Page 42 of Mountain Impact

“I’m glad. I can’t imagine how difficult it is, doing what you do, every day.”

“No more difficult than what you do, Isolde. If anything, you’re the one who ends up dealing with the fallout when things go south.”

Drake sat down across from her at her dining table. Isolde couldn’t help but think of the last time they’d stood here, how he’d lifted her in his arms and―

Drake’s eyes heated up.“Stop looking at me like that, Isolde. I want to let you eat your dinner―but I’m only human.”

Isolde hid a smile as she got up to find some chopsticks. As she handed him a pair, his fingers caught hold of her hand gently. It was all she could do to suppress a sigh as his touch seared her.

“Sit down, Isolde. Eat with me.”

“I hope you like shrimp tempura, salmon and butter fish,” she said.

He laughed, looking at the small spread before them. “It’s very generous of you, to share this plentiful meal.”

“I would have ordered more if you’d called ahead to tell me you were coming.” Isolde pointed to her forehead. “I made a mental note to stop by the grocery store tomorrow on my way home.”

“Why don’t you come to my place for dinner tomorrow?”

“Your place?”

He nodded. “I have an apartment as well. Or did you think I slept in the office?”

She worried her lip with her teeth for a moment. It seemed like a big step.

“You live alone?”

“I do.” He dropped his chopsticks. “Are you afraid somebody will see us?”

“Not afraid per se, but we … we work together.”

He nodded, his expression firm and determined. “We’ll tell the colonel―”

“Hold your horses, Drake.”

“Let me finish. You already filed a report claiming we shouldn’t work together. I want to take it one step further. We’ll tell the colonel we’re seeing each other, that’s all.”

“You make it sound simple.”

“It is simple, Isolde. I want to have sex with you all the fucking time. But I also want more.”

“What if I’m not ready for more?”

“Then I’ll wait until you’re ready.”

She nodded slowly. “I need to think about it, Drake.”

“Take as long as you need. I’m not going anywhere.”

He’s not going anywhere.

Warmth pooled in her lower belly.

She pointed at the last piece of sushi but Drake leaned back, shaking his head. “Too full,” he said, laughing. Isolde picked it up with her chopsticks, skillfully dipping the corner into the soy sauce before bringing it into her mouth. She closed her eyes as the flavors exploded in her mouth.

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Drake