Moonshine Hollow

Chapter Thirty-Four

The next morning she woke to a soft knock on Forrest's bedroom door. They had made love several times through the night and after the first time, all memories of the fear was gone. She had collapsed, draped across his chest and slept through until the knock sounded a second time. Rose didn't move, she kept her eyes closed, feigning sleep. She didn't want this to end. Forrest lifted his head and reached down to pulled the quilt over her so she was covered.

Peter cracked the door a moment later. "Have you seen-" he started to ask but stopped his eyes widening for a moment and then he quietly pulled the door closed behind him.

Forrest rolled back to her, snaking his arms around her stomach he buried his face up under her hair and pressed feather light kisses along her neck just behind her ear. Rose curled her toes and fought to remain still. His lips were soft, and his fingers stroked lightly down the side of her hips. Desire rolled through her stomach and she squirmed back against him.

"Oh, are you awake?" he asked innocently.

Giggling she rolled within the circle of his arms so she could look up at him. His skin was warm and smooth against hers. She ran her hands up and down his arms reveling in her ability to touch him.

"Hmm," she said in mock agitation. "I was trying to sleep. Seems not much sleeping happens in this room. Might have to return to my own." And she sat up, letting the sheet pool around her waist. Something about the way Forrest looked at her made her feel beautiful and powerful. Bold.

He laughed and slung an arm around her waist pulling her back against him. "Sorry, that room is no longer available." Then he rolled over on top of her and slid is fingers down to tease her. "Did you still want to get some sleep?" he asked in a husky voice.

Rose didn't.

They got up about an hour later. Rose wrapped herself in one of his flannel shirts and skittered across the hall into her own room to get dressed. It was nearly nine in the morning and Rose headed down to make breakfast with a spring in her step. She couldn't remember the last time she was so happy. Even if she hadn't gotten that much sleep. Even the fire from last night seemed like a pale memory. She knew they would need to deal with the man from Chicago still, but thoughts of that couldn't bring down her good mood.

Peter and Arthur were both sitting at the counter when she appeared. They had cups of coffee already in front of them. "Morning boys," she said brightly. She scooped up the pot and refreshed their cups. Forrest stepped out of the kitchen with an empty cup. She gave him a shy smile and filled his cup.

"What can I get you boys for breakfast?" she asked.

Both Arthur and Peter looked exhausted.

"Hot cakes?" she asked.

They nodded.

The door slammed, and Rose turned to see the sheriff.

He tipped his hat. "Morn'in Miss Rose."

"Sheriff," she greeted.

"I came on up to check on y'all and see how you're gett'in on this morning," he said a little shyly.

"Well thank you," she said sweetly. "Can I get you some breakfast? I'm about to make some hotcakes."

"Why that would be lovely ma'am," he said and moved to the counter.

A few moments later the door slammed again. Rose peeked her head out of the kitchen again, this time with a mixing bowl under her arm. Floyd was standing in the doorway awkwardly. When he spotted the sheriff he seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.