Defending Harlow (Mountain Mercenaries #4)(80)

She didn’t have a verbal response, too breathless as he started to lick her pussy once more.

It was almost thirty minutes later when he finally let her out of bed. Harlow was shaking on her feet, but smiling from ear to ear. They hadn’t kissed on the mouth—morning breath, of course—but he’d made her come twice with his lips and tongue before taking her from behind. She’d take that over a good-morning kiss any day.

After breakfast, she told Lowell everything Loretta had said about the shelter the day before. About her credit card being mysteriously canceled and the accusations against her. She explained how Loretta felt relieved at the idea of retiring, yet guilty about it at the same time. She told him about Zoe not coming back, her reduced hours, and that Loretta was going to be accepting one of the offers she’d had on the building.

“Loretta said she was pretty sure she could find placements for everyone in the shelter, though, so that’s good. I’ll only be working dinners Monday through Friday, and not on the weekends.”

“I’ll see what I can do to help you find another job,” Lowell said.

Harlow wanted to turn down his offer, but knew she’d be an idiot if she did. “I’d appreciate that. Loretta said she’d help too. I could probably get a job at one of the high-end restaurants downtown, but I love working with the women and kids. I feel needed. I like the connections I’ve made with them. Does that make sense?”

“Sure it does,” he reassured her. “I know there are a few other shelters in the area. I’ll put out some feelers. There’s a homeless shelter downtown as well, but I don’t see you enjoying that as much.”

Harlow shook her head. “No, and it’s not because I don’t feel for the people who go there, but it’s not as personal as sitting down at a dinner table night after night with a group of people who are trying to get back on their feet. Does that make me an asshole?”

“Of course not,” Lowell said. “There aren’t as many options available for what you want to do, like there are if you went back to being a hotel chef, but we’ll figure something out. Maybe we can find a group home for mentally disabled adults or assisted living–type places that need a chef.”

It felt good to hear him talk about her as part of a “we” instead of a “you.”

“Thanks, Lowell.”

“Anytime,” he said. “Now, I hate to do it, but I need to get going. I need to meet with the others and find out what information everyone found out overnight. You’ll be okay here until it’s time to go to work?”

“Of course,” she said, waving him off. “I’m a big girl. I think I can handle not being around you for a few hours.”

He growled and brought his hands to her sides to tickle her. “You can, huh?”

Shrieking, Harlow tried to wiggle out of his grasp, but he was too strong. “Stop! Okay, okay, I’m going to pine away when you leave my side, and I won’t be complete until we’re back together,” she said sarcastically.

His fingers stopped digging into her sides, and he held her to him instead. “Good. That’s what I want to hear.”

Harlow could feel his hard cock against her, and she wiggled, wanting to give him a little payback. “Is that a wrench in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?” she quipped.

“Minx,” he mock complained. “Come here.” Then he kissed her.

A long, slow kiss that made her miss him before he’d even stepped one foot out the door.

“Text me when you’re ready to go to the shelter.”

“It’ll probably be around three or so. I think Loretta has some money person coming by to talk with the women this afternoon before dinner. Last week, it was an attorney who discussed why having a will was important, and this week it’s an investor or something.”

“You think she’ll continue those educational classes, now that she’ll be selling?” Lowell asked.

Harlow nodded. “I don’t know why she wouldn’t. She didn’t say anything about it one way or the other, though. I forgot to ask. Anyway, I’ll have the kids help me make their lunches for tomorrow or something while their moms are listening to the speaker.” The thought that she wouldn’t be around to make their lunches much longer made her sad all over again.

Putting his finger under her chin, Lowell said, “You’re amazing, Harl. And I’m a lucky bastard to be the one sharing your life and your bed.”

Harlow shook her head. “You’re such a guy.”

“What?” he asked, pretending to be confused. “What’d I say?”

“Right. Anyway, so my plans are to do a preliminary search online and see what jobs are available around here this morning, plan the meals at the shelter for the next week, and make up a shopping list. I’ll leave here around two thirty. I need to go to the store in the next day or so, but I’ll have to talk to Loretta first and see if she’s got cash for me to use or what.”

“I’ll be ready and will meet you there,” Lowell said. “Be safe.”

Harlow rolled her eyes. “Of course. Nothing’s going to happen in the next”—she glanced down at her watch—“five hours until I see you again.”

Lowell grimaced. “One thing you learn in my line of business is never to tempt fate by saying something like that. I’ll talk to you soon.”