Page 55 of The Mountain Man's Mail-Order Mafia Princess

“Did his impatience?”

“Yes.”

She slid the paper back to me. “You could keep the original date. Then he can wait until Tuesday.”

I held her gaze.

Talia lifted both hands. “I’m only pointing it out.”

I crossed out Friday and wrote the following Tuesday.

She smiled.

We worked until the last of the evening light faded from the windows. Talia checked dates while I wrote the new estimate.

She caught two missing receipts and pointed out one job I’d agreed to fit into an already full day.

When we finally stood, the cabin had cooled enough that I shut one window.

Talia came up behind me and slipped her arms around my waist.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

“Thanking you.”

“For changing one date?”

“For letting me help.”

I turned in her arms.

“I didn’t know there was a reward.”

“It’s a hug.”

“That’s more acceptable.”

She lifted her chin. “You can kiss me too.”

I did.

By Thursday evening, Talia’s belongings had spread through the cabin.

Toiletries lined one corner of the bathroom counter.

She sat on the kitchen counter in denim shorts and the cropped black T-shirt from Mabel’s, one heel tapping softly against the cabinet. Diamonds flashed at her ears and throat. Her curls were piled on top of her head, though several had escaped around her face.

I stood between her knees while she stole pieces of cheese from the plate beside her.

“You know I was cutting that for dinner,” I said.

“I’m preventing spoilage.”

“It’s been out for two minutes.”

“Mountain conditions are unpredictable.”

I took the next piece before she could reach it.