out his name, “Nate.”

He stands up abruptly, “Unhh, stop teasing me, Nate,” I gasp. Then he’s stripping right in the foyer. He works through his own shoes, pants, and today he chose to go commando. That part is my favorite. He usually leaves that for the weekend, knowing we both can’t keep our hands off each other, plus it’s perfect for easy access.

His cock is long and stands up against his navel. I lick my lips, and that’s when Nate pounces.

“Not teasing you, Kori, taking my time with you,” he picks me up, both of us naked. My legs are wrapped around his hips as he walks us towards my bedroom. With every step, his cock slides against my pussy, it would take nothing to push my hips down and feel him exactly where I need him most.

24

Nate

The way she looks all laid out on the bed, her legs are splayed open, her hair a halo on the bed. I can’t help but crawl between her legs, my mouth finds her pussy. I want more of her taste. No, I need her like I would need my last drop of water in a desert. I suck on her clit as I bring my fingers into play. I slowly press my thumb inside her, her body clinches down inside her warm center. I hear her moaning, but I take my time, slowly building her up.

“Nate,” she gasps out loud, her hands delve in my hair and she’s pulling with a fever that I know is for me and only me. Her hips lift up into my mouth, and she comes. Fuck, does she come for me.

“Oh god.” She moans, I bring her down, and then ever so slowly, I disengage myself from her taste. I need to be inside Kori more than I need life itself.

“It’s time, baby. I’m going to make you mine. Now and forever,” I rasp out, my tone giving away the need I have deep inside.

Slowly crawling up so I have my hands on either side of her head, I tell her, “Guide me in, Kori. Nice and slow.”

I feel her hand wrap around my cock as she lines me up with her pussy. I slowly bring my tip to the mouth of her center, pushing in tentatively. I wait, it’s torture in itself, but to feel her heat surrounding me, it’s worth it. “Fuck,” I grunt.

Inch by inch, I move slowly, slower than my body is aching for, but my heart. Damn, my heart. It’s going to hurt when I make her mine completely. Knowing that I’ll be causing her pain, it’s enough to make me stop and make sure she’s okay every step of the way.

“More, Nate. I need more,” her body is coming alive under my own. When my cock meets her virginity, I rest there, going down on my forearms. Our foreheads meet, and I look deep into her eyes, as I thrust in all the way. Her facial expression is tight, yet I can see the lingering need in it as well. I groan out, “Kori.” I know if I don’t help get her off, this will be over before it even started, already feeling the tingling at the base of my spine.

Sitting back on my knees, my thumb plays with her clit as I thrust in and out in small increments, when her hands come out to play with her nipples. That’s all it takes, my body and hers are in sync every step of the way. I feel her pussy clench around my cock and we come together.

“Mine,” I roar out, as I paint her womb with my come. Not caring that neither of us took precaution before we got into bed. I know one thing is for sure, Kori will always be mine.

“I love you, Nate,” she whispers out. I’m not sure if she meant to say that at this point in time, but fuck do I love the sound of her telling me that. I reply, not caring if she meant to say it or not. I know what’s in my heart, “I love you, Kori. More than you’ll ever know.”

“Oh god, I’m so glad you feel the same way.”

“Beautiful, I knew you were meant to be mine that very first day,” I reply.

I slowly pull out of her warmth. I see her wince, hating that she’s feeling any kind of pain. I kiss her slowly before saying, “Look at us, Kori.” My gaze going down to where we were. She watches, her intake of breath, and I know she knows.

“We didn’t use anything, Nate. I’m not on birth control,” she murmurs, the whole time she doesn’t take her eyes off of where my cock is coated in not only her essence, but mine as well.

“I didn’t think either, can’t say that I mind. Thinking about you swollen with our child, damn Kori. I like the thought of that,” I grunt and finish pulling out of her body.

“Nate,” she mewls. I know she’s tender, she has to be. We both went at each other pretty hard, but I can’t say that I regret it.

“You okay with what could happen?”

“As long as I’m with you, Nate. I want it all, the marriage, the home, the children. I want it all,” she promises.

“I’m ready to make that happen, Kori,” I vow.

Her smile lights up the room, I hate to leave her, but I know she needs to be taken care of.

“Be right back, going to get something to clean you up,” I get up and grab a washcloth from the bathroom, making sure it’s nice and warm. I want to take care of Kori for all the years of my life.

I get back to her as fast I can, cleaning her up, then moving the bedsheets. She moves to the center of the bed, I throw the washcloth over my shoulder letting it lay wherever it lands, only then do I get in beside her. Her head finds the crook of my neck, both of us laying in the still of the night and holding one another.

This is where I was always meant to be, with Kori in my arms.

25

Kori

Today is the day for the big event. I can’t wait to see the outcome. I’m hoping a lot of our dogs will find a home before Christmas. We’ve had a lot of feedback, and even the event we created has over two thousand people interested, not even mentioning the ones that said they were coming.

I take one last look around before the festivities start. Nate said he had an errand to run and then he’d be here. I have no idea what errand he could be running on a Saturday, but it could very well be for his company.

Everything is perfect, the dogs are all groomed, and even have either a bow tie for the male dogs or a girl Christmas sweater, well for the female dogs. They look so cute, I squeal in delight.

“Miss Kori?” I hear Colton question. I turn around not bothering to hide how happy I am with how things are looking.

“Hey Colton, is everything okay?” I ask.

“Oh yeah, just wanted to let you know the snacks and drinks are ready to go. We set them up by the reception desk that way the dogs won’t be tempted,” he tells me.

“Thank you, anything you need me to do?” I may be the boss, but I never think of myself as superior. I’m more of a team player than that.

“Everything’s ready, but I’ll uh, uh warn you. Um. Kori, I don’t think you realize how big this is. We have cars already in the parking lot and it’s completely full.” He says with a blush coming across his face. I’m wondering why he’s so nervous. I’ll have to ask Nate if he knows something or someone that could make him blush like that.

“Eeep! That is so exciting, well let’s open the doors and let the festivities begin. Hopefully Nate will be here before too long in case we need another set of hands,” I tell him as we walk with each other back to the front of the building.

Colton wasn’t kidding when he said it’s busy. We’re essentially slammed. Volunteers are walking with potential adoptive pet parents, and some are already filling out forms for their background check.

The next few hours fly by. I look down at my watch and realize the time. I didn’t think Nate would take this long with his errand, it’s enough to make me worry. I take my phone out and send him a quick text.

Hey, I hope everything’s okay. The shelter is doing amazing, can’t wait until you’re here.

I put my phone away and get back to work. Hopefully Nate is finishing up and will be here soon, the need to celebrate with Nate is all encompassing.

We all continue our work and are even able to adopt out quite a few dogs today.

26

Nate

When I saw Kori’s text, I was tempted to text her back, but I knew what would happen if I did. The beans would be spilled, by none other than myself.

I met with the realtor to buy our forever home, it’s part of Kori’s and my plan. Well one we’ve talked about repeatedly. I finished signing the papers, and then I sped out of the realtor’s parking lot getting to Kori as fast as I could.

When I get to the shelter, I’m floored. It’s not just busy, it’s slammed. I couldn’t be prouder of my girl. There’s nothing she can’t do, once she puts her mind to it, it’s a done deal.

I barely make it into the reception area before I see her coming at me, her arms are in the air, her curls are wild and free, but the look on her face. I can’t help but think I was part of the reason her smile seems to be permanently etched on her face these days.

“Nate! This is so amazing,” she squeals as she jumps into my arms. Her legs wrap around my hips, and if half the town, plus neighboring town weren’t here, I’d steal her away and have my wicked way with her, again.

Instead, I slowly lower her to the ground, but not before giving her lips a quick peck.

“I’m so proud of you, Kori, you have no idea, and this is just the beginning,” I say into her ear.

“Gah, I love you,” she says to me and turns to head back to where she was working.

“Love you, beautiful. I’ll go help Colton,” I suggest.

“Oh, that reminds me. I think he may have a girl coming today. He was blushing all kinds of colors earlier today,” her smile is bright and cheery.

“Kori,” I grumble.

“What, I wouldn’t be a good aunt if I didn’t know these things,”

“Arrow to my heart, beautiful. The way you look after him, I couldn’t ask for more,” I respond.

“You don’t ask for anything, though. Now, I’m not asking for all the details, but if he says something, I wouldn’t mind knowing a detail or two.” She gives me a wink and then walks away.

I head towards Colton with my own smile. She may want the details, but one thing is for sure, I’ll be having a talk with Colton. He’s almost at the age of driving and girls may be on his radar, but so is college. His head is back on his shoulders, but still, I want to reaffirm a few things with him.

“Hey bud,” I say when I come up to him. He’s taking two dogs out of their kennel to run in the grassy area.

“Hey, Uncle Nate,” he replies.

“You doing okay?”

“Yeah, I uh…may need to come see you this week at the shop, is that okay?” he questions me.

“I’m always available for my favorite nephew,” he laughs, it’s our ongoing joke. He’s the only one I have.

“I’ll stop by after school then.”

“Sounds good.” We get to work and finish taking out the rest of the dogs so they can stretch their legs.

Today was definitely a success for Sunshine Animal Shelter.

27

Kori

It’s Christmas Eve and we’re getting ready to head to Melanie’s to start celebrating. Nate and I are in limbo with who’s house we stay at each night, sometimes I’ll go to his place, but lately he’s been staying here more and more. He says his place feels less like a home now that we’re together.

It melted my heart to hear those words. I’m wearing a sweater dress with a pair of knee-high boots leaning over the bathroom counter swiping on my mascara, when Nate enters the bathroom.

He comes up behind me, his hands are on my hips, and he slowly lifts my dress up.

“Fuck,” he murmurs when he sees the surprise I have in store for him that was meant for later on tonight.

“Shew you!” I turn around and pull my dress back down around my thighs.

“There’s no way you’re going out without anything on underneath that dress, Kori,” he grunts.

“Yes, I am. There’s a thing called panty lines, and plus, consider this payback for you teasing me in the movie theatre earlier this week.” His eyes are heated as he recollects the moment when he played with me the whole time in the back of the theatre, where no one could see his hands that were up my skirt for the entire two hours.

“How am I supposed to hide this, when all I can think about is that you’re bare?” he questions, as he points to his hard cock. I slowly lick my lips, wanting the taste of him on my tongue, but knowing making him wait will be the best part.

“I guess you’ll have to think about baseball,” I murmur as I pass by him, grabbing my purse.

He follows me as I head down the hall. When I look behind me, I see what he’s wearing, and it takes everything in me not to ask if we can just stay in instead. His black slacks are molded perfectly to his legs, not too loose and not too tight. His white button-down shirt accentuates his defined arms, but what really sets me on fire is how he has the shirt sleeves folded up, showing off his tattoos.

I lick my lips and that’s when I hear him say, “Keep looking at me like that and I’ll flip that dress up and have you right here, right now.” Nate’s voice is low and husky.

“I’m going, I’m going. Your sister would kill us both if we missed tonight,” I say saucily.

We walk out the door and head for Melanie’s. Our presents are already wrapped and loaded up in the truck. The forecast is calling for a light dusting of snow, so we decided to pack them up earlier.

It takes less than ten minutes for us to reach Melanie’s. We both grab the packages and make our way inside.

28

Nate

The ring is burning a hole in my pocket, not to mention Kori’s other present. She’s probably going to yell and say I did too much for her, but the reality is she does even more for me on a day to day basis. Making sure I have coffee in the morning, bringing me lunch most days if I’m at the shop, looking after Colton and Melanie. It means more than anything money can buy.

“Merry Christmas!” Melanie says as we walk into her house. Kori may have decorated the shelter, but at her home she only put up a tree this year. Melanie though, well it looks like Christmas threw up all over her house. She truly goes all out and each year it seems to be more and more.

“Merry Christmas,” I respond and hug her with one arm, my other one is still loaded down with presents. Kori and I probably went overboard for Colton and Melanie, but she’s a single mom and deserves to not only have a Christmas for Colton, but for herself as well.

I take a step back and Kori squeezes in, giving her a hug as well. We drop off our presents under the tree.

Colton comes barreling down the hallway with a goofy smile on his face. Kori wasn’t too far off the mark when she mentioned Colton may have his eyes on a girl. I gave him the talk, and told him his future is bright, but if he ever feels like he’s floundering, my door is always open.

“Merry Christmas guys!” he hugs us both.

Melanie has a smorgasbord of appetizers ready for us to eat, along with desserts. She decided on not making a huge meal and to enjoy everything she could this year, instead of being cooped up in the kitchen.

Once we eat our fill of food, we head towards the living room. Colton sits on the floor handing out presents to each one of us. Melanie keeps Colton’s from her put back until tomorrow morning, tonight though, it’s for us. I have a feeling I know what Kori will want to do tomorrow.

Colton rips open his presents from us, he received baseball tickets to his favorite team, a jersey for the same team, and Air pods he’s been begging for.

Melanie received a spa day from us and a pair of boots she had been eyeing all season.

When Colton hands me a present from Kori, I give her the side eye. She asked me non-stop what she could give me, and I told her nothing.

“What did you do?” I grumble.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” her smile says it all. I open it and my mouth drops open, it’s a brand-new iPad. One that has service and I can take with me on job sites. She once saw how much paperwork I was having to keep track of and mentioned how much easier going paperless would help. I guffawed, not wanting to spend money on myself, but the little sneak went and did something like this for me.

“Beautiful, I love it,” I make my way to her and kiss her gently.

“It’s your turn now,” I reply as I drop to my knees in front of her and our family. Melanie and Colton adopted Kori before I was even in the picture.

“Kori, make me the happiest man and marry me,” I say. I look up into her eyes, seeing them glistening, she jumps up and down clapping her hands screaming, “Yes, yes, yes!”

I stand up and put my arms around her, we kiss long and hard. Only breaking apart when Colton starts wolf whistling.

“You haven’t even looked at the ring, Kori,” I murmur into her ear.

“I don’t care about the ring, Nate, I just care about you. I love you so much,” she breathes out in a rush.

“Love you, Kori, so fucking much,” I respond.

“Um. Aunt Kori, I think you have one more present to open up,” Colton states.

“What? I have enough, I couldn’t need or want for anything else that’s not already here in this room.”

Colton hands her the box, she takes it and looks at me. Looking none too happy. But I think she’s in for quite the surprise.

“Next year, we’re putting a cap on what we get each other,” she grumbles.

When she opens the box and see’s the papers with her and I listed on the deed, she’s statue still and at a loss for words. I really hope I didn’t screw this up.

“Baby, are you okay?” I question, coming to sit beside her on the couch instead of standing.

“You’ve made every dream of ours come true thus far, I can’t believe it. You’re amazing, you know that? I can never thank you enough for making our dream become a reality,” she drops the papers back in the box and turns into my body. She’s crying her eyes out, and all I can do is hold her and thank fuck that even though she’s crying, they’re tears of happiness.

29

Kori

It’s Christmas morning and I wake up with Nate wrapped around my body, his palm is cupping my breast and it makes me moan.

“Merry Christmas,” he whispers huskily into my ear.

“Merry Christmas, Nate,” I moan, as he lifts my legs and guides himself inside me from behind.

My head drops back on his shoulder as he thrusts into me in a lazy motion. I yearn for more, but I also know like this with the way he’s building me up, it’s going to be more powerful than if it was hard and fast.

He keeps a hold of my breasts from behind, he finds my nipples, and plucks at them. They’re so sensitive when he does this. I swear if he were only playing with them, I’d orgasm.

One of his hands skates down my stomach until he’s at the top of my mound, he teases me. Nate is touching everywhere but where I need him to reach the edge that will have me falling over.

“Please,” I grunt as I rock my hips back into his thrusts.

“Not yet, Kori. I’m taking my time with my fiancée,” he groans.

“I love the sound of that,” somehow managing a coherent thought. He pinches my clit and that’s when I come harder than I ever have before.

Nate grunts and then he’s coming inside me, I can’t wait for the day our lovemaking creates a child. Nate and I decided not to waste any time, if it happens, it happens. I’m hoping it happens sooner, rather than later though.

We both stay in place and enjoy coming down from our orgasm. It’s only when he softens and slips out of me do I start to get up.

But, Nate has other plans. He rolls me to my back, pushes a pillow underneath my ass, and lifts my legs up, holding them in the air.

“What in the world are you doing?” I ask.

“I read in a magazine, if you’re trying to get pregnant this is what you should do,” he responds. His face says it all, he really believes it, and well, I’d do anything to keep that smile on his face.

I keep my legs in the air with the help of his shoulders, as we talk. I ask, “Can we go look at our home today? I know it’s Christmas day, but I can’t wait to look at it, and come up with some ideas.”

“I knew you’d want to, that’s why I kept today open just for us,” with Nate saying that, I roll off of the pillow and head straight to the shower with Nate running after me, our laughter is mingled together. Here with Nate, I couldn’t be any happier.

Epilogue

Nate

Seven Months Later

As soon as we brought our plans into play on rehabilitating our home that was built in the 1850’s, we decided to sell my house, and me move in with Kori. My house probably would have been the better option, but with all of our spare time at “The Grantville” house, it was easier. When I say we purchased the house for a song, I really mean it. It sits on a little over an acre, there’s a lot of the original woodwork, and even the hardwood flooring was still beautifully intact. The electrical wires had to be re-run, the kitchen was restored, and so were the bathrooms. The showstopper though, that’s the wrap around porch.

We had a small ceremony for our wedding, our families being small consisting of Melanie, Colton, and of course Kori’s parents. They were so happy to see Kori and I getting married. They didn’t even mind we were doing it so quickly.

Of course, they didn’t know Kori was newly pregnant, and I refused to wait until after the baby was born.

When it came to the house, she was right there beside me every step of the way, even if it was just to hold a tool or bring me lunch.

Though she was not impressed when I made her sit on the sidelines. Sure, she was there when I knew it was safe and there weren’t fumes that could harm her. Kori was in heaven when she got to pick out all of the finishes, paint colors, and then decorating the house.

Now, though, it’s all done, and Kori is six months pregnant with twins. I almost fainted when we heard not one, but two heart beats. She took it in stride and started planning away.

It made me work even harder to get our home finished before they were born or she was put on bedrest.

We’re doing our final walk through before we officially sign off on the house. Kori is ohhing and ahhing.

I’m still in shock that we got it done in half the time frame that was stated originally.

“It’s so beautiful Nate, all of my dreams have come true. You did that for me. I love you, Nate Thomas,” she says.

I take her in my arms, my lips find hers. Our tongues tangle together and when we pull apart, both of us are breathing heavy and I respond, “I love you, Mrs. Thomas.”

Epilogue

Kori

Six Years Later

Three kids later and we were done, even Nate agreed. After we had Lucas and Jacob, we took our time. Nate grunted, hating that we had to be cautious while I was breastfeeding, after being bare inside me all this time. Condoms became Nate’s nemesis, I giggled every time he grumbled, but secretly I hated them, too. So, when the twins were two years old, we decided to try for another baby.

I was pregnant the next month with Myla. Apparently, I’m a fertile myrtle and Nate’s swimmers work well.

Now, here we are slowly making love so early in the morning, me praying we don’t get interrupted by our children coming in and wanting to snuggle with us.

“Fuck, it’s been too long, Kori. I don’t care if we have to wake up an hour early every morning. I’m getting inside my wife, before they’re awake.” He grunts as he pistons in and out of me. I’m up on all fours, my ass up in the air as he grabs my hips, and this time, it’s my turn to command him, “Don’t you stop. I’m almost there.”

He reaches underneath me and pinches my clit, that’s all it takes. He powers into me until I feel him hold me as tight as possible as he comes inside me.

Nate coming inside me, it triggers another smaller orgasm. I fall face down, as he comes down on top of me. He’s holding most of his weight off of me, but I can feel every muscle on his body along with a fine sheen of sweat.

“Best wake up call, ever,” I mumble into the pillow.

“No kidding, sadly, I think our time is up. I’ll clean up and get the kids settled for breakfast while you take a bath.”

“God, I love you.” I still own the shelter, but it’s blossomed so much that I have more full time help than I did earlier on. Even my dad is proud of how much it’s grown.

“Love you, Kori,” he slaps my ass as he turns and heads towards the master bathroom.

I doze off for a few minutes until Nate comes back out. He moves my hair out of my face and tells me, “Take your time, the bath is ready for you.”

“Thank you, Nate. Thank you for being the best part of me,” I respond as I sit up, even with the changes in my body from my pregnancies, the fire in his eyes for me has never changed.

“Babe, we’re the best part of each other and that will never change,” I watch him until he closes the door.

I jump into the bath, at first wanting to relax and soak for an hour. Then I decide not to. I want to spend this Saturday morning making breakfast with the kids and Nate. With that thought in mind, I hurry getting cleaned up, and throw on some comfies, then head down to the kitchen.

I stop in my tracks, my family is huddled over the kitchen island looking at my recipe book and trying to decide on what to make for breakfast. I watch them, soaking in the happiness that resonates all around us, and think to myself, this life we have, it’s perfect.

THE END

About the Author

Tory Baker is a devoted mother living in sunny Florida who spends her alone time writing about Alpha men who love their women and put them first in everything they do.

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